Nobody But You B&N

by Barbara Freethy

  "The wedding—"

  "Will happen another day. Don't worry about it."

  "All the money your parents spent—"

  "Stop. It's going to be fine," she said firmly. "The only thing that matters is you. You're going to be all right. That's all I care about."

  "You look so pretty."

  She gave him a teary smile. "That's the drugs talking. I'm a mess."

  "You have blood on your dress." He frowned. "How did you get blood on your clothes?"

  "I hugged you," she said. "Right before they put you in the ambulance."

  "How did I get out of the bank?"

  "It's a long story. Spencer will tell you everything."

  "Did anyone else get hurt?"

  "You're the only one. Luckily there was a nurse in the bank. She helped Spencer take care of you."

  "Did she have red hair?"

  "She did."

  "Spencer was hitting on her in line."

  "I think he's still doing that," she said with a smile. "She spent half the night in the waiting room with him."

  "Good for him."

  "You should rest now." Her hand slid down his arm and she put her fingers around his.

  He looked into her eyes. "Are you still going to marry me, Emma?"

  "Try and stop me," she said. "Third time will be the charm. And I really don't care about any more wedding planning, Max. We can get married wherever. It's the marriage part I want, the having children and growing old together that's important. I want what my grandparents' have—the next sixty years with you."

  "Only sixty?"

  "Make that a hundred. Try to rest now."

  "Kiss me first," he said.

  She lowered her head and kissed him on the lips, infusing every bit of her love and passion for him in that one long kiss. "Sleep now."

  "Now? After that?" he said. "I want another kiss."

  "Tomorrow," she said with a laugh.

  Despite his protest, his eyes were already drifting closed. She sat back down in the chair and then leaned back and closed her eyes, letting exhaustion sweep her into a happy dream of many more tomorrows with the man she loved.

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later – Christmas Eve

  "I thought you were taking me out to dinner," Hallie said as Spencer ushered her up the steps of the San Francisco Courthouse.

  He smiled. "You'll get dinner—eventually."

  "That sounds ominous. What's going on?"

  "It's a surprise."

  Spencer had been surprising her a lot lately. In fact, they'd spent much of the last two weeks together. As promised, their first date had been to the Beachside Bar where he'd introduced her to San Francisco's finest rum drinks. They'd talked for hours over those drinks, and found they had more in common than just dark pasts.

  She couldn't remember feeling so comfortable with a man so quickly, but going through a life and death situation with Spencer had vaulted them over the initial first date awkwardness, and their relationship was moving quickly past friendship into passion and maybe even love.

  They'd both been through their own version of hell, but they were coming out of the darkness. Spencer had enrolled in a cooking class and was working on the weekends as a sous chef, and she'd just spoken to one of her former bosses at San Francisco General Hospital about working in the maternity ward. She thought bringing babies into the world would be a nice change of pace. She'd missed nursing, and it was time to stop running away from what she loved. Her punishment was over.

  She'd never imagined a trip to the bank could turn her entire life upside down. And it wasn't just the robbery that had shaken her out of her stupor; it was Spencer.

  After telling him her story, she'd been able to go back to her dad. Her father had apologized for not reacting the way she'd wanted. And she'd said she was sorry for not giving him a chance to react any way he wanted to. They'd made up and she'd found her dad to be far more understanding of what she'd gone through than she'd thought.

  Speaking of her father…

  "Don't forget, we have to get to my dad's house by eight," she said. "I promised I'd bring you by after dinner. He wants to meet the man who encouraged me to talk to him again."

  "And I want to meet him. We'll be there in plenty of time." Spencer paused by the front door. "Before we go inside, I want to say something."

  "What's that?" she asked, feeling a little nervous. It was a familiar feeling. In fact, she was starting to get used to the fluttery dance her stomach did every time Spencer was around. She was wildly attracted to the man; she just didn't know exactly what to do about it. After their fast start, they'd been taking things slow, but she'd been finding the pace a little slower than she wanted. In fact, she'd been taking a lot of cold showers lately.

  Spencer gave her a serious look. "I want you, Hallie."

  She swallowed hard, not sure what to say. "Okay."

  He frowned. "Not exactly the reaction I was looking for."

  "We're standing outside a courthouse."

  "I know it's not the most romantic spot I could have picked, but I didn't want to go another minute without telling you how I feel. We've both been hurt by love. But I'm ready to take another chance—with you. If you're not ready yet, I'll wait. I know you loved Doug, and I want to respect that."

  "How long will you wait?"

  "As long as it takes for you to want me, too. I know I'm not the ideal man. I've got a prison record—"

  "Hush," she said, putting her finger against his lips. "We've been all through that. I know what kind of man you are. I'm not afraid of your record or your past."

  "Are you sure?"

  "Positive. I already want you, Spencer. I'm scared of how much I want you. And after what we went through together, I don't want to waste any more time being afraid. I'd like to see where this relationship goes. So I'm in, all the way in." As she finished speaking, all her lingering doubts faded away. She was in love again. She'd never imagined she could be, but here she was.

  "Thank God," Spencer said with heartfelt sincerity. "I feel the same way." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

  "I'm glad you feel the same," she said breathlessly, but I hope you didn't bring me here to spring a surprise wedding on me."

  "Well, someone is getting married, but it's not us. It's Emma and Max."

  "Really? Here?"

  “Emma didn't want to wait to put together another wedding. She wants to marry Max tonight."

  "Isn't this family only?"

  "You saved Max's life. Trust me, in Emma's eyes, you're already part of the family."

  * * *

  Emma glanced in the mirror of the ladies' restroom in the San Francisco Courthouse. Her sister, Nicole, met her gaze, and Emma smiled at their reflection, thinking back to the last time she'd gotten dressed for her wedding, her sister at her side. Then she'd worn a concoction of lace and silk. Now she had on a simple long-sleeve white dress with a sweetheart neckline perfect for showing off her grandmother's necklace.

  "You look good," Nicole said.

  "I think she could use a touch more eye-shadow," Shayla put in, as she came up behind them.

  "Stop it. I look fine," Emma said with a smile, turning around to face them.

  "Are you sure this is what you want?" Shayla asked, doubt in her eyes. "Maybe this is the wrong time to ask the question, but I know this isn't your dream wedding."

  "My dream wedding is with the man I love, and he's waiting for me down the hall. I know he's here this time, because Sara checked for me. Nothing is going to go wrong today," she added with a little smile. "So let's get this show on the road."

  "After you," Nicole said, waving her out of the bathroom.

  Max and Spencer along with the Callaway men were waiting outside the judge's chambers. Max wore a dark gray suit and Emma’s breath caught in her chest at the sight of him. He looked so handsome. But more importantly, he looked healthy and alive. He'd recovered quickly from his surgery, and neither one of them had wan
ted to wait another second to tie the knot.

  "Ready to become Mrs. Max Harrison?" he asked, taking her hand.

  She gave him a loving smile. "More than ready."

  "Good. Let's do this so we can get to the honeymoon."

  "We have the reception at my mom's house first."

  "Don't remind me. I can't wait to get you alone, Emma Callaway."

  "Soon to be Emma Callaway Harrison. I love you, Max. It's going to be me and you forever."

  "Forever," he agreed, kissing her on the mouth.

  "Hey, you two," Spencer said. "Save something for the ceremony."

  She glanced over at Spencer, pleased to see the beautiful Hallie at his side. She had a feeling Spencer was going to get his happily-ever-after, too.

  Max led her into the judge's chambers. And as they stood in front of the judge, promising to love each other forever, they were surrounded by their family and friends. There was love in every breath of air that she took, and Emma drank it all in. Their vows were more poignant now, knowing how close they'd come to losing each other and the dream of their lifetime.

  "You may kiss the bride," the judge finally said.

  Max gave her a look of love and said. "It's about damn time." And then his mouth covered hers.

  THE END

  Dear Reader:

  I hope you enjoyed Max and Emma's wedding, and that you had a good time seeing Spencer and Hallie begin their love story. They'll be appearing in future Callaway books as well.

  I have so many Callaway story ideas in my head that I thought it might be fun to do some novellas around big events in the family, stories that don't work for a full-length book but are great for a shorter length novella. I hope you'll enjoy the mix of long and shorter stories.

  If you've missed any of the Callaway novels, here are the titles that are currently available: ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS (#1), SO THIS IS LOVE (#2), FALLING FOR A STRANGER (#3) and BETWEEN NOW AND FOREVER (#4). I've attached summaries of these books following this letter.

  My next full-length story, ALL A HEART NEEDS (Callaways #5) will be out in February of 2014 and features Sean and Jessica's story. You won't want to miss this one!

  If you haven't had a chance to sign up for newsletter, you can click here! That way you won't miss any new books or fun giveaways.

  Happy Reading!

  Barbara Freethy

  THE CALLAWAY SERIES:

  ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS (#1)

  The second oldest of the Callaway clan, Aiden Callaway veered from the family tradition of urban firefighting and became a smokejumper, never questioning his choice until the job took the life of his friend, Kyle, and left Aiden with injuries and fractured memories. Everyone blames Aiden for what happened, but he doesn't remember, nor is he sure he wants to remember. The truth may clear Aiden of blame but destroy Kyle's reputation and hurt the people he left behind.

  Aiden seeks help from an unlikely ally ...

  Sara had always been untouchable, sweet, innocent, his sister's best friend, and the girl next door. But one reckless night in their youth took their relationship to a new level. Sara has never forgiven or forgotten the way Aiden brought it crashing down, but she's no longer that girl with the crazy crush. She's a woman in search of her own truth.

  The sparks between Aiden and Sara have been smoldering for a very long time. Sara is afraid to take another chance on a man who broke her heart, and Aiden knows better than anyone how dangerous an intense fire can be.

  As teenagers they weren't ready for each other. Are they ready now?

  Buy On A Night Like This (Callaways, #1)

  THE CALLAWAY SERIES:

  SO THIS IS LOVE (#2)

  Emma Callaway, a hot fire investigator clashes with Max Harrison, a cool homicide detective in SO THIS IS LOVE, the second book in the Callaway Series, by #1 NY Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy

  For Max Harrison, love seduces and then destroys. His brother went to prison for love. His father left his family for love. And Max is determined not to follow in their footsteps, until he meets Emma…

  Emma runs into burning buildings without an ounce of fear and embraces life as if every day is a new adventure. But while she's fearless on the job, Emma is a coward when it comes to love. Betrayed by an ex-boyfriend, Emma has no intention of putting her heart on the line again, until she meets Max…

  As the fires around the city rage, the heat between them ignites in a blaze of passion that's far more dangerous. Will it destroy them or will they finally get everything they ever wanted…

  Buy So This Is Love (Callaways, #2)

  THE CALLAWAY SERIES:

  FALLING FOR A STRANGER (#3)

  Ria is as sexy and sultry as a warm tropical night and as beautifully dangerous as the island drinks she serves at the beachside bar on Isla de los Suenos -- The Island of Dreams. But Ria is not as carefree as she appears, and the pretense is wearing her down. One night she risks everything to escape from reality.

  Drew Callaway is a former Navy pilot and rescue operative looking for his own escape from a life that has seen too much tragedy. Meeting Ria is like embracing the sun, and their single night together is life-changing. But the dream quickly fades when Ria is killed in a tragic accident at sea.

  Months later, thousands of miles away from where they first met, Drew sees a woman who looks just like Ria. She claims her name is Tory, and that they've never met before, but he can see that she's in trouble, and he can't walk away. He's going to save her whether she wants it or not.

  Drew isn't afraid of a little danger, but can he risk losing his heart to a beautiful stranger?

  Buy Falling For A Stranger (Callaways, #3)

  THE CALLAWAY SERIES:

  BETWEEN NOW AND FOREVER (#4)

  Nicole met Ryan when he was a handsome, cocky teenager with a desire to fly high above the clouds. Ryan encouraged Nicole to dream big and promised her a lifetime of happiness, but several years into their lives together, they were faced with obstacles bigger than either had ever imagined. Their love faltered. They lost their way and considered what had once been unthinkable—the end of their forever.

  But now fate throws them a curve, an event that forces them back together, that strips their emotions bare and is both terrifying and strangely unifying. For the first time in a long while they have to face each other, and not only talk but also listen, because their lives depend on it—not only their lives, but also the life of their six-year-old son.

  Secrets and lies frame a perilous journey to the truth that takes Nicole and Ryan to Angel's Bay, a place where miracles sometimes happen. But in order to get that miracle, Nicole and Ryan must work together and learn how to trust and love each other again. Only then will they be able to save their family and find their way to happily ever after.

  Buy Between Now And Forever (Callaways, #4)

  Book List

  The Callaway Family Series

  #1 On A Night Like This

  #2 So This Is Love

  #3 Falling For A Stranger

  #4 Between Now And Forever

  Nobody But You (Callaway Wedding Novella)

  The Wish Series

  #1 A Secret Wish

  #2 Just A Wish Away

  #3 When Wishes Collide

  Standalone Novels

  Almost Home

  All She Ever Wanted

  Ask Mariah

  Daniel's Gift

  Don't Say A Word

  Golden Lies

  Just The Way You Are

  Love Will Find A Way

  One True Love

  Ryan's Return

  Some Kind of Wonderful

  Summer Secrets

  The Sweetest Thing

  The Sanders Brothers Series

  #1 Silent Run

  #2 Silent Fall

  The Deception Series

  #1 Taken

  #2 Played

  The Angel's Bay Series

  #1 Suddenly One Summer

  #2 On Shadow Beach

&nb
sp; #3 In Shelter Cove

  #4 At Hidden Falls

  #5 Garden of Secrets

  About The Author

  Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 35 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women's fiction. Traditionally published for many years, Barbara turned to Indie publishing in 2011 and in two years has sold over 3 million ebooks! Fourteen of her titles have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.

  Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family, mystery and romance, Barbara enjoys writing about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary adventures. She is currently writing a connected family series, The Callaways, which includes: ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS (#1), SO THIS IS LOVE (#2), FALLING FOR A STRANGER (#3) and BETWEEN NOW AND FOREVER (#4). There will be at least eight books in the Callaway series, and if you love series with romance, suspense and a little adventure, you'll love the Callaways.

  Barbara also recently released the WISH SERIES, a series of books connected by the theme of wishes including: A SECRET WISH (#1), JUST A WISH AWAY (#2) and WHEN WISHES COLLIDE (#3).

  Other popular standalone titles include: DON'T SAY A WORD, SILENT RUN and RYAN'S RETURN.

  Barbara's books have won numerous awards - she is a six-time finalist for the RITA for best contemporary romance from Romance Writers of America and a two-time winner for DANIEL'S GIFT and THE WAY BACK HOME.

  Barbara has lived all over the state of California and currently resides in Northern California where she draws much of her inspiration from the beautiful bay area.