Wish You Were Here, page 1
Kissing the wrong guy
days before her scheduled wedding leads Allison to become a runaway bride. But can it also lead to happily ever after?
Allison Denman is supposed to get married in five days, but everything is all wrong. The huge wedding. The frothy dress. And the groom.
Still, kissing the groom’s brother, Daniel, in an unguarded moment is decidedly not the right thing to do. How could she have made such a mistake? It seems Allison’s life is nothing but mistakes at this point. Daniel’s adventures–chronicled through a collection of postcards–have always appealed to Allison’s well-hidden desire for something more. But how can betraying her fiancé’s trust lead to a true happily ever after?
Can Allison find her way out of this mess? Recognizing she doesn’t have all the answers won’t be easy because she’s used to being in control. To find her way again, she will have to believe that God has a plan for her–one outside her carefully defined comfort zone–and find the strength to let Him lead.
BETH K. VOGT is also the author of Baby Changes Everything: Embracing and Preparing for Motherhood After 35. Beth is a consulting editor for MomSense, the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) International’s magazine for moms, as well as a bimonthly columnist for MOMSnext, their e-zine for moms of school-age children. She’s been published in a variety of magazines, as well as Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Tribute to Moms and The Mommy Diaries. Beth and her husband, Rob, treasure their four children and son- and daughter-in-love.
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COVER DESIGN BY BRUCE GORE • COVER BRIDE IMAGE BY STEVE GARDNER/PIXELWORKS • AUTHOR PHOTO COPYRIGHT JOHN SKIBA;
ALL OTHER IMAGES BY iSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
ADVANCE PRAISE FOR
wish you were here
“Beth Vogt hits a home run with her debut novel, Wish You Were Here. Quirky, snappy, and sweet, it’s a story of finding true love that will leave you sighing and smiling.”
—RACHEL HAUCK, bestselling and award-winning author of The Wedding Dress
“What a delightful story! From the first line to the last page, Beth captivated me with her voice and this charming, funny yet poignant story about letting go of your life and finding the love that’s been waiting all along. A fabulous first novel … I can’t wait for the next by this talented new author!”
—SUSAN MAY WARREN, Rita Award–winning, bestselling author of The Shadow of Your Smile
“I was swept away to the splendor of the Rockies in Wish You Were Here, a lovely debut by Beth K. Vogt. This perfectly paced love triangle has endearing characters and plot twists that kept me turning the pages deep into the night. I loved it!”
—CARLA STEWART, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Broken Wings
“Beth K. Vogt creates character, paints personality, and defines drama within a romantic comedy that sparkles with fun. Wish You Were Here will tickle your fancy from the first misplaced kiss to the kiss that lands exactly on the right spot in the end. This could only be the first book of many to come from a sensitive and talented new fiction author.”
—DONITA K. PAUL, bestselling author of the DragonKeeper Chronicles
“Beth Vogt’s Wish You Were Here is a heartwarming story of reconciliation and second chances. Her characters charmed me from the first page and had me tearing up by the end of the novel. Beth weaves in spiritual truth that massages the soul while sprinkling in LOL moments to tickle the funny bone. Definitely one for the keeper shelf.”
—LISA JORDAN, author of Lakeside Reunion
“Vogt’s writing shines in this contemporary take on a timeless theme. She excels in portraying vibrant characters who grapple with vital questions. Wish You Were Here provides a postcard-perfect glimpse of the courage it takes to really be who you are.”
—SIRI MITCHELL, author of The Cubicle Next Door and She Walks in Beauty
“Beth Vogt is a sparkling new talent whose Wish you Were Here brims with life, fun, and depth. Allison has acquired the wrong wedding dress, but worse yet, she may have grabbed the wrong groom. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. It’s always refreshing to find a new voice in Christian fiction that shines!”
—KRISTIN BILLERBECK, author of What a Girl Wants
“One kiss can change everything! Wish You Were Here takes the reader on an emotional journey with Allison Denman as she struggles to find her place in this world. Allison comes to grips with the truth that playing it safe is not the same as living to the fullest—a good lesson for all of us. Beautifully written, Wish You Were Here is a lovely debut novel by Beth K. Vogt that illustrates the plans we make may not be God’s choice for us. A fun and satisfying read!”
—MEGAN DiMARIA, author of Searching for Spice
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Howard Books
A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
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New York, NY 10020
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2012 by Beth K. Vogt
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address Howard Books Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.
First Howard Books trade paper edition May 2012
HOWARD and colophon are trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
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Designed by Jaime Putorti
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Vogt, Beth K.
Wish you were here : a novel / Beth Vogt.
p. cm.
I. Title.
PS3622.O362W57 2012
813'.6—dc23
2011027560
ISBN 978-1-4516-5986-3
ISBN 978-1-4516-5997-9 (ebook)
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
For my husband, Rob: Together we’ve discovered the true meaning of happily ever after, with God’s lavish grace woven through all the joys and sorrows. You are my most favorite person in the whole world—and my hero. (Song of Solomon 6:3)
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Acknowledgments
Reading Group Guide Wish You Were Here
wish you
were here
CHAPTER 1
As promised—one postcard from Australia!
—Daniel
She never should have said yes.
Allison smoothed the bodice of the wedding gown, the fitted lace sleeves clinging to her arms. Waves of material billowed out from her waist, threatening to overwhelm her like a silken tsunami.
The style was all wrong.
She’d known it months ago—the moment the saleswoman released the dress from its protective plastic covering. Allison doubted all those layers of ivory lace and silk, bows and beads would ever fit back into such a small bag.
Securing the myriad of tiny pearl buttons marching down the back took precedence over her request for something simpler. She’d been instructed to stand on a round carpeted platform in front of a wall of angled mirrors. Encouraged to turn this way and that for the assembled critics—her best friend, Meghan; her mom; her younger sister, Hadleigh; and Seth’s mom. Her future mother-in-law’s breathless “Perfect” sealed Allison’s fate.
While her mother paid a price as outlandish as the dress, the bridal shop attendant stressed the “no returns/no refunds” policy. And now … well, Allison couldn’t do anything about her decision fiv e days before the wedding.
Allison moved toward her standing beveled mirror. The only thing out of place in the room was the garment bag emblazoned with the elaborate, oversize initials of the bridal shop lying across her spotless white matelassé bedspread. Four pillows covered in matching shams and arranged just so lined the open-rail headboard. A framed oval photo of a triumphant Seth after winning a marathon stood on the bedside table.
Allison turned the photo around so it faced the wall. “No seeing the bride before the wedding day. It’s bad luck.”
She leaned toward her reflection in the mirror, gathering her auburn hair into a haphazard pile on top of her head. Maybe with an updo, veil, manicure, makeup—
“Who am I trying to kid?” She let her hair fall past her slumped shoulders. “Nothing can turn the wrong choice into the right one.”
She should have spoken up, insisted she have the chance to try on a few more gowns. But if there was one thing she’d learned during the six years she’d dated Seth Rayner, it was how to go along with what someone else wanted.
Turning away from the irrefutable evidence, she fought to move past her bed as the gown swirled around her legs. The partially buttoned dress gaped open in the back, causing the sheer sleeves to slip off her shoulders.
She wouldn’t wear the dress forever. Just for the ceremony. The reception. The limo ride to the hotel. Six hours, tops. Once it was dry-cleaned and stowed in the cavernous walk-in closet in Seth’s town house, she’d never have to see the designer debacle again.
Except in the wedding photos.
“Scat, Bisquick.” Allison lifted the material as her cat swatted the delicate hem. “I am not wearing a pricey cat toy.”
Undeterred, her yellow cat stalked her out of the bedroom, menacing sounds warning Allison the game was still on. She sidestepped down the hall to her living room, keeping a watchful eye on her marauding feline. The five-foot train followed her like a guest who had overstayed her welcome.
She paced around her couch and matching chairs, upholstered in soft white suede. She was careful to avoid snagging the gown on her cognac-colored coffee table as she swished by. She hated the thought of storing the items in her parents’ attic, but it couldn’t be helped. There was no place to put her furniture at Seth’s.
Maybe she should practice walking down the aisle. Practice made perfect, right?
Allison closed her eyes. Took a deep breath. Sang the words “Here comes the bride …”
Just step forward. One foot in front of the other. One. Two. One. Two.
Her eyes flew open. “I’m flunking the wedding march five days before my wedding. If I can’t walk down a pretend aisle in my apartment, how am I going to manage the real thing?”
She collapsed on the couch, waves of material swelling up around her like a hot air balloon. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to get married. Seth was perfect for her. She was just tired of talking about the wedding and thinking about the wedding … and what came after. Most of all, she was tired of this dress—and she hadn’t even worn it for real yet.
She needed a diversion. Maybe Meghan would be up for a movie. Something happy, like … An Affair to Remember. She’d give her a call and then escape the bridal gown nightmare.
And the sooner the better. If they had a fire in the building, she’d perish under five thousand dollars’ worth of lace, beads, pearls, and silk. As if to emphasize the ugly truth, someone rapped on her door. Meghan, reading her mind? Or the local fire marshal, ready to declare her a walking fire code violation?
Shoving the skirt aside, she pulled the door open with a welcoming smile. “Hey, Meggie—”
Or not Meggie.
Seth’s older brother, Daniel, leaned against the doorjamb. “Hey, yourself, Kid.” His mismatched eyes—one blue, one green—skimmed over her bridal frenzy. “Am I interrupting an elopement?”
A lazy grin slid up his face, as if he’d like to help with that adventure. Of course, Daniel’s motto might be “Grab Your Backpack and Follow Me,” thanks to the miles he’d logged in his hiking boots over the years. He appeared straight off some mountain trail, dressed in cargo pants and a LIFE IS GOOD T-shirt under his brown leather bomber jacket, chin unshaved, brown curls tamed by a baseball cap.
How he and her starched, spit-polished fiancé happened to be kin baffled her.
“O-of course not!” She gathered the open back of her gown in one hand, shoving the ivory fabric back over her shoulders. “What are you doing here?” And why now, when she wore the fire hazard? She debated grabbing the coat hanging on the rack near the door, but knew a layer of hunter green wool wouldn’t improve her appearance.
“Seth asked me to help move some of your stuff to his house this week, remember? I thought I’d pick up a few boxes.”
“Boxes?”
“Books. Kitchen supplies. Knickknacks. Whatever you’ve packed.” He stepped into her apartment, his larger-than-life persona managing to shrink even her dress down to size. But Allison still had to part the waves of material as she backed up.
“Uh, is that the dress?”
Was he choking back a laugh? Confirmation the dress was a nightmare.
“Yes. Please, no comments.” Allison ran her hands along the flowing skirt as if she could tame it. Not going to happen.
“It’s impressive.”
Allison blew a wisp of hair out of her eyes. “Are you kidding me? I look like Bridal Fashion Disaster Barbie.”
“Hey, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day.” Daniel tucked the strand of hair behind her ear, the warmth in his eyes offering encouragement. “Seth won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
“He’ll be trying to find me somewhere in all this fabric.”
As Daniel stepped around Allison, she caught the sound of his chuckle. She imagined his glance skimming the stack of assorted packing boxes piled in the living room of her otherwise immaculate apartment.
“You are planning on moving in with Seth after the wedding, right?”
“Of course I am. I’ve just been busy with deadlines and … and things …” She hated how the unused packing boxes made her feel guilty of some unnamed crime.
“Okay, so show me where the packed boxes are, and I’ll get out of your way.”
She longed to provide proof that she’d packed something. Say a few magic words and conjure up some boxes under the dress. Abracadabra, I do, I do. “I-I haven’t packed anything yet.” She shrugged, causing the lace to slip a few inches.
“Too busy playing dress-up?” The disarming grin Daniel tossed over his shoulder took any potential sting out of his question. “I really do like the dress, by the way.”
“You’re a liar, but thanks.” She tugged the fabric back in place. Stupid dress.
Daniel turned back and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. Allison’s dress crunched in protest even as his embrace wrapped her in the scent of leather and remnants of the brisk November night air. “Listen, Alli, you don’t have to explain to a master procrastinator like me. Let’s just consider helping the bride pack a best man’s duty. Besides, what’s a future brother-in-law for? We can order Chinese and tackle a few boxes. Deal?”
“You sure you’ve got time? I’d have to change.”
“I hope so. Or I’m hopelessly underdressed.” He turned her in the direction of her bedroom, his hands warm on her shoulders. “Need help with the buttons in the back … ummm, that would be a no.”
Allison fled to her room, her laughter mingled with the heat of a blush that coursed across her face and all the way down her spine.
That Daniel—he knew how to make her laugh. She couldn’t wait until he was actually her family.
Daniel sat back on his heels, his hands braced on his thighs. “How many boxes is that? Six?”
“That makes eight.” Alli wrote LINENS across the top in block letters with a black Sharpie.
“I’ve never known anyone to color coordinate a linen closet.” Daniel stood and offered his hand to Alli. “Your über-organization makes it easy to pack your stuff. DVDs filed by genre and alphabetized by title?”
“It makes life easier. I don’t like wasting time looking for things.” She wrapped her fingers around his and stood, rubbing her neck with her other hand. “You know what they say: ‘A place for everything, and everything in its place.’”
