by Marie Force
“They seem to be having a nice time,” Big Mac said, using his chin to direct her attention to the Watkins. He’d asked his brothers and Ned to help make them feel welcome.
“They do. I’m glad they agreed to come.”
“Me, too. They seem to really like it here so far.”
“What’s not to like?” Linda asked, grinning.
“There’s nothing not to like about Gansett Island. It’s good to see Chloe out and about, too. Kev said the new meds are giving her relief.”
“I’m so glad to hear that. I hate to see her suffering. We had a meeting yesterday about the new spa at the hotel. She has so many great ideas. It’s going to be awesome when it opens in the spring, and she’s going to be a wonderful manager.”
“Mac’s getting ready to start the renovation—and as soon as they finish that, they’ll get to work on turning the alpaca farm into another venue. That place was too great to pass up.”
“I love the idea of making that a wedding venue.”
“Me too. Did you ever hear what happened to Cooper James’s face?”
“From what I’m told, he’s not talking, and neither is Gigi, but apparently, they’ve been inseparable the last few days.”
“Very interesting. Who’s that gal talking to Jack Downing?”
“Her name is Piper Bennett. Laura hired her to work at the Surf in the off-season.”
“Ah, I see.” If he didn’t have the skinny on the latest Gansett Island news, his wife usually did. “And what’s the latest with Jared and Lizzie and the baby?”
“I heard he hired an investigator to try to find the baby’s mother, but so far, no luck.”
“That’s a sticky situation.”
“Sure is, especially since they’ve been struggling to have one of their own, but keep that between us.”
“Oh God. What a mess.”
“I know,” Linda said, sighing. “I hope they aren’t going to get their hearts broken.”
“I hope not either.”
“So Adam told me a secret earlier,” Big Mac said. “You wanna hear it?”
“Duh. Yes!”
Smiling, he leaned in closer to her so only she could hear him. “They had another ultrasound, and it seems the babies are two sets of twins.”
“No way. Did they say if they’re boys or girls?”
“They think four boys.”
“Oh my Lord! They’re going to have five sons!”
“I know, right? Is the world ready for five more McCarthy boys?”
“No, it most definitely isn’t, but I still can’t wait to meet them.”
“Me, too.” Big Mac said. “Never a dull moment around here.”
“And that’s why we love it so much.”
A Gansett Island Short Story
Dr. David Lawrence and Daisy Babson
Request the honor of your presence on September 8
at five o’clock in the evening at the Wayfarer on Gansett Island
* * *
Reception to immediately follow
On this day one year ago, the skies had been dark and stormy, matching David Lawrence’s mood as he’d paced the hallways in the ICU at Rhode Island Hospital, waiting to hear if his father would survive a massive heart attack. His dad had been airlifted off the island three days prior—three days before David and Daisy’s wedding day.
They’d had to postpone the wedding, deciding to hold off and do it on the same date this year. Today had dawned crystal clear with cloudless blue skies and bright sunshine. Nothing stood in the way of him marrying Daisy later today. As the saying went, the third time was the charm. His wedding to Janey McCarthy had been canceled years ago, and it had taken him a long time to move forward with his life after that self-inflicted wound.
In the end, though, it had turned out for the best. Janey was happily married to Joe Cantrell, and by the end of the day today, David would be married to his true love.
For there was no doubt whatsoever that Daisy was the one he was meant to love forever.
His phone chimed with a text from Janey. Happy wedding day to you and Daisy. Joe and I are sorry we can’t be there to help you celebrate. We’re so happy for you both. xoxo
There’d been a time when Joe and Janey would’ve been the last people to wish him well. But after he’d saved the lives of Janey and their infant son PJ, he’d been forgiven for cheating on her and ruining everything between them. That was in the past now, and things had worked out the way they were meant to for both of them. He truly believed that.
Thanks so much, he texted to Janey. We’ll miss you guys. Hope all is well in Columbus.
The studying is killing me, but I hear it’ll be worth it someday. She added a grimacing emoji.
You got this, Dr. Cantrell.
Thank you! Have the best day ever! Send pics!
Will do. Thanks for reaching out.
It felt good and right to hear from Janey that day. She’d been his best friend for thirteen years, and losing her friendship had been the most devastating part of their breakup. He was thankful to have earned it back.
At four o’clock, David donned his tuxedo and headed for the Wayfarer to meet his groomsmen, Alex and Paul Martinez and Shannon O’Grady.
He hadn’t seen Daisy since the previous evening, when they’d held their rehearsal dinner at Dominic’s restaurant, and he couldn’t wait to see her. The day without her had been long and boring, much like his life had been before she came along to make everything better.
When he got to the Wayfarer, Alex and Paul were already there, dressed in tuxedos.
“You two clean up well,” he said to the brothers.
“I sent him back to get the dirt out from under his nails,” Paul said, earning a shove from his brother.
“That’s bullshit,” Alex said. “Jenny had already given me a manicure.” He blew on his nails and shined them up on his tuxedo jacket.
“Thanks for doing this, you guys.”
“We were honored to be asked,” Paul said. “Now you’ve got to tell us which one is the best man so the winner can gloat.”
“No way,” David said. “I’m not choosing. You’re both my best men.”
“Damn,” Alex said. “I was so sure you liked me better.”
“No one likes you better than me,” Paul said.
Alex waggled his brows. “Jenny does.”
“She can have you.”
“She has me a lot.”
“Ew, shut up.”
Amused by the brothers who’d been his friends since middle school, David said, “How’s your mom today?”
“She was having a tough day earlier,” Paul said, “but was doing better by this afternoon. I heard Daisy was in to see her, and that always cheers her up.”
It didn’t surprise David to hear Daisy had made time for Marion, even on her wedding day.
“Oh crap,” Alex said. “Speaking of Daisy, I almost forgot that she asked me to give you this.” He withdrew an envelope from his inside pocket and handed it to David.
“Thanks. I’m gonna just go…” He gestured to the far doors that led to a patio on the beach.
“We’ll be here.”
David went outside and found a seat away from the activity that went into preparing for a wedding. Nikki Stokes was in the middle of the action, supervising her staff.
He opened the envelope and pulled out a page covered in Daisy’s distinctive handwriting.
My darling David,
* * *
By the time you’re reading this, we’ll be very close to the moment we’ve looked forward to for so long now. I can’t wait to be your wife, to have forever with you, to have babies with you, to have everything with you. From the time we first met when I was at my lowest, you’ve always made me feel so safe and so loved. You were the first person in my whole life to ever make me feel the way I do when I’m with you. It would be impossible for me to describe that feeling in words. All I can say is it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had.
>
* * *
I love you so much. More than you’ll ever know. Can’t wait to see you and say, “I do.”
* * *
Daisy (soon-to-be) Lawrence
David wiped away the tears that’d filled his eyes as he read her sweet words. He was the lucky one, and he knew it. Making her happy every day for the rest of their lives was the least he could do after all she’d given him.
An hour later, he stood on the patio with Alex, Paul and Shannon as the sun headed toward the horizon. In the front row were his parents and sisters, who’d stood by him during his battle with lymphoma and the terrible darkness that’d followed his breakup with Janey. His father was doing great and had lost thirty pounds since his near-fatal heart attack.
His close friend and colleague, Victoria Stevens, was the first one down the aisle, wearing a gorgeous pale orange silk gown and grinning like a lunatic at David as she came toward him. She gave her fiancé, Shannon, a sultry look that had Shannon clearing his throat.
Vic was a nut, but David loved her. She’d been the first to encourage him to pursue a relationship with Daisy, and he was so glad he’d let her push him toward his true love.
Jenny and Hope Martinez were next, followed by Maddie McCarthy, who was Daisy’s matron of honor. A month after delivering premature twins, Maddie was doing great. The babies were home, and Mac and Maddie were settling into life as the parents of five small children.
David had written a referral earlier that week for Mac’s vasectomy on the mainland and had been entertained by Mac’s many thoughts on the matter. The procedure was scheduled for the following week.
The ladies looked beautiful in the orange gowns that Daisy had agonized over until he’d told her she should have the color she liked best and not worry about what anyone else thought.
Daisy came into view, on the arm of Mac McCarthy, whom she’d asked to walk her down the aisle because she was afraid that she’d trip from being so nervous.
She’d never been more beautiful, and David had to remind himself to breathe as she came toward him wearing a sexy yet classy dress that was absolutely perfect on her. There were beads and pearls and other adornments, but he saw only her—her brilliant smile, the tears in her eyes and the glow of happiness that surrounded her.
She was an angel come to life, and she was all his.
As she took his hand and looked up at him with eyes full of love, David decided she’d been well worth the wait. The third time was indeed the charm.
Thank you so much for reading what I’m calling the “Frankenbook,” because it included more than forty points of view and forty-five chapters. Phew! My early readers tell me it worked wonderfully, so I hope everyone who reads this one agrees. It was SUPER FUN to write this full-cast story that gave me a chance to catch up with all the characters and couples we’ve come to love over the first twenty-two books, and to introduce some new characters who’ll be populating the next few books.
A very special thanks to my beta readers, Anne Woodall and Tracey Suppo, as well as Sarah Hewitt, family nurse practitioner, who checks the medical info for me. My longtime editors, Linda Ingmanson and Joyce Lamb, are always so great about making time for me when I need them, and I so appreciate their dedication. Thanks to my Gansett Island beta team: Betty, Lyn, Katy, Gwen, Michelle, Kelly, Andi, Jaime, Juliane, Doreen, Mona, Jen, Tammy and Laurie. You guys are awesome!
Thank you my team—Julie Cupp, Lisa Cafferty, Tia Kelly, Jean Mello, Nikki Haley, Melissa Saneholtz, Janet Margot and Ashley Lopez—for all you do to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Finally, a special thanks to my amazing READERS, who’ve propelled Gansett Island to book TWENTY-FOUR with NO END IN SIGHT! Coming up next is Cooper and Gigi’s story, Temptation After Dark. Turn the page to see the cover and watch for more info about Temptation After Dark coming soon! Thanks again for your support of Gansett Island!
xoxo
Marie
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Watch for Cooper and Gigi’s story, coming soon!
Other Books By Marie Force
* * *
Contemporary Romances Available from Marie Force
* * *
The Gansett Island Series
Book 1: Maid for Love
(Maddie & Mac)
Book 2: Fool for Love
(Joe & Janey)
Book 3: Ready for Love
(Luke & Sydney)
Book 4: Falling for Love
(Grant & Stephanie)
Book 5: Hoping for Love
(Evan & Grace)
Book 6: Season for Love
(Owen & Laura)
Book 7: Longing for Love
(Blaine & Tiffany)
Book 8: Waiting for Love
(Adam & Abby)
Book 9: Time for Love
(David & Daisy)
Book 10: Meant for Love
(Jenny & Alex)
Book 10.5: Chance for Love, A Gansett Island Novella (Jared & Lizzie)
Book 11: Gansett After Dark
(Owen & Laura)
Book 12: Kisses After Dark
(Shane & Katie)
Book 13: Love After Dark
(Paul & Hope)
Book 14: Celebration After Dark
(Big Mac & Linda)
Book 15: Desire After Dark
(Slim & Erin)
Book 16: Light After Dark
(Mallory & Quinn)
Book 17: Victoria & Shannon (Episode 1)
Book 18: Kevin & Chelsea (Episode 2)
A Gansett Island Christmas Novella
Book 19: Mine After Dark
(Riley & Nikki)
Book 20: Yours After Dark
(Finn & Chloe)
Book 21: Trouble After Dark
(Deacon & Julia)
Book 22: Rescue After Dark
(Mason & Jordan)
Book 23: Blackout After Dark
(Full Cast)
Book 24: Temptation After Dark
(Gigi & Cooper)
* * *
Gansett Island Boxed Set, Books 1-3
Gansett Island Boxed Set, Books 4-6
Gansett Island Boxed Set, Books 7-9
Gansett Island Boxed Set, Books 10-12
Gansett Island Boxed Set, Books 13-16
Gansett Island Series Boxed Set, Books 17-20
* * *
The Green Mountain Series
Book 1: All You Need Is Love
(Will & Cameron)
Book 2: I Want to Hold Your Hand
(Nolan & Hannah)
Book 3: I Saw Her Standing There
(Colton & Lucy)
Book 4: And I Love Her
(Hunter & Megan)
Novella: You'll Be Mine
(Will & Cam’s Wedding)
Book 5: It's Only Love
(Gavin & Ella)
Book 6: Ain’t She Sweet
(Tyler & Charlotte)
* * *
The Butler, Vermont Series
(Continuation of Green Mountain)
Book 1: Every Little Thing
(Grayson & Emma)
Book 2: Can’t Buy Me Love
(Mary & Patrick)
Book 3: Here Comes the Sun
(Wade & Mia)
Book 4: Till There Was You
(Lucas & Dani)
Book 5: All My Loving
(Landon & Amanda)
Book 6: Let It Be
(Lincoln & Molly)
Book 7: Come Together
(Noah & Brianna)
* * *
The Butler, Vermont Series Boxed Set: Books 1-4
* * *
The Miami Nights Series
Book 1: How Much I Feel
Book 2: How Much I Care
Book 3: How Much I Love
* * *
The Treading Water Series
&
nbsp; Book 1: Treading Water
Book 2: Marking Time
Book 3: Starting Over
Book 4: Coming Home
Book 5: Finding Forever
* * *
Treading Water Boxed Set: The Complete Series
* * *
The Quantum Series
Book 1: Virtuous
(Flynn & Natalie)
Book 2: Valorous
(Flynn & Natalie)
Book 3: Victorious
(Flynn & Natalie)
Book 4: Rapturous
(Addie & Hayden)
Book 5: Ravenous
(Jasper & Ellie)
Book 6: Delirious
(Kristian & Aileen)
Book 7: Outrageous
(Emmett & Leah)
Book 8: Famous
(Marlowe & Sebastian)
* * *
Quantum Boxed Set: The Complete Series
* * *
Single Titles
* * *
Five Years Gone
One Year Home
Sex Machine
Sex God
Georgia on My Mind
True North
The Fall
The Wreck
Love at First Flight
Everyone Loves a Hero
Line of Scrimmage
* * *
Beach Reads Boxed Set
