Love Happens Read online

  When Love Blooms by Melanie Moreland

  Ethan Thomas lives a structured, precise life. He knows what he’s doing today, tomorrow, next week. His goals are simple. Work, get rich, and be happy.

  He has the first two done. The third seems to be elusive.

  Lily owns a flower shop, and answers to no one. Free spirited, full of love and life, she is the rarest of blooms. And yet, she is still alone.

  Until the day he stumbles into her shop.

  Tall, handsome and funny—Lily likes what she sees, and she acts on it.

  Wild, passionate and sexy, Ethan is blown away. In the best sense of the word.

  What happens when gasoline meets fire?

  It explodes.

  And so do they. Repeatedly.

  *

  How We Met by Claudia Burgoa

  Hunter Everhart has it all—the brains, the money and a rewarding career. He’s also the uncanny knack of choosing the wrong woman and suffers from a Knight complex. One night, he crosses paths with Willow Beesley, and before he can get a name or even a number, she’s gone. Willow Beesley can’t catch a break. Not only is she working for her younger sister and living with her grandfather, but the man who saw her at her worst happens to work for them. Is this a match made in heaven? Or another disaster about to happen?

  *

  Leap by Dylan Allen

  Louis was Cara’s dream man.

  She thought she was his dream, too.

  Until he walked away from her.

  Now he’s back and asking for another chance.

  But last time she fell, he wasn’t there to catch her.

  Louis let Cara go once. Now, he’s determined to win her back and to show her he’s here to stay.

  But Cara’s going to need to believe that, this time, the leap will be worth the fall.

  *

  Beautiful Baby by Emery Jacobs

  The day is finally here! After nine long months, baby Bonelli is on his or her way. Experience the epic life-altering event that gives Caleb and Henley the family they so desperately want. Caleb Bonelli spent his entire life running from his past until he met the one woman who gave him a reason to take a chance on love again. Henley Matthews Bonelli loves Caleb more than she ever thought possible. He has dedicated his life to giving her more happiness than she feels she deserves. After several years of marriage, they decide to expand their family to three. Find out what happens the night Henley goes into labor and welcomes a new bouncing baby girl—or is it a boy?—to the family.

  *

  Unspoken Surprises by Gabbie Duran

  Life has been crazy since the gang from the Unspoken Series found their happily ever afters.

  Matt and Abigail’s love has grown, and so have their careers.

  Trey continuously travels, which keeps him away from home, leaving Victoria yearning to rekindle their love.

  David and Kelly haven’t spent time with their friends for far too long and miss them dearly.

  This vacation is supposed to be the perfect opportunity for the couples to unwind, but as usual, when they’re all together, life has a way of surprising them.

  *

  I See You by Ginger Scott

  Cole Brennan can throw drunk men packing pistols from a country bar and wrangle a thousand head of cattle in some of Arizona’s roughest terrain, but when it comes to admitting his feelings to the feisty brunette he fell for more than five years ago, his mouth becomes numb and his tongue quickly ties. Claire Anderson is tired of waiting around for Mr. Right. As co-owner of one of Arizona’s hottest country bars, which happened to launch the career of more than a dozen country superstars, and a full-time behavioral therapist, she’s told herself her work is enough for years. Turns out it isn’t, and she’s been lying. But what if Mr. Right has been right next to her all along? And what if, as time runs out, she settles for Mr. Wrong instead?

  *

  All Of Me by Jeanne McDonald

  Portraiture artist, Shadow Kingsley, is on the brink of success after years of struggling in the art industry. Her unique style channels her muses and captures their spirit on canvas. That is until she meets the man with the most alluring blue eyes. The draw to paint him consumes her. But Lucian Britton is more than a muse. His music inspires her soul and captivates her heart.

  She knows she should keep her distance, but Lucian’s allure is too strong. With the opportunity of the lifetime staring her in the face, she must make a decision─maintain professional distance or allow their arts to combine to create the perfect masterpiece.

  *

  First Shot At Love by Lisa B. Kamps

  A Baltimore Banners Warm-up Story

  Jean-Pierre “JP” Larocque doesn’t believe in love, especially not love at first sight. As a rising star for The Baltimore Banners, the hockey player has his choice of women. Why should he settle for just one? Then he meets Emily Poole. She’s quiet, reserved, maybe a little shy—and completely unlike any woman he’s ever met. Can he convince the woman of his dreams to give him a chance?

  Emily has no idea what to make of the sexy hockey player. She’s never met anyone like him before: charming, charismatic, and attentive. Is he merely flirting, or is he after something else? Should she take the chance and end up risking so much more than her heart?

  Sometimes opposites really do attract. But is it enough for these two to risk everything and try for a first shot at love?

  *

  Wild Pumpkin by Martha Sweeney

  After a night out drinking with friends, Delilah, a tattooed, cigarette-smoking, twenty-six-year-old bad-girl, swerves to avoid hitting an animal in the road and hits a road sign instead. She ends up in court for reckless driving. Though it was her first offense, and the first time ever getting caught breaking the law, Delilah is not pleased when she’s sentenced to community service.

  During her newfound, unpaid job, Delilah meets goody-toe-shoed Lance who is the epitome of what she’s not and hates. Will Delilah learn to change her ways or will she corrupt Lance, causing him to follow in her footsteps?

  *

  All Work and No Play by Mia Kayla

  Kent Plack, bad boy billionaire, believes that all work and no play makes for a boring day. Too bad his wife isn’t up to bringing some of their bedroom antics into the boardroom.

  As a self-made woman, Beth’s drive for success got her out of her small town and helped her fulfill her dreams in corporate America. When she decides to work for Kent’s company, she draws a hard line between business and pleasure.

  But Kent has other plans in mind.

  Like Beth climbing his corporate ladder.

  From the characters from Marry Me for Money, comes a short, light story about a husband and wife who have differing views about what happens in the workplace.

  *

  Storm Chaser Honeymoon by Molly Lee

  What do storm chasers do on a honeymoon after a roadside wedding? Catch more storms or take a more traditional route? The best of both worlds, Dash and Blake decide to work and play, but can they keep their heads on straight long enough to survive what happens next?

  *

  Kissing For Keeps by Molly McLain and Rhonda James

  Three nights. That was the agreement.

  Just an extended weekend pretending to be in love with a stranger, all to keep my mother off my back.

  The rules were simple:

  No sex.

  No strings.

  Zero expectations when
the ruse was over.

  But two hours into the trip, and I’m in trouble.

  How am I supposed to stick to the rules when her lips are the sweetest I’ve ever tasted? When her skin feels like satin beneath my fingers? And just how important are the rules anyway when we’ve already broken the very first one?

  I was the one who suggested no strings, so why, come Monday morning, am I also the one left in knots?

  *

  Hitch by S.M. West

  Hitch—verb: to become entangled, made fast, or linked.

  Pansy Dobson, perpetual student and dreamer, can’t catch a break. Homeless and adrift, she hits the road in search of a new beginning.

  Silas Palmer, sexy lead singer and rock star, is a prisoner of his own making. In a moment of desperation, he missteps and finds himself stranded on the side of the road.

  A chance encounter and a series of misadventures finds Pansy and Silas entangled in a tug of war. It takes everything in them to fight their undeniable pull, only to discover, their only way out is together.

  *

  Some Sort Of Love by Melanie Harlow

  From the outside looking in, I had it all—a career I loved, a supportive family, the Nixon metabolism but not the Nixon ears, and a salary that supported my lavish taste in designer shoes, fine wine, and lacy lingerie … but I had no one to share it with.

  Until the day I ran into him—my one night stand from college with the crooked smile, let’s-get-out-of-here eyes, and dirty, dirty mouth.

  Cute and cocky then, today Levi Brooks is six feet four inches of hot bearded fantasy. A sexy single dad with broad shoulders, strong hands, and a fantastically big … heart. (I mean, it’s massive. And generous. And it pumps so hard … um. Sorry. Lost my place.)

  Being a good father means everything to him, but he’s keeping me at a distance because he thinks I deserve someone better—a man who can give me more time, more attention, more of himself. He doesn’t believe he could ever be enough.

  But he’s wrong.

  He’s everything.

  Love Happens ~ An Anthology

  Copyright © 2017

  When Love Blooms Copyright © 2017 Melanie Moreland

  How We Met Copyright © 2017 Claudia Burgoa

  Leap Copyright © 2017 Dylan Allen

  Beautiful Baby Copyright © 2017 Emery Jacobs

  Unspoken Promises Copyright © 2017 Gabby Duran

  I See You Copyright © 2017 Ginger Scott

  First Shot at Love Copyright © 2017 Elizabeth Belbot Kamps

  Wild Pumpkin Copyright © 2017 Martha Sweeney

  All Work and No Play Copyright © 2017 Mia Kayla

  Storm Chaser Honeymoon Copyright © 2017 Molly E. Lee

  Kissing for Keeps Copyright © 2017 Molly McLain and Rhonda James

  Hitch Copyright © 2017 SM West

  Some Sort of Love Copyright © 2016 Melanie Harlow

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, introduced into a retrieval system, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including without limitation photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher and/or authors, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. The scanning, uploading, and/or distribution of this publication via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher and/or authors is illegal and is punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrightable materials.

  Cover Design:

  Amy Queau, Qdesigns

  Interior Design & Formatting:

  Christine Borgford, Type A Formatting

  “It’s autism.”

  These aren’t the words a parent wants to hear.

  Ever.

  When my husband and I heard them from a developmental pediatrician 14 years ago, we weren’t prepared. We were frightened of the unknown, but blissfully ignorant of all the things this condition can rob you of; of all the ways it finds to hurt and disappoint you, but we quickly became aware. It’s insidious, using weapons we never imagined and attacking families from angles they never anticipated. Through our marriages. Through our finances. Through our emotional health. Through close friends and public censure. Autism manages to wiggle its way into just about every aspect of your life. At times it can feel inescapable, dogging you at every turn. For awhile, it made life dark for us.

  But the thing about darkness, pitch black darkness, is how blindingly bright the contrast of light shines. And we found light. In other parents, in our community, sometimes in perfect strangers. Maybe the brightest light and the most help came through organizations concerned specifically with the needs of autism families. That’s why when I had enough light to see my way, I wanted to help other families any way I could, and started the Myles-A-Part Foundation, my Atlanta-based charitable organization serving families living with autism. One of my favorite things we do is the holiday program for single parents, ensuring that those raising ASD kids alone experience support from their community at Christmas. This anthology benefits that program.

  A few years ago, I connected with an amazing writer and friend Ginger Scott. We were both romance writers, and both had significant ties to autism. In addition to having a nephew on the spectrum, Ginger has volunteered with Arizona-based Southwest Autism Research and Resources Center (SARRC) for more than a decade. For 20 years, SARRC has blazed a trail of support and resources not just for younger children with autism, but also for adults, helping them find ways to contribute significantly in the work force and in their community.

  SARRC and Myles-A-Part both benefit from this amazing charity anthology. Purchasing this book gives you skin in the game. You are now an investor in the future of this generation of ASD kids and adults. The teams of the respective charities thank you. Ginger and I thank you. We have been blown away by the love and support the romance reading community has demonstrated in the past for autism, and we continue to marvel at such generosity and compassion. We want to offer a special thank you to every author who gave of her time and talent to create this collection of stories. You’ve planted in good ground - the children and adults living with autism - and you will see a remarkable return.

  Thank you for purchasing Love Happens. 100% of the proceeds from the sales will go to benefit:

  SARRC was Established in 1997, the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach. We are one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting edge research. We’re also an entrepreneurial nonprofit, with less than three percent of annual revenue coming from state and federal funding. Our 18,000-square-foot Campus for Exceptional Children and our 10,000-square-foot Colonel Harland D. Sanders Center for Autism Studies, co-located with our Vocational & Life Skills Academy, are state-of-the-art clinical centers that serve as models for similar research and resource facilities.

  Myles-A-Part is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. They provide financial and emotional support for families living with Autism.

  To Bethany (Willa Thorne) who embodied the spirit of what this month is about and all proceeds are in support of. As a special needs teacher, she was passionate about helping every single child with special needs and advocated tirelessly for them.

  Contents

  Love Happens

  Foreword

  Thank You

  Dedication

  When Love Blooms by Melanie Moreland

  How We Met by Claudia Burgoa

  Leap by Dylan Allen

  Beautiful Baby by Emery Jacobs

  Unspoken Surprises by Gabby Duran

  I See You by Ginger S
cott

  All Of Me by Jeanne McDonald

  First Shot At Love by Lisa B. Kamps

  Wild Pumpkin by Martha Sweeney

  All Work and No Play by Mia Kayla

  Storm Chaser Honeymoon by Molly E. Lee

  Kissing For Keeps by Molly McLain & Rhonda James

  Hitch by S.M. West

  Some Sort of Love by Melanie Harlow

  Celebrating Autism Awareness Month

  When Love Blooms by Melanie Moreland

  Ethan Thomas lives a structured, precise life. He knows what he’s doing today, tomorrow, next week. His goals are simple. Work, get rich, and be happy.

  He has the first two done. The third seems to be elusive.

  Lily owns a flower shop, and answers to no one. Free spirited, full of love and life, she is the rarest of blooms. And yet, she is still alone.

  Until the day he stumbles into her shop.

  Tall, handsome and funny—Lily likes what she sees, and she acts on it.

  Wild, passionate and sexy, Ethan is blown away. In the best sense of the word.

  What happens when gasoline meets fire?

  It explodes.

  And so do they. Repeatedly.

  Ethan Thomas lives a structured, precise life. He knows what he’s doing today, tomorrow, next week. His goals are simple. Work, get rich, and be happy.

  He has the first two done. The third seems to be elusive.

  Lily owns a flower shop, and answers to no one. Free spirited, full of love and life, she is the rarest of blooms. And yet, she is still alone.

  Until the day he stumbles into her shop.

  Tall, handsome and funny—Lily likes what she sees, and she acts on it.

  Wild, passionate and sexy, Ethan is blown away. In the best sense of the word.

  What happens when gasoline meets fire?

  It explodes.

  And so do they. Repeatedly.

  Daylight was fading, and I almost missed the driveway. It was hidden by large bushes and overgrown grass, but at the last second, I saw the sign.

  Lily’s Petals

  According to the website, if the gate was open then so were they.

  A quaint cottage stood back, off to one side, and to the left, what was a large garage at one time, now turned flower shop. The structure was covered in ivy with lots of flowers blooming in pots.