“Rebel.”
“Just persistent.”
“Should we call your parents?” I asked.
“Let’s talk for a second first,” he said. I glanced over at Annabelle and saw that she was completely absorbed with her new Barbie princess castle. I’d have to explain it all to her eventually, but for now she had no idea what was going on and it was easier that way.
“Okay.” I snuggled into his side and stuck my hand out to look at my ring again. Yes, I was in love with the man who gave it to me so the ring itself didn’t matter, but damn it was pretty.
“You like it?” Fox asked, a small smile on his face.
“I love it,” I told him.
He kissed me softly, just barely brushing my lips with his. “Good.”
“So what did you want to talk about?”
His body language changed slightly to a less relaxed position. “I need to leave by the beginning of February.”
My heart sank but I nodded. “So soon?” I knew it was happening but I’d hoped we’d have more time.
“Let’s elope.”
“What?”
“Let’s elope. Or a quasi-elopement. What about Lake Tahoe? We can bring everyone – Annabelle, your parents, Heather, Joy. My family can meet us there. What do you think?”
I tried to wrap my head around everything he’d said in the past few minutes. February, elopement, Lake Tahoe. “I don’t know.”
“What’s wrong? Did you want a big church wedding? I’m sorry, Avery. I didn’t know.” Fox took my hand in his. “We can wait. I just thought–”
“No,” I said.
“No?”
“I don’t want a big wedding. I just want you and me and everyone we care about in the same room. Lake Tahoe sounds wonderful. Let’s do it.”
Chapter 24
On New Year’s Day in Lake Tahoe, I prepared to walk down the aisle to marry Fox in front of a small audience of our family and friends. I couldn’t believe that Fox had managed to mobilize the entire event and the travel accommodations so quickly, but he'd promised me a winter lake wedding, and he was set to deliver on that promise in full.
“You look beautiful,” my mother said, coming up behind me as I took a last look in the mirror. “Your daddy and I are very happy for you.”
I turned and saw tears in her eyes. “Thanks, Mama.”
Heather bustled into the room carrying my bouquet. “It’s time! Are you ready? You look so pretty!”
I looked down at the fitted antique lace dress I wore and smiled. I had gone to the nearest bridal store the day after Christmas and, as luck would have it, the only dress I wanted to try on fit as though it was made for me. Even Heather, my toughest critic, had approved immediately. We’d picked out a creamy champagne-colored dress and shoes for Annabelle and we were done. Fox took care of everything else.
My father appeared and offered his arm. “Let’s go, chickie.”
If you asked me to describe my feelings as I walked down the aisle to marry a man who was already so intricately a part of my life that being with him was as natural as breathing – well, maybe I just did. The ceremony and vows were a blur, but I distinctly remember promising to love him all the days of my life, which was a given. Fox’s thumbs smoothed over my hands as we pledged our love forever, and when it was all over and we’d slid the rings onto each other’s fingers and he'd dipped me into a kiss that raised a whistle from Joy, he scooped up Annabelle and we headed into our tiny reception.
After a delicious dinner, the small band pulled out their instruments and began to play.
“Let’s dance, Mrs. Fox,” he said, taking my hand.
We swirled out onto the dance floor and I rested my head on his shoulder. “This is perfect.”
“You’re happy,” he said in a low voice, more of a statement than a question.
“Beyond happy,” I told him. I raised my head and looked into his eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you, Avery.” The music picked up speed and he spun me around. I crashed back into his arms, laughing.
“My family loves you too,” he said.
“Even the General?” Fox’s father was more than a little intimidating, but at the rehearsal dinner the night before he’d hugged me warmly and welcomed me to the family. I saw where Fox got his height and his serious face, but his dad was on the next level.
“Especially the General,” he confirmed. “He has a weakness for blondes with big ideas.”
We looked over to where Carter Fox had Savannah wrapped in his arms as they swayed to the music. I saw Joy and Henry, her longtime beau, and my parents on the dance floor as well, Annabelle in my father’s arms. I raised an eyebrow at Heather when she spun by with Lucas. I loved Lucas because he reminded me of Fox, just a little less intense and even more inclined to the occasional wry observation.
Fox noticed them too and laughed. “That could be a good match. He really liked her cake.” He nuzzled my neck. “Let’s go.”
“What? Now?”
“It’s our party. We can leave whenever we want to.”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hallway, not stopping until we were in the elevator. We zoomed up to the third floor bridal suite – complete with overwhelmingly stunning views of the lake – locked in an embrace. I came up for air as the doors opened. There was something about Fox in an elevator that was just so damn appealing.
Fox unlocked the door and swept me up into his arms, carrying me inside as I laughed and draped myself against his neck. When he set me down, I kicked off my shoes and ran over to the windows immediately to look outside. Lake Tahoe was my new favorite place. We’d have to come back here soon.
I turned and saw Fox sitting on the bed, looking at me. He lounged back on the duvet and for a moment I just stared at him, casually comfortable in his tuxedo, his bow tie untied and his hair slightly mussed. His dimple looked even better now that I was married to it. My husband was beautiful.
My husband. It would take me a while to get tired of hearing that, even if it was only in my head.
“Why don’t you come a little closer?” His low voice carried easily across the room.
I was already moving toward him before he finished speaking. The lace of my dress whispered and rustled as I approached, his eyes tracking my every movement. When he stood we were just inches apart, and I was sure that he could hear the accelerated beat of my heart when he reached for me.
“Close enough?” I asked him.
“Not yet.”
I placed my hands on Fox’s waist to steady myself as his hands skimmed across my skin, his fingers caressing my collarbone and slipping over my shoulder blades before finding the gown’s hidden zipper and gently tugging it down in one even pull. The dress slid to the floor to puddle around my feet, leaving me in only the ivory lingerie I purchased especially for today. Fox’s eyes widened briefly then narrowed as he took me in.
“Better,” he said, cupping my face in his hands and kissing me deeply.
I reached up and pulled a few pins from my hair, sending it tumbling down around my shoulders. He quickly shrugged off his tuxedo jacket, followed by the rest of his clothing, and then we were wrapped around each other again. The room darkened as the dusk of twilight crept through the panoramic windows, but Fox’s eyes burned into mine even in the low light.
His kisses were like a drug, slow and deliberate, numbing my thoughts and heightening my senses until I was wound up so tightly that I was shivering in his arms. Our lips touched once more, briefly, before his head dipped and his mouth moved down my neck to my collarbone, lower and lower until he bent to kneel in front of me. I reached behind my back to undo the hooks on my silk corset, but he pushed my hands away gently.
“Let me.”
His fingers twisted the metal clasps easily, and the corset fell away from my body. I shuddered again as the cool air hit my bare skin, but Fox smoothed his palms over my torso and I warmed beneath his touch. My eyes closed involuntarily when his lips foll
owed his hands, and I gasped as he bit my hip then softly sucked on the same spot.
Slowly, he kissed his way over my stomach, and my hands found his shoulders, kneading the muscles underneath. A low groan came from Fox’s throat when I reached the back of his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair and scraping my nails delicately over his scalp. My breath caught when he grasped either side of my silk and lace panties and dragged the material down my legs.
Before I could lift a foot to step out of them, he hooked his hands behind my knees and pulled gently, urging me back until I was fully lying on the bed. I tried to shift and bring him with me, but he held me in place and didn’t lift his head as he kissed up the side of one thigh and then the other and I gasped, clutching his hair in my fingers.
He raised his head and the look in his eyes sent electricity racing across my skin. In one swift move, he surged up and forward onto his elbows, so we were chest to chest, his hips between my thighs and his hands in my hair. He tipped my chin up with his thumbs so we were eye-to-eye.
“Beautiful,” he breathed. “You’re so damn beautiful.”
“I love you, Fox.” My voice hitched a bit on his name.
“Always, sunshine. Always.” His shoulders flexed as he started to move, and then the room spun and I was swept away.
EPILOGUE
Fox
Somehow my best days have a way of turning into my worst.
The day I saved those kids turned into a nightmare with lives lost.
The day I first saw Avery, I realized she was with Chase.
The day I felt like we had moved forward, we almost lost Annabelle.
The day I married Avery, in the back of my mind I knew I would be leaving.
And the day before I was coming home… well… it’s just black.
Playlist
“A Thousand Years” - Christina Perri
“I Hope You’re the End of My Story” - Pistol Annies
“Colder Weather” - Zac Brown Band
“Anthem” - Alana Yorke
“Tennessee” - The Wreckers
“Have a Little Faith in Me” - Joe Cocker
“Fireproof” - One Direction
“More Than Anyone” - Gavin DeGraw
“Gone, Gone, Gone” - Phillip Phillips
“Walkaway Joe” - Trisha Yearwood
“Ready to Run” - One Direction
“Merry Go ‘Round” - Kacey Musgraves
“Mama’s Broken Heart” - Miranda Lambert
“I Will Wait” - Mumford & Sons
“Simple Man” - Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Don’t You Wanna Stay” - Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
“Hear Your Heart” - James Bay
“Good Girl” - Carrie Underwood
“Everything Has Changed” - Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran
“Heart of Dixie” - Danielle Bradbery
“She’s Everything” - Brad Paisley
“Famous in a Small Town” - Miranda Lambert
“Ain’t No Sunshine” - Bill Withers
Acknowledgements
It would not have been possible for me to write this book without the following people:
My husband, who knows my completely true self and always has my back no matter what. Taking a chance on us was the very best thing I ever did. Thank you for letting me be me, embracing my crazy, and loving me in spite of it all.
My daughter, who teaches me daily about wonder, patience, and laughter. I love you. Thank you for coming into my life and changing it in the most wonderful way. This is my first step in showing you that the scope of your accomplishments are limited only by your imagination.
My mom, who has always believed that I could do anything I ever wanted, even when I wasn’t sure I could. Thank you for your unconditional love and support, your unfailing optimism, and your incredible example of what it takes to carve your own path.
Jenny, my editor, my sounding board, and my best friend of almost thirty years, who always holds my hand when I need it and talks me down off the ledge when the situation warrants it. Thank you for believing in me and this story, and your willingness to go on this journey together. I could not have done it without you.
Ben, who is a constant source of love, support, humor, and friendship. The best thing I ever got from the internet was you. (And those boots I got on sale from Amazon.) I love you. Thank you for helping me realize the opportunity I have to see how big my life can be.
Nicole, who kicks ass and motivates while still always keeping it real. Thank you for showing me that change is not only possible but achievable, and for encouraging me to take that first step and cheering for every milestone after that.
Evan & Ty, who have infinite patience and generosity not only with their time but also with their willingness to share experiences. Thank you.
Jessica, who is always there for me and encourages my creativity. Thank you for being an amazing friend and especially for helping me navigate this crazy job called motherhood.
Sarah from Okay Creations, who took a vague idea and made it into something beautiful. You unlocked a life achievement for me the day I saw my name on the cover of this book. Thank you.
My family and in-laws, who are forever supportive. Thank you for allowing this book to take me away from gatherings, phone calls, and thank-you notes that I probably forgot to write. I love you.
My friends, who are used to my big ideas and still get excited every time I share something new. Thank you for not laughing at me, for believing I could do this, and for buying the book. You guys did buy the book, right?
My internet/blog/Twitter community, who have been there for me since that random day in 2007 when I decided to start Clever Girl Goes Blog. The ultimate compliment you’ve given me is taking the time to read something I’ve written, because I’ve so incredibly enjoyed reading your work over these years. Thank you.
About the Author
Tia is a Southern California hairstylist, a former English Lit major, and blogger-turned-author. She was the voice behind the now-retired personal site Clever Girl Goes Blog, and her work has been featured on numerous forums including Open Salon and Hooray Collective. She believes in eyeliner as a defense mechanism, equal rights, and Marc Jacobs. Her favorite things include One Direction, story time, and the overzealous use of punctuation. When not writing and reading, she binge-watches only the best (subjective) TV shows. She lives in San Diego with her husband, daughter, and tiny dog. Visit her website at www.tiawritesbooks.com.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
EPILOGUE
Playlist
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24
EPILOGUE
Playlist
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Hey Sunshine Page 27