Prologue
Katie couldn’t believe it. Her best friend was, finally, getting married. Katie had been to hell, and beyond, with Shana. But Shana was a fighter, and any man was lucky to have her. She hadn’t met the, lucky guy, in question; but she planned on cornering him, soon, and ensuring that his intentions were honourable. Shana had enough trouble to last a lifetime.
Shana and Katie had met Katie’s first year as a cop. Shana was the victim of a violent crime, by her ex-boyfriend. It just so happened, Katie, and her partner Brett Decker, responded to the call.
Katie and Shana became fast friends; as close as sisters. It was bad enough that Shana had decided to move away, but now that Shana was getting hitched; Katie felt lost. Who would stay up late talking to her on the phone? Or have ice cream ready for her after a long day of work? And who would she share her secret wants and desires with? Katie was being a selfish, petty person. Katie should be thankful that Shana had found someone to share her life with, but she couldn’t deny she was secretly green with envy. She’d never had a lover. Sure, she’d had boyfriends but no one she would take seriously or trust.
When Katie got the call to come for Shana’s wedding she wanted to leave right away, however, she was on the tail end of a case. So here she was rushing to get to a house that she’d never been to, and her GPS was failing. Damn technology. She knew the house was supposed to be on this road, but she was seriously getting into forresty area and couldn’t be sure she hadn’t taken a wrong turn.
Just as she was going to turn the car around she saw a massive home in the distance. It was peach tone on the outside and went on forever.Was this a hotel? Katie thought she remembered Shana said the wedding was at the groom’s house. Only one way to find out.
She gave her keys to a valet-oohh fancy-and entered through the front door into a huge atrium with a wide open living space. The natural sunlight came through a big picture window, showing her a glimpse of the large yard, set up for the wedding. It was beautiful and almost appeared magical.
She was told that she’d find Shana up the stairs, third door on the left. Katie began in that direction speeding throughout the hall. Shana would never forgive her if she was late for the wedding.
How could she get lost inside a house? Katie was getting nervous, and a little pissed. Who needs a house this big??? Did Shana’s fiancé run a drug cartel or something? She’d run his name through her system at work, benefit of being a copper, but he was clean. More importantly Shana was happy, so she might be able to look the other way if he smoked or sold marijuana. But, if he was a pimp or into cocaine, he was going down.
Bloody hell, she was lost. She heard some feminine laughter further down the long hall. Katie knew it was Shana, even though she hadn’t heard her laughter often. She stood outside the room, for a time, and just focused on her best friend’s happiness. She began to tear up, but forced her calm cop persona back to the surface. Shana deserved happiness, and love; Katie could hear just that in her voice.
Katie acted breathless when she rushed into the room. “I’m sorry I’m late. This place is huge and I got lost.” Katie was blown away at how Shana looked. She’d just seen her a few weeks ago. In such a short amount of time, her friend had changed. Where there were previously lines of distress on her face, there was now a carefree look about her. She looked almost wistful.
Shana introduced Katie to the other bridesmaid, a pregnant woman named Tara. She was also happy looking. Katie felt a pang of sadness wondering if she’d ever be as content as these two women seemed. She caught herself before her sadness shown. She made an excuse for her lateness and informed the bride. “You look magnificent, Shana. You have a glow about you.” Oh my God, did she just blush? “Let’s get you to your groom.” Katie wasn’t sure she could take much more joy.#p#分页标题#e#
They walked into the beautifully decorated backyard, where the service was to begin. She walked toward the aisle after a smiling Trevor, and an equally happy Tara. Before she launched herself down that freakin’ gorgeous aisle, she gave a last glance back to her dear friend to make sure she was content.
Katie got her answer when Shana looked forward to her groom and gave him a huge sexy grin, filled with the promise of a lifetime of lovin’. Katie could feel their electricity. Shana actually winked at him, and giggled. Damn, she was sprung. Katie actually felt a little uncomfortable; out of place.
Katie walked at a brusque pace down the aisle, ending up across from the most hunky guy she’d ever seen. He was currently bowing his head, waiting for the bride to breeze down the aisle. His head came up abruptly and, Katie noticed, he looked...yummy.