Healing Kiss, page 24
I have enclosed the angel necklace to remind you I am always here for you. You are never alone. Please come to me any time you are feeling afraid or lonely or need a listening ear.
I hope one day you find your Prince Charming. The greatest happiness I have known has been with your dad, and the family we’ve created.
Happiest of birthdays, my sweet Lily. Be brave and kind and trust your instincts always.
I love you,
Mom
The tears were dropping on the paper, smearing the ink, and Lillian set the letter aside.
“Are those tears of happiness, I hope?” her father asked, handing her a tissue. “Would you like to wear the necklace?”
She nodded and dabbed at her eyes, standing and turning so her dad could fasten the clasp around her neck. She fingered the glittering angel, her mother’s presence filling the room.
“Your mother understood you, Lou-Lou. She only ever wanted to see you happy. I think her wish has come true.”
“Yes,” Lillian said. “Yes, it has.”
“Are you ready, then?” Her dad offered an arm, and Lillian looped hers through.
“I am.”
They walked from the dressing room, through the hall, and into the back of the old historic church in her hometown where she was to be married. Hannah signaled the musicians and began her march down the aisle, following little Annie Logan, who had agreed to be Lillian’s flower girl. Then, Lillian and her dad began the long walk.
Tristan’s mom and a small group of cousins and aunts and uncles and friends turned to look. Lillian managed to stay calm by fixing her gaze on Tristan, who stood tall and handsome in his black tuxedo, the familiar wave in his dark hair.
And then they reached his side, and her dad was placing her arm in Tristan’s. Her skin tingled, her heart pounded, and she was bolstered by Tristan’s strength and the love shining from his dark-blue eyes.
The preacher turned to Lillian. “Will you have Tristan to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort, and keep him, forsaking all others remain true to him, as long as you both shall live?”
“I will,” she said, gazing into Tristan’s eyes, her voice clear and loud enough to be heard by the entire congregation.
Tristan smiled, as the preacher turned to him and asked him the same question. He squeezed Lillian’s hands, and an electric current seemed to jump from his heart to hers. “I will.”
“Lillian and Tristan, by the power vested in me by God and man, I pronounce you wife and husband. You may now kiss the bride.”
And then Tristan tilted his head down and Lillian tilted her head up, and their lips met somewhere in the middle. And the sparks that had been igniting along her skin turned into a fiery blaze.
Chapter Thirty
Epilogue
Three Years Later
“What’s the story with the hot bodyguard?” Hannah asked from where she lounged by the pool.
She set her knitting down to fan her cheeks and hoped Lillian put it down to the sun and not the heat in her belly. Brian Townsend was the most striking man she’d ever met. He was also one of the most mysterious. And since he’d been on some secret assignment for one of his clients the past year, Hannah hadn’t seen him since her sister’s wedding.
Her sister put her hand to her forehead to shield her eyes and looked across the patio at the men, who were tending the grill. “There’s not much to tell as far as I know. Why are you asking?”
“He’s not happy.”
“He seems happy enough to me,” Lillian said.
Hannah’s gaze returned to Brian. Tristan was gesturing, and Brian was laughing at whatever he said. He was shirtless, his skin and hair a golden brown, his hands propped against lean hips. If there was a definition for casual male beauty, Brian possessed it in spades.
“When he’s not grumbling, he’s joking; that’s just the way he acts.”
“He jokes to cover the pain, Lil.”
Brian shifted his stance and turned his head, and his unusual eyes caught Hannah’s, as if he knew he was the subject of their discussion. Her heart thudded in her chest, but she refused to look away until his gaze returned to Tristan’s.
“What’s his issue then?” Lillian asked.
“I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
Her sister’s mouth dropped open.
“Why are you acting so surprised? I’m empathic, not a mind reader.”
“Because in the twenty-five years since you were born, I’ve never heard you say you couldn’t figure someone out. Are you sick?”
Hannah made a face. “No, I’m not sick. He’s challenging, that’s all. He’s not what he seems.”
“Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside?”
She stared at Brian. “I’m not sure. He’s scarred in some way I can’t fathom. What has Tristan told you about him?”
“Not much, really. He’s a chick magnet and moody. He likes his privacy.”
“He must have told you something more than that.”
“I know they went to high school together. Tristan said Brian was a star athlete and smart. I guess he took home about every award there was to take home and received several football scholarships. He turned them all down to join the military. Tristan lost touch with him for a few years, but when Brian got discharged and started his own security firm, Tristan was one of his first customers.”
“No woman in his past who broke his heart?” Hannah found her gaze returning to Brian.
“Not that Tristan mentioned. Why do you keep staring at him with that puzzled look on your face? Are you interested? I can do some investigating of my own. He’s cute in a lumberjack sort of way. I can see why women like him.”
Hannah’s gaze returned to Lillian, and she deliberately relaxed her face. “You know I don’t date. How many times do I have to tell you, men are all the same—not to be trusted. Well, everyone but yours.” She patted Lillian’s hand. “Speaking of which, what are you holding inside? You’re bursting at the seams.”
Lillian’s shining gaze met Hannah’s. “I’m pregnant.”
Hannah squealed and jumped up to hug her sister, trying not to let the worry inside taint Lillian’s happiness. “I’m so, so happy for you, Lil. How long have you known?”
“Since this morning.”
Hannah smiled. “Did you tell Tristan?”
“Tell me what?” Tristan had come up on them unexpectedly, attracted to their squeals, no doubt. Brian trailed close behind.
Lillian’s expression went from excited to nervous in an instant, and she went to her husband, grasping his hands.
Hannah got herself out of the way. He doesn’t know? she mouthed from behind Tristan’s back.
The deer-in-the-headlights look in Lillian’s eyes told Hannah all she needed to know.
“I swear I planned to tell you tonight before anyone else. Hannah guessed it before I could, though.”
“Guessed what?” Tristan’s puzzled expression grew more intense, his emotions heightening to a fever pitch. “Are you sick? What’s wrong?”
Hannah put her hand over her heart in a feeble attempt to slow the furious pounding. Being around strong emotions tended to cause this effect. Brian’s gaze moved to her, and somehow, she knew he’d noticed her reaction. The man didn’t miss much, that was for sure.
“I’m…we’re pregnant. You’re going to be a father.”
Tristan’s stunned expression told Hannah the news was totally unexpected.
“You’re not happy? Say something, so I know what you’re feeling.” Lillian burst into tears, the intensity of the situation too much for her to bear.
“Sweetheart, don’t cry. I’m overjoyed. I’m surprised, that’s all. I thought you didn’t want children because you were afraid they’d inherit your talent.”
“I’m still afraid, and I don’t know how it happened. Well, I know how it happened, but I didn’t think I would get pregnant. But I have, and oh, Tristan, I want this baby so much.”
“Me, too.” Tristan pulled his wife into his chest and held her against his heart. “Me, too.”
Hannah could hear Lillian’s muffled sobs from where she stood. She closed her eyes and sucked in air.
“What’s wrong?”
The low voice next to her ear startled her, and she popped her eyes open. Brian stood over her, puzzlement in his gaze. His curiosity, concern, and attraction fluttered across her spine like a butterfly, before settling in her heart.
“I’m fine.” She gasped, heart galloping. “I’m just so happy for them. They’re going to be wonderful parents. They’re so in love, don’t ya think?”
Brian turned his attention to the couple, and Hannah’s heartbeat settled into a more normal rhythm.
“If such a thing exists,” Brian said. Was there a hint of wistfulness wrapped within the cynicism?
Tristan turned with Lillian in his arms and smiled at Hannah and Brian. “I’m going to be a dad. Can you believe it?”
Brian released his grip on her arm and moved forward, his affection for his friend evident.
“I’m thrilled for you, buddy,” he said, slapping him on the back. “Congratulations. I see lots of diaper changes in your future.” He turned to Lillian and shook her hand. “And you, too. This is one lucky baby.”
“Thanks, Bri,” Lillian said.
Hannah hugged the couple, and caught up in their happiness, turned to Brian and hugged him, too. It was an instinctual reaction, but she forgot he didn’t have on a shirt. The moment their skin touched, electricity rippled through her system like she handled a live wire. She let go of him and stepped away as fast as she could. Warmth flooded her cheeks, and she didn’t dare look at him. Something sizzled in the air between them.
“You guys make a cute couple,” her sister said, oblivious to the tension surrounding them.
“You’re delirious,” Hannah said, avoiding Brian’s gaze.
“Yeah, delirious with happiness. I wish everyone could be this happy,” her sister said. She laughed, and the sound was so joyous, the feeling flooded into Hannah, like a soothing balm, settling her stomach. What did it matter if she never found happiness herself? She had played a part in healing two hearts. Wasn’t that her mission in life?
And she would make one hell of an aunt, if she did say so herself.
Lillian and Tristan still held hands, lost in each other’s eyes, while Brian went to find his shirt.
Hannah turned to fetch her knitting, hollering over her shoulder. “Time to start on a baby blanket.”
The End
Author’s Note
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Other Books by Amanda Uhl
Mind Waves, Mind Hackers Series, Book 1
Cross Waves, Mind Hackers Series, Book 2
Dark Waves, Mind Hackers Series, Novella
Charmed By Charlie
Praise for Award-Winning Author Amanda Uhl
Healing Kiss
“The heroine is especially compelling in this story, and there’s a nice degree of emotion and heart that draws the reader in. I loved everything about this book. I was so disappointed to get to the end.”
– On The Far Side Contest, First Place, Light Paranormal
“This is polished writing with a clear voice and a well laid out plot. I love the initial scene, which pulls the reader in, and I love Lillian’s first meeting with Tristan. One can see her powers without being overwhelmed or saying ‘what the heck.’ The scene is vivid, the desperation palpable, and altogether drew me in. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
– Rudy Writing Contest, First Place, Paranormal
“The concept behind the story is a brilliant one, and the threat of Kinetica gives this a fresh genre balance between romantic suspense and paranormal that is so interesting! I breezed right through this story and wanted more.”
– Diamonds in the Desert Contest, Second Place, Paranormal
Dark Waves
“Uhl somehow manages to not only instill a fascinating plot into this short story but has also developed two characters that the reader can deeply connect with and understand…a short punchy and fascinating read I can highly recommend…”
– Readers’ Favorite, Gold Medal, Novella Category
“This novella held my attention from the first page to the last…complex and surprising. I didn’t want it to be over…”
– Paranormal Romance Guild, Reviewer’s Choice Award Winner
“A fun and absorbing read!”
– InD’tale Magazine
Cross Waves
“…a fascinating and irresistible paranormal romance. From the beginning, the conflict between Geneva and Rolf held me spellbound, and I couldn’t put the book down until I found how their dilemma was resolved.”
– Readers’ Favorite, 5-Star Review
“I read this book in one sitting, and the excitement didn’t let up for a minute.”
– Paranormal Romance Guild, Reviewer’s Choice Award Nominee
“Amanda Uhl has invented a fresh brand of psychic paranormal romance with an imaginative and captivating theme.”
– InD’tale Magazine
Mind Waves
“It was a mixture of genres and it was woven together in such a way that you did not see the distinction between genres. It just works!”
– The Genre Minx Book Reviews
“I look forward to reading more books by this author! The concept is intriguing, and I loved how she incorporated it into the modern world. Great book!”
– Lady With a Quill Book Reviews
“What a spectacular story for a debut book and definitely a book I would love to see converted into a movie or a miniseries on TV! Yes, it was that good and didn’t fall into the cookie cutter PNR mold.”
– Star Angel Reviews
“This book grabbed me from the very beginning and held me until the very last page. The characters were amazing and it was filled with suspense, secrets, surprises and romance. It was everything I love in a book and more. I loved it so much, I finished it in just one day.”
– Paranormal Romance Guild, Reviewer’s Choice Award Nominee
Charmed By Charlie
“Uhl’s latest is a sweet and cozy romance with genuine feelings and experiences to be worked through and overcome. A lighthearted and engaging read.”
– School Library Journal
“…a romantic read with just the right amount of conflict to keep the story moving…it is about life, relationships, and learning to seize the day.”
– Genre Minx Book Reviews
“…I enjoyed the dialog…the drama, the misunderstandings, the suspense/mystery, the chemistry, the banter and even the moments of heartbreak. The plot with the characters was brilliantly orchestrated into a “charming” romance story…I couldn’t put the book down.”
– Long and Short Reviews
A Word About the Author...
Amanda Uhl has always had a fascination with the mystical. Having drawn her first breath in a century home rumored to be haunted, you might say she was “born” into it. After a brief stint in college as a paid psychic, Amanda graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre and a Master’s degree in marketing. Over the past twenty years, she has worked as an admissions representative and graphic designer, owned her own freelance writing company, and managed communications for several Fortune 500 companies, most recently specializing in cyber security and data. Amanda is an avid reader and writes fast-paced, paranormal romantic suspense and humorous contemporary romance from her home in Cleveland, Ohio. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find Amanda with her husband and three children, gathering beach glass on the Lake Erie shoreline or biking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Amanda Uhl, Healing Kiss
