by C. A. Harms
I wouldn’t allow it to be any other way.
***
Gabby
Everything was falling into place.
Next week we were to close on the house we just bought, only one block away from my parents.
I never thought I would ever move to the suburbs; I loved the city too much. But now everything is different. Everything feels different. All those material things no longer mean anything; it’s my family that holds me together, and for them I would do absolutely anything.
And today, I’ll marry my best friend—the man who gave me the things I never knew I really, truly wanted.
One night, one kiss, and he changed my entire outlook on life. His date from hell brought him to me.
Standing in front of the mirror, I scanned over my dress, adjusting the bodice. My mother stood at my side with tears in her eyes. “Don’t cry,” I told her, “because if you cry, I’ll cry. Then my makeup will be all messed up.”
She sniffled a couple more times, and when she realized there was no way to stop it, she turned around. “I need a damn tissue.” She hurried from the room and all I could do was laugh at her. She had been a complete mess all morning.
“Let’s just hope this one shows up,” my father said, catching me completely off guard.
I stopped adjusting my dress and looked up at my father with my mouth hanging open. He didn’t even acknowledge my surprise as I continued to gawk at him.
Was he kidding me?
Laughter spilled from Brooklynn, and Audrey soon followed. It was in that moment that my father looked over at me and winked.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Listen here, old man, comments like that will only get you hurt.” I could feel the corners of my mouth pulling upward as I fought against my own laughter.
“What?” he said innocently and shrugged as if he had said nothing wrong. “Weddings are expensive, and I’m still waiting for Lance to pay his outstanding bill.”
Something told me that comment was not a joke. I could actually imagine my father created an invoice of sorts and mailed it to Lance for his half of the wedding expenses he so graciously skipped out on.
My father stepped up to my side and wrapped his arm over my shoulders and squeezed me close, placing a kiss against my temple. “Lance wasn’t the man for you.” As if I hadn’t already figured that out for myself. He was a coward. “But Joshua is.”
I looked at my father through our reflections in the mirror as he continued.
“I never thought I would ever feel as if any man was worthy of any of my daughters, but I was wrong. Josh is a strong man, and I know that with him, you will always be loved.” He swallowed and cleared his throat. “He’s who you belong with, and I know that he treasures you. That is all I ever wanted for you and your sisters. I want a man to cherish my girls the way I always have.”
My father was not an emotional man.
My sisters and I had grown up our entire lives with a strong, stern man who took no shit. He was hard and tough, and at times we truly despised his rules and hovering. But today, I learned everything he had ever done, whether it was something I agreed with or not, it was always for us. He spent his life making sure my mother and us girls were provided for and protected.
My father was the greatest man I knew.
“Thank you, Daddy,” I whispered, “for everything.”
Brook and Audrey stepped up to the mirror next to us and shared a moment.
Just a father and his daughters.
It was a moment I wouldn’t trade for the world.
I had learned to treasure every passing moment, whether big or small, because we never know when one of those moments may just be our last.
I think in life we all get wrapped up in the daily shuffle.
We forget to just stop and take a look at the beauty around us. Take the time to appreciate the gifts we have been given. Take a few moments to realize just how blessed we are.
I did that a lot lately, because I had been in a position where I felt it may have been my last. It was terrifying, and it will be something I know I’ll carry with me forever. But I won’t let it rule me. I will just let those memories remind me of how precious the time I do have truly is.
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Acknowledgements
The Charmed Girls, you are all amazing. The continued support you show me is something I will never be able to express just how much it means to me. Thank you all for sharing my work and for just being you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/702393513116443/
Thank you Lydia because you are a true friend and motivator. Always making me laugh and smile. We are an amazing team and your friendship means the world. Thank you for being one of my biggest Cheerleaders.
Nancy Gennes Metsch—I want to thank you for the way you lead the Charmed Girls group. I truly appreciate it. Your dedication means the world.
Maria—no, I have not forgotten about you, and never could. You are always there willing to read through my roughest drafts and give me feedback. You give me a boost when I hit a dead spot and get me back on track. Thank you for being the push I need to continue on.
To my husband and children—thank you for being the best part of my days. For tolerating me when I get lost in the world of fiction and understanding that sometimes dinner may be a little late. Jayden and Tayler, no matter how many books I write, you two will always be my best creations.
My fans, I am always so humbled by your support. Those random messages I receive after you read my books, whether it be something big or small, I truly love them. Hearing what you think, in my eyes, is one of the greatest things about releasing a new book. I am never too busy for you.
Sara Eirew. Once again the pictures are gorgeous. The moment I found this couple in your many works of art, I knew they were my Josh and Gabby. You are a true genius behind the lens. Each cover comes to life because of the image it stems from. It was your images alone that struck the Phoenix series within my mind.
https://www.facebook.com/saraeirewphotographer/
About the Author
A little about me, let’s see where to start.
I love HEA stories, as long as they come packing a little heat. I need some excitement, some angst and moments that make me fan my face, those are always good too. I am an Illinois girl, born and raised. Simple and true, it honestly doesn’t take much to make me happy. I love the little things, they truly mean the most. I may have a slight addiction to my new Keurig, oh my, that thing is a godsend. And so fast too. I have two children who truly are my very best friends their faces never fail to put a smile on my face. I have been married to my husband for sixteen years and even though at times I want to beat him with a stick, I would never change the years we have had. We have learned and fallen, only to pick each other up, dust off the ache and help each other make it right.
I am one of those authors that adore my fans, I love to hear from you. After all it is because of each one of you that I continue to write. I look forward to you feedback.
Be sure to follow me to stay up to date on all my upcoming releases.
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