Coming Together: Welcome to Carson, Book Two

by Renee Harless

  After what felt like hours, she reaches him at the end of the aisle and he has to control his need to grab her from her father, then waltz her away to somewhere private. But she deserves better from him: she deserves this moment to show their love to all their friends and family.

  Luckily, they had spoken to the priest and had agreed to keep the ceremony short and sweet, because Austin could only be controlled to an extent.

  As he takes her hands into his, her father’s eyes shimmering as he gives her away, he knows how very thrilled she is that Jack was able to do so. Austin feels a nearly insatiable urge to tug her close and hold her, but instead opts for rubbing small circles on her wrists with his thumbs.

  “You look…stunning, sweetheart,” he murmurs.

  “Thank you. You look handsome, too.”

  “Let’s get this thing going so I can get you home,” he whispers into her ear, before pulling away and winking in her direction.

  She giggles slightly as they turn to face the priest, both gently squeezing their interlaced hands.

  When the ceremony comes to a close, both of them having professed their love and devotion, Austin takes her face into his hands and seals his lips over hers. Before spinning around, he bends his knees slightly and places a soft kiss on Nikki’s stomach for baby Grace, then kisses his wife once more.

  Wife? Holy shit! I can’t believe she is actually my wife.

  The Town Hall is converted into a reception area for the wedding, and Austin can’t believe the transformation it underwent. The wood paneled walls (straight out of the 1980’s) had been painted white, along with the ceiling, but the exposed beams had been kept in their true form, lending a rustic feel to the room. He had been informed previously by his mother that Angie’s niece, Kerry, is an event planner in Charlotte, North Carolina. She had been called in to help oversee the whole thing, and he has to admit that she has done a remarkable job.

  As they are presented to the crowd, Austin notices that Nikki can’t stop smiling, her face aglow in utter happiness, and he is thrilled that he has been the man to put that light in her eyes.

  Once they are escorted to the floor for their first dance to the Elvis classic, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” they slowly turn across the floor as Austin relishes the feel of Nikki in his arms. She fits perfectly, and he can’t help but love how she seems to melt against him.

  “Are you happy, sweetheart?”

  She bends her head back to look up at him, stroking her hand over the small scar on the back of his head where the hair won’t ever grow back in place: a reminder of all they have been through.

  “I never knew that I could be so happy. This has truly been a fairytale, Austin.”

  “Our fairytale is just beginning, darlin’.”

  “I know; that’s the best part.”

  From the corner of his eye, Austin notices how other couples are joining into their dance and he makes the move to pull Nikki away, but she holds firm. She is determined not to leave the party too early, despite his desperate need to have her.

  Laughing, she says, “We have to wait until we cut the cake and then we can go, babe.”

  “Fine,” he grumbles, pulling her closer and resting his head on her shoulder so he can kiss her neck.

  “Austin!” she shrieks quietly.

  “Shhh…,” he murmurs with a smile.

  “What are you doing here?” Sydney’s shriek of indignance is sudden and quite distracting, drawing the crowd’s attention to where she stands by the entrance.

  Austin and Nikki quickly turn to find Dylan entering the hall, and he waves when he spots them.

  Sidetracked by Sydney’s outburst, he stalks over to her heatedly, leaning about three inches from her face to answer her question.

  “I’m here for two reasons, Ms. Connelly. One, I was invited. Two, I have some news for the couple that I figured they would want to hear.”

  Looking at each other with a questioning glance, Nikki and Austin head over to the couple, hoping to keep the argument from escalating.

  “Who invited you?” Sydney sneers, her tone so unlike the cheerful voice Austin was familiar with.

  “I did,” their mother replies as she approaches. “Sydney, dear, you need to calm down. You’re causing a scene.”

  “Sorry,” his sister murmurs as she steps back.

  “Dylan, it’s good to see you,” Austin says, warmly shaking the man’s hand.

  “Sorry I haven’t been around much. I’ve been working on closing this case. Which leads me to the good news: Ashley and Victor have both pled guilty to the charges of attempted homicide, grand larceny, and embezzlement. Their sentencing will take place next week.”

  “Wow, so it’s over?” Nikki inquires, breathless.

  “Yes, ma’am. And congratulations on your nuptials; you look beautiful.”

  Nikki blushes under Dylan’s kind words.

  “So, we’ll be seeing you soon?” Amy asks, wrapping an arm protectively around her daughter’s waist as Sydney shoots piercing arrows of hate from her eyes towards the FBI agent.

  “Soon?” Sydney asks.

  “Oh, yes.” Her mother replies cheerfully, “Since you’ve been taking so long with interviews, I’ve sifted through the resumes and I was really impressed with Dylan’s. He’ll have to tell us one day how he became a chef and an FBI agent. Anyway, he’ll be the new head chef of The Grill.”

  “No…” Sydney utters in disbelief, stunning everyone around her but Dylan.

  With a cocky smile on his face he responds, “Oh, yes,” then leans forward and kisses both Nikki and Amy on the cheek. Pausing for a moment, he looks at Sydney, then kisses her cheek as well and whispers, “I’ve missed you, Syd.”

  Turning on his boot-clad heel, Dylan exits just as quickly as he arrived.

  His mother removes herself from the group to disappear back into the dancing crowd, but Austin notices how Sydney continues to stare out the door after Dylan, and a single tear escapes from the corner of her eye.

  “Are you alright?” he probes, tightening his hold on Nikki’s waist.

  “I’ll be fine,” she retorts, hastily swiping at her face to remove the tell-tale signs.

  “Come on,” Nikki tugs at him, aware that his sister may need a minute to herself.

  She takes him back onto the dance floor and wraps her arms around his neck.

  “Do you think she’s alright?”

  Nikki looks at him lovingly and speculates, “I hope so. Something seems to have happened between them.”

  “Do you think he hurt her?” he poses, tensing up ready for a physical fight, “I’ll kill him.”

  “Calm down, honey. I think it’s a mutual hurt. You do have some strong women in your family: she could very well have hurt him.”

  “Sydney? She wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

  “Maybe, maybe not,” Nikki expresses, turning her attention back to the woman in question as she moves towards her seat.

  It feels like eternity to the groom, but is only moments later when someone grabs the newlyweds so they can cut the cake. Truthfully, Austin has never been so thrilled to watch Nikki wield a knife. As he wipes away the icing Nikki has placed on his nose, he begins making plans on how quickly he can get her into his truck and over to the hotel in Asheville.

  “We’ve cut the cake,” he reminds his new bride.

  “Yes, we have. It was delicious,” she counters, continuing to hand out a few slices to guests.

  Grabbing her hand, he spins her towards him and kisses her deeply, expressing in his kiss what words never could – the depth of need for her in that very moment.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  Reaching forward, she slides her hands up his tuxedo lapels until they settle on his cheeks. Looking into his eyes, her face is graced with that perfect smile that lights up any room she enters.

  “Austin,” she says softly, “I’m ready to go anywhere with you.”

  If you enjoyed Coming Together, please leave a review.
Your support helps me reach out to more readers.

  More Books by Renee Harless

  The Stone Series

  Stone Shattered

  Stone Unhinged

  Stone Mended

  Welcome to Carson

  Coming Alive

  Coming Together

  Coming Consumed

  There are so many people I want to thank that I truly apologize if I leave anyone out. Coming Together truly was a team effort as I used each and every one of you to bounce ideas back and forth.

  First, I want to thank Renee. You launched yourself into my world and at this point you’re not ever allowed to leave. You read my book a hundred times and tell me when things don’t seem right. You send me things to make my day brighter, but truly having you as one of my BEST FRIENDS is enough. You’re my sister in spirit and I am so glad you’re in my life.

  Donna, you’ve helped me reach a level of audience I didn’t realize was possible. I appreciate all your hard work and I am so glad to have you as a part of my team.

  My Street Team: Amanda, Jennifer, Loralie, Lynette, Michelle, Sandra, Susan, Stracey, and Teri. You’re ability to share my work across thousands of new audiences amazes me. I don’t have enough words to express how much thanks I have for you all.

  My Risqué Readers: it’s because of you all that I continue to write. You’re enthusiasm for my stories and what I have to say has no bounds and I wake up each day wanting to write something that will astound you.

  Shauna: You’re ability to capture the EXACT image I’ve had in my mind since writing Austin’s story renders me speechless. I am so thankful that you answer my random messages and give me honest feedback. I can’t wait to meet you and praise you again for all your amazing work.

  Matthew: How is it you were able to depict every emotion portrayed within my book in one photo? You are Austin in every aspect of his character. I’m grateful that I am able to call you a friend and that you tolerate my random GIFs. I’m looking forward to all the havoc we’re going to cause.

  Emily and my Betas: heck this story probably wouldn’t exist without you all. You pushed me until I hit a wall and then helped knock that wall down so that Austin got the story he deserved. You’re beyond talented at what you do and I’m honored to call you all friends.

  Teri, Christina, Misty, Colleen, Renee, and Heather: It’s one thing to have a group of people you can turn to for advice. It’s another to have a group of people you can truly call your friends, especially in this indie world. I look forward to our messages and comments…even when we’re just commenting on shenanigans that will take place at our mutual events. I love you ladies

  #Tribesquad…I don’t believe words are necessary.

  Jesse: I’m not sure that there is anything more I can say to express how utterly thankful I am that you pressure me to pursue my dream. The endless hours of screaming kiddos on the weekend while I’m locked away in my cave of wonders is enough to drive anyone crazy, but you never ask me to stop. You are more supportive than I could have ever imagined and I love you more each day because of it. Thank you will never be enough.

  My kids: There are many days where I feel guilty for having to stalk off to my office to work during the few hours a week I get to spend with you. I miss seeing you smile and laugh and dance, all to see me crack a smile at your antics. But I’m there, always. Never forget that. Every time you scream my name I’m there. Every time you sing that song in the movie or play house, I’m there. I love you more than life itself and I hope you’ll always know and feel that.

  Keep reading for a look at the Book Three in the Welcome to Carson Series, Coming Consumed, featuring Sydney and Dylan.

  Renee Harless

  (Unedited Version)

  SYDNEY BRUSHES ASIDE HER worry and straightens the table cloth resting on the second hand wooden slats one more time. She is planning a nice romantic dinner for herself and Caleb in celebration of his promotion at work.

  Caleb is a police officer in the city of Raleigh where she attends the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes of Raleigh-Durham. She met Caleb outside of a coffee shop across the street from campus where he was making his rounds. She had dropped her notebook and she stopped his patrol car and helped her retrieve the notes that had fallen from it. He was seven years older than her, but age meant little, the two had become inseparable.

  As she started her final year in the culinary program, Caleb had suggested that they move in together. They found a small one bedroom apartment close to the campus and hadn’t looked back.

  Sydney was so proud of Caleb when he called her earlier to mention the promotion. She had wanted to call her mom and dad immediately, but decided against it. They weren’t even aware that she had a boyfriend, much less a man she was living with. Sydney didn’t know why she was so apprehensive in telling her family about Caleb, she just – was. She was never one to draw attention to herself, especially in their large family of six kids, so she let everyone else garner the family’s praises.

  A knock at the door startles Sydney and she rushes over to answer.

  “Hello, can I help you?” she asks the abnormally tall man dressed in a dark suit with matching sunglasses.

  Something about his stance makes her uneasy, but she isn’t truly nervous until she sees the switchblade tucked behind the palm of his hand. Sydney grips the handle of the door tighter in her hand as fear begins pulsing through her veins.

  “We just need to send a little message.”

  “To whom?” she replies as she tries to shut the door unsuccessfully, but the man in black grabs the edge of the door with his free hand.

  Sydney tries to push harder against the door handle, but it goes no-where.

  “To your boyfriend, sweetheart. Tell him he better keep his mouth shut or we’ll do worse.”

  Before Sydney has a chance to do anything more than purse her lips and furrow her brows the man before her uses the switchblade tucked in his palm and slices a deep gash across her left wrist.

  She grips her arm with her other hand and tugs the wounded limb close to her body and peers at the damage. Sydney gasps in pain and fear and looks up to the man, but finds him already retreating at a fast pace towards his car.

  Unsure of her next move, Sydney launches herself towards the kitchen and wraps a clean towel around the wound before grabbing her cell phone and double checking the locks on the door.

  She dials Caleb first, but unsurprisingly there is no answer. Sydney glances down at the blood soaked towel and shutters as she takes a deep breath, the light-headedness quickly overtaking.

  She glances through blurry eyes at the green call button of her cell phone and presses it twice, hoping against all hope that Caleb answers.

  As the ring tone sings in her ear Sydney loses her battle with the pain. She drops down to the floor, her weight pressing against the door and sighs as her world fades to black.

  About the Author

  Renee Harless is a contemporary and erotic romance author. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with her husband and children. Renee is a fan of the Washington Capitals and Virginia Tech Hokies.

  To say that Renee is a romance addict would be an understatement. When she isn't chasing her kids around the house, or writing, she jumps head first into a romance novel.