I giggle behind him, yelling, “I love you, you fool.”
He skids across the recently watered grass and jogs back to me. His arms encircle my body and he lifts me into the air. “I love you. Every sentence without you was incomplete.”
Joyful tears fill my eyes and he sets me down, wiping the wetness away with his thumb. I grab his hand and pull him toward our cars. “Come on. Let’s go write another chapter.”
THE END
The camera pans close to Lily’s face as she places her hand on the microphone in her ear. “We’re just getting word,” she stops, nodding, listening to whomever is on the other end. “We’re just getting word that locals, best-selling author, August Wyatt and antiques appraiser, Campbell Potter are engaged.” Lily gleams, her eyes shining. “Reports are Wyatt asked Potter while on vacation at Disneyland. All of their close family and friends were there to witness the occasion. Wyatt’s movie, Somewhere Only We Know, is set to release this Friday.”
I laugh and close out the YouTube video of Lily “breaking” the news of our engagement. She was there when it happened two weeks ago so it’s funny to watch her pretend like it’s actual news.
My fingers wiggle and I admire the princess cut diamond and rose gold band on my wedding finger.
“Babe!” August calls from the hotel bathroom. “Have you seen my watch? Jennings and Whitley will be here in two minutes and I can’t find it.”
I giggle, spotting it on the night stand. “How can you know it’ll be two minutes if you don’t have your watch?”
He peeks his head out of the doorway, narrowing his eyes. “I have my cell phone, smartass.”
I laugh and get up from the desk, picking up his watch, appreciating the weathered, leather band. He’s had this watch for years, never buying a new one. I gave it to him for his twenty-first birthday. I never thought about it until now, but it’s kind of sweet that he kept it all these years.
He exits the bathroom, straightening the collar of his shirt and I toss it to him.
“You look devastatingly handsome, you know that?”
The L.A. premiere for Somewhere Only We Know is tonight and we’re, of course, late for the red-carpet walk.
Plucking another bobby pin from the dresser in front of the mirror, I slide it into my hair. Wiping under my eyes, clearing my skin of smudges, I give myself one more look.
“And you look stunning, Belle,” August says, sliding his arms around my stomach from behind.
His big hands splay across the dark green, silky fabric and I blush.
August’s mouth falls to my clavicle, his soft lips kissing my skin. My head rolls and just as my lids fall closed, someone knocks on the door.
“Quit making out in there!” Jennings yells from outside the door.
August’s hands fall flaccidly and I laugh.
Making his way to the door, August ushers Jennings and Whitley inside.
“Whitley, you look fantastic!” I say.
She pulls on her deep red dress, the fabric sparkling when it hits the light. “You look great, too,” she remarks. “That hunter green looks seriously fierce against your eyes.”
I smile, feeling astounded but also so grateful.
“Are we ready?” Jennings asks, offering his elbow to Whitley. His grin is proud and he winks at August and I.
“I think so,” August says with a sigh, his face already red.
“It’s going to be great,” Whitley promises.
I take August’s arm and give him a little squeeze. “It is. Have faith in yourself.”
He turns to me, heading out the door. “The only thing I have one hundred percent faith in is you. The rest, it’s all up in the air.” He kisses my forehead and leads me down the hall into the elevator.
The ride from the hotel to the Dolby Theater goes a lot quicker than I expected, and soon, a valet is sitting outside our door, waiting for us to depart.
August turns to me, his eyes animated, and grasps my hand. “Ready to do this, Belle?”
I smile and lean forward, taking in all the photographers and fans standing outside. They bounce on their feet, their arms raised in the air.
My heart bursts at all August has accomplished.
Whitley laughs, gesturing toward the door and Jennings fist bumps August.
“Let’s do this,” I say, energy buzzing through my body.
August gives the go-ahead to the driver who signals the young man outside and in a whoosh, the door flies open and flashes of light assaults my eyes. The hot Los Angeles air creeps into the car like a lingering fog, making my already overly heated body warmer.
August exits the car first, the crowd screaming at deafening tones the moment they lay eyes on him. He offers me his hand with a triumphant smile and I grip my dress, careful not to step on it. Shutterbugs instantly begin screaming questions at us and I grip August’s hand tighter.
Whitley and Jennings follow behind us, but I lose sight of them the second my foot hits the famous, red carpet. Flails and shrieks and cries erupt and I’m having a hard time keeping my equilibrium.
August’s lips fall to my ear and he whispers, “I love you, Belle.” Just like that, my off-kilter legs steady and my erratic heartbeat slows down to a respectable speed.
I pull back and wink, mouthing, “I love you, too.”
With a tug of his hand, August leads us to the first interviewer. The man’s smile is warm and he offers his hand. I shake it, as does August. He places his microphone close to his mouth. “Well, August and Campbell, your big day’s here.” His eyebrows raise into his forehead and I feel like he’s excited for us. The entire carpet buzzes with the same enthusiasm.
August and I exchange a quick glance.
“How does it feel?” the interviewer continues. “If you could change one thing, what would it be?”
I shake, feeling the exhilaration sizzle through my body. “It feels amazing,” I say and I laugh because I jumped the gun answering. I hadn’t planned on talking to anyone, but now that we’re here, I can’t help it.
August chuckles, his eyes blazing with cheerfulness. “It does, and, you know,” he stops, his hand snaking around my hip, “I wouldn’t change a thing. Our story is a little tragic. It was tough to write and even tougher to live, but it got us here, in this moment, standing in front of you. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”
My head falls to the side of his neck, and I can feel his steady heartbeat under his skin.
He’s right. Every word uttered out of his brilliant mouth is indisputably accurate.
I’d relive every bad day, every horrible plot twist and storyline change. I’d happily relive every character flaw and chapter end. I’d endure every snarky and evil antagonist if it meant I’d get my happily ever after right now.
And happily ever after, we are.
My husband – I love you so much, sweet man. The love I feel for you multiplies every morning when I open my eyes. Every day you show me that there’s passion and love in the world and for that, I’m thankful. I’d be a miserable shrew without you. I’m able to write romance because of your unyielding love. You are every single reason. You are my home, my hero. You make everything better. Thank you for always believing in me.
My daughter – Sweet baby girl, you are the absolute most precious thing in my entire life. The kindness you exude gives me hope. You’re a bright light in the world, don’t ever let anyone dull it. I love you. I love you infinity times infinity.
April Gutierrez – How can I write, in a few sentences, what you mean to me? What you offer my life? I can’t. I could write an entire book about how thankful I am for, not just your friendship, but your unwavering confidence and loyalty. We’ve had many hardships, both in our separate lives and together, but we always found our way back to each other. Our friendship means more to me than you know. Thank you for being my sister. Thank you for everything. I love you.
Erin Spencer – My bestie. I don’t know if you know this, but you’re kind of the cooles
t person on the planet. You don’t have to try, you just are. Your awesomeness knows no bounds and I’m constantly in awe of you. I don’t know who hit you on the head and made you become my friend, but I’m damn happy they did. You make my life better. I love you so much. Thank you for being the Sam lover to my Dean. Thank you for always understanding me. I’d be lost without you.
Megan Addison – My SS. My Soul Sister. I love you. You brought something into my life I didn’t know I needed. And now, I don’t know what I would do without it. Your encouragement and passion for my writing helped push me to write this book. I couldn’t have done it without you. Seriously. It wouldn’t have gotten done without your notes and critiques. Thank you so so much.
Kim Chance – My SA. My Spirit Animal. I know, one hundred percent, you were sent to me by some all-knowing entity. In the darkest of times, when my writer mind can’t handle the pressure, you find a way to pull me out and show me the light. I love that we’re so different yet so incredibly similar. We’re on two parallel paths, ending in different destinations, yet we find a way to hold hands and walk it together. Thank you for being the partner I needed. You’ve pushed me and made me a better writer. I love you!
Candy Fontz – WHOA! There isn’t a day I’m not incredibly thankful for your loving words and unwavering friendship. I got so lucky with you when you reached out to me and agreed to be my friend. Your love for not just me but my words means more to me than I could ever articulate. Thank you so much. I love you, love bug.
Danielle Lagasse – D, my D-Dawg, you’re literally the sweetest and coolest person on this planet. In case you didn’t know, I wanted to tell you. I’m blown away by your fierce friendship and uncanny ability to make me feel worthy. We’ve been on this journey together for a while and no matter what, I know I can count on you. You’re such a beautiful soul. Your brightness shines so radiant. Don’t ever change, my flower. This is your year and I’ll be there to hold your hand through all of it. I love you.
Jennifer Van Wyk – Watching you release your debut novel and watching you do it with such grace was something I’ll never forget. You have such class and the sweetness that oozes from your skin is just the best thing ever. I love watching you grow and I love watching you help other authors just starting out their journeys. You’re an inspiration to all. Thank you for being one for me. I love you.
Jodie Larson – You literally are the one person who pushed me to finish this book. Your writing sprints got me to the edge and I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for finishing a book at the same time I did. Can we keep doing that?! Because you’re the best writing partner ever. Thank you, honey! I loves you.
Teagan Hunter – My SPN Sister in Arms. I love you, girl. I love you to Purgatory and back. Seriously, I do. Your excitement over this book pushed me over my writing blocks and helped me find my voice when I didn’t have one. You’re my motivation and I love you.
Kate Farlow – You make my heart so happy. You’ve become such an important part of my process and I’m so thankful you came into my life when you did. I can’t wait to watch you kick ass in this book world. I’m already so proud of you. I love you!
Kandi Steiner – My Big! I love you to pieces. Seriously. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for being a constant friend and supporter. Thank you for always lending an ear when I needed it. It’s been such an honor to watch you reach your dreams. I’m so proud of you. We’ve been together from the very beginning of our journeys and we’ll be together until the very end.
Ashley Spiker – We were brought together by chance and every day I’m grateful. Your generous spirit and bright smile bring so much into my life. You were a reader first but you quickly turned into a wonderful friend I can’t imagine living life without now. You’re so strong and tough and fierce and brave, you inspire me daily. Don’t ever forget your worth. I see it every day. It’s much too expensive for me, but I’m lucky you allow me into your life. I love you. Now go watch some Supernatural, and report back to me.
My Mama – I love you. I write every book in hopes of making you proud. You’re my inspiration every day. You mean more to me than you’ll ever know. You’ve always been my cheerleader and I can’t thank you enough for it. Thank you for being, not just my mom, but my dad and my best friend.
Rene Elaine – I hope you read this. I love you. Nothing is ever going to change that.
Tommy Sims – Gosh dammit, do I have to share August now?! Quit stealing my men. Except my husband because he willingly wants you, too. LOL! I love you. Thank you for always supporting me. You were my #1 cheerleader from the very beginning and you’re still somehow with me. Did you hit your head?! Here’s hoping you did and you stick around for a sixth book.
My Reader Group, Cass and the Sass – I cannot get over all of you. You all provide inspiration every day. You give me hope and you fill me with encouragement that spurs me to write. I love you. You are a special kind of people and I wouldn’t be anywhere without you. Thank you for loving me and my words. Thank you for enduring my endless Supernatural GIF’s and requests for hot nerdy guy pictures. Who Needs Air wouldn’t have been written without your brilliance. I LOVE YOU ALL! #SassSquad for life!
Cassie’s Sassie’s – You guys literally make my life. The fact that you love my work and want to go on this journey with me makes me teary eyed just thinking about it. Thank you for being excited to read this book. Thank you for messaging me, begging for words. Thank you for being you. You guys are the bee’s knees. Here’s to many more books together. I love you.
Elaine York – Thank you for making my books beautiful. Your eye and kind words always make for such an amazing time. I can’t thank you enough for always kicking ass and taking names. I’m a needy friend and an even needier client and you always have the best attitude and you’re always willing to help. I love you, girl. Thank you for caring about each and every author. We’re all so lucky to have you.
Sarah at Sprinkles on Top Studios – Thank you for creating this phenomenal cover. I had no idea what I really wanted when I found this image. I just knew I loved it and had to have it. You made it beautiful. Your eye is one of the best in the business and I’m so lucky to have found you. Thank you.
My Minxes – How in the hell did I find a group of strong, talented, badass, open-armed women to love and encourage me, I’ll never know. You group of ladies are the good in this community. You show me every day that no matter how scared or unmotivated I am, that I need to keep going, that it’s okay to stumble and fall sometimes. It’s not a bad life, it’s a bad day, and bad days sometimes make better words. You’re my safe place. My guiding light. And my dick jokes wouldn’t have been nearly as good without you. You’re all gems. I’d name you all but our group is sort of like Fight Club and I know the number one rule so I’ll keep it short. I love you assholes. Thank you for everything.
Southern Belle Promotions – You are seriously the best promo team around. Thank you for taking me on as a client. I couldn’t do half of what you do. Your grace and poise are something I strive for myself and you just work this business like it’s second nature. Thank you for believing in me enough to promote my work. I love you. I love you so hard.
Enticing Journey Promotions – Thank you so much for taking me on at the last second and providing such amazing service. You’ve been such a breeze to work with and I’m so blessed to have such wonderful people helping me promote my books.
To Every Badass Blogger – Thank you so much, y’all. You are what make a book successful. We’re nothing without you. Thank you for reviewing and pimping. Thank you for loving and messaging. You’ve made this the best experience. Whether you’re big or small or somewhere in between, you’re all just fantastic and the best thing about this book world. Every share, every like, every mention, you’re brightening my day. Making it better. So thank you. Thank you so damn much. I love you guys.
My BRAVE AND FEARLESS READERS – Yes, you. The gorgeous creature reading through these acknowledgements.
High five for getting this far. Seriously. You’re a unicorn. Thank you for reading my words. Thank you for taking time to read the world I’ve put together for you. You are the wheels on this crazy train and I couldn’t go anywhere without you. Your comments and shares, your likes and excitement, you fill this hole I didn’t know I had in my life. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I don’t take it lightly. I’m sending each and every one of you a big hug. I love you. Come find me on Facebook, I guarantee I’m doing a live video, making a fool of myself. You’ll have a good laugh, I promise. If anything, scroll through my page and find something awesome to read, I run with a bunch of amazing authors.
Cassie Graham is a sassy redhead who lives in Arizona with her handsome husband and beautiful daughter. If she isn’t shoulder-deep in writing a book, you can find her watching Supernatural or reading a delicious romance by one of her many talented friends. She likes front porch sitting in her pink rocking chair, drinking Moscato, chocolate, reading books with her daughter and constantly dating her husband.
Connect with Cassie!
Facebook: http://bit.ly/22xRZzR
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Instagram: @cassgraham
SnapChat: @mrscassiegraham
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