Julianna took a deep breath as she stole one last look in the full length mirror. Her eyes traveled down the strapless white floor length gown with lace overlay that she was wearing. Her hair flowed loosely around her shoulders and she had on a simple diamond pendant and stud earrings.
“Ready?” Anthony asked for a second time, his voice filled with excitement.
“Yes.” Julianna wrapped her fingers around her son’s elbow.
Before they walked down the small hallway that led to the double doors they would be walking out of, Anthony stopped. “Mom, it’s okay, you don’t have to worry.”
“I know.” Julianna relaxed her face and stopped biting her lip as she assured her son, “I’m not worried.”
Tilting his head to the side, he gave the look he always did when he wasn’t convinced of what she was saying.
“I’m not.” Julianna wasn’t just trying to make Anthony believe it, she was trying to make herself get on board the ‘everything’s fine’ train as well.
Anthony grinned and pulled out his phone.
“Anthony what are—”
He pressed a button and the beginning notes of Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison” came through small speaker. “Cole told me to play this, in case of emergency.”
Anthony smiled as he took Julianna’s hand and spun her around before breaking out his favorite move, the Running Man. Julianna laughed as she watched her son and every fear and worry evaporated instantly. “Okay, I’m ready.”
Anthony’s big brown eyes stared up at her, searching for several seconds before he shut off the music and replaced his phone. As he offered her his elbow again, Julianna confidently and without any hesitation, wrapped her fingers around his arm.
When they stepped out the double doors and Julianna saw Cole standing at the end of the short aisle, all of the air left her lungs. He wore a black suit, with a dark gray tie. His signature bad boy scruff covered his pretty boy face. But it wasn’t his devastatingly sexy appearance that took her breath away. It was the look in his expressive green eyes. The one that told her she was his, and he was hers. The look that connected them more than any piece of paper saying that they were legally bound.
The rest of the world slipped away as she and Anthony made their way to Cole.
“Who gives this woman to this man?” the officiant asked.
“I do.” Anthony answered as he placed Julianna’s hand in Cole’s.
A tear dropped down her cheek as she leaned down and kissed Anthony before he took his place next to Alex.
When she stood and faced Cole, she saw that she wasn’t the only one who was emotional. Cole’s eyes were watery as he breathed, “God, you look beautiful.”
Julianna just beamed up at him, not trusting herself to speak.
Moving closer to her, he whispered, “Did the dance party help?”
She nodded and the tears formed again as she realized that Cole knew her. Really knew her, and loved her, flaws and all. No matter what life brought their way, they would face it. Together. Forever.
Other Titles by Melanie Shawn
THE CROSSROADS SERIES
1. My First
2. My Last
3. My Only
4. My Everything
5. Tempting Love
6. Crazy Love
7. Actually Love
8. Fairytale Love
THE HOPE FALLS SERIES
1. Sweet Reunion
2. Sweet Harmonies
3. Sweet Victory
4. Home Sweet Home
5. Snow Angel
6. Snow Days
7. Snowed In
8. Let It Snow
About the Author
Melanie Shawn is the writing team of sister duo Melanie and Shawna. Originally from Northern California, they both migrated south and now call So Cal their home.
Growing up, Melanie constantly had her head in a book and was always working on short stories, manuscripts, plays and poetry. After graduating magna cum laude from Pepperdine University, she went on to teach grades 2nd through 8th for five years. She now spends her days writing and taking care of her furry baby, a Lhasa Apso named Hercules. In her free time, her favorite activity is to curl up on the couch with that stubborn, funny mutt and binge-watch cable TV shows on DVD (preferably of at least eight seasons in length – a girl’s gotta have her standards!).
Shawna always loved romance in any form – movie, song or literary. If it was a love story with a happy ending, Shawna was all about it! She proudly acknowledges that she is a romanceaholic. Her days are jam-packed with writing, being a wife, mom aka referee of two teens, and indulging in her second passion (dance!) as a Zumba instructor. In the little free time she has, she joins Melanie in marathon-watching DVDs of their favorite TV programs.
They have joined forces to create a world where True Love and Happily Ever After always has a Sexy Twist!
You can keep up with all the latest Melanie Shawn news, including new releases and contests, at:
http://melanieshawn.com
and
http://facebook.com/melanieshawnbooks
Carly Phillips’ Dare to Love World
DARE TO LOVE SERIES
Dare to Love
Dare to Desire
Dare to Surrender
Dare to Submit
Dare to Touch
Table of Contents
Title Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Epilogue
Other Titles by Melanie Shawn
About the Author
Carly Phillips’ Dare to Love World
Daring Attraction Page 17