Cole hadn’t been nervous at all until he laid eyes on her. She held his heart in her hands. He knew it wouldn’t beat again until their final I’Do’s. Her eyes sparkled as they connected and locked with his. Suddenly, they were the only two people in the room.
Jade couldn’t believe this was happening. It wasn’t until her hands were placed in the warmth of his that she knew this was no dream. Her wedding to Cole was happening. Most of it went by fast until they came to the vows. Then time stood still.
The Minister turned to Cole. “Do you have vows?”
His eyes never left Jade’s from the moment she entered his line of vision. “Yes.” Jade turned to hand her bouquet to Brenda. She turned back to Cole as he held both of her hands in a firm grip. “My spirit connected to Cricket Anderson seventeen years ago when you were only nine years old. The light in your eyes, and the innocence of your heart captured and held me, hostage, ever since. My only experiences of love have come from you. Then, I didn’t know we would be standing here about to make vows of forever.” His voice was thick with emotion. He took a deep, steadying breath. “Over these last ten years that we were apart, I was so lost without you. But the moment you appeared back into my life, no longer as Cricket, the child, but Jade, the woman, I no longer felt adrift. My heart realized what my spirit knew all along; you are home. Jade Cricket Anderson, I promise to love, honor, and cherish you forever til death do us part and past forever.”
Jade didn’t know if her legs would support her, or if her voice would hold up to give her own vows. A single tear slid down her face as he sweetly wiped it away.
Her lips trembled as she began to give her vows. “Cole Thornton, that day you wrapped your arms around me and held me close to make sure I was okay at the tender age of nine was the exact moment, I knew I loved you. At eleven, when you placed a yellow daisy in my coily hair, I knew I would love you forever. Time and circumstances never changed my love for you. Our bond is deeper than anything we’ve faced or ever will. You’ve been many things to me; my protector, my friend, my lover, and today I can say, my husband. Never again will we be alone. Our blood lines will no longer begin and end with us as we start our own family and take this journey of life together. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you til death do us part and past forever.”
The rest of the ceremony went by in a blur until the Minister said: “You may kiss your bride.” Finally, Cole pulled Jade into his arms and kissed her deeply. The kiss went on for so long, many people started to cough and clear their throats. When they finally came up for air, the Minister made the pronouncement that only months earlier had been a dream. “Ladies and Gentleman, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Cole Thornton.”
Epilogue
One Year Later…
Jade was sitting in a rocking chair by the fire at Serenity House reading to a small group of kids. Cole was outside playing basketball with Doug and some of the other teens. Doug couldn’t play to save his life, but the kids still enjoyed the time he spent with them.
Carmen and Doug hadn’t known until right before the wedding about Jade and Cole growing up together in a group home. Ever since the wedding, they’d become huge financial supporters of Serenity House and volunteered quite often. Today was one of those days where Carmen and Doug had come over to volunteer. Carmen was in the kitchen with Ms. Nash whipping up an authentic Mexican meal.
Suddenly, Jade felt a sharp pain in her lower back. The pain was so intense it took her breath away. She gripped the rocking chair until it passed. After a few seconds, it went away. Her face had turned beet red.
Jazmine, one of the children she’d been reading to asked, “Mrs. Thornton are you okay?”
Jade smiled rubbing her round and swollen stomach. Hearing them call her Mrs. Thornton would never get old. “I'm all right.” Before she could finish getting the words out, another sharp pain hit her. She dropped her book and bent over squeezing her eyes shut.
Little Jazmine ran to get Ms. Nash from the kitchen. “Ms. Nash…Ms. Nash…something is wrong with Mrs. Thornton!”
Carmen and Ms. Nash immediately rushed out of the kitchen to check on Jade. When they arrived her face was flushed.
Ms. Nash kneeled down and lifted her chin with her finger. “Are you okay, Jade?”
The pain was pretty intense, and she couldn’t speak. Instead, she shook her head from side to side. Ms. Nash turned to Carmen. “Go get Cole. Looks like we might be having a baby.”
*****
Everyone came running into the house behind Cole. He was so nervous when he bent down next to Jade. “Babe, is it time?”
Again, she tried to speak but couldn’t form words. Instead, she just nodded. He picked her up into his arms and carried her to the car. Jade lie her head on his shoulder. “My purse. I left it. And, my bag…”
“Is in the trunk of the car. I’ll tell Ms. Nash to put your purse up. You won’t need it.”
Cole drove like a bat out of hell trying to get Jade to the hospital. Her whimpers turned into full on wails. He didn’t know what to do to comfort her. He arrived at St. Mary’s Emergency in record time pulling up to the doors meant for ambulances.
“Cooooooooooole.”
Quickly, he jumped out of the car and around to her door. Carrying her through the door, he yelled to anyone who would listen. “My wife, she’s pregnant. She’s in labor. We need help.”
A nurse grabbed a wheelchair and met them at the door. “Okay, put her down here Mr….”
As tenderly as he could, Cole placed Jade in the chair. “Thornton. I’m Cole, and this is my wife, Jade.”
The nurse was gentle but firm. “Okay. We’ll need to examine your wife, and while we do that we’ll need you to fill out some paperwork.”
The determined set of his jaw was unmistakable. “I can’t leave my wife.”
The nurse had to deal with first-time fathers all the time. She attempted to be sympathetic. “It’ll only be a minute. The sooner you complete the paperwork, with critical information the doctor might need, the sooner you can be with her.”
At that moment, Doug and Carmen burst through the doors and headed straight for Cole.
Jade understood the nurse’s request and tried to smooth it over when she saw Cole about to protest. “It’s okay. Please take care of the paperwork and hurry back to me.” The nurse wheeled Jade off to an exam room.
Doug and Carmen were just as excited and nervous as Cole. They had been so busy with their own lives that they hadn’t made time for a family. Serenity House changed that for them. They’d only recently decided to try to have children of their own.
Doug spoke first to Cole. “Is she okay?”
He waved his hand in frustration. “I don’t know. They’ve got me out here filling out paperwork. I can’t even think straight. How the hell am I supposed to answer these questions?”
Carmen took the clipboard and pen from him. “I’ll read them, you answer. I’ll fill it out.”
Moments later, Cole was able to rush back to Jade’s side. Two hours later, no longer did their bloodlines begin and end with just the two of them when Daisy Elle Thornton was born.
THANK YOU
I hope you enjoyed The Right Side of My Pillow. I’m so in love with all of these characters! If you enjoyed it too, please take a moment to leave a review.
I also love interacting with all of my readers who also receive exclusive news, updates, and new release information. Please take some time to visit my website.
Website: http://lashawnvasser.com
SUBSCRIBE to my website and you’re automatically entered into a monthly drawing to win a $50 gift card.
Other Books by LaShawn Vasser
A PERFECT STORM
THIS IS BOOK TWO OF TWO
A death and the potential loss of Manchetti Enterprises brought powerhouse attorney, Braylee Hinsdale together with Alexandro Manchetti. She managed the impossible - saved his business and his sanity. In turn, he was able to pierce through her tough armor and
gently remove an intractable mask concealing deeply hidden wounds. While their attraction was immediate, each fought to protect their fragile hearts from hurt and harm; but instead found strength and love.
Just as Alexandro and Braylee seemed on the path to happily ever after, they found themselves in the middle of a storm. A powerful storm. A Perfect Storm. And, it had the name Gina Lee Xiou written all over it. Who was she? A lover from his past? What did she want? More importantly, could she blow up their lives with just a few words? And, would she dare? Find out in A Perfect Storm.
CREE
Cree Jacobs has ever only loved one man, and for years she’s worked two jobs, sometimes three to support his dreams. Her entire world centered around Cameron Jacobs. What happens when his world no longer revolves around her?
Distance has kept them apart for so long that they’ve become virtual strangers. Feeling lost and alone Cree realized his goals were her goals. His dreams were her dreams until tragic events forced a path of self-discovery.
Sometimes you have to stop, regroup, and find your center. Will that center lead back to love?
The Stranger Next To Me
Tasha Stevens and Sabrina Links-Horne have been best friends since high school. Everyone always wondered how their friendship stood the test of time. Especially since they were polar opposites in every way, except for one thing. They were both in love with Tim Horne...Sabrina’s husband.
Although they’ve seen each other through the best and worst of times, one decision will change the course of their lives forever and leave them both wondering who is The Stranger Next To Me?
Out of Nowhere (Book 1)
He is the CEO of CkR International, Inc., a billion dollar company. She is a struggling single mother working for his company in customer service. What happens during a chance meeting in his company’s elevator will change their lives forever. Take the journey with Vicky and Jason as they fall in love. Will they overcome past hurts, society’s demands, and family expectations?
NEW BEGINNINGS (Book 2)
Just when billionaire Jason Kincaid Rutherford was on the cusp of living happily ever after with the only woman who’s ever lit a fire within him, tragedy strikes. Will it leave her so broken that her heart doesn't have room for him? Not if Jason can help it. Continue on with the journey of Jason and Vicky as they face their biggest challenge yet.
LOVE, LIFE, and VOWS (Book 3)
Jason and Vicky have fought hard for their relationship. They've overcome differences in culture, race, and social status. They've withstood an almost unimaginable tragedy and come out on the other side stronger than ever. Or, so they thought.
Follow along as Jason and Vicky's love is pushed to the breaking point after life takes a devastating turn. Will they ever find their happily ever after?
The Battle Within (Book 4)
Sandra Catchings never had good luck when it came to relationships. Somehow, she always managed to find the most careless, egocentric and inconsiderate men! Until the day she met Franklin Roth. He was dark, brooding, spectacularly handsome, and exactly the kind of man she should clearly keep at a distance. But, as karma would have it, circumstances forced them together. And, of course, she would fall madly and deeply in love. Then, BAM! Out of Nowhere, it ended. Sandy was left hurt, confused, and over it. Over men like Franklin Roth.
Life had thrown everything at Franklin Roth and left him barely standing. No one understood his choices or the raging Battle Within but he was determined to live with the decisions he'd made.
However, when an intricate web of lies and deceit start to unravel, will it be too late for Franklin and Sandy to have their very own happily ever after?
FAITH – Her Love Story
After an explosive confrontation filled with secrets, lies and deceit, Faith Jones was ready for a fresh start. The years of insanity that engulfed her life was finally over; she refused to be humiliated or shamed into submission. She was battered but not broken and made ONE promise to herself, she would never repeat the mistakes of the past…NEVER.
Terrance Jackson Jr., was handsome, successful, and living a life of destiny. The moment he meets Faith he knew she could be the one and his life would never be the same. The only obstacle standing in their way was her PROMISE.
Although some promises were meant to be broken, his fight for her heart was going to be an epic battle. Terrance was convinced he’d be victorious because FAITH was all he needed to wage war and win.
Pieces of Me
Davis Chatham is a ruthless billionaire who spends every waking moment building Chatham Industries. That is until he meets and marries the woman of his dreams, Anne Mathews. However, his workaholic lifestyle destroys their marriage. After trying and failing to win her back Davis was left divorced, broken and bitter. Nothing he tried could soothe his restless soul until he met Nicole DonLeavy on that fateful night of the plane crash.
Get to know Davis Chatham and Nicole DonLeavy as they struggle to survive on an island paradise and follow what unfolds when Anne comes back into his life after their rescue. Is it possible to be in love with two women? And, faced with a choice which one will he choose? This is not your typical love story.
MEGA-AX1 the Inferno
As far as the world knew Jessica (Jessie) Ramsey is the CEO of Ramses, a billion dollar Networking and Security Management Firm. In reality, she is COMMAND the leader of MEGA-AX1, a covert Black-Ops organization. There never seemed to be a shortage of crises that required the attention of MEGA-AX1 and Jessie preferred it that way. Since an unspeakable tragedy, she was more interested in saving the world than her personal life. That was until she met Hollywood superstar actor, Brian Wright. He was rich, talented, sexy, and not the least bit interested in anything more than a friendship.
The next crisis: an inferno that threatened way more than the world as we know it. It also threatened to consume Jessie’s heart leaving ashes in its wake.
In book one of MEGA-AX1 the Inferno take the journey with Jessie and her team, as they navigate through dangerous missions - some to save the world and others to save their souls.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Title Page
Dedications & Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue
THANK YOU
Other Books by LaShawn Vasser
The Right Side of My Pillow Page 15
