Love, Honor, Respect

by Elle Linder

  Copyright © 2019 by Elle Linder

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

  Elle Linder/Ocean Dreams Publishing

  17976 120th Ave NE

  Thief River Falls, MN 56701

  www.ellelinder.com

  Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

  Book Layout © 2016 BookDesignTemplates.com

  Love, Honor, Respect/Elle Linder -- 1st ed.

  A Faithful Falls Series Book

  ISBN 978-1-7331724-2-4 print format

  ISBN 978-1-7331724-1-7 eBook format

  ALSO FROM ELLE LINDER

  The One That Matters

  From the Love Transcends Series:

  Redemptive Love

  Prevailing Love

  Guarded Love

  Faithful Falls Series

  Stay With Me, Julia

  Love Me, Lauren

  I dedicate this book to my parents, Robert and Ymelda. They have shown us how to love each other faithfully, conquering every challenge thrown their way, together. They are a shining example of endearing love.

  I love you both from the bottom of my heart,

  Elle

  Acknowledgements

  Writing books, whether a full-length novel or a much shorter novella, requires a team of talented people to help shape and craft the final project. Without their dedication and effort, these books wouldn’t be nearly as put together as they are. For that, I am grateful to all of you for what you do. My heartfelt thanks to Charlie, Emily, Alyssa, Kristi, and Suzie, my amazing team that helps me put these books together. And, as always, my fully supportive family and friends, who let me do my thing, this book thing I love so very much. Thank you!

  Love, Honor, Respect

  A Dusting of Snow

  Mother-Daughter Stuff

  More Deflection

  Keeping Secrets

  A Silent Prayer

  I Need Luke

  Love of My Life

  His Devious Grin

  Her Heart Fluttered

  My Darling, Darling Julia

  I Choose You

  I Do

  Mr. and Mrs. Hamill

  Phenomenal Together

  About The Author

  one

  A Dusting of Snow

  Daddy, I wish you could be here to walk me down the aisle. I wish Luke could have known you. But mostly, I wish you could have danced with Mom at my wedding.

  Julia released a woeful sigh, staring out the picture window in her and Luke’s bedroom. She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling a chill enter her body.

  Overnight, the ground had been covered with a light dusting of snow, much like the powdered sugar on the aebleskivers Heather and Brice devoured every Sunday morning at Daybreakers. The early snowfall couldn’t be removed as quickly as a dusting of sugar on the lips though. Perhaps a warmer day was in the forecast to melt away the untimely blanket of snow.

  Snow on October sixteenth didn’t seem right.

  She sucked in a breath, blinking back her emotions, then released the sadness weighing on her heart before it crushed her.

  Think happy thoughts. Pleasant, happy thoughts.

  The view made her happy. It also reminded her of crisp air in her lungs, snow crunching beneath her boots, the aroma of woodfires and pines, and Luke’s warm flannel wrapped around her.

  A gust of memories blew over her anxious heart, caressing every nerve in her body. Luke had turned out to be more than she had ever wanted.

  Never had she imagined falling in love with a rugged, broodingly handsome, sexy and serious man. Or that she’d be settled in northern Idaho. Least of all, she never could have imagined she’d be a stepmom.

  Life amazed her.

  But then, Aunt Becky had cackled wickedly many times over the last several months, claiming victory for the matchup. According to her aunt, the relationship had nothing to do with Julia falling in love with Luke; it was all because of Becky’s doing.

  Julia rolled her eyes recalling her aunt’s snarky tone as she’d say, “My broken leg was instrumental in bringing you two together.”

  A wistful sigh passed her lips, as she gazed at the falls in the distance.

  Next month, they would be moving into their new house a couple of miles south of the resort. She wouldn’t have the waterfall to get lost in or the glow of the resort lights dancing on the lake to entertain her. She would miss both terribly.

  My, how her life had changed. A year ago, she wouldn’t have believed she would love Faithful Falls or living on Lake Brooks.

  But snow three days before the wedding? Mother Nature had a cruel sense of humor.

  “Don’t worry, darlin’. The wedding will go off without a hitch.” Luke wrapped his strong arms around her waist from behind, the rich timbre of his voice lulling her like a violin. “I promise.” He nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck, rocking her from side to side.

  “But it’s an outdoor wedding. The site will be damp. What if it’s too cold? What if our friends catch pneumonia at our wedding? That’d certainly make it memorable I guess.” She sighed, resting the back of her head against his chest. “The hem of my dress will get ruined.”

  Luke squeezed her tighter.

  “It’ll be perfect, baby. Our guests will dress for the weather, and I’ll carry you everywhere so your dress stays as flawless as you are.” He swept her off her feet, making her squeal. She hooked an arm around his neck as he claimed her mouth, his lips silky and warm against hers. A single swipe of his tongue made her melt into him.

  If Luke said the wedding would be perfect, it would be. She might even let him carry her everywhere just ’cause.

  He sat in the club chair beside the fireplace, Julia on his lap, possessing her with firm, sensual kisses. His hands roamed over her thighs and up to her neck as his tongue set her insides ablaze.

  Julia whimpered, desiring more, but knew full well they couldn’t take this make out session to the bed. Brice could bound through the door any minute, and she needed to be at the resort to greet her mom and aunts when they arrived.

  But Luke…she could tell he was putting his fascination with sexual pyromania to good use. She was so hot she might scorch his titillating tongue.

  “It’s not nice to turn me on like this,” she said against his mouth.

  Abruptly his mouth left hers.

  “Do you really have to stay at the resort?” His question blew over her like a rush of cool air, extinguishing the fire he’d lit inside her.

  “It’s only three nights, not even three full days.” She cupped his face, touching her nose to his. “It’ll give you a chance to miss me.”

  “I miss you every second I’m not with you. Three nights is going to kill me. That’s a minimum of eighteen hours, assuming we’re only asleep for six each night. Do the math, baby. That’s one thousand and eighty minutes. Better yet, let me blow your mind: how does sixty-four thousand and eight hundred seconds sound?” He flashed her the most pathetic grin she’d ever seen. “Have mercy on me.”

  He sure knew how to use those dark, begging eyes on her.

  Julia blinked in disbelief.

  He was seriously adorable—ridiculous but adorable. So pathetically endearing that she burst into giggles. Her body shook on his lap. A frustrated growl rumbled against her. It made her laugh even more as she covered her mouth trying to regain control of
herself.

  Leave it to Luke to turn the doom and gloom of snow on the ground into a giggle-fest.

  “Luke!” She sucked in several breathes, her mouth in an O, fanning herself. “How long have you been waiting to throw those numbers at me?” She gripped her belly, laughing some more.

  He shrugged, an annoyed curl to his lip. “Since you came up with the craziest of crazy ideas to stay in your old suite three days before the wedding.”

  “Aww.” She pecked him on the lips. “I think you’ll manage. Besides, it’ll give me a little quiet time with my mom. I think she’s missing my dad right now. I know I am.” She draped an arm around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. She inhaled him, wood and pine, relishing her good fortune in winning the lumberjack’s heart.

  “Well, since you put it that way, I’ll man up. But if I send out an SOS text for you to meet me in the linen closet on the second floor, know that it’s urgent.”

  “No, you won’t be doing that. Because you know I can’t resist you.” He avoided making eye contact. “Right, Luke?”

  “Right, baby.” He pinched his brows together, lips pressed thin.

  Luke looked exasperated by her crazy plan, but she knew he’d be good and respect her wishes no matter how much he disagreed. It wasn’t like she wouldn’t be suffering too. Three nights without her wouldn’t kill him any more than it would kill her to be without him.

  They gazed out the window in a comfortable silence for a short while. The trees along Lake Brooks were a mural of yellow, red, and evergreen, highlighting the early snowfall.

  An undeniable peace washed over Julia as Luke cuddled close to her. Her whole world had his arms wrapped around her protectively.

  The first day of forever with her lumberjack was only a stone’s throw away. Her only wish was that the wedding would go off without a hitch just as Luke said it would.

  Like a doe watching over her babies, Julia’s ears perked up as a ruckus stirred outside her office. She listened briefly, dialing in to the familiar voices.

  Mom. She jumped out of her chair, a grin stretched across her face.

  Her mother and aunts had finally arrived. Having them here made her giddy with excitement.

  “Hello,” she singsonged, rushing to her mom. “Mom, I’m so happy you’re here.” Julia embraced her, blinking back tears, the memory of her dad still fresh on her mind. She’d bet the same was true for her mom.

  “My sweet, sweet girl.” Donna tightened their embrace, running her hand over Julia’s hair. “I’ve missed you, sweetie.”

  “So have I! Let me hug my favorite niece.” Becky pulled Julia away from her mom, giving her a bear hug.

  “You shouldn’t say that. What if Zoey were here?” Julia whispered into Becky’s ear. Deep down, Julia knew Becky had always favored her over Zoey, but it was still rude and unkind to be so blunt about it.

  Not that anyone would succeed in telling Becky to be more considerate. She’d always had an explosive mouth, for as long as Julia could remember.

  “She’s not here, and Diane doesn’t care.”

  “Maybe I do care,” Diane grumbled. “How are you, Julia dear? Zoey sends her congratulations and apologies for missing the wedding.”

  That couldn’t be true. Zoey had never liked Julia. If she did, she would have at least sent a card or maybe a single-line text message saying, “Congrats on your nuptials.”

  “That’s sweet of her.” Julia hugged Diane, biting back her real thoughts. “I was a little surprised to hear that she’s traveling with a band. Isn’t that kind of out of character for her?”

  “We don’t talk about it.” Becky snorted under her breath.

  Rude as ever. Julia rolled her eyes.

  “Where’s Luke?” Becky asked.

  “He’s around.” Julia glanced toward the entrance. “I expect him and Brice to be waltzing through the door any second. Brice is looking forward to seeing you, Mom.” Julia smiled, rubbing her mom’s arm softly.

  “Aww, he’s just the cutest thing ever.” A dreamy expression crossed Donna’s face, making Julia’s ovaries spaz. She wished there were a baby to announce, but no such luck. Aunt Flo had visited a week ago.

  She could hear Luke saying, It’ll happen, baby. And when it does, the timing will be perfect.

  Right…just not her timing.

  “Becky, I have your and Diane’s room keys,” Erika announced. They went up to the front desk side by side, nearly joined at the hip. Despite their bickering, they were closer than close.

  Julia winked at Erika, a silent thank you.

  Erika was notorious for taking the pressure off Julia. Over the last few months, Erika had developed into an independent, highly capable assistant manager. Julia couldn’t have been happier about the freedom it gave her to be available for Luke and the kids when they needed her, which surprisingly wasn’t as often as she had expected. Even so, having a reliable person to man the resort in Julia’s absence had been just what she needed to delve into being a stepmom. Knowing Erika would be there to run things also made Julia long for a baby even more.

  However, Julia wasn’t the only one benefiting from Erika’s promotion. Erika had bought herself a new car with her pay raise.

  What Julia hadn’t anticipated when she promoted Erika was the green-eyed monster coming out in Calvin. He had sulked the first week. Then his beater car had died, leaving him stranded in the mountains with a girl he had taken out for a picnic. Since then, Calvin and Erika had been avoiding each other. He didn’t like that his younger sister made more money than him, and their squabbles had skyrocketed to an all-time new high. Julia felt completely responsible for putting them on the outs with each other.

  No one else had seemed as bothered by it as Julia. Luke assured her they’d be fine. Even Bruce blew it off as sibling rivalry, which was probably true. Not that she had experience with that, being an only child. Nonetheless, she didn’t like it.

  It had all hit home when Calvin quit his job a few weeks ago. He’d said he wanted to try something new, but it stung. Nothing had felt right to Julia since he’d left. She missed him and his cheesy grin something awful.

  “All right, you’re all set. Your room is in the east wing as always,” Erika said, pulling Julia back to the present.

  “Perfect. I love the view of the mountains. Thanks, dear.” Becky nodded. “What time is dinner?”

  “Six at the lake house,” Julia replied.

  “Great! That gives me time to take a nap so I can be in tip-top shape to drive y’all nuts.” She cackled, pulling her suitcase behind her. “Are you coming, Diane?” she hollered.

  “Save me!” Diane smirked.

  “Baby!” Becky yelled, her annoying laugh trailing behind her.

  These women. Having her mother and aunts here warmed Julia like a cozy autumn evening by a crackling fire. The next few days were destined to be magical, leading up to her marrying the man of her wildest—and sexiest—dreams.

  As her magnificent man had assured her it would, the snow started melting away later in the day. Knowing Luke, he had probably called up Mother Nature and given her a verbal ass-chewing as only a powerful, determined Marine could.

  She swooned at the thought of Luke moving heaven and earth to make all her dreams come true.

  two

  Mother-Daughter Stuff

  There was a time in her life when Julia had believed she would get married at a regal country club. The clear day would be as warm as expected in Southern California. The venue would be elegant, the Asian-infused meal would be prepared by a top chef, and her husband-to-be would be wearing an Armani tuxedo. She cringed as Trent entered her mind.

  Never in a million years would she have married Trent.

  “I love that we’re sharing a room for a few days.” Donna smiled as she unpacked her suitcase.

  “Me too.” Julia shook the gross thoughts out of her head. The past was the past, dreams and all. Her future with Luke and his kids—and the babies she hoped to ha
ve someday—was the only thing that mattered to her.

  “And Luke’s okay with it?”

  “Of course he is…sort of.” Julia scrunched her nose. “I told him that I wanted him to miss me for a few days before the wedding.”

  “Julia…” Donna tilted her head. She wore a relaxed smile, and her eyes sparkled brightly. “Luke seems like the kind of guy who’d miss you whenever you’re not with him.”

  Julia gaped. “That’s what he said!” She stared at the bed where their fiery passion took place during their Friday night slumber parties, as Luke called them. Heat crept into her cheeks. Then she giggled, shaking her head. “It’ll do him good. I like when he’s desperate for me.”

  Had she really said that to her mom?

  “Aww, be nice to him. He’s a good man, like…” Her voice trailed off, and Julia’s breath hitched. “I wish your father could have been here to walk you down the aisle. He would be so proud of you.”

  A lump formed in Julia’s throat as Donna’s eyes filled with tears.

  “Oh, Mom.” She wrapped her arms around her mom’s waist as tears trickled down their faces. “Do you think he would have liked Luke?”

  Donna pulled back. Her red nose matched Julia’s. Blotchy faces and red noses were a trademark of Godfrey women. Julia was no exception, as she favored her mother’s side. “I think he would have ordered Luke to move to Los Angeles so we could be close to you. I’m sure he wouldn’t let any man steal you away from us.” Julia sucked back her emotions. “I have a feeling Luke would go anywhere with you though.”

  “He would. I have no doubt that he would.” Julia sniffled, drying her eyes. “He wants to start our own family right away. What do you think about that?”

  “Well…” Donna paused, cautiously selecting her words. Julia took her hand as her stomach turned nervously.