Unintentional (28 page)

After our two-week break, we’re headed to Europe. I’m especially excited for this leg of our tour, because, when we stop in Italy, Laurel and I plan to get married. We haven’t chosen the church or location yet because we want to pick a church we both connect with. We intend to live our life full of adventures, so why not start at the beginning?

The one thing I do know for certain is the songs that I’ll be singing to Laurel for the ceremony. I have two of my own songs I’ve written for her, along with John Legend’s All of Me. I’ve heard Laurel humming the melody off and on for the past few months, so I already know she likes the song. The words describe how I feel about her as if I’d written the lyrics myself. I’ve never been happier.

I hear a loud squeal to my right. Scott has just dumped a pail of water on Sophie.

“What?” he says. “You said you were hot.” He pauses. “And you are so hot, Sophie.” His eyebrows wag up and down. Won’t he ever give up?

I look over at Allix and Ayden, who are both scowling over Scott’s latest attempt to get Sophie’s attention.

Laurel and I have both talked at length with Sophie, Scott, and Ayden. We don’t want this to blow up in our faces, ruining the tour. Sophie assures us she’s not interested in a relationship. I think she’s taking her time, sitting back, enjoying having two men vie for her.

Scott and Ayden have somewhat of a truce going. They sat down and came to an agreement. “May the best man win.” So the battle continues.

Allix joined us a few days ago. It’s obvious she’s still not over her childhood crush on Scott. She’s tried everything to get him to notice her, but he still treats her like a ten-year-old. I even saw him walk by and ruffle up her hair. I had to laugh at the outrageous look she gave him. I think she’s probably a little like me. She doesn’t want to give up.

Douglas is in jail, probably for a good, long time. The case against him is going to trial in a few months. From what they’ve told us, they have a pretty air-tight case against him. The prosecutors have his fingerprint along with the tool he used to cut the brake hoses. Rodney also verified it was his voice who called him repeatedly.

Laurel sits down next to me and takes my hand. We’re sitting in the sand, our feet just out of reach from the lapping waves. The smell of the ocean tints the air.

“Isn’t this great? I’m glad Mattie suggested this place. It’s so beautiful. We should have a bonfire tonight!” Laurel’s bright eyes draw me in, sharing her excitement.

“Sure, that sounds like fun,” I answer.

Sophie, Scott, Mica, Ayden, and Allix come and sit next to us.

“What sounds like fun?” Allix asks.

The only bad part of this vacation is that it’s hard to get any alone time with Laurel. When we’re able to sneak a kiss or hold hands, they like to groan and tease us mercilessly.

“A bonfire.” I tell them. Maybe they’ll leave now.

Laurel squeezes my hand, looks into my eyes, and says softly, “Something.”

I smile and lean over to kiss her. I don’t care if they all groan and make their gagging noises. That word means a lot to both of us. It brings me right back to the moment in the elevator when I knew she returned my feelings. It’s her code for saying she loves me.

I sit back, enjoying the sensation of the wind as it drifts lazily through my hair. Contentment washes over me. I tip my face to the sun and say, “And anywhere, I will follow you.”

The End

Dear Readers,

First – a big thank you for reading Unintentional. I have enjoyed this process so much!

I would also like to thank the readers who’ve contacted me with words of encouragement and support. I love getting emails and Facebook messages! I wrote Cade’s story for all of you ☺

As you’ve probably noticed, I like to keep my “evil” characters a mystery. What makes a person resort to deceit, crime or attempted murder? Could it be entirely to please a father who expected too much?

Next up,
Complicated
. A book from Douglas’s point of view. Will he avoid prison? Will he create more havoc in Cade and Laurel’s life? What motivates him? Will he ever redeem himself? Hmm. Also, what will happen with Sophie, Scott, Ayden and Allix? What a mess – but won’t it be fun to see how it all works out?

You can contact me anytime – I’d love to hear from you!

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/marilyn.wellnitz

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