by Laura Howard
Beth drew everyone’s attention, she just had so much life in her. A smile from her could wipe the frown off even the surliest of men.
And now I knew exactly what he meant. She was radiant, both inside and out. When I’d gone back to school after Christmas break, she’d gone back too. Because of the time that had passed, she needed to take most of her classes over. But she was so happy to be given this second chance at life, she didn’t complain.
Nicole took the cordless microphone from the DJ and walked over to the front of our little group. She smiled at us, raising her eyebrows in surprise that I was standing there.
“Well, well. Looks like a few of my girls want to take a walk down the aisle,” she said into the microphone, ever dramatic.
The guests applauded, and several whistles lit through the room. I saw Ethan watching from the corner of my eye, his hands jammed into his pockets. He looked so completely adorable in the tuxedo, I could hardly keep from staring.
Nicole put her back to us, microphone still in hand. “You ladies ready?”
More whistles and cat calls filled the room, and I stood there, at the back of the group, rolling my eyes.
The DJ played a drumroll and at the crash of the cymbals, Nicole threw the bouquet high in the air.
Before I could even think, it came straight at my face, hitting me right between the eyes. I threw my hands out for balance and the thing fell straight into my arms. My shoulders sagged, I really did not want any part of this.
That was, until I heard the loud whoop from Ethan. I looked over and his friends were all fist bumping him. His smile was wide and I blushed when he caught my eye.
The group of disappointed women filed off the dance floor and I walked up to Nicole, shaking my head.
“Congratulations,” she said, planting a loud kiss on my cheek.
“Yeah, thanks. How did you manage that?” I asked.
She blinked at me. “I did not plan that, silly. You’re just lucky.”
I laughed. “Uh-huh,” I said, and twirled her bouquet in my hands. “Thanks for the flowers.”
I walked back to the head table and tossed the bouquet at my spot. The hairs on the back of my neck tingled and I turned my head to find Ethan standing right behind me.
He leaned forward, whispering into my ear, “If you wanted to get married so bad, you should have said something.”
I spun, lightly shoving him. “Who says it’s you I’m marrying?” I said, my voice loaded with snark.
His lips quirked into a grin and he hovered close, like he was going to tell me a secret. “I say,” he said, his breath fanning over my cheeks causing chills to break out across my skin.
“Not if you don’t go catch the garter,” I said, playing along.
He spun on his heel, and walked away. After a few steps, he glanced over his shoulder. “I fully intend to.”
♥ The End ♥
A huge thank you to my editor Becky for her transformative word magic and my cover designer, Najla for pulling the covers for The Danaan Trilogy together so beautifully.
Great big hugs and love to my street team, the Super Sekrit Ninjas for the support over the years.
Thanks to all my author friends for making the hard times less hard and the good times awesome: Liz Long, Raine Thomas, ST Bende, Suzan Tisdale, and many more. I heart you!
A special thank you to the folks at Club Indie, the best writing and business mentors you could ask for!
And a massive, shout-from-the-mountain-tops kind of thank you to my readers. For choosing
Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of six when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, eight years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known.
The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel
For more information about author Laura Howard and her books, visit:
laurahoward78.blogspot.com
twitter.com/LauraHoward78
facebook.com/LauraHoward78
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