Free Pinkie Promises (A Promises Novella #1) by Renea Porter Page B

Jace is joking. But I notice the look on his face. “You’re serious?”
    “Yes. We could get married Labor Day weekend. I’d do it now, but everyone left. Plus, I know you’d want Jane there, and she’d kill us if we left her out, anyway.”
    I chuckle, because I know he’s right. “So you want to get married in two months?”
    “Yeah. We already have the location,” he opens his arms, signaling the beach, “and I know a preacher, and you know someone in the fashion world. All we need is a caterer.”
    “And I know a caterer,” I tell him. “Oh my god. Are we really going to do this?”
    Stopping, he brings me into him again. “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now. We can do the wedding however you want, though. I was just thinking out loud.”
    “I like the way you think.”
    Separating, we walk hand in hand back to the house.
    Jace’s mom and dad are home.
    “Where did you two kids go? And why are you both grinning like that?” Janice eyes us suspiciously.
    Jace and I look at each other before I tell her the news. “I think we just got engaged. And we wanted to know if we could have the wedding here on the beach, Labor Day weekend?”
    Janice’s eyes water. “Really? Oh my god. I’m so happy for you both. Of course you can get married here.” She and Jacob both hug us again.
    The four of us celebrate by going out to dinner. Afterward, I call Jane to tell her the news. She is so happy for us. I think her squealing made my ears bleed. I can’t believe I’m getting married in two months to my best friend. I love him so much. And he was there this whole time.
    It’s dark out now, and I find myself sitting on the beach. Jace comes out with two glasses and the bottle of champagne he stole from the reception. I almost laugh at the thought. Actually, I haven’t stopped smiling all day.
    Jace passes me a glass, and we toast to our new beginnings. Just as I sip the drink, fireworks light up the sky. Jace is sitting behind me, and I lean back into his chest as we watch the light show. With his arms wrapped around me, he kisses the top of my head. This is, by far, the best day ever.
    The fireworks end, but we remain looking into the night sky while we listen to the waves crashing in.
    “Do you know how many stars are up there?” Jace asks.
    “A lot,” I say, remembering back to when we were eight and snuck out to stargaze.
    “One hundred billion,” Jace answers. He points. “And there is your star, and right next to yours is mine. So we’ll always be together.”
    “Promise?” I ask.
    “Pinkie Promise.”
    THE END

DEDICATIONS
     
     
     
    First of all, I wouldn’t be here without the support of those around me. This book started off as a joke between my husband and I. He and I pinkie swear a lot and I mentioned I should write a book about pinkie promises between two friends. He told me that was a great idea. So thank you for all you do, dear hubby!
    Then there’s the countless blogs that support me, such Maari Loves Her Indies. She’s literally the nicest blogger in the business. And she’s always available for me to bu g .
    And there’s Just One More Page. Jen Wildner is always just a PM away when I need something like a read through done.
    Those are just a few mentioned. There are plenty more that SHOULD be mentioned, but then I would still be typing.
    My betas are an amazing group. Their feedback is so appreciated. Thank you, Lindsey, Paula, Andrekia, and Maari!! You will never know how much I truly appreciate you!
    Also, I want to thank my BFF Niquel. She pushes me when I doubt myself. Cheers me on when I have something exciting happen. She’s there whenever I need her. She shows me what friendship is all about!!
    And then I want to thank my editor, who is there for any need I have, such as a title question or when I’m in blurb hell. She allows me to say ‘here, can you edit this at the drop of a hat?’.
    THANK YOU to the readers that picked up this little book and read it. I