by Taryn Plendl
We still laughed when we watched the video of her dropping the scissors and covering her mouth as Tom sat up, pulled the bandages off his head and presented a ring to her. It may not have been the most romantic proposal, but it was perfect for them. Their lives together began in that very same trauma room after Tom’s accident. They had come a long way, and in just a week, they would be happily married, just like Trevor and Ava.
Trevor and Ava were the start of our little group of couples. Trevor had been taken with her from the moment he saw her. They were like the glue that held our group together. After a lot of passion and misunderstandings, they had gotten it right and tied the knot.
And that is where Chelsea’s and my story began. If I hadn’t made such an ass of myself at Trevor and Ava’s wedding, she may never have noticed me, and I may have never realized that she was the perfect woman for me.
I was starting to sweat as the first few runners had come through the finish line. People were staring at me as I pushed my way to the front of the crowd. I may have been a bit overdressed in my tux, but I was always one for needing attention, so how was this different?
“Are you guys ready?” I asked, as I frantically looked behind me, making sure they were in their designated spots.
“Really, Nick? I don’t think we could screw up holding up signs if we tried,” Talia mused.
“Don’t start, Talia,” I warned. “If you weren’t holding up the “Me” sign, I would take you down.” I managed to smile, even through my nervousness.
Each of my friends stood proudly behind me with a sign. Trevor held a sign that said, “Will” and Ava’s sign said, “You,” while Tom had the “Marry” and Talia had the “Me.” I was in front with the “Chelsea” sign and a ring box that was burning a hole in my pocket.
Chelsea had been training for this marathon for months, and I was so proud of her. She was amazing with her dedication and passion for running. I understood it completely. I had loved soccer for as long as I could remember, and even though I was no longer playing competitively, I was still sharing my love for the sport by coaching a community league for at-risk kids. It was actually very rewarding, and I knew I was making a difference in their lives.
“Does anyone see her yet?” I bit my lip as I watched the approaching runners. There were a lot of them coming in. I stood on my toes, trying to get a better look, and then I saw her.
Her beautiful red hair was swinging back and forth in her ponytail; her hat was pulled low on her head. Her usually pale face was flushed and shiny with sweat. I watched her get closer, and as she glanced up at the clock on the right, she saw us. Her hand went to her mouth as she continued to run toward the finish line. I sank to my knee and waited for her to cross, unable to control the goofy smile plastered to my face.
As Chelsea came to a stop in front of me, the crowd grew around us. “Nick, what are you doing?” She smiled at me as she tried to control her breathing.
“Chelsea, there are no words in the dictionary to describe what I see when I look at you. Love seems like too small a word for what I feel—you are my everything. You're it for me, the center of my world, the owner of my heart, and the love of my life. I love you so much, Chelsea. Will you marry me?”
She shook her head at me and grinned. “You’re crazy, you know that, right?”
I stood up and chuckled. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense.”
“Are you kidding me? Of course I’ll marry you!” She threw herself into my arms, and I spun her around, kissing her through our smiles. “I’m getting your tux all sweaty.” She pulled back, but I caught her before she got too far, pulling her hard against me. “I guess you’re not concerned about it, huh?” she laughed.
“No, baby, it’s going to take a lot more than sweat to make me ever let you go.” I gave her one more kiss before we turned to face our friends. Two beautiful couples stared back at us with huge smiles, and it hit me. This group was my family. They have shown me how to take chances, tell the truth, say no, be random, sing out loud, laugh and cry, get angry, get revenge, apologize, fall in love, say I love you, but most of all, they’ve helped me learn to live life!
About the Author
I discovered my love for books at an early age, spending many hours lost in someone else’s story.
It wasn’t until well into adult hood that I discovered, late at night while the house was quiet, that I had just as many stories inside me just waiting to be let out. Writing has been a way for me to step away from reality and live a bit through my fun and sometimes damaged characters. You will almost always find a Happy Ever After at the end of my stories. I can’t help it, it’s an addiction.
I’m a Southwestern girl living a Mid-Atlantic life with my husband of seventeen years and two incredible daughters who inspire me daily. I am proud to be an advocate for my child with autism, and feel incredibly blessed to be able to see the world through her eyes. She teaches me more than I could ever teach her.
I enjoy reading, writing and spending time with my family, but cherish those quiet nights after everyone is asleep when I can curl up on the couch with my fifteen year old dog (Shh, don’t tell…He’s not supposed to be on the couch.)
Keep an eye out for more from me!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TarynPlendl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTarynPlendl
Email: [email protected]
Purchase my books here: http://amazon.com/author/tarynplendl
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedications
In My Arms
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Epilogue
A Part of Me
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
Chapter16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Out of My Element
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
Epilogue
About the Author