Stolen Course (Wrecked and Ruined #2)

“And that is why I’ve labeled him a good man today.”


She tries to play it cool, but her eyes still gloss over with unshed tears. We both try to restrain the emotions. Erickson woman don’t cry. Oh, who the hell am I kidding? Between the two of us, we have cried the likes of Lake Michigan over the last five years.

I try to change the subject. “What’s the dress look like?”

“It’s hideous. Some summery orange and white number.”

“What the hell is wrong with you? That sounds gorgeous.” I rush toward the bathroom as she rolls her eyes.

I pull the garment bag off the hanger to find a floor-length white cotton sleeveless dress with a plunging V-neck. Yep. Caleb definitely picked this. Sure, it’s going to show off a fair amount of cleavage, but the real drama is at the bottom. Just below my knees, the white fades into bright orange. I can’t even put into words how much I love it. It’s different, but stunning. Just like my man.

I whip out my phone and immediately text him.



Me: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Caleb: I love you and you are very welcome. Now, stop texting me and hang out with Sarah.

Me: What room are you in? I want to come say thank you.

Caleb: I’m with Brett and Eli smoking cigars on the roof deck. You should probably thank me tonight.

Me: Oh God, does Brett know Sarah’s here?

Caleb: Yes, now stop with the million questions and have fun. Lunch will be up in an hour.

Me: I love you.

Caleb: I love you too, Emmy. Always.





“WAS THAT Emma?” Eli asks, pulling a puff off one of the cigars he brought.

“You ever see Caleb wear a shit-eating grin that big and it isn’t because of Emma?” Brett says sarcastically.

“Shut the hell up, asshole.” I play with my phone while trying to get rid of the big-ass smile I can’t seem to wipe away today.

“What’d the ole’ wife have to say?” Eli asks.

“None of your damn business. However, she was worried about whether you knew Sarah was here or not,” I say to Brett, who is quietly puffing on his cigar.

“As long as I don’t have to deal with Sarah’s bullshit and Jesse isn’t within a twelve-mile radius of her, I told you, I’m cool with it.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“How are you doing with Sarah being here?” Brett asks, turning the tables on me.

“It’s weird. But I knew how happy it would make Emma, so it’s worth it. I can promise you one thing. There will be no alcohol or car keys anywhere near those two today. I’m not risking anything with her.”

I’m trying to let it all go with Sarah—really fucking trying. And to a point, I’ve been successful. Her memory doesn’t eat away at me like it used to, but forgiveness isn’t a cure-all either. I’m more than willing to admit that it does ease the burn though. Hate is a painful emotion to keep alive for any period of time.

I turn my attention to Eli. “So what’s up with you and Casey?”

“She’s Casey,” he answers with a shrug.

“You two doing it for real now that she moved back to town.”

“I am, but I don’t think she is,” he says shortly.

“Well don’t puss out and let her go this time.”

“Yeah, sure. Just like you didn’t let Emma go?” His tone is sharp, and it’s obvious I’ve struck a nerve.

“Hey, I’m getting married today. Obviously we figured it out.”

“Well I’d appreciate if you keep your mouth shut about shit you don’t know anything about. Not everything can be figured out.” He stands up and heads to the rooftop bar, leaving Brett and me staring at each other with wide eyes.

“Damn. She’s really fucking him up,” Brett whispers.

“Nothing new there, my man. She’s been screwing with him for years now.”

A few minutes later, Eli walks back over with three beers, handing one to each of us.

We sit in comfortable silence just watching the world around us.

“Did you ever think we would be here?” I find myself saying out loud. “I mean, in those dark days after the wreck, could you have even imagined being in a place this good again? I’m about to get married and have a baby on the way, Brett’s about to propose, and Eli has another chance with Casey. That wreck fucked us all over, but somehow we have all pieced together the crap we were handed and made something better.”

I look up to catch Eli and Brett looking down at their beers, seemingly lost in the past. However, for the first time in years, I’m not there with them. I’m getting married to Emma Jane Erickson today. You couldn’t drag me out of the present if you tried.