Almost Fate
Page 10
He blinked. “Y-you do?”
“I do!” she cried.
And then they were kissing and showering each other with I love yous. The light of hope pushed any remaining doubts away. They were soul mates.
She was his.
He was hers.
Nothing else mattered.
Epilogue
Five years later…
“Okay, one more song, and then it’s sleepy time,” Griff said rather unconvincingly to their four-year-old twin girls.
Christina refrained from rolling her eyes as Griff launched into the girls’ favorite song from a grating cartoon movie about fairies. He’d made bedtime a never-ending event with his minimum repertoire of three songs each, and she loved every minute of it. The only bad thing was when he had a gig past the girls’ bedtime, because mom’s voice just wouldn’t do.
The girls, Willow and Sage, were enthralled, sitting up in their shared queen-size bed, looking wide awake as they joined their dad for the chorus about plucking the petals and counting them in hopes of love. They had their dad’s tender, soulful side. The girls weren’t identical, but they both had their dad’s black hair and her blue eyes. They were the most beautiful children on the planet, if you asked her.
She and Griff had married quietly, secretly, back in New York shortly after their trip to Fieldridge. Griff had shocked the hell out of her with his own vows that spelled out his dedication to her and any children they might have. He’d given it way more thought than she had, and he’d carried through on every promise. Griff cut back on concert dates, performing only in the Northeast during the school year. Though the girls were just in preschool, he wanted to be there after school. He wanted to be involved. The summer was for touring, and the girls traveled everywhere with them. Griff started them on piano lessons this year, and next year they both would receive their first guitar for their fifth birthday.
The hideously saccharine song finally ended.
“More, more,” the girls chanted in unison.
Griff turned to her. “You want to sing the one about the dragons?”
“Mommy’s songs hurt my ears!” Willow cried.
Sage clapped her hands over her ears. “Yeah!”
“I’ll tell them a story,” Christina said. “But you have to lie down, eyes closed. It’s getting late.”
“But Daddy says we live in the city that never sleeps,” Sage said. They had a two-story Manhattan apartment with two bodyguards, one for each child (at Griff’s insistence). They also had a second home in Fieldridge that Laila lived in and looked after for them when they weren’t there. Griff had put a recording studio in upstairs, where Laila often worked, composing original music. She’d gotten songwriting credits on Griff’s last two albums.
She shot Griff a look, who merely smiled and ruffled Sage’s hair. “That’s what the city is for grown-ups,” she said firmly, “but if kids never slept, they’d never grow. All your growing happens when you sleep.”
Sage immediately closed her eyes. Willow didn’t. “I don’t want to grow up,” she announced.
“I don’t want you to grow up either,” Griff said. “But you do need to sleep. Last story.”
She told them their favorite story about how she and their daddy met, how they fell in love, and through music and the power of love got the ultimate gift of all—the two best children in the world. Of course, that always led to a chorus of:
“You’re the best mommy in the world.”
“You’re the best daddy in the world.”
To which they replied, “Thank you” and slowly backed out of the room while the girls launched into their usual argument with each other:
“I’m the best girl.”
“No, I’m the best girl.”
Which finally ended when Christina turned off the light and announced in a no-nonsense tone, “Everyone’s the best. Now go to sleep.”
The girls got quiet. Griff took her hand and led her downstairs. She settled on the sofa next to him and curled up against his side as he slipped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m exhausted.”
Griff kissed her temple. “Let’s have another one.”
She flopped down in his lap, playing dead.
“No?” he asked, running his warm hand through her hair.
“I’m too old,” she said.
“We’ll adopt.”
Her eyes flew open. “Really?” There were so many children in the world that needed a good home. They had the means and the love to provide that.
He grinned. “Really.”
She sat up, suddenly energized. “We’ll need to hire help.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.”
She threw her arms around him and kissed him. Things heated up quickly right there on the sofa, which was how they ended up with their first son nine months later. Two more kids followed soon after, a boy and a girl, both adopted. Every one of them raised with music and convinced they were the best children in the world.
~ ~ ~
Laila went to work for her usual shift at Ernie’s Diner that summer, looking forward to when her brother and his family came through town again. She didn’t need the money from waitressing anymore, but she still worked there part time for the inspiration. It kept her grounded, reminded her of her history, and overhearing conversations and watching customer’s expressions fed her artist’s soul.
She’d racked up several songwriting credits as word got out about her part in Griffin’s albums. She kept in touch with Jake too, from Griffin’s old band, chatting over the phone about music and playing new pieces for him by Skype. They didn’t live near each other, but he planned a visit next month. He’d just gotten out of a long relationship. She didn’t know what that meant for her, but she held onto a little bit of hope.
And then a song came on the radio that stopped her in her tracks. It was her latest for Griffin about family, inspired by his growing family, and it was finally getting airtime.
“Here’s a new one from Griffin Huntley,” the DJ crooned. “Tell me if it doesn’t give you all of the feels.”
She clapped a hand over her mouth and stood frozen in place. Hearing her brother perform her music never got old. The diner quieted down and Carol came out from the kitchen to listen. Her boss and friend smiled and pointed at her, knowing her part in writing the song. Laila nodded.
And when the song finished, Carol announced, “The very talented Laila Colton will perform that song just for us Saturday seven o’clock sharp.” This was not all that surprising. Every time a new song of hers hit the air, Carol wanted to celebrate with a special performance followed by a homemade chocolate cake with white iced music notes dancing across the top. Carol turned to her. “Don’t worry, hon. I’ll take care of everything.”
Laila couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll be there.”
And then she went back to work, secretly soaking in the community that was the beating heart of her music.
~ ~ ~
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Don’t miss the next book in the series, Almost in Love, featuring Barry and Amber, a friends-to-lovers romance! This story takes place the summer before Will and Jasmine get together in Almost Over It. Read on for an excerpt.
Successful entrepreneur Barry Furnukle is ready to take things to the next level with the pink-haired neighbor he adores. On advice from his ladies’ man brother, Barry returns to his acting roots for a little confidence rehab. Suddenly he’s got more female attention than he knows what to do with. But will his new found popularity make him happy? Or will he finally release his inner stud to win the woman he can’t forget?
A tall man bounded on stage in full pirate regalia—white, puffy shirt unbuttoned to show off lots of muscular chest, a black bandana tied rakishly around his shaggy hair, a thick black belt with a sword on one side, tight black breeches, and knee-high black leather boots.
“Wow,” Steph breathed.
“Yeah,” Amber said. She leaned forward, straining to see his face. Something about him was familiar.
“Ahoy, landlubbers!” he called into the audience. “I am the Pirate King!”
Amber leaned so far forward she nearly fell out of her seat. She knew that voice. Bare. Was it really him?
The man nodded to the pianist, the music started, and he launched into “I am a Pirate King” with a booming baritone that filled the auditorium. He sang, he strutted, he swaggered, even brandished his sword a few times. He finished with a dramatic bow.
Everyone clapped.
Bare slid his sword back into its sheath and inclined his head. “Thank ye, ye scurvy lot.”
Toby stood. “Who are you?”
“I am the Pirate King.”
Toby grinned. “You are now. I’m the director, Toby Whalen. We’re so glad you stopped by today. Rehearsals start Monday night.”
Bare nodded once and exited stage right.
“I’ll be right back,” Amber told Steph before slipping out of the auditorium. She hoped to catch Bare before he left. She caught sight of his back as he was heading down the hallway to the exit.
“Bare?” she called.
He turned. “Amber?”
“What are you doing here?” they asked at the same time.
“I’m auditioning,” he said at the same time as she said, “I’m painting.”
He crossed to her, and she felt herself flush. The white shirt, open to the waist, gave her an eyeful of chest and abs. Wow. She forced her eyes up to meet his, which were sparkling with mischief.
“Speak again, m’lady, if you dare,” he growled. “Explain what ye do here.”
A thrill ran through her. She almost forgot it was Bare for a moment there. She licked her lips. “I paint the scenery.”
“Ah. Had me an audition for the Pirate King.”
“I know. You were amazing! I didn’t know you could sing.”
“Arrr, matey, sing, loot, pillage, fight with me sword.”
Sword. Her eyes dropped to his crotch hugged snugly by the breeches. She felt her face flame. What was wrong with her? He hadn’t meant that kind of sword!
She met his warm brown eyes again. “You don’t have to talk like a pirate.”
It was confusing her. Friendly and sexy were getting crossed. And wasn’t she mad at him for something?
He grinned devilishly. “Aye aye, me beauty.”
“Oh.” She giggled. “Have you done a lot of theater?”
“Aye, wench, but it’s been a while.” His voice, low and scraping, registered on a deep, throbbing level.
“Too long?” she asked. Only they weren’t talking about theater anymore.
He leered at her, letting his eyes trail up and down her body. “Saucy wench.”
She shook her head. “I can’t believe the way you just belted that song out.”
“Believe. Aye, truth is, me singing is a regular thing.” He stepped closer, and his voice rumbled close to her ear. “Me shower knows the tale.”
Her throat went dry as she pictured him naked in the shower. Stop that, you dirty brain. This was her friend and neighbor Bare. Regular old Bare. Good ole…Bare.
“So…okay,” she said, suddenly tongue-tied as their gazes collided. She had the strangest urge to step right into his arms and let him carry her off to his pirate ship and have his wicked way with her.
She cleared her throat. “I’d better get back to painting.” She gestured in the direction of the band room. “The pirate ship is huge. It’s going to need at least two coats of black.”
He gave her a rakish salute with a wink that left her speechless.
“Will ye be at rehearsal on Monday night, wench?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” she breathed. “I’ll be there.”
He gave her a slow smile, and it was like the sun had suddenly come out and shone its sexy good looks all over her body. “That be good news.”
He turned and strutted out the back door. Look at that ass. You could bounce a quarter off it. She quickly averted her eyes and moved back to the band room in a daze.
Want to read the rest? Almost in Love is out now!
You’ve just read book #3 in the Clover Park STUDS series. The books in the series are Almost Over It (Will & Jasmine), Almost Married (Dave & Steph), Almost Fate (Griffin & Christina), Almost in Love (Barry & Amber), Almost Romance (Ian & Kate), and Almost Hitched (more Ian & Kate). I hope you enjoy them all!
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Other Books by Kylie Gilmore
The Clover Park Series
The Opposite of Wild (Book 1)
Daisy Does It All (Book 2)
Bad Taste in Men (Book 3)
Kissing Santa (Book 4)
Restless Harmony (Book 5)
Not My Romeo (Book 6)
Rev Me Up (Book 7)
An Ambitious Engagement (Book 8)
Clutch Player (Book 9)
A Tempting Friendship (Book 10)
Clover Park Bride (A Clover Park Short)
The Clover Park STUDS Series
Almost Over It (Book 1)
Almost Married (Book 2)
Almost Fate (Book 3)
Almost in Love (Book 4)
Almost Romance (Book 5)
Almost Hitched (Book 6)
Happy Endings Book Club Series
Hidden Hollywood (Book 1)
Inviting Trouble (Book 2)
So Revealing (Book 3)
Formal Arrangement (Book 4)
Bad Boy Done Wrong (Book 5)
Mess With Me (Book 6)
Resisting Fate (Book 7)
Chance of Romance (Book 8)
Wicked Flirt (Book 9)
Acknowledgments
Thank you to my lovely readers! I couldn’t do this without you. Virtual chocolate for all!
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks are not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Almost Fate: © 2018 by Kylie Gilmore
Excerpt from Almost in Love © 2015 by Kylie Gilmore
Digital Edition 1.0
Cover design by Rogenna Brewer
Published by: Extra Fancy Books
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the writer, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
ISBN-10: 1-942238-67-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-942238-67-6
About the Author
Kylie Gilmore is the USA Today bestselling author of the Happy Endings Book Club series, the Clover Park series, and the Clover Park STUDS series. She writes humorous romance that makes you laugh, cry, and reach for a cold glass of water.
Kylie lives in New York with her family, two cats, and a nutso dog. When she’s not writing, wrangling kids, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her flexing her muscles all the way to the high cabinet for her secret chocolate stash.
Click here to sign up for Kylie’s newsletter. You’ll get new release info, exclusive excerpts, and lots of subscriber-only giveaways. For more fun stuff check out Kylie’s website http://www.kyliegilmore.com.
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bsp; Kylie can be found on Twitter @KylieGilmoreToo and on Facebook.com/KylieGilmoreToo. Contact Kylie at kylie@kyliegilmore.com