by Laura Lee
“Who gives this woman to be wedded to this man?” the minister asks.
Dylan takes her hand and places it in mine as we rehearsed. “I do.”
I squeeze her fingers as we take our places to recite our vows. “You’re breathtaking,” I whisper.
She winks. “You’re not so bad yourself, Sparkles.”
I smile. She once confessed she only called me that to drive me crazy, but what she doesn’t know is that I secretly love it. I haven’t bothered to correct her because I don’t want to risk never hearing it again.
As the reverend speaks, I think about how much we’ve overcome to make this day possible. The beginning of our story was less than ideal but I wouldn’t change it for the world because it brought us to where we are now. It’s been three years since she walked back into my life and I’ve never taken for granted that we were given another chance. This woman breathes life into me—she gives me a reason for being. And just last week, she gave me another reason to look forward to each new day. I glance at her toned stomach and imagine what it will look like swollen with our child. She’s almost three months along now so I know it will only be a matter of time before I find out. Kat squeezes my hand, clearly knowing what I am thinking, and smiles.
I love you, I mouth.
“I love you,” she whispers.
As the ceremony continues, vows are recited, rings are exchanged, and pronouncements are made. When the minister finally begins the part I’ve been waiting for, I cradle her face in my palms, anxiously waiting for his final instructions.
“You may now kiss your bride.”
“It’s about damn time,” I mutter. Our kiss is less than chaste, because…well, have you seen my wife? We finally break apart when the wolf whistles drown out the applause.
Kat bites her lower lip. “Wow, that was some kiss, Dr. Cooper.”
“You seem to have that effect on me, Mrs. Cooper,” I say with a wink.
THE END
To my husband, Tad: We’ve been married for ten years and I can honestly say I love you more now than I did on our wedding day. This past year has been one of the saddest and most challenging we’ve ever faced. You were my rock during the darkest days and I’m honored to have been yours. Your unwavering love and support is what gets me through life. I couldn’t ask for a better partner-in-crime.
To my children, Kaitlynn and Carter: Being your mom is the greatest gift. It never ceases to amaze me how your smile can melt my heart or how your hugs can brighten my day. I am so proud of you and I love you to the moon and back.
To my critique partner, cover designer, interior formatter, fellow author, and most importantly, my friend, Jen (J.L.) Durfey: Thank you for helping me see Kat and Gavin’s story come to life. (And for letting me use your son’s awesome name!) Your feedback throughout the entire process was more helpful than I could’ve ever imagined. You are the best and quite possibly, the most psychic brainstorming partner a gal could ask for. It’s seriously freaky how well you can read my mind when I can’t figure out what I’m trying to say.
To my lovely betas Jamie and Michaela: Thank you for reading through yet another book and giving me your invaluable feedback throughout the early stages.
To my incredible Feisty Fae: (In no particular order) Jen, Terri, Abby, Mary Ellen, Andi, Nikki, Yvonne, Cristina, Tiffany, Lindsey, Danika, Brandy, and April – Thank you for being such awesome, hilarious, wildly inappropriate, and supportive ladies. Launching a new book was never as much fun as it’s been since I’ve met you!
April Wells: Thank you for never failing to entertain me. Justin and I will always BELIEBE in you!
To all the seriously awesome bloggers in the book world: Thank you for everything you do to help spread the love of reading! You make it possible for people like me to do this for a living and I could never thank you enough.
To my editor, Erin Potter: Thank you once again for squeezing me into your schedule despite all of my crazy delays. I will always recommend your services at Shamrock Editing!
Last but never least, to my readers: Thank you for sticking with me through this crazy thing we call life. I know I drive you crazy when one book gets delayed because another story won’t stop speaking to me. Your patience does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. Each and every one of you are so special to me. I could never do this without you.
This story, while fictional, represents real problems within our world.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, please seek help. IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT!
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and was named one of "America's 100 Best Charities" by Worth magazine. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE and online.rainn.org) in partnership with more than 1,100 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. In 2015, the Online Hotline expanded to offer services in Spanish at rainn.org/es. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
If you or someone you love suffers from an addiction, you’re not alone.
Nar-Anon (Family & Friends of Addicts)
http://www.nar-anon.org
Al-Anon (Family & Friends of Alcoholics)
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org
Narcotics Anonymous (Self-help for drug abuse & addiction)
http://www.na.org
Alcoholics Anonymous (Self-help for drinking problems)
http://www.aa.org
Laura Lee is the author of the bestselling Karli Lane Series and Dealing with Love Series. She is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America focusing on paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance.
Laura’s passion has always been storytelling. She spent most of her life with her nose in a book thinking of alternate endings or continuations to the story. She won her first writing contest at the ripe old age of nine, earning a trip to the state capital to showcase her manuscript. Thankfully for her, those early works will never see the light of day again!
Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and three of the most poorly behaved cats in existence. She likes her fruit smoothies filled with rum, her cupboards stocked with coffee and Cadbury’s chocolate, and her music turned up loud. When she’s not writing, wrangling kids, or watching HGTV, she’s reading anything she can get her hands on. She’s a sucker for spicy romances, especially those involving vampires, bad boys, or cowboys!
For more information about the author, please visit her website at: www.LauraLeeBooks.com
Facebook: @LANFICTION.LauraLee
Twitter: @LauraLeeBooks
Instagram: @LauraLeeBooks
Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Karli Lane Series - Each installment should be read in the following order:
Pixie Dust (Karli Lane #1)
Vampires, Warlocks, and Exes ~ Oh My! (Karli Lane #2)
My Fairy Lady (Karli Lane 2.5 – Novella)
Finding Faerie (Karli Lane #3)
Elemental Magicks (Karli Lane #4) COMING SOON!
Contemporary/New Adult Romance
Dealing with Love Series - Each installment can be read as a standalone
Deal Breakers (Devyn & Riley)
Deal Takers (Rainey & Brody) COMING SOON!
Deal Makers (Charlotte & Drew) COMING SOON!