Jordan ran toward us, her feet kicking up sand as she launched herself into Reid’s lap and whispered something in his ear. His laughter grated my nerves. I was officially surrounded by wedding cakes and engagement rings.
At least Jordan and Reid had been slightly normal—they’d moved in together shortly after the whole Phantom episode and had been inseparable ever since. Her four-carat engagement ring caught the sun just right, nearly blinding both my eyes. I pulled down my sunglasses and crossed my arms. Reid’s movie, with her help, was a blockbuster hit and they still did a weekly YouTube relationship talk that had over ten million followers and growing.
Max had made several appearances as a guest.
As had Hades.
I’d never been invited—then again, what would I have to offer?
A black eye? Because as of right now that was my MO . . . the accident-prone family member who almost married a girl because she tricked him into thinking she was pregnant.
I’d dodged the bullet.
But now I was alone.
My mind went back to the text message. I tried not to think about it. Instead, I focused on the conversation between Reid and Jordan about their next YouTube webisode.
The group laughed about something—I’d tuned them out again.
I tried to join in the laughter around the table as everyone sat down and continued drinking.
But all I could think about.
Was the girl with curly red hair.
And the annoying pang in my chest that went along with it.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As I was going through the edits for this book, I just kept repeating to myself, “Is this my life? How did this happen?” I don’t even have the words to express how grateful I am that I get to wake up every day and do something I love. I know that’s not the norm, because I lived the opposite of that for many years before finding my passion.
I want to thank God who is forever first in my life and gave me this passion for writing to begin with. I swear there were so many days I was like, What am I supposed to be doing with my life? And now, I know, all those crappy rundown broken roads, somehow, gave me a story to write. I guess you could say even the bumps life gives you are important because they create your story—and every story, no matter how crazy, is a beautiful thing.
My husband, Nate—ugh, you are just . . . I can’t even. You’re incredible. My hero, our son’s hero. And every day you inspire me to want to be a better person. Thank you for being you and for not getting mad when I ignore you while I write. You do such a beautiful job parenting; you’re an amazing daddy, an incredible partner, and my best friend.
Thank you to my AMAZING agent, Erica. She has to be so tired of all my frantic e-mails but she just . . . gets me, as if she’s a mind reader, which I’m still convinced she is!
Skyscape, thank you for believing in this story and not telling me it was crazy to do a slapstick rom-com where the main characters have weird quirks! You guys have been so fun to work with, and it’s been a true honor to go through this process with you!
Readers. I’m obsessed with you. ALL OF YOU. I can’t get enough of your encouraging messages and all-around amazingness! The Rachel’s Rockin Readers fan group, thank you for letting me bounce ideas off you guys and not going, Oh here she goes again asking us for more feedback! You guys truly do “rock.”
Bloggers, I HATE making this giant blanket statement to all the bloggers who help out and post on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram; I feel like it just seems so vague, but I truly appreciate each and every one of you! It’s such a thankless job, yet you do it because you LOVE books. Thank you for constantly helping authors get out there, and thank you for your support. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without you!
I hope you guys enjoyed Reid’s story! As always you can find me procrastinating on Facebook in my fan group Rachel’s New Rockin’ Readers . . . and I do have an Instagram obsession; follow me @RachVD to see my writing adventures!
Hugs!
—RVD
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo ? 2014 Lauren Watson Perry, Perrywinkle Photography
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of Regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers.
Rachel loves to hear from her readers! You can connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her Facebook fan group, Rachel’s New Rockin’ Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com.
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