“Why do you say that?” I ask.
“Because I love it here. I love the sun, the weather. I love to surf. I’m not sure New York offers us the life we want.”
“And what do you want, Ben?”
Ben sets his plate down and pulls me into his arms. “I want us, Elle. And I know you’ve said you’ll move. Hell, you did that before I even could ask you, which meant the world to me, but look at our lives. We spend so much of our free time at the beach. We love it here. Why should we give it up?”
“Because we’re adults now,” I tell him. “Or at least we will be in a few short months.”
“I know, but…” He shakes his head.
I place my hands on each side of his face so he’ll look directly at me and not be caught off guard by the ocean. “What’s going on? I thought Omni was your dream.”
“It still is.”
“So what gives?”
He points toward the beach. “What if this is my dream too and I didn’t realize it until now. What if I’m making a mistake? What if we get there and we hate it, or you start to hate me?”
“Moving comes with risks.”
“Not when you don’t need to take them,” he says. “There are plenty of firms here I could work for, plus Brad’s here. I could go out on my own and start my own company, or you and I could band together, and create an agency that offers everything.”
As soon as Ben says that, my eyes light up. “Are you serious about the last part?”
He nods. “I am. I’ve thought about it before, but never thought to bring it up. Think about it, baby. If you manage the talent side and I do their marketing, they wouldn’t need multiple people working for them.”
“That could be an enticing offer to someone starting out. I think you’re onto something, Mr. Miller.”
“The only thing I want to be on right now is you Miss Powell-James.” Ben picks me and runs down the hall to the bedroom, where he sets me down on the bed.
“Can I ask you a serious question, which will probably freak you out?”
“Sure,” I say, as I start to take off my robe. Ben closes his eyes for reasons unknown, but if I had to guess, it’s so he can concentrate on his question and not my nakedness.
“When we’re married because let’s face it, it’s going to happen, are you going to hyphenate your name?”
I laugh, and while the thought of marriage weeks into a relationship should scare me, it doesn’t. “You mean so I can be Elle Powell-James-Miller?”
“Such a mouthful.”
“I know. Professionally, Elle James.” I beckon Ben with my finger as I shimmy my way up the mattress. He follows, crawling toward me like a cat does its prey. “However, when we’re not working, I’d really like to be Mrs. Miller.”
“Yeah, I like that.”
“I thought you would, Mr. Miller.”
“I’m going to love you forever.”
“Yeah, I like that,” I tell him, using the same words he just said.
This is how Ben and I spend our first weekend together, tangled in the sheets while life moves on around us. We’re not naïve to think everything’s going to be easy. Two people just out of college and starting their own business is going to be hard, but we’re both confident in our abilities to make sure we succeed and that the talent who entrusts us are successful.
Now that our future is somewhat planned out, we have to move onto bigger, more important things, like… Peyton’s wedding and finding Quinn a date! And given the wedding will be on us sooner than we think, Quinn’s love life definitely takes priority.
Sneek Peek
A Beaumont Wedding Novella
The bonfire crackles as the sun starts to set over the lake. All around, family members are talking, carrying on like they haven’t seen each other in years, instead of months. For some of us, it’s only been weeks. I know we have it lucky, being able to visit whenever we want. I have teammates whose parents are too old to travel or, for whatever reason, they’re not on speaking terms. I can’t imagine not talking to my mom or dad on any given day. I still harbor some resentment over the fact my father was missing for the first ten years of my life. I know, it wasn’t his fault or my mother’s, but the pang of missing important moments with him still lingers.
The women are all gathered together, forming a circle around my soon to be wife. Each day, I wake and pinch myself, to make sure I’m not dreaming. My life is my dream. Peyton and I are going to be married. I had hoped we’d have set a date by now, but she wants to finish school first. I get it. However, the season is approaching fast and I’m going to be tied up, hopefully until the first weekend of February. It’s a dream, leading the Portland Pioneers to the Super Bowl, but not one that’s out of reach. Our off-season acquisitions put us high on the depth charts and the rookie sensation we drafted is sure to give us the boost we need to get over the expansion hump.
Their laughter makes me smile. Even from here, I know they’re looking at the wedding book Peyton has meticulously put together. Everything from flowers, to dresses and color schemes. Each section of her binder is organized by season. I have yet to fully look through it, except when she’s sitting beside me and assumes I’m not paying attention to her. The thing is, I’m always watching her, memorizing the way she flips the pages and what season lights up her eyes - Christmas. Peyton won’t come out and tell me it’s what she wants, she doesn’t have to. Her expression says it all. And yet, we both know it’s about impossible to have a winter wedding with my schedule.
“Do you ever feel like they’re talking about you?” Quinn nods toward the group. Not a single one of them is looking around to see if anyone is staring at them. They’re too busy oohing and aahing over the collection Peyton is showing them.
“They are talking about me,” I tell him. “That’s Peyton’s wedding book or bible.”
“Ah,” Quinn says, almost as if he understands.
“Yep.” I ask Quinn if he wants something to drink as I get up to head to the cooler. He tells me he’s good but that he’ll take one of the cookies sitting out on the tray. Luckily, for me, the cooler is near the love of my life and it gives me an opportunity to be in her presence for a few seconds. It’s funny to think I spent most of my life with her, growing up next to her, and yet I can’t get enough of her. During the season, the few days we’re apart are the hardest of my week. I don’t care how many times I’m sacked on Sundays—well I do care, but it’s different—missing her is a pain I can’t describe. Even though I know I’m going to see her, my heart still breaks each time we have to say good-bye.
Standing behind Peyton and the rest of the female contingent, I pick up bits and pieces of their conversation. It’s my mother who tells Peyton she can’t have a winter wedding and the dejected sigh and almost too quiet “I know” really hits me square in the chest.
“You look lost,” my dad says as he stands next to me. “Unless you’re admiring.”
I laugh because all you can see are the backsides of everyone. “Just listening.”
My dad reaches into the cooler and pulls out two beers, handing me one. “Let’s take a walk.”
“I need to deliver a cookie to Quinn.” However, my dad doesn’t care and puts his arm on my shoulder, directing me toward the darkened beach. “Is there something wrong?”
“Nope,” he says as we trudge through the sand. “Just want to talk to my son for a minute, away from everyone else.”
We walk until our feet start to sink into the wet sand from the receding tide. “What’s on your mind?”
He laughs. “Not mine, yours. I’m not kidding when I said you looked lost back there. What’s going on?”
I sigh heavily and take a quick drink of the bottle of beer. Not my favorite, but right now I don’t care. “I’m fairly certain Peyton wants to get married around Christmas, but she won’t come out and tell me.”
My dad is silent as we stand there listening to the ocean lap at the shores. For the most part, the beach is priv
ate and the only people out here are the homeowners. Long put away are the pile of surf and wake boards we had out earlier.
“So why not just propose the date to her?”
“Because I can’t. It’s during season and it’s not like I can take the time needed off.”
“Have you looked at the calendar?” he asks. I shake my head and pull out my phone. It’s like a light bulb goes off as a smile spreads across my face.
* * *
Later that night, Peyton and I lie in bed, facing each other. It’s times like this when I wish we had rented a hotel room, but her parents would be hurt. Of course, I should be thankful they allow me to stay the night with her. I think they know if I weren’t allowed, she wouldn’t stay here.
“You looked like you were having a good time going through your book tonight.”
“I was,” she says. “It’s nice to be here with everyone instead of exchanging emails about ideas. Where did you go with your dad?”
“You noticed?”
“I always notice, Noah. As soon as you started walking away, I knew.”
I slide a bit closer to her. “Did you watch me walk away?” I ask, teasing her.
Thankfully, the moonlight is beaming through the window because without it, I wouldn’t be able to tell she’s blushing. I run my thumb over the pinkness of her cheek and smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Tell me what you want, Peyton. You know I’ll give it to you.” She doesn’t say anything, although I can see it in her eyes; she has so much to say. “Will you marry me?” I ask her.
Peyton grins. “I’ve already said yes. You don’t have to ask me again.”
I inch closer and rest my hand on her hip. “I wasn’t finished with my question. Peyton, will you marry me on Christmas day in front of our friends and family in the same church where my parents were married?” I leave out the part where we mourned her father so many years ago.
“Noah?”
“It’s a Tuesday, Peyton. I know this is what you want. I see your face light up each time you’re looking through your winter section. And as it turns out, we’ll have a bye the following weekend so we can go away for a few days. Our honeymoon won’t be much, but we’ll be together.”
Peyton launches herself forward and presses her lips to mine. “Are you sure, Noah?”
“Without a doubt, Peyton. I just want to marry you and if you want a Christmas wedding, we’ll make it happen.”
“I love you so much,” she says against my lips. “You have no idea.”
“I think I do,” I tell her as I pull her closer. As much as I want to make love to her, we can’t. I won’t disrespect her parents in their home. Instead, we make out like teenagers, pausing only to talk about wedding plans.
“Are you going to ask your dad or Quinn to be your best man?”
Her question gives me pause. For months, I’ve battled this question in my mind. Both men, for different reasons, are my best friends and it’s hard to quantify which one will mean more to me. I’m not sure either of them expects me to ask them, so it will be a surprise when I finally do.
“I don’t know. I’m struggling with it.”
Peyton sets her hand on my chest and her head on my shoulder. “Whoever you decide, will be the right choice.”
“I guess I better do it soon, huh?” I feel her smile against my chest.
“Yeah, because Christmas is coming faster than we think.”
“Maybe Santa should marry us.”
Peyton slaps my bare skin; however, she’s laughing which makes the bed shake. “Absolutely not, Noah Westbury… unless we can have the elves as ushers.”
I know she’s joking, but I tell her that yes, we can have elves at our wedding.
* * *
A Beaumont Wedding comes out this holiday season!
Acknowledgments
Many thanks to those who helped with this story: Amy & Amber thank you for pre-reading and providing feedback. Thank you, Sarah, for another amazing cover. And Ellie: thank you for dropping everything to editing. Ena & Amanda, thank you! I really appreciate all your help. Drue & Debra, you’ve changed so much for me in the past year, thank you!
Yvette, I don’t know how many times I can tell you thank you, but thank you! Your hard work never goes unnoticed.
To my street team, thank you for making sure my teasers are everywhere.
Ashley, you may be my sister, but having you help me on a daily basis has been a blessing. Thank you!
To all the readers, writing Elle wasn’t easy. The road to redemption is a hard one, and I hope I’ve done her justice.
About Heidi McLaughlin
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
When writing isn’t occupying her time, you can find her sitting courtside at either of her daughters’ basketball games.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
Don’t miss more books by Heidi McLaughlin! Sign up for her newsletter, or join the fun in her fan group!
Connect with Heidi!
www.heidimclaughlin.com
Also by Heidi McLaughlin
THE BEAUMONT SERIES
Forever My Girl – Beaumont Series #1
My Everything – Beaumont Series #1.5
My Unexpected Forever – Beaumont Series #2
Finding My Forever – Beaumont Series #3
Finding My Way – Beaumont Series #4
12 Days of Forever – Beaumont Series #4.5
My Kind of Forever – Beaumont Series #5
Forever Our Boys - Beaumont Series #5.5
* * *
The Beaumont Boxed Set - #1
* * *
THE BEAUMONT SERIES: NEXT GENERATION
Holding Onto Forever
My Unexpected Love
* * *
THE ARCHER BROTHERS
Here with Me
Choose Me
Save Me
* * *
LOST IN YOU SERIES
Lost in You
Lost in Us
* * *
THE BOYS OF SUMMER
Third Base
Home Run
Grand Slam
* * *
THE REALITY DUET
Blind Reality
Twisted Reality
* * *
SOCIETY X
Dark Room
Viewing Room
Play Room
* * *
THE CLUTCH SERIES
Roman
* * *
STANDALONE NOVELS
Stripped Bare
Blow
Sexcation
Santa’s Secret
Kyle Zimmerman, one of the top-rated quarterbacks in the league, and Chicago’s most eligible bachelor is holding my hand as he guides me to his car. The schoolgirl in me is trying not to let his presence affect me, at least not on the outside. On the inside, though, I’m all a ball of nerves mixed with excitement. Who would’ve thought a simple assignment would turn into a date? Not me. Not in a million years, but here I am, being helped into his car and anxiously waiting for him to get behind the steering wheel.
And once he does, the sweet scent of his cologne fills the small space. I find myself leaning a bit closer to him so I can inhale deeply without looking like a creeper. Kyle smiles. It’s an ear-to-ear grin with a slight chuckle. I’ve been caught, but he doesn’t seem to care. He leans forward, pulling himself away from me. It’s probably bes
t. We’ve just met and if he kissed me now, I don’t know what I would do.
“Tell me about yourself, Peyton.”
“I’m majoring in broadcast journalism. I love football. I’m a twin.”
“Is your twin as pretty as you?”
“Prettier,” I tell him.
“Impossible,” he replies, never breaking eye contact with me. “What do you know about me?”
“Everything, yet nothing. Your rookie year, you sat on the bench but started your second year. You threw sixteen touchdowns, eleven interceptions and accumulated 3,440 yards. Your completion rate was fifty-eight percent. This year, you’re pushing seventy percent and in line to win the league MVP. You’ve thrown for almost 4,500 yards, twenty-five touchdowns and four interceptions.”
Kyle’s eyes widen as his mouth drops open. “Wow, you had to go and bring up my first year, huh?”
I shrug. “You asked, but …”
“But what?” he asks, adjusting the way he’s sitting.
I run my cold hands down my pant legs to create some heat. “I don’t know anything personal about you, aside from your age, where you were born, etc.… all stuff that is easily found on the internet. I’d like to get to know the real you.”
“You’re right, so what do you say we head to dinner and talk about who we are away from football?”
“I’d like that.”
Kyle starts his car and pulls out of the parking lot. There’s very minimal traffic waiting to get out the exit the players use.
“Tell me, Peyton. How do you know so much about football?”
“Well, my dad and best friend…”
My Unexpected Love: The Beaumont Series: Next Generation Page 20