Broken Faith: Hot and Cold Series, #3

By Jennifer Scott

Broken Faith is the final to the Rachel and Adam saga that followed them from high school, to college, to marriage.

They have endured lies, secrets, miles, and hospitalization. Rachel and Adam's relationship is tested when something forgotten comes back to haunt them. Will their engagement survive it?

Life happens very quickly for the young couple. But, with their friends and families help, they struggle to survive.

This book is a novella of about 19,000 words.

Other Books by Jennifer Scott:
The Right Side of Memphis (Tennessee Series #1)
Somewhere In My Heart (Tennessee Series #2)
Three Ways to Fall (Tennessee Series #3)
Tennessee Love: The Collection (All 3 Books)
Bring Me To Life (Hot and Cold Series #1)
Don’t Say A Word (Hot and Cold Series #2)
Broken Faith (Hot and Cold Series #3)
Hot and Cold Series: Box Set (All 3 Books)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Scott
• Release date: Jul 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781497717350

Book preview

Broken Faith––––––––

Jennifer Scott

Chapter 1

Why are you crying already? The ceremony hasn’t even begun! Rachel Porter pointed out to her mother, Brooke.

I know. I just can’t believe that my little girl is graduating from college. Aren’t you supposed to stay my little baby forever? Rachel’s mom asked.

But, I am still your little baby...just one that will have a degree in Creative Arts. If you are this emotional now, I bet you will be a complete wreck when I get married, Rachel predicted.

Don’t remind me. Are you sure you want to get married? Why not come back to Marion and stay with me for a while. What’s the rush?

Mom, you knew this might happen eventually. I love Adam and he loves me. You have to let me go sooner rather than later, Rachel insisted.

I know sweetie. I just miss you so much.

We will visit, you know that we will. We are only a few hours away. Adam starts his job in Virginia Beach soon.

Rachel and her fiancé Adam Whitlock were finished with college and ready to begin their new life together. Rachel reminisced on how the proposal came about as her mom continued to wallow in her own insecurities. Adam had surprised Rachel the previous summer on a trip they had taken back to the coast. They stayed at a condo on the beach. Rachel had been suspicious from the start because it wasn’t really in Adam’s price range. The condo had a hot tub, a foosball table, a pool, and the décor was very modern.

One night while they had dinner on the porch, Rachel discovered an engagement ring in her oyster shell. She remembered how she teased Adam about it later, even though she secretly loved the overused gesture nevertheless. Adam had been so sincere in his proposal speech, once he was down on one knee. There was no way Rachel would have rejected him. She rarely showed emotion, but she could not stop the tears on that night.

Where we you just then? Brooke asked Rachel.

Oh, just remembering why I love Adam so much.

Young love. There’s nothing like it. I hope the best for you Rachel. I really do. Marriage is hard work, just remember that. Make time for each other and of course, don’t go to bed angry. That’s the best advice that I could give you, Rachel’s mother said as she hugged her daughter.

Ok. Try not to get tears all over my commencement gown please, Rachel joked.

Brooke freshened up her tear streaked face to have a few pictures taken together. Rachel visited with her dad before the ceremony as well. Daniel was there with Rachel’s step-brother Joey. She was so glad that they made it. She contemplated telling them they didn’t have to be there; since Rachel would see them once she and Adam moved back. But, her father insisted they be there because he couldn’t miss her big day.

Rachel’s dad handed her a gift. It was a check that he said would help her get started with either her career or for her new home. Rachel was ecstatic because she didn’t want money to be an issue for her and Adam. Adam was already promised a job, but it could take Rachel a while to find one of her own.

Rachel searched for Adam. She wanted to tell him the good news. She knew that he was off with his family somewhere before the commencement started. She sent him a text. It said she wanted to see him before they lined up to be seated. Adam responded back, I can see you from here. She looked up and saw him wave at her.

Guess I will have to speak to your parents afterwards. Are they already in their seats? Rachel asked after she had given Adam a quick kiss on the lips.

Yes, you know how they are. They don’t want to miss anything. I fully expect my mom to get kicked out of here at some point, Adam laughed.

I’m hoping my mom will just be able to keep her composure long enough to see me accept my certificate. Maybe since she is sitting next to my dad, she won’t go crazy, Rachel hoped.

Are you ready for this? Adam asked.

Ready as I will ever be. I’m just so proud of you for what you have accomplished. Who knew after freshman year that we would be here now, Rachel admitted.

You have no idea how excited I was at the prospect of us graduating at the same time. It really would have been difficult to plan a wedding if one of us had to stay behind in Richmond.

Plan a wedding? You know Kathy will be the main one to help me with that. It would only bore you Adam. I hope that I can count on my mom to keep it together long enough. She will cry every time we have to pick out flower arrangements or bridesmaid dresses.

Ok, let’s just focus on today for the moment. Shall we? Adam suggested while trying to keep a straight face.

Yeah, I need to stop talking about my mom. You might rethink marrying me because Brooke will be your stepmom! Rachel warned as she covered her face. She was embarrassed by that thought.

That’s perfectly fine. If that’s all we have to worry about by getting married, then you have nothing to fear. Package deal, so be it. Besides it’s not like we will be living with her or anything.

If she had it her way, we would. But, it looks like it’s about to start. So, see you after? Rachel asked.

Of course. Love ya! Adam kissed Rachel on the cheek and headed off in the direction of his group.

Once everyone was seated after the processional, the college president began his welcoming speech. It was followed by student speakers and various Board of Education members. They honored those with scholastic achievement, scholarship, and other student awards. The commencement address was followed by the presentation of diplomas, degrees, and certificates. Once Rachel received hers, she searched the audience for her parents. They smiled and took pictures, just as she knew that they would.

Closing remarks initiated and then it was time for the fun part. Rachel found Adam in the crowd just as they turned their tassels. A few of the graduates had thrown their caps in the air. Rachel decided against it because she was so clumsy; she feared she would poke someone’s eye out with it.

Kathy and Robert walked up to Rachel and they all huddled in a circle. Adam took a picture of the group as he approached them.

What about me? Aren’t I an integral part of this circle?

Robert gave him a high five, as Rachel pulled him close to her.

So, what happens next? Kathy asked.

We all get hit by a bus. What do you think is gonna happen? We find good jobs, settle down, start a family, and then we die. Is that about right? Robert