Publication date: April 25th 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Bridgette Dupont is engaged to the hunky, flirty fireman who has it all—yet why does she feel anxiety when she thinks of herself walking down that aisle on their wedding day?

With her best friend Sophie happily married and pregnant, Bridgette has a clear picture of what her life could look like, but she can’t help feeling the fear of motherhood...and when her past comes calling, all of Bridgette’s simmering emotions begin to boil over.

Ryan Hodges couldn’t be any happier with his fiancée, she’s beautiful, compassionate and sweeter than pie—but when his parents drop into town for a surprise visit, tensions between his mother’s wants and his fiancée’s needs come to a head.

When everything rains down on the happy couple all at once, their strength and faith in each other are put to the ultimate test. Will Ryan and Bridgette make it to the altar, or will they realize their future together was never meant to be?

Excerpt

Our food arrives just in time so I can stuff my mouth before I say something that’ll upset my hormonal best friend.

“Thanks, André,” she grins.

While unwrapping the silverware, a girl in her late teens sitting cross-legged at the table in the corner catches my eye. Auburn locks peak out of the oversized hoody she’s wearing over black leggings. A bulging paisley print backpack sits at her feet.

“What are you looking at?”

“The girl in the corner sitting alone.”

She looks over her shoulder. “Do you know her?”

I shake my head. “Never seen her.”

“Then why are you staring?”

“For starters, she’s dressed awfully warm for spring, even in Twinkle Falls.”

“Maybe she’s visiting, or new in town.”

“Could be. She’s a fast eater, that’s for sure.”

“You’re awfully curious about someone you don’t know.”

“There’s something about her. She’s different from our usual visitors. Something tells me there’s a story behind those dark eyes.”

“Quit staring at the poor girl.” Sophie shakes her head.

“It was just an observation. How’s your lunch?”

“Good. I guess I was hungrier than I thought.”

“I see that, but you are eating for two—or three.” I grin.

Her eyes grow. “Bite your tongue Bridge. There’s only one baby in here according to the ultrasound.”

“Maybe the little girl is hiding behind her brother.”

Her napkin grazes my cheek as she playfully hits me. “Hey, why don’t you guys come over for dinner? The kids have been asking to see you.”

“You mean tonight?”

“Yes tonight. Why, do you have plans?”

Grabbing my phone, I skim my finger across it. “Oh look at that, I’m available.”

“Ha, ha smarty pants.” She purses her lips as her eyes roll.

“What time you want us there?”

“Liam should get home on time since Trace helped him out this morning, so how’s six o’clock?”

“Ryan is off shift so that works. Are you cooking any of my favorites?”

My gaze wanders back to the stranger in the corner as she eases out of her chair with her back to us. She grabs the backpack, hugging it against her while quickly walking to the door.

André scoops the folder with the check and money off the table, opening it. When his jaw droops, I’m pretty sure I know why. He looks at me and holds up the empty folder.

“Did you hear a word I said?” Sophie asks.

“She stiffed us! Stay here, I’ll be back.” I rise and briskly walk to the front door as it closes behind her.

Looking right then left, I see the girl crossing the road and heading for the park. I watch as she stops and leans over in exhaustion. Wondering if she’s okay, I cross the street and touch her shoulder when her backpack slides to the ground.

“Hey, are you alright?”

Glancing at me, she says, “I’m fine.”

“Did you forget something back at the cafe?”

I stare at her, waiting to hear some lame excuse when she straightens up with her right hand clutching her stomach… her unusually rounded stomach. “I—I—” she stutters as she attempts to catch her breath.

“Are you pregnant?” I stare at her belly which is larger than Sophie’s.

After a moment of silence, she shifts her weight, peering at me with her dark eyes. “No, I swallowed a basketball.”

“Don’t get smart with me missy or I’ll call the cops and let them deal with you.”

Fear flashes through her eyes before they soften. “Yes, I’m pregnant.”

I pick up her backpack and point to the bench on the other side of the pathway. “Let’s sit.”

She waddles to the wooden bench before easing onto it. Seeing the worry on her face, I put her bag between us and sit facing her. “What’s your name?”

Staring at her clasped hands, she lifts her head. “Kylee.”

“Are you here with anyone?”

“No.”

“Where are you from?”

“The same place as you, by the sound of it.” I narrow my eyes, before she adds, “France. I’m from France.”

“Does your family still live there?” I ask.

She shakes her head.

“Then where do they live?”

“Nowhere, they—died.”

As her eyes grow dark again, I lean back on the bench. “I’m sorry. It must be hard not having family around, especially in your condition.”

“I have a distant relative, but she doesn’t want a pregnant stranger showing up on her doorstep.”

Shrugging, she fidgets with her hands. “Where are you staying?” I pry.

“There.” Kylee points to a cottage at the back of the church. Years ago, Pastor Morgan converted a three stall barn into a cottage for short term housing.

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About the Author

Freda was born in southern New Jersey but grew up in Florida. She has loved writing her entire life. After retiring from a career in law enforcement, she knew it was time to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a published author.

She's the author of The Hawaii Series, proudly named from her love of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. It's a three-book series with all of them written as standalone books.

Freda loves her large family, horses, dogs, cat, and close friends. She hosts monthly family dinners at her home in the country, which she shares with her husband.

She loves baking (she owned and operated a cupcake business for years), cooking, yoga, crocheting, nature and traveling with the love of her life.

What helps her write? Music makes her happy! If music doesn't give her the right motivation, she puts on a romantic movie, usually from the Hallmark Channel, which she can't get enough of!

Freda speaks her mind and pushes perfection to its limit. She strives to be her best, most positive self she can be in life. With time, determination, and practice, she believes anything is possible.

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