Happy Endings

by Rhondeau, Chantel

  In it, Larissa’s image sat on the only good sitting rock on Quinn’s section of beach. The clear blue sky above her was cloudless and the water almost seemed to move in the picture itself. It was his best work yet, in Quinn’s opinion. Even better than the life-like background was Larissa herself.

  “I worked on this for two weeks, unable to paint your face,” he said. “You always looked sad and I couldn’t do anything different.”

  Larissa reached out as though to touch the canvas, but stopped just before her finger stroked the smiling image of herself. “What changed? I look as happy in the painting as I feel right now.”

  Quinn nodded. “That’s because I found the answers. As soon as I told Dad I was quitting my job with him and marrying you, I went straight to the studio and finished this within the hour. That’s when I knew it was the right choice. It’s what I needed to do in order to get my happy ending.”

  She giggled and turned to kiss him again. “You will certainly get a happy ending whenever you want one, my love, but this right here, this isn’t the end. This is our beginning.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Six months later

  Larissa brushed the dust from Star’s coat while she waited for Quinn to put the saddle on. She never imagined she’d have her own horse, but now she was anxious to ride to the waterfall again. Quinn said he wanted pictures of her by the falls to use for inspiration in his painting this month. Larissa actually guessed he was working on a wedding present, since she overheard him talking to her father the week before, but she didn’t want to spoil his surprise. Besides, she’d go anywhere with him.

  Quinn tightened the cinch on Shadow’s saddle and peeked at her over the horse’s back. “You’d better put a bandana on, beautiful. Don’t want to burn your head.”

  Larissa nodded. “I will. I already covered it in sunscreen. You’re such a worrywart.”

  “Well, if by the time we get there you’re burnt and in pain, how am I supposed to make love to you?”

  Larissa raised an eyebrow and pointed at herself. “You think you’re getting some of this?”

  “Of course I do. That’s why I’m marrying you.” He winked.

  She chuckled. “What if I’ve decided to make you wait until the wedding night?”

  “Then I’d wait.” Quinn circled the horses to stand in front of her. He grabbed her waist and pushed her against a wooden support beam behind them. His lips came close, but never brushed against hers. “If you really, really want to wait, I’ll be taking a lot of cold showers.”

  Closing the distance to kiss him, Larissa ran her hands down his back to grab his rear. “Nah, I hate cold showers.”

  “Then I guess we’d better hurry to the waterfall.”

  She nodded her agreement, but then sighed. “Do you really think my parents will be okay for the day? I hate leaving them alone while they’re here, especially when they had to wait so long for this vacation. But I haven’t felt this good in weeks, and I want to get away with you.”

  “Our mothers are closed up together in Mom’s kitchen, likely going over wedding plans, and our dads are out golfing.” He ran his fingers down her arm and grabbed onto her hand. “No one will miss us for the afternoon. You’re finally healthy again. I want to celebrate your recovery.”

  Cancer free and no more chemotherapy as of last week. It was a wonderful feeling. Sure, she needed to get regular checkups and there was never a guarantee it wouldn’t come back, but for now, today, she was healthy. The fatigue from her treatments had lifted and she was ready to live again.

  Even better, all the things she’d once worried about—scars on her chest, losing her breasts, her hair falling out—none of that mattered now. She was confident in her beauty and comfortable with what she had to endure. Spending time with other women in her situation helped her see their strength, which fed hers.

  Added to that was the fact that Quinn was as supportive as she could have wished. He said all of her differences were proof of the victory over her illness, and he admired them. She didn’t even know if she would undergo reconstructive surgery. There were risks involved, and she was tired of seeing doctors. She needed a break. For now, she had a water bra to use when she went out into public. In private, Quinn loved her body no matter what.

  “Earth to Larissa.” Quinn caressed her cheek. “Are we taking the horses out or not? I promise your parents are okay for the day without you.”

  “You’re right,” she said, kissing him. “Get Star saddled up so we can hit the trail.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He gave her a small salute but then winked. “Once we get there, will you saddle me up?”

  “And go for a ride?” She kept her face straight, fighting against the smile that wanted to break free.

  “It’ll be the best ride of your life,” he said, running his hand down the front of her body. “I know just how to rock the saddle.”

  “That is entirely true,” she agreed. “Not only the saddle. You rock my world, Quinn. I’m so happy to be back on the island with you. I love you so much.”

  “Good to know we’re even. You rock my world and I love you.” Quinn slung the saddle over Star’s back and tightened the straps before helping Larissa onto the horse. “Also, I now have incentive to find the quickest way to the waterfall. I’ll never get tired of the way you ride.”

  She laughed, happiness flooding through her of a kind she never imagined was possible.

  Every tough thing that happened in her life had been for a reason. Failed relationships, her desperate need for insurance and steady employment, even the cancer—they were blessings in disguise.

  They all led her to McCallister’s Paradise...and the man of her dreams.

  Author’s Note

  This is my first foray into the world of contemporary romance without a suspense plot line to fall back on. While challenging, I found it fun and exciting. I’ve been holding on to the idea for this story for over a year now, but didn’t write it until my good friend, author Rachelle Ayala, put together a class to write a romance in a month. I’m happy to say, I made the goal and finished this book with a few hours to spare on the day of our deadline (of course, editing is another matter).

  When I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis several years ago, I thought my world had ended. Being in my early thirties and hearing I had twenty to thirty years before my hands would be too deformed to use was a horrible blow. Once the medicine that I had to take in order to stay functional for that long began making my hair fall out, my devastation deepened. I’ve been obese for many years, and my thick hair and pretty eyes were the only things I had to feel good about myself. Now, my hair was thinning to the point I had a bald spot on top.

  When I made the decision to stop my RA medication, my well-intentioned honey told me I was being vain and no one cared if I went bald except me. Maybe that was true, but I felt as if I were losing my femininity. I started searching for causes of hair loss, hoping it was something other than my medicine—something that could be fixed.

  It was then that I happened upon a message board for breast cancer survivors. The women there were talking about how hard it was, and how losing their hair from the chemotherapy treatments was harder on them than losing both breasts. They could hide their lack of breasts, but having no hair made them feel as if they were no longer beautiful.

  I thought about that long and hard, realizing I didn’t really have a reason to stop my medicine. My joint pain had returned ten-fold when stopping it, and reading about these courageous women who had much more to worry about than I did, but were still going along, bravely facing whatever their bodies put them through... I knew I had no reason to complain or whine about the problems in my life.

  It was at that point I knew I had to write a story for them. Larissa took life in my mind—a strong, capable woman who is dealing with this unfair fact of life, but able to fight through it and come out the other side stronger. It’s my tribute to those strong women fighting this battle. I’m
in awe of them.

  McCallister’s Paradise is about more than the cancer, however. I’ve fallen in love with this family, and they all deserve some lovin’. Parker is going to find himself in a strange predicament in the next book... just when he finds love, his past may come back to haunt him.

  Thank you for joining me for this adventure. I hope you will come back for the rest of the series. As always, I couldn’t do this without your support. Thank you for spending some time in my world and reading Quinn and Larissa’s story. If you enjoyed their tale, I’d be very grateful for a review to let others know you think it’s worth reading.

  Live with happiness and be fearless, my friends!

  ~ Chantel

  June 21, 2014

  Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com

  Facebook group/Street team (I’d love for you to join!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1636019463291441/

  ~

  Email list: I will send emails when there is a new release available. Sign up now! http://eepurl.com/LRpdX

  Don’t miss these hot titles

  Diving Into Love (McCallister’s Paradise – Book 2)

  Release Date: April 7, 2015

  Parker McCallister is the playboy of the family, never having a care in the world beyond his next fling. When Sierra Burns nearly runs him down on horseback, she challenges him in ways he's never experienced. Now all he has to figure out is how to capture this beauty's heart, and for the first time it is about more than sex and fun for him.

  Shortly after meeting Parker, disaster strikes for Sierra and her secret troubles are revealed. Now, she needs his help in the worst way. The only problem is she wants to earn her place in life and have a chance to be the person she wants to be, not the one her parents demand she be. Taking any charity from Parker or his family would feel like a lie to her convictions, and she doesn't want dating him to be a condition of accepting their help.

  Despite her hesitations, Parker's charms and charisma are hard to resist. Just when she gives up fighting against the attraction and allows herself to hope for love, his past foists a surprise on the new couple and throws Sierra's life out of balance...again.

  For Love or Charity (McCallister’s Paradise – 3)

  Release date: April 7, 2015

  Sydney McCallister isn't looking for love, especially not from an overbearing man demanding money for his charity after missing the cutoff date for proposals. Doesn't Matthew Coleson realize his organization isn't the only one hoping for a grant from the McCallister family? Tired of dealing with the constant stream of angry people and feeling terribly homesick besides, Sydney wonders if she should give up on New York and head back to the family's island resort.

  When Sydney's office is trashed and she receives a threatening message, she's certain Matt must be responsible. After confronting him, however, she learns there is more to this man than is apparent at first glance. There's something about his eyes... besides, who can resist a man who helps homeless people get back on their feet? He seems to truly care about people and swears he would never hurt anyone.

  Together, they work to uncover the identity of the person threatening Sydney, and Matt seems determined to keep her safe. Questions remain for her, despite the excitement Matt brings to her life... Does he care about her for herself, or is he more interested in her family money and what that could mean for his charity?

  Season For Love – A Sayle Romance (Christmas Novella)

  Release Date: November 17, 2014

  Head nurse Tess Riggs fought hard for the opportunity to create miracles in Sayle Regional’s neonatal unit. When a hotshot doctor shows up to take over leading the department, she immediately resents Dash Brisson.

  Handsome and wealthy, Dash has spent his entire life trying to succeed on his own merit. As the youngest department head in the hospital’s history Dash expects hostility to be high, but he wants to win the admiration of one person: Tess.

  With such different ideas and two strong personalities, it’s not easy to get on the same page. These two must come together and learn compromise. After all, Christmas is the season for love.

  Also sold as part of the Romancing Christmas limited time boxed set

  Blazing Love: A Sayle Romance (A Love Under Fire Novel)

  Release Date: February 10, 2015

  An emotionally injured veterinarian assistant tries to resist the heat of a blazing hot firefighter, but she can’t avoid the flames of his passion.

  Veterinarian assistant Laura Lyons loves animals, loves her job, and is trying to love her life. But after her fiancé was killed in an accident seven years earlier, she shut everyone out, determined not to become attached. Laughing and pretending she has no problems without letting anyone know the real her is the easiest route.

  Thayne Bloodgood is the most eligible bachelor on the Sayle Fire Department’s roster. Handsome, strong, and loyal, the single ladies fawn over him—all except the one he wants. Thayne is determined to break down Laura’s defenses. The desire in her eyes when they flirt isn’t his imagination. Winning her heart is a challenge he’s ready to meet.

  Will this relationship blaze too hot, burning them both in the process, or can Thayne become the kind of man Laura needs and prove to her it’s never too late to love?

  Also sold as part of the Heroes To Swoon For limited time boxed set

  Love & Deception (Agents in Love ~ Book 1)

  Release Date: October 18, 2013

  What if everything you believed in was a lie?

  In hiding for six years, Carlie Hollis is tired of running. All she wants is to stay in Sayle, Washington and make a success of her struggling delicatessen. Because of her past, she’s suspicious of anyone who takes an interest in her.

  Nick Kendall works as a spy in a top-secret government operation, protecting innocent people from danger. Sent to Sayle on a mission to infiltrate a suspected terrorist organization, Nick finds himself attracted to Carlie, an alleged key player of the group.

  Despite her misgivings, Carlie develops feelings for the handsome stranger, believing he is there to help her. But when Nick finds evidence of her guilt, he’s given orders to do the unthinkable—eliminate the target, one he's fallen hopelessly in love with. Will he follow orders...or become hunted himself?

  CONTENT WARNING: Violence, language, sizzling love scenes.

  Love & Redemption (Agents in Love ~ Book 2)

  Release Date: March 18, 2014

  Swearing off sex is anything but easy for bad girl Shelley Daniels. Especially after she bumps into super sexy Gavin Hart, who’s running for his life.

  All Gavin wanted was fast money and a chance to start fresh. Now this jewelry thief is the target of professional assassins, ones he witnessed murder a woman in cold blood.

  Gavin drags Shelley into the world she was desperate to escape, full of secret agents, assassin plots, and a frantic plan to stop a terrorist group from perfecting a new weapon. Gavin also attempts to steal what’s left of her jaded heart while they hide from the murderers.

  The killers strike again, drawing the pair back to the city. When a child’s life hangs in the balance, Shelley and Gavin have a chance to make up for prior sins, but finding redemption means risking everything—including their chance for true love.

  Crime & Passion

  Release date: March 15, 2013

  A decorated police officer, more intent on justice than following the letter of the law, lands in trouble when a schoolteacher finds a dead body on the beach.

  Always & Forever

  Release Date: August 18, 2012

  A suspected murderess flees her former life in search of tranquility, but the past refuses to die, threatening to destroy her new found happiness.

  About the Author

  Chantel once thought a great mystery or fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense novel, she never looked back. Before long, the need to create her own stories took over. She spends h
er daytime in the clinical profession of medical transcriptionist, but her passion is in the blissful hours she spends with her characters in the evenings.

  Chantel lives in the western United States. When she isn’t writing, she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues, and snuggling with her lazy kitties.

  Read more at Chantel Rhondeau’s site.