by Mary Abshire
Laughter from outside collected her attention. She stepped closer to the open window. Outside in the back yard of the church, rows of chairs had been set up. People were sitting in some of the seats. A long red rug divided the sections of chairs and led to the decorated altar in the front. In less than an hour, she’d have to walk up the aisle and watch her best friend get married to the man she loved.
A knock at the door alerted her and she spun.
“It’s me,” Connie said as she peeked into the room. “Oh, good, you’re ready.” She entered the dressing room and then shut the door behind her. “Look at you.”
Lynn extended her hands toward Connie. “Look at me? Look at you!”
The white gown’s sleeves and the area above her breasts were made of lace. A small puffy band separated the top from the bottom. She had a small red rose pinned near her left shoulder.
Connie grabbed Lynn’s hands. “You look so hot in that dress.” Her wide eyes surveyed Lynn from top to bottom.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t find something that resembled the other bridesmaids’ dresses, but if someone wouldn’t have stolen—“
Connie let go her hands and gave a slight wave. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault. I’m just glad you weren’t hurt in the accident and you were able to still make it to the wedding.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Lynn hadn’t told her the complete story involving the werewolves. Staying true to her promise to Marcel, she left out any mention of supernatural creatures.
Lynn pointed to the rose. “Is the flower representing something new?”
“I’m wearing a light blue thong and an old hair clip that belonged to Bill’s grandmother.” Connie tapped the back of her head. The stylist had curled and pinned up her hair, too.
“Can you believe it? You’re going to be married soon.” Lynn couldn’t be happier for her friend.
“I know. It all seems so surreal, but Bill is such a wonderful man. I’m in total love with him. Speaking of men, I really like Marcel. He seems like a genuine guy.”
“He is. He’s so sweet and caring. He’s been so nice and helpful, especially with my car situation.”
Connie stepped closer. “Lynn, you’re beaming. You’re in love with him.”
“He’s so different. He’s a giver instead of a taker, if you know what I mean.”
Connie chuckled as she nodded. “I totally know what you mean. Bill is the same way. I’ve never met such a gracious man.”
“I like Bill. I can tell you two are going to be happy together.”
“And I can tell Marcel makes you happy. I only met Marcel the one time at lunch with you, but I have to admit, he seems like a great catch.”
“I’m going to be his marketing assistant for his businesses. I think I can really help him out. He’s such a great artist.”
“Sounds like you’re going to be spending more time with him. Are you thinking of moving to Canada?”
Lynn shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t know yet.”
“You should totally do it. Don’t be afraid to listen to your heart. If you love him, stick with him. Do what makes you happy.”
Her advice made sense. She’d been considering moving in with Marcel a lot over the last several days. Since they’d left the reserve, they hadn’t discussed it. He’d helped her shop for a dress, which had taken far longer than she’d planned. He hadn’t complained once, and he tried to help her decide which one to pick. On day two, he’d gone out on his own since Lynn had spent the day with Connie. Day three, he’d joined her for lunch with the soon-to-be bride and groom. The entire time, Marcel had been a gentleman, always polite and considerate. Alone time with him had been wonderful, too. She imagined life would be so much better if she moved in with him and worked as his assistant.
“You’re right.” Lynn inhaled a deep breath. “You’re absolutely right about everything.”
Connie grinned. “Of course, I am. When have I ever steered you in the wrong direction?” She put her hands on her hips. “And that night after the party on campus, when you wanted to go to that diner to meet that stupid guy, doesn’t count.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Lynn rolled her eyes. Aside from a few times when they had consumed too much alcohol, Connie had been a true and honest friend with good advice and a great sense of style. Lynn always considered her a sister.
A knock from the door interrupted them.
“Who is it?” Connie asked.
“Oh, uh, it’s me. Marcel.”
“Come in,” Connie said without delay.
The door opened. Lynn’s eyes widened when she saw Marcel dressed in a tuxedo.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt. I can come back,” he said.
“No, no, it’s fine.” Connie faced Lynn with a grin. “See you soon.” She turned and headed for the door.
Marcel stepped aside as Connie approached him. He looked incredibly handsome with his black tux and little bowtie. Desire stirred within Lynn as she stared in awe at him. He closed the door after Connie left.
“Wow, you look…” Lynn stepped closer while he did the same. “Wow!”
With a slight curve of his lips, he raked his gaze down her. “You look…exquisite.”
Stopping in front of him, she put her hands on his chest. His heart thumped strongly. She wondered why he seemed so excited. Surely, it wasn’t because she had dressed up.
“I’m really glad you came here with me. The last few days have been really nice,” she said.
He slid his hands on her hips and around to her backside. With her body touching his, she felt something hard against her thigh. Warmth rose from her core and spread through her.
“I have something that I’ve been anxious to ask you,” he said. “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
Swallowing hard, she took a step back. This was the first time he’d ever wanted anything from her. Naturally, she feared the worst. Maybe he’d had doubts about hooking up so fast.
“Ask me anything,” she said.
He dug into his right pocket as he took a step back. When he sank to one knee, her heart started running a marathon. He opened a small blue box in his palm and then held it up to her.
“Lynn Winslow, will you marry me?” he asked. “Will you be my wife?”
She stared into his chocolaty brown eyes, then glanced at the ring. The silver band had several diamonds circling one larger stone in the middle. As if she were deaf, all she could hear was the drum of her heart. She met his gaze again while tears began to build.
“Yes.” The word came out too softly. “Yes!” she said loudly.
When he stood, she threw her arms around his neck. He let out a soft chuckle.
“I want to be your wife and move in with you. Oh my god, yes. Yes! I love you!” Elation filled her.
He hugged her with equal strength. “You are my Mrs. Right. I want to grow old with you, and I want you to be the mother of my children. I promise, I will always love and protect you.”
She leaned back. “You’re my Mr. Right, and I can’t think of life without you. I’d be honored to be your wife and the mother of your children.”
To seal the deal, she pressed her mouth to his. In the last week, her world had changed dramatically. Besides almost meeting death twice, she’d learned supernatural creatures existed, and she carried blood in her veins from one. After all the pain and trouble she’d gone through, she’d met the one and only man who made her truly happy. Taking the advice of her best friend, Lynn listened to her heart. She looked forward to a future filled with love and joy. And more dragons.
About the Author
Mary is a USA Today Bestselling Author who lives in Indiana. Outside of her regular job, she is a world creator, romance producer, and mystery constructor. Simply put - she writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy with mystery and suspense. She loves to create riveting stories with vampires, demons, werewolves, angels, and other supernatural creatures. Her novels are action-packed and keep readers turn
ing the pages for more. If you’re looking for an adventurous book to read, dive into any of hers.
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Also by Mary Abshire
Warren Antiques
(New Adult/Urban Fantasy/Mystery)
First Package Causes Grief
Second Package Raises the Dead
Third Package Reveals Secrets
Fourth Package Stinks
Heaven Sent (Paranormal Romance)
First Kill
Second Demon
Third Love
Fourth Fight
Fifth Regret
Sixth Surprise
Seventh Heaven
Divine Justice (Urban Fantasy Romance)
Demon Hunter
Demon Tracker
Crisis Alert
Project Eve (Urban Fantasy)
The Awakening
The Quest
* * *
Soul Catcher (Urban Fantasy Romance)
(Re-releasing 2019)
Claiming the Evil Dead
Catching an Evil Tail
Fighting Evil
Love Conquers All Evil
Freedom From the Evil Dead
The Evil Next Door
Playful Demons (Paranormal Erotic Romance)
Demon in Disguise
Demons in Disguise
Contemporary Erotic Romance
Sisters of Lonewood Boxset (7 short stories)
Diary of a Free Woman Boxset (7 short stories)