Just like Branson, Connor, and himself, it looked like Mac was the next to take the plunge.
He smirked and shook his own head before walking over to his wife and wrapping his arms around her, his hand coming to rest on her big belly out in front of her.
Yes, best Christmas ever.
Make sure to follow K.B. Barrett
for up-to-date information on all her upcoming books
Find all her links at
www.authorkbbarrett.com/links
ABOUT K.B. BARRETT
K.B. Barrett lives in western Michigan with her wonderful husband and three kids. Her love of books started early, thanks to her grandmother, an avid reader who encouraged her to love all books. Eventually she had too many ideas and decided to start writing her own books. What started out as a small hobby led to her first book,Everything I Need, being published in March. She likes writing romantic books that are full of suspense and complicated, but they always come with a happily ever after.
Originally from Oregon, she and her husband have had the pleasure of living all over the United States. While she enjoys traveling to new destinations, it is the feeling that you get from living in a new place that she loves the best. For her there is nothing quite like having a life full of adventure. She feels blessed that she has had the opportunity to go wherever the wind decides to take her, whether that is traveling and exploring new places, following her kids around, or simply sitting out on the deck enjoying coffee in one of her colorful mugs.
www.authorkbbarrett.com
Copyright 2022 by Lisamarie Kade
Edits and proofreading by Magnolia Author Services
2022 Kade Publishing LLC
CHAPTER1
FALLON
It’s quiet here. Almost too quiet. The only sounds are the waves crashing along the shoreline and the palm trees dancing in the wind. Taking a sip of my Malibu Bay Breeze, complete with an umbrella in it, I glance around. There are not many people out here on the beach on Christmas Eve.
Then again, I wonder how many people vacation in the Bahamas for Christmas. Probably not many. Christmas typically means snow while sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace.
I’m all for a white Christmas. However, Trent got called to do some sort of training for the Marine Corp Reserves. That left me with zero plans for Christmas and since his parents, Vivian and Tom Maxwell, had already booked a trip to the Bahamas for the holidays, they insisted I tag along. I’m not really tagging along. I have my own oceanfront suite on Paradise Island. I haven’t even seen his parents yet today. We’ll do Christmas Eve dinner later at a local steak and seafood restaurant.
Just thinking about being here for the next few days without Trent makes me miss him. I wish he was here, though I understand it is his duty. I know all too well how military life goes. We’ve been friends forever and I was there when he went off to the Marines, having different assignments all over. It’s kind of how our relationship formed in the first place. Me here in the states with him far away in Japan. That’s military life.
So, while he is in North Carolina, here I am, in a white bikini, sipping a cocktail by the ocean. I guess it’s not all that bad.
After laying in the sun for a while, I decide to head back to my suite to relax in the bath. Lucky for me, the bathroom has a huge jacuzzi jet tub. I downloaded an Abbi Glines novel on my e-reader before climbing in. Nice and relaxing before getting ready for dinner.
As soon as I got out of the tub and wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, I sent Trent a text wishing him a Merry Christmas Eve, but he hasn’t responded. Again, it’s just something I’ve grown used to. A lot of the time, he can’t be on his phone. Another part of military life.
I stare at myself in the mirror as I finish applying lip gloss. My dark hair is curled. I went light on the smoky eye look. I hope I’m not overdressed. The silver sequin dress stops just above my knees. Thin straps and low cut down the front, but not super low cut. Like my boobs aren’t popping out. It’s tasteful. Vivian told me to pack a nice dress for tonight’s dinner. I just hope it’s not overkill for where we are going.
Heading out to the front lobby of the resort, I send a text to the Maxwells letting them know I’ll grab us a cab. As soon as I hit send, another text comes through.
Trent.
Hey babe miss you. How is your day?
It was good, leaving for dinner with your parents now.
Enjoy dinner. I miss you.
Miss you more