A Kiss Upon A Star

by Tamara Ferguson

  Sitting Rose atop the middle seat, Emily took one final picture before tucking her phone away. When Rose grabbed her life jacket from under the seat and pulled it over her head, Emily patiently waited for Rose to connect the clasp before reaching over and making sure it was tight.

  “Mommy?

  “Yes, Rose?” Emily answered, sitting next to her.

  “Do I finally get to wear my pretty dresses?”

  Shoving the boat from the shore, Tim waded through the water and scrambled inside.

  “Yes finally. You get to wear the shorter one tonight and the longer one tomorrow,” Emily answered.

  With Emily’s help, Tim carefully anchored the oars into their mounts from the back seat and began to row. “If we ever make it home that is,” Tim said, adding a pretended groan. “I’m so tired.”

  Rose began to giggle. “Oh, Daddy. I know you’re fooling!”

  Emily grinned. “We’re a pretty heavy load.”

  Tim sighed. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  His family. It was kind of hard to believe how much his life had changed for the better. The best thing of all was that Tim felt like he had purpose now.

  When Emily bent forward and gave him a tender kiss, Rose began giggling even harder.

  “Daddy,” Rose demanded. “Tell me the story about when you and mommy met!”

  “Which one?” Tim grinned, knowing very well the tale she wanted to hear. “When I was skating with the hockey team?”

  “Nooo…” Rose blew out with a huff. “When you guys found Chloe.”

  Hearing her name, Chloe barked sharply.

  “See?” Rose said. “Chloe wants to hear it too!”

  Tim couldn’t help it; the expression on Rose’s face was priceless. Emily was holding her breath trying not to laugh. They were attempting to keep their conversations with Rose as serious as possible looking toward the future, because some days it seemed all they did was laugh.

  Sometimes though...

  Staring into each other’s eyes, both Tim and Emily burst into laughter.

  * * *

  Exactly twenty-four hours later, Tim was dressed in his tux and waiting impatiently to get married. He and Emily would be spending the night at the Dragonfly Pointe Inn they’d decided.

  There was a crowd of people wandering the grounds as well as groups of boats of all shapes and sizes parked near the security buoys and ropes that’d been strung across the lake to prevent uninvited guests from moving in too close.

  Tim stared outside through the window leading out onto the balcony before turning to his future mother-in-law. “Is it always like this?”

  Connie grimaced and nodded up and down. “I hope you’ll be able to handle it Tim?”

  “Piece a’ cake,” he answered. But looking outside as a loud noise roared from above, Tim’s eyes went wide when a helicopter suddenly appeared. “Are you kidding me? What kind of idiots do this?”

  Connie began to laugh. “It’s the paparazzi kid. They love when a star is getting married. Especially one who’s never particularly avoided her fans.”

  Tim blinked. Emily’s mom was nearly as beautiful as Emily when she laughed, and she was doing an awful lot of that lately. Not only had she married Ben Bartlett but without hesitation she’d embraced Rose, even before Emily had given Connie the news of the pending adoption.

  “Well Em and I have been following all Ben’s instructions for securing the house. The only place we need to worry about intruders coming in from is the lake, but we even have cameras and a sentry keeping watch over the house.”

  “Yeah, it really is better that way. You need to have some expectation of privacy when you’re all at home.”

  Emily had begun cutting her performances in half, and Tim was traveling with her when he could. He was also trying to grow his dog training program in other cities across the U.S. He’d had great results so far in Crystal Rock and had trained and placed nearly a dozen stray dogs over the past year. And because there were so many more people going in and out of the shelter, a lot of the other dogs were being adopted too.

  With the help of Danielle Loughlin, he’d found another veteran who’d been a trainer in the army and had been willing to relocate to Crystal Rock. That way, with their routine uninterrupted, the dogs had reinforcement consistently on a daily basis when Tim and Rose joined Emily on the road.

  Tim sighed, still staring through the window at the gathering crowd outside.

  “Tim?”

  Turning to Connie, Tim was suddenly arrested. She was blinking back tears.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “For what?” he asked, and winked.

  Deep down, he knew she was finally admitting her guilt for her interference online six years earlier, but he chose to ignore it. As far as Tim was concerned, she’d redeemed herself ten times over. All that was important now was the future.

  She let him tug her into his arms and kiss her on the cheek.

  Connie pulled away and rushed to the door. “I’d better go check on my daughter.”

  When she opened the door, Tim’s dad was standing outside. “Hi Connie,” he said patting her on the shoulder as she kept walking through the doorway.

  “Hi, Jack,” she answered. “Time to check on Emily.”

  Jack came into the room, shaking his head and looking dazed.

  “What?” Tim asked.

  “Connie was actually crying. I never knew she had it in her.”

  Tim grinned, still looking nervously at the crowd outside. When he was serving overseas, if anyone would’ve told him he’d be marrying the girl of dreams one day, he would’ve never believed it.

  “Sometimes miracles really do happen Dad,” Tim answered softly.

  * * *

  It seemed like a battle was ready to be fought at the beach when Tim arrived at dusk. He’d never seen so many people in one place before, and the crowd was closing in on him as stepped out from the limo.

  Emily had given him advice about how to deal with people when he didn’t feel like talking.

  “No comment,” he answered straightaway, and grinned at the guy who was holding out a microphone. Since Tim hadn’t even been able to hear the question, it was easy to forestall him.

  Tim began walking down the aisle and then across the sand. He just couldn’t believe all the people gathered around. Nearing his twentieth reply of ‘no comment,’ Tim finally reached the pier leading out over the water. An enormous terraced gazebo had been attached at the very end and was covered with bunches of roses and greens. The minister who would be marrying them was already standing in place along with Tim’s friends and groomsmen.

  The orchestra began playing a little more loudly.

  Ben Bartlett had warned Tim that he’d be in for a few surprises on his wedding day. And when Tim was in place before the minister, Jeff Callahan, who was serving as his best man, nudged him in the ribs with an elbow as he pointed at the boat approaching them on the lake.

  It must’ve been parked at the dock belonging to the Dragonfly Pointe Inn, and Tim’s mouth gaped open when he saw the star shaped pontoon that’d been decorated with flowers like a rose parade float.

  And there was Emily, front and center, looking like a fairy tale princess. She’d never looked so beautiful.

  Tim heard the oohs and aahs from her audience as her gown billowed out with yards of gauzy fabric. The train was held in place by her maid of honor and bridesmaids who were positioned around her like sentries battling the incoming breeze.

  Tim’s smile was ear to ear. Talk about an entrance. Emily appeared ethereal, like she was floating on a cloud.

  And then she began to sing.

  * * *

  …no matter where you are,

  you are my shining star.

  I’m coming ho-oo-ommmee…

  Emily was overwhelmed and there were tears running down her face by the time she finished singing the song she’d written especially for her and Tim.

  When her mother
and Ben had suggested this very exorbitant celebration, Emily had thought they were kidding. But truthfully? It’d been so much fun, and Emily was certain her wedding day would be memorable for every one of their guests.

  As well as for her and Tim along with Rose, who’d been part of the entire planning process.

  Rose had been disappointed to hear Chloe and Barney wouldn’t be allowed to attend the wedding, but was excited to find out they’d be her guests at the reception.

  When the pontoon pulled up beside the gazebo, Emily could see there were tears in Tim’s eyes too. He looked so handsome dressed in a bright white tux, wearing a tie nearly matching the color of his beautiful blue grey eyes.

  As Emily stepped onto the super wide planks leading up to the gazebo, her bridesmaids followed and laid down the train of her gown once she was standing beside Tim.

  When Emily raised her hand wiping a tear from Tim’s face, he gave her an unsteady smile.

  Emily smiled back as Tim reached for her hand, and they both turned toward the minister.

  The ceremony seemed to go by so quickly and Emily felt like she was in a daze. The sun was beginning to set and its golden-orange and russets danced across the shimmering waves of the lake like fire.

  The bright north star was shining down on them from above when they finally said their I dos.

  The minister smiled. “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

  When a pair of fluttering dragonflies touched down on the edge of the gazebo, Emily’s eyes went wide in astonishment.

  Just then, the minister told Tim he could kiss the bride.

  Tim paused, following the direction of Emily’s gaze and he gave her a lopsided smile before bending down and covering her lips with his.

  Emily grinned when Tim finally stepped back after kissing her very thoroughly, because it seemed like everyone watching them was laughing.

  Mom, Aunt Trish, and Jack were waiting with Rose on the beach when Tim and Emily finally made their way along the pier.

  And her father and his wife along with Emily’s step-brother and sister were standing directly behind them.

  When Rose ran towards Emily and Tim from the beach, Tim scooped her up and lifted her high in the air.

  A fairy tale wedding, and an instant family with a sweet, beautiful daughter of her own. She even had the pets she’d always dreamed of growing up.

  But best of all, she’d married the man that she’d loved from the moment they’d met here at Dragonfly Pointe.

  Daydreams and dragonflies.

  Funny how her mother’s long ago words ran through her mind, because every single daydream she’d had as a child had certainly come true.

  A Note from the Author:

  I hope you’ve enjoyed A Kiss Upon A Star, the first story in my brand new sweet romance series, Daydreams & Dragonflies.

  Animals are very near and dear to my heart, and I’ve adopted several dogs and cats as well as taking in many strays throughout the years; not to mention birds, rabbits, turtles and fish. Dealing with their loss can be the most difficult thing in the world when they are all part of the family.

  Don’t forget about the shelter animals available near you if you’re considering a new pet. I’ve had a positive experience with every animal I’ve ever adopted.

  I send out a bi-monthly newsletter where I provide information about new releases as well as free books and available promotion sign ups and giveaways.

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  Tamara Ferguson

  About the Author

  Writing steamy yet sweet compassionate stories of fate that are wonderfully romantic, Tamara Ferguson is the multi-award winning, #1 international bestselling author of the Tales of the Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series, the Kissed By Fate Series, and the Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Series.

  Her wounded warrior romances, Two Hearts Unspoken. Two Hearts Surrendered, and Two Hearts Undone were all winners at the 2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards; with Two Hearts Unspoken earning the Silver Medal in Military Fiction. Two Hearts’ Christmas Wish, the fourth story in the series, just spent 6 consecutive weeks at #1 in the Mistletoe Kisses & Christmas Wishes romance set. Two Hearts Surrendered was just announced as a Romance Selection for the 2016 New Apple Book Awards.

  Along with the 2015 Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award Winner That Unforgettable Kiss, Two Hearts Surrendered and Two Hearts Unspoken were also finalists for the 2016 IAN Book of The Year. Tales of the Dragonfly In Tandem was a romance finalist in the Indie Excellence Awards, while Tales of the Dragonfly In Flight was a romance suspense winner at the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards.

  Since she remains a full-time caregiver for an autistic son (along with a bunch of adopted pets!), you can usually find Tammy working at home, where she spends a lot of time not completing her numerous home improvement projects, because she's writing or helping author friends promote their books on twitter.

  An Excerpt

  #1 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLER

  Two Hearts Surrendered

  (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 1)

  Kindle

  2016 READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK

  AWARD WINNER

  Military Fiction

  2016 IAN BOOK OF THE YEAR Finalist

  2016 Romance Reviews Finalist

  Reader’s Choice Awards

  PROLOGUE

  His eyes scoped out the beach as he struggled to reach the pathway from the parking lot, steering away from the crowd. Following the trail to the very edge of the sand, Luke stumbled over moss and patchy grass, until he found shelter under a canopy of scrubby pines bordering the park.

  He groaned, when he finally dropped down to the sand. His stepdad had really done a number on him this time–the pain was pretty intense. Resting his shoulder gingerly against the trunk of one of the pines, he sighed. It was such a hassle, having to constantly be on his guard–especially when he was always having to come up with excuses for teachers, explaining why he was missing so much school.

  Luke grimaced. And hiding the welts and bruises? It was becoming nearly impossible–since a couple of the idiots in his class had decided to say something to his counselor, after seeing Luke without a shirt on in the locker room. Everything was beginning to catch up with him, he realized, as his eyes filled with tears.

  But he was way too old to cry, he decided. With a shaking hand, he swiped away his tears.

  He got a whiff of the smell of popcorn, as it drifted through the air from the nearby concession stand–and his stomach growled. Damn, that smelled good. Luke took in a deep ragged breath as he focused his attention on the crowded beach. That little Callahan girl was at it again, making the rounds. With her white-blonde hair and deep-blue eyes, she sure was a pretty little thing. And, man, what a personality–he was guessing she was only about six-years old. Even at thirteen, Luke knew he’d been cursed with a bad reputation. And ever since he’d acquired that tat, not to mention the scar that ripped through the side of his face, most little kids, and nearly all of his classmates, seemed to be scared of him–like he was someone out of a horror flick.

  But not her. She reminded him a little of his younger sister, Cassie. Just remembering Cassie made him cry a little harder.

  For some crazy reason, Luke had always been drawn to this beach. Probably because deep inside he knew—all the stories and superstitions were true—Dragonfly Pointe was magic. It was the only place in this world where he se
emed to feel alright. Here, he could forget about the deep, dark problems in his life, and chill out just long enough to recharge before returning home.

  Home? He snorted. He hadn’t had a home for a very long time, he realized, as he began dozing off.

  An hour later, when Luke began to slowly awaken, he felt like something was off. Studying his surroundings, he turned his eyes to the far end of the beach, where sixteen-year old Dan Callahan was standing amidst a group of his friends. Although her twin brother Jeff was playing with some kids in the sand nearby, Kelly Callahan was nowhere in sight.

  Luke gazed across the sand to the lake. Suddenly noticing a pair of arms flailing, far out in the water, he jumped up to his feet, glancing quickly over at the abandoned lifeguard station. Where in the hell was the lifeguard? Racing across the sand, and whipping his shirt off from over his head, Luke cringed as the scabs from the welts crisscrossing his back ripped open. Barely noticing the pain, he slipped off his sneakers and began to plow through the water, until he was deep enough to begin swimming.

  After what seemed like forever, he was finally close enough to Kelly to pull her into his arms. It appeared that he’d reached her just in time.

  “It’s okay–I’ve got you, Princess,” he reassured her, as he began treading water. Luckily, she was light as a feather, because it took a few moments to calm her down, while she coughed and spit out water.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, still sputtering. Clinging more tightly, Kelly wrapped her arms over his shoulders. “I’m never supposed to go swimming by myself,” she said, in a shaky voice.

  “Well, at least you’ll probably never do it again,” Luke said calmly. He was beginning to feel light-headed. He’d already been exhausted after biking five miles just to reach Dragonfly Pointe. Plus, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually had something to eat. “I need to get you back to the shore, Princess.” Prying arms loose, that were wrapped like an octopus over his shoulders, he stared into sapphire blue eyes, filled with fear. “You’re gonna have to trust me.”