Dex’s world had shifted into a new realm of happiness, and Emmahad been the cause. She guessed she should thank Grace for putting her in thatpitiful, hopeless state at her wedding where Emma had found her last year. Butthe one she was really grateful for was Emma. She’d put up with more than sheshould have, more than most women wouldhave. She’d put herself on the line and waited Dex out until her heart wasfinally free of Grace, and it had been worth it. Dex couldn’t imagine her lifewith anyone else.
As the band began to play, Dex took Emma into her arms and spunher around the dance floor.
“I’m not sure how, but it seems you won the bet this time.” Emma’ssoft, silvery-blue eyes sparkled as she gazed at Dex.
“I may have had some inside information.” They both glanced overat Juni, who was clutching the bouquet as she danced with Josh. “She’s ascrapper, that one. Always could take me down.”
“I’d like to try to take you down.” Emma’s eyes darkened to thesteely blue hue Dex adored.
“No contest there. I surrender.” Dex kissed her, and all in herworld felt right.
She couldn’t wait for the party to be over. They would leave fortheir honeymoon in the morning, a road trip. The wager between them had beentheir destination—West or East Coast. The sign on the back of their car wouldread California or Bust. Emma had never been to San Francisco, and Dex waslooking forward to showing her all the sights. But tonight they would go backto the place where, without even realizing it, Dex had first come to know theessence of Emma one bleary-eyed morning last September. Soon they’d be wrappedup in each other under a wonderfully warm fleece blanket in what was now their home, andshe planned to live happily ever after in that very spot.
About the Author
Dena Blake grew up in a small town just north of SanFrancisco where she learned to play softball, ride motorcycles, and growvegetables. She eventually moved with her family to the Southwest, where shebegan creating vivid characters in her mind and bringing them to life onpaper.
Dena currently lives in the Southwest with her partner andis constantly amazed at what she learns from her two children. She’s a would-bechef, tech nerd, and occasional auto mechanic who has a weakness for darkchocolate and a good cup of coffee.
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