I had dreamed of marrying Jacob Mathews since the first day he said two words to me. I’d always imagined a dress and a church, but to be honest, I didn’t care how I married him. Just that I married him.Today, I stood outside the town courthouse in a long white lace dress.I wore my mother's wedding dress. She'd kept it all these years with the hope that I would one day wear it. It was long and in a bohemian style from the late seventies, but simple enough that it was eternally classic.I loved it. I loved that it was a piece of my parents' marriage and that it would now be a part of mine.Karina brought me flowers from her garden. I had sunflowers and daisies, mixed with beautiful orange lilies. I couldn't have picked out more beautiful flowers from a florist if I had tried.Katie had called and told me she was taking care of the cake. And the food. Mrs. Mathews said the gazebo was ours for the rest of the day. Someone called their band, and another person started bringing chairs.We

This is book 2 of the Bad Boys and Babies Series. It is a stand-alone novel with all-new characters, however, the themes are similar! Please enjoy! I don't remember much about the accident. I was only twelve at the time. My mother's boyfriend took me home and tried to kiss me when he found out my mother wasn't there. He was a powerful man, but I didn't understand that at the time. When I pulled away from him, he hit me. He said he owned me and my mother. He tried again and I punched him. I'd never been so scared in my life. I ran from his car and hid at my neighbor's house. When I told my mother, she was furious with him. I'd never seen her so angry. She pulled out our suitcases and began tossing things into them. “Pack a bag. We're going to your aunt's house. Be sure to bring Nan's book,” she'd told me, pointing to the small bookshelf in our living room. The book was an heirloom bible, passed down from generation to generation. It never left the shelf, but it was always in our ho

My apartment is in the outskirts of New York City. It's close enough to have all the comforts of the city, but far enough away that the traffic is only mostly horrendous. Ethan drives like a cabbie and gets me home in record time.I live on the fifth floor of an older building. I love this place. It's nicer than anything me and my mom ever had. I lived with my aunt and uncle in the 'burbs, but I never felt at home there. I like the feel and the noise of the city. I like knowing there are always people around me. It makes me feel safe.I sink into my couch, closing my eyes. I can only ever relax when I'm here by myself, so naturally, I never have guests over. My place is a mess, but what's truly important is that it is mine. I can be myself here and I don't have to be the boss's daughter. There are no expectations.I open my eyes and look over at the upright piano in the corner of the room. It's my pride and joy. My mother had played professionally. She'd met many famous people, includ

When we arrive back at the piano bar after walking the park, he seems excited. It's not that he bounces around, but more that his movements have just a little more energy to them. He smiles more. There's a lightness I his step.“Come on!” he says as he holds out his hand to help me out of the limo. He's smiling. It's contagious, and I can't help but laugh as he drags me toward the bar.When we get inside, the place is filling up. Soft piano music plays from the speaker system instead of from the piano. They must be waiting for the piano player to arrive. However, when Dante enters the door and goes to the piano, the music cuts off. He starts playing some upbeat song and grabs the mic, something that he hadn't done all of yesterday.“I want to thank all of you for coming out here tonight. I have a special guest joining me. Please welcome Vesper!”My jaw drops in horror. He should have cleared this with me before putting me on the spot, but I don't think I can back down now. People are

“It has been a pleasure seeing you again, Chief O’Malley,” I say with a smile. I'm standing in a fancy hotel ballroom surrounded by powerful people. I wear a dark blue dress that makes me look like I belong here. I look like a socialite.Today, is a local fundraiser for the police force. A fancy dinner at a hotel with a silent auction afterwards with the intent to raise money. I'm here representing the Savio Mattress Company.They certainly raised a lot of Savio money today, I think to myself with a smile.“I'm so glad we still have such a good working relationship,” the man I'm talking to replies. He's in his late sixties, but still looking trim and handsome in his official police uniform. His wife wears diamond earrings that a woman married to a man in the public sector shouldn't be able to afford.I know that my money paid for those, too.“It's important for local businesses to have ties to the community,” I respond with a practiced smile. “I'm so glad that you are willing to work