Thank you to my loving and supportive hubs. Frozen food and dirty laundry have become a common occurrence in our house so I can write books. Our family has sacrificed, but hopefully the rewards are that much sweeter.
To the best sisters a girl could ask for—my SmutSisters. For all the support, love, boys without shirts (and sometimes without pants), laughs, and TMI conversations. My day isn't complete until I've chatted with you girls. Bring on Scotland!
To Nelle, you’ve become such a close and supportive friend. We growl about how tough it is to write books and dish about family and life; you're a blessing.
To Sandi, I have a blast chatting and bitching and beta-reading with you. I can't wait for all the signings in 2014!
And eternal thanks to my awesome, hilarious, and always supportive readers who love Tristan just as much as I do! You guys rock! I appreciate each and every message and review you so happily share!
Adriane Leigh was born and raised in a snowbank in Northern Michigan and now lives among the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan lakeshore.
She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare and Chaucer.
She is married to a tall, dark and handsome guy and is mama of two sweet baby girls. Also a voracious reader and knitter.
More from Adriane Leigh
Please enjoy an excerpt from
“You’re the most beautiful bride that I’ve ever seen.”
“You have to say that; you’re my mom.” I smiled.
I stared at my white A-line strapless dress, embellished with rhinestone flowers that cascaded asymmetrically over the bodice as I ran my hands down my sides. I turned my head to make sure my cathedral bridal veil was placed perfectly amongst my elegant curly updo.
“I can’t believe you’re finally getting married!” Giselle smiled.
“You’re picture-perfect, Lily Gilmore,” Gretchen said as she snapped a picture with her phone.
I was so nervous; my hands were beginning to sweat. I couldn’t believe this day had finally arrived. The past year of planning the perfect wedding was torturous, but exciting. Hunter stood by my side and had agreed with everything that I liked. I think he just wanted to keep the peace, or he just didn’t care. He didn’t want a big wedding; he wanted to run off to Vegas and get married at one of those drive-by chapels. I’ve always dreamed of a big wedding, and he understood, so he nixed the idea of Vegas. Plus, my mother would have killed us both if we eloped.
People were gathered in the church, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
“Lily, where’s your sister?”
“I’m not sure, mom. She said she had to go get something and that she’d be right back.”
“She’s your maid of honor, and she needs to be here; the ceremony’s about to start.”
I sighed and headed out of the dressing room. I walked down the long hallway that connected to a small kitchen. I figured she probably went out behind the church to have a cigarette, so I proceeded through the kitchen and stopped when I heard a noise coming from one of the rooms off to the side. I put my hand on the knob and slowly turned it as I pushed opened the door. Nothing had prepared me for what I saw.
I pulled the door shut, and I ran out of the church. My heart was racing, and my stomach felt sick. I heard my mother’s voice following me from behind. I stopped when she asked me to. I put my hand on my head and paced in circles, not believing what I just saw. My breathing was rapid as I looked up and saw Hunter standing there, looking at me, and my sister standing behind him. Tears began to stream down my face as he slowly started walking towards me. I put my right hand up before he took three steps.
“Don’t you dare come near me, you bastard!” I screamed.
“Lily, Hunter, what the hell is going on?” my mother asked.
I stood there, pointing my finger. “Why don’t you ask that cheating bastard over there and his dirty whore standing behind him?!” I spat.
My mother turned her head and looked at my sister, Brynn. She stood there, shaking her head; then looked at Hunter. By this time, a crowd of people had emerged from the church and were gathered around to see what all the commotion was. The way my mother was looking at Brynn and Hunter gave me the feeling that she knew what was going on between them.
“Lily, please let me—”Hunter started to say.
“Don’t you ever say a fucking word to me again!” I screamed, cutting him off.
I stood there, feeling about as small as an ant, and raised my arms up in the air. “Well, it looks like there isn’t going to be a wedding today, folks! Unless, my whore of a sister over there wants to marry this cheating bastard!” I yelled as I pointed to Hunter.
“Lily! That’s enough!” my mother commanded.
I looked at her with disgrace and slowly walked towards her. “You knew, didn’t you? You knew they were screwing behind my back!”
She stared at me with a look of guilt. She didn’t have to say a word; her reaction said it all. I shook my head as I looked at my sister who was standing on the steps, crying. “Why are you crying? Isn’t this what you wanted? You can have him, baby sister, because the two of you were made for each other!”
I ripped off my veil and threw it on the ground as I turned on my heels and stomped away. Giselle and Gretchen followed behind, and we took the limo back to their hotel room.
We stepped into the hotel room, and I immediately sat on the edge of the bed. I was still in my wedding dress. The only tears that fell were the ones outside the church. I was still in shock until Giselle sat down next to me and told me that it was ok to cry. I broke down as she held me. Gretchen walked over and sat on the other side as all three of us hugged each other.
“It’s going to be ok, Lily,” Gretchen whispered.
“How could he do this to me?” I sobbed.
“He’s an asshole, and it’s better that you found out now,” Giselle said.
“She’s right, honey, it’s better now than five years from now,” Gretchen spoke.
I sniffled as Giselle handed me some tissues. “What are you going to do now?” Gretchen asked.
“Gretchen!” Giselle scolded.
“It’s ok. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I can’t go back home, and I can’t face my family. I can’t believe my mother knew about Hunter and Brynn. How could she do that to me after what my father did to her?”
“I don’t know, sweetie, it’s pretty fucked up that she knew, and your sister, my god, why would she do that
