“I could never forget about you, but this little guy rivals you on charm.”
“I can live with that as long as you are my wife before we leave this island,” he said, scooping her into his arms.
Vishnu barked his approval and did another happy dance while Haven nuzzled her neck.
“The minister is waiting on the beach,” Chris said, signaling to the path that would lead them to the place where they’d first met Vishnu after Heather’s panic attack.
Hand in hand, they walked through the sand to the water where they found the minister. They had met him yesterday before going to the courthouse to pick up the marriage license, and talked through how they wanted the ceremony. They’d written their own vows, brief and mindful, and the ceremony was to be spiritual rather than religious. Chris and Darlene, their server from the day on the beach, stood as witnesses.
“Are we ready to get started?” John, the minister asked.
“Yes, please,” Heather and Haven said in perfect synchronization. Vishnu gave a little whine too, as if giving his approval.
With their toes in the water and the sun shining down on them, their hands joined, the minister began. “Namaste. We come together today within the energies of the tranquil sea and sky for the purpose of balance, to commit two joined hearts to the higher purpose of harmonizing the body and soul. Haven True, do you take Heather Ann to be your wife on this journey, to love and honor, to listen to with mindful affection, to respect without judgment, forgive without condition, and guide back to center when her soul falls off balance?”
Haven smiled and squeezed her hand, his eyes the color of the sky. “I do.”
“Heather Ann, do you take Haven True to be your husband on this journey, to love and honor, to listen to with mindful affection, to respect without judgment, forgive without condition, and guide back to center when his soul falls off balance?”
“I do,” she responded as Haven squeezed her hands again.
“You have rings?”
Heather had been wearing Haven’s ring on her thumb, so she pulled it off as Haven reached into his pocket.
They had found silver bands embodied with Larimar and white topaz, which was a crystal for aiding with spiritual development. They agreed the combination was perfect as they continued on this journey together. Heather held out her hand and Haven positioned the ring just over the tip. “Heather, with this ring, I join my heart to yours so they will beat together in harmony as our souls bind together on our journey to love and enlightenment. My promise is my vow, today and for eternity.”
He slid the ring on, leaving a tingle in its wake that shot straight to her heart and exploded throughout her body just as Haven’s touch always did.
Heather repeated the vow, sliding the ring onto Haven’s finger.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. May the Greater Spirit and God bless and guide you on this journey. You may now complete the joining of your hearts and souls by sharing your first marital kiss.”
Haven’s smile spread, brightening his eyes as he pulled her to him. “My soulmate, my wife,” he said before his mouth covered hers, once again throwing her completely off balance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Big dreamer and certifiable overachiever Susan Ann Wall embraces life at full speed and volume. She’s a beer and tea snob, can be bribed with dark chocolate, and the #1 thing on her bucket list is to be the center of a Bon Jovi flash mob.
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Susan is a USA Today Bestselling author of racy, rule-breaking romance, women’s fiction, and erotic fiction (her erotic titles are published as Ann Victor). Her bragging rights include 20 books in six different series, three perfect children, two amazing rescue dogs, and a happily ever after that started while serving in the U.S. Army and has spanned two decades (which is crazy since she’s not a day over 29).
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In her next life, Susan plans to be a 5 foot 10, size 8 rock star married to a chiropractor and will not be terrified of large bridges, spiders, or quiet people (shiver).
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You can find Susan online at:
www.authorsusanannwall.com
Facebook: Author Susan Ann Wall
Twitter: @susanannwall
ALSO BY SUSAN ANN WALL
Puget Sound ~ Alive with Love series
The Sound of Consequence (April 2013)
The Sound of Betrayal (August 2013)
The Sound of Suspicion (January 2014)
The Sound of Deception (June 2014)
The Sound of Circumstance (December 2015)
The Sound of Reluctance (Coming Soon)
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Fighting Back for Love series
Relay for Love (May 2011)
A Flame Burns Inside (January 2012)
Worth the Fight (Coming in Soon)
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Superstitious Brides series
Marrying for Love (January 2015)
For the Love of Chocolate (February 2015)
3rd Trip to the Altar (August 2016)
The Perfect Pairing (September 2016)
Taking Back Good-bye (November 2016)
Mistletoe Marathon (November 2016)
Insert Wife Here (May 2017)
Off Balance (August 2017)
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Devon Taggart Suspense
Broken Strings (April 2016)
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Sunset Valley Women’s Fiction series
Whisper to a Scream (May 2016)
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Behind Office Doors Series by Ann Victor
Whatever the Boss Wants (April 2013)
When the Boss Gets Jealous (August 2013)
Quitting the Boss (October 2014)
MAKING WAVES
AN ON THE BEACH NOVELLA
KRISTA AMES
Bree Watkins was excited to spend a week in the Caribbean with her best friend. Until Stacy had to cancel sending Bree to the Caymans alone. Forced to step outside of her box, she gets herself into more than she bargained for.
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Hunter DuVall had been hoodwinked into an online dating matchmaker trip by his best friend. Fun in the sun and sex on the beach with a gaggle of women he didn’t really want to know. Didn’t sound like his cup of tea.
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When an accident brings Bree and Hunter together unexpectedly, will it be an unlikely match made in the Caymans or wishful thinking?
To the one that has my heart, I’ll love you always.
CHAPTER 1
“What do you mean you can’t make it? Stacy, I’m already half way to the Caribbean.”
Shit. When Bree had landed, and found a comfortable place to sit for the duration, she powered on her cell to see if she’d missed anything. She didn’t really expect to get a horrifying phone call from her best friend saying she wouldn’t be able to make the flight.
I can’t cancel this trip now, my return flight isn’t for another six days and the tickets are non-refundable.
“I’m really sorry Bree, it can’t be helped. The girl that was covering my vacation was in a car accident and there’s no one else.”
Her best friend Stacy was a hospice nurse and she was right, it’s not the kind of field where you can just call in anyone to replace her. It takes a special kind of person, medically and personally to do that job.
“It’s okay, don’t worry about it. I’ll still go anyway. Later I can pay you back for your share of the hotel room at least.”
“No that is not necessary Bree, you already paid your half, that was our deal. Besides, you need this vacation so go and enjoy yourself.
“Why do I feel like you set me up?”
“I would do no such thing, well maybe but I didn’t this time. We’re really understaffed right now but trust me, if there were any way I could get out of work, I’d be on my way.”
“Thanks Stacy, love you but I gotta go, they’re calling my flight already. I’ll call you when I get there.”
Bree disconnected their
call and grabbed her carry-on off the floor. As she walked closer to the numbered gate, she heard another announcement about there being an extended delay. Sounds like she would be sitting in the Atlanta airport for another three hours but everyone would get a voucher to cover their lunch meal.
“I really don’t want to sit here for that long but I am hungry so at least free food helps.”
As she perused the multiple restaurant options, she had a terrible thought about her luggage. Nothing would be worse than arriving in the Cayman Islands without her clothes. She would have to buy everything. It was an all-inclusive trip thank goodness, and she had set aside plenty of money for incidentals but she didn’t want to have to use it for this kind of incidental. She hated to shop in the first place and buying a whole new wardrobe would be a nightmare. Took her long enough just to pick out a bathing suit. Next time she saw the check in girl, she might inquire about the luggage.
After Bree ordered and paid for her chicken breast sub, she found a small table in the corner of the food court, overlooking the tarmac. It was her dumb luck that her cell would ring right when she took a bit of the sandwich. Seeing that it was Stacy, she chewed quickly before she hung up.
“Miss me already?”
“You know I do, I was really looking forward to seeing you. It’s been a long time since our last visit.”
“I know, I’m really bummed you aren’t able to get away.”
Even though both women live on opposite sides of the country from each other, they’ve been friends since they were little. A very long time ago, their moms had been best friends and lived next door to each other. Both sets of parents still lived in the same houses, the girls just grew up and moved away, following their careers. They didn’t get to see each other as much as they wanted. The medical field wasn’t very forgiving for personal free time.
“I promise we’ll set up another vacation for us and I won’t back out.”
“You can’t promise you won’t back out, but I understand, your job is just too unpredictable. It could have been me too, I just have enough staff in the Emergency Room right now so I’m covered. Plus, I threatened my boss that I’d quit if he didn’t let me take a vacation. I get four weeks a year and never get to use them. I’m glad they roll over but I’d have to take the entire summer off to use them all.”
“Nice Bree. So, what happened, I jumped online to track your flight and it says delayed.”
“Yeah, we’re stuck here for a few hours, looks like we’ll be getting in late though. Not sure what happened, but they gave us free food so I just sat down to eat dinner.”
“At least they’re feeding you, that’s a plus.”
“Yeah, you know me, I don’t turn down food, ever.”
“You know, maybe since you’ll be alone now in the Caymans, you’ll meet a hot pool boy to occupy your time.”
“Very funny, you know I don’t have time for men or relationships.”
“Yes, I know. You have a very strict regimen, work and sleep, and repeat daily. No time for play of any kind. Heaven forbid you step out of your comfort zone once a year.”
“Hey, I don’t’ see you dating anybody either. I just don’t have time for stupidity and guys, ugh just don’t get me started. They’re dumb, smelly and they have bad habits. I see enough stupid shit in the ER to last me a lifetime. Fighting couples, guys that had way too much to drink and do dumb things they know they shouldn’t do and I have to fix them. I don’t want that in my personal life too.”
“You know what my wish for you is my dear Bree Watkins?”
“No but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.” Her friend laughed, probably because that was one of Bree’s classic lines.
“I will seriously laugh my ass off if you actually meet someone on that island because eventually it’s going to happen to you when you least expect it and you won’t know what hit you. And all those values and rules you think you have now will fly right out the window while you aren’t looking.”
“You bite your tongue and take that back right now. And you’re wrong because I won’t let it happen.”
“DON’T you think it’s about time you settled down, found a wife?”
Hunters eyebrows squinted together causing his forehead to wrinkle.
A wife? As in marriage?
“Seriously? It’s not like women are falling at my feet professing their undying devotion.”
He doubled over to the bottom drawer in the fridge, grabbing a beer for himself and his seriously delusional buddy Luke.
“Oh, but they are, you just aren’t being at all receptive.”
“Are you kidding me? You mean when we go out? No one has been worth the time so why should I be receptive? I don’t want a bar fly that will hump anything that crosses her path then move on to the next guy down the bar an hour later. I’ve had plenty of one-night stands and I’m not looking for any more of that. Anyway, why the sudden concern over my love life? Why don’t you find a wife, for yourself that is?”
“Because I’m younger than you, I have time but you?” He shook his head. “Your biological clock is ticking.”
“You’re full of shit, I don’t have a biological clock. As far as I can remember, I’m not a woman so get your facts straight. Men don’t worry about that bullshit.”
“No wait, listen, I’m completely serious.”
“Yeah I bet you are.”
“Just listen, I read it in a magazine when I was sitting in the lobby at the dentist office last week waiting to have my tooth pulled. It was Vogue or Men’s Health or some shit like that, I don’t remember the magazine name but it’s not important.”
“Whatever, there are no girls out there anymore looking for a sincere relationship, and especially marriage.”
“Well I have the perfect thing for you. I overheard a couple guys talking in the john and…”
“Stop right there. I don’t wanna hear this. Can’t you get your information from somewhere reputable, just once?”
“Hey, I don’t go around believing just any joe blow off the street.”
“Did you know the guys in the bathroom then?”
“No but…”
“No buts, I’m not making personal life decisions based off of some personal conversation that you overheard from two random guys in the john. We need to change the subject.”
Hunter rose from the couch and went to look out the patio door of his fifth-floor apartment.
“You’re a jerk, you know that? I’m trying to be serious here so could you just listen?”
Hunter didn’t turn around but just rolled his finger in the air signaling for Luke to keep talking. However, he was losing his patience on this whole subject. Women weren’t worth his time. He was too busy anyway. Hell, his partners’ secretary made a pass at him just about every day. She was even fine looking but he knew she wasn’t in it for anything but sex. The New York City streets were full of the same kind of women. Maybe he should move to a small town and work from home. He could consult online with video chatting. His thoughts jarred when Luke started talking again.
“Okay, the guys were actually talking about the one guy getting married the next week and that he had met his fiancé through an online dating service. I thought it sounded pretty interesting so I asked them some questions and then looked up the business online when I got back in my car.”
“Online? No way! I’m not falling for that, ever. My luck it’d be some eighty-year-old person pretending to be twenty-five with fake pictures and some bogus modeling career. Just leave my love life the way it is please?”
“Non-existent?”
“Yes, exactly. Just how I like it.”
Luke downed the warm beer he’d been holding and headed for Hunter’s frig again, his voice trailing off with him. “Well too late now.”
“What did you just say?”
Hunter jumped up and met him half way, grabbing one of the beers from Luke’s hand.
“What the hell did you do?”
Hu
nter stilled, only his glare following Luke back to the couch. Luke took an extra-long swig, aggravating Hunter more with every second Luke avoided the question.
“Nothing much, I just registered you with the service.”
“You did what?”
Hunter had never been one to raise his voice to his friends. There’d never been a need to before but he couldn’t think of a better thing to yell about. Hunter dropped onto the couch, sinking low into the over-stuffed cushions. He held his beer between his knees while his head rested heavy in his hands. He can’t believe he was surprised his buddy would hatch a hair-brained scheme. It was typical of the lengths Luke would go to, of course with only the best of intentions but that didn’t mean Hunter was any less mad about it. He just didn’t want someone else finding him the person he was supposed to be spending the rest of his life with. It was hard enough for him to do.
“I guess you’re right, I’m not really getting any younger but an online service? Really?”
“I know, I get it, it does sound pretty hokie but they have recommendations out the ying yang and their qualification process is top notch. They even include a criminal background check.”
“Yeah, that doesn’t really make me feel any better. Maybe I’m not meant to be a family man. Did you ever think of that?”
After a heavy throaty sigh, Hunter propelled himself off the couch once again, placed his mostly full bottle on the table and conceded the inevitable.
“Okay Luke, you win. I’ll do it but I’ll tell you I’m not at all happy about it. I would like to take a few weeks before we have to start though.”
His friend turned a sheepish shade of red, looking like a dear in the headlights.
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