“Another wedding?” Kenzie rolls her eyes. She’s jealous because never be able to pull off a lie as big as crashing a wedding. She has the poker face of a messy toddler hiding an ice cream cone.
“No, this time it’s a vow renewal. It’s for an old friend of mine from medical school. It’s time we paid him a visit.” I laugh beside my husband, remembering our first date. At least we know the person having the ceremony this time around.
As the party winds down, Kenzie gathers up her gaggle of kids and buckles them into her minivan. I never in a million years pictured her as a minivan-driving soccer mom, but here we are. We’ve gone through a crap ton of shit over the years and now that we’re officially family, we’re closer than ever.
“Give mommy and daddy a hug, sweetie.”
Scarlett squeezes each of us tight before running off to the van so my brother can strap her in.
“Thanks, you guys, for watching her.” I hug my sister-in-law and wave goodbye to my big brother.
“Anything for family. Have fun this weekend.” She wiggles her eyebrows at us. She’s been begging us to have another kid for years now.
We head inside and pack our bags for our road trip. “I’m going to hop in the shower.” Unabashed, Chase strips down, buck naked in front of me while I stare. Will I ever tire of looking at his perfect body?
“I think I’ll join you.” I follow him into our bathroom, giggling like a school girl. We may have come far, but at the same time, nothing has changed.
As the steam and suds wash over us and Chase works us into oblivion, I sigh, contented. I kiss him with all the passion I can muster. The waterfall shower runs over us and it’s like we’re Allie and Noah, making out in the rain.
“Are you happy, Hails? Have you gotten everything you ever wanted?”
“I’m happier than you’ll ever know, Chase. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better life.” I kiss him again, this time slow and languid. “What about you, babe? Is this enough?”
“Enough? It’s more than enough, Red. It’s everything.”
The End.
Acknowledgments
This book was outrageously fun to write and contains quite possibly my favorite scene I’ve ever written (the wedding scene, duh), but it would’ve been a mess without the help of my village. Also if you didn’t pay attention to the songs throughout, they all hold important meanings!
Nicole, my sister and first reader, I’m glad you allow me to shove my books down your throat (it’s better than punching your tooth out, right?) and help me fix them. I’m also glad you have a better memory than me to keep my facts and characters and everything in line.
Crystal, I appreciate how you see things I don’t and always give me clear and constructive criticism! Thank you for continuing to read my stories first when they’re their messiest.
Jeanette, thank you a million times for the gorgeous cover and teasers and everything else you do! You’re a freaking rock star and I appreciate your hard work!
Kristen, thank you for your editing skills and killing the game. This book would still be riding the hot mess express if it weren’t for you!
Author friends, particularly my romance rookies, I cannot even begin to thank you enough. You pick me up when I’m down and you’re always looking out for me. You support me and cheer for me louder than anyone (well, except for my niece, but she can’t read yet). I love you all immensely and I’m SO grateful you let a little murder-obsessed weirdo like me into your circle.
Readers. Friends. Thank you for your support and following me on this journey. This is my dream and I couldn’t do it without you all.
Kurt, it’s gross how much I love you, and I’m so ridiculously grateful you have faith in me to allow me to write these stories. I’m glad you take an interest in it, even if reading isn’t your thing.
Hudson, I’m sorry you feel the need use my laptop as a pillow to stop me from writing. Even though I never get anything done because I need to feed you and walk you and play with you and give you all the belly rubs in the world, I still love you more than the air I breathe. (Also, yes, I’m thanking my dog. That’s just the kind of person I am).
About the Author
Kelsey used to think she was crazy when she heard the voices inside her head, but it turns out it was just characters talking to her all along! (Kidding). She can be found in PA with the two loves of her life, usually obsessing over her dog and probably planning outrageous birthday parties for him.
Usually, Kelsey binge watches Netflix, enjoys true crime podcasts, rocking out to Taylor Swift (and now Jonas Brothers AGAIN!). She has an affinity for bad boys and villains and plans to write a boatload of characters falling into that category, but they’ll continue to get their happily ever after.
Stay in touch!
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Chasing Red Page 22
