A Wedding in Twinkle Falls: A Twinkle Falls Novel, #2

By Freda Ann

After the dashing Air Force Sergeant, Liam James, proposes to cupcake baker, Sophie Beck, preparations for a festive December wedding begin—but there's only two months to plan it all.

 

As Sophie juggles wedding planning and running her bakery at the busiest time of year, her son Cam, on the autism spectrum, gets news that brings up their family's traumatic past.

 

With Cam on the verge of a meltdown, Liam is plucked away Reserve duty just when Sophie needs him the most. And after she discovers a secret he's been hiding for the last year, her world is thrown upside down.

 

Liam is the man who put her heart back together after the death of her husband—but can she handle more of his lies? Or is it time for Sophie to move on alone?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Freda Ann
• Release date: Mar 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393887935

Book preview

Chapter 1

(Sophie)

M om, when will Liam be here? My son asks me for about the tenth time today. Since forging a bond with my boyfriend, Cam’s anxiety kicks in if he’s gone for even a few days.

I told you buddy, he’s on the way. He’ll be here as soon as he can. You know it’s a long drive.

But I want to see him.

You will, real soon. Why don’t you and Zoey play Minecraft for a little while? I’ll tell you when he comes down the driveway, okay?

Ookay. He mopes behind his sister, heading towards the living room.

They plop down on the sofa next to each other as Zoey reassures him, He’s fine Cam. Don’t worry, Liam will be here soon.

Okay.

I can’t help smiling. My girl has always had a calming effect on her autistic brother despite his unique quirks.

Watching the kids grow closer to the man who put my heart back together a year ago has been bittersweet.

Our relationship with Liam was unexpected, to put it mildly. After Jamie died two years ago, we didn’t want anyone close to us, at least not in that way.

Now I see that my kids need Liam in their lives as much as he needs them. This time last year was one of the darkest times of our lives, but by some miracle we helped each other through it.

My palms grow moist looking out the kitchen window. I can’t help wondering if he’s ready to move on with a new wife. December will be a year since we fell hard for each other and I can’t help thinking maybe he’s not ready.

After Liam’s ex-wife did a number on him, he swore he’d never marry again. He can’t be worried that I might replace him like she did, right? I’ve been a military wife before. It’s not easy but he has to know I’d never do that to him. Then again, she probably said the same thing.

Why has he been rather distant lately? Is he re-thinking our relationship? Is my anxiety over him being gone that obvious?

I see his vehicle cruising up the driveway and butterflies tickle my insides. Immediately, I walk to the living room. Hey kids, Liam’s here. They jump from the sofa and beat me to the door, yanking it open.

Liam! Cam runs at him while Liam kisses me before stepping through the front door.

Shelby runs up and licks his face while leaning into him. Hey there girl. He massages her head and ears.

Squatting, he opens his arms and Cam lunges towards him, more excited than he’s been since Liam left town three days ago.

Hey buddy, how have you been? Did you take care of your mom while I was gone?

He pats my son’s back and grins at him. Not so much. Cam looks at the floor. He pokes his bottom lip out as he nervously rubs his fingers together like he’s done since he was a toddler. I was too sad because you left again so I didn’t feel like helping mom. Are—are you mad at me?

Grabbing him by the shoulders, he eyes my boy. Hey Cam, will you look at me? He does as Liam says, No, I am not mad at you so don’t worry. I understand you don’t like it when I have to go away. You know I hate leaving. I miss you all like crazy when I’m gone.

Then why do you go? My heart hurts knowing the real reason my son doesn’t want Liam to leave us. He’s afraid he’ll never see him again—just like his father.

Zoey, Cam and I had a lengthy talk when Liam retired from active duty in the Air Force at the beginning of the year. Liam is now part of the Reserve Unit. He works specific weekends and does two weeks of mandatory active duty.

Though they’re happy he’s not away as long as their father used to be while on active duty, it’s hard not to remember that Liam is doing the same job their dad did when he died.

You remember our talk, right? This is part of my job in the Reserves. Instead of having to travel all the time like I used to, I took this job instead. Now I don’t travel so much.

But— Cam zones out looking over Liam’s shoulder while he tries to put the right words together, —you already have a job. You run the General Store.

That’s right, I do. I took it over when Mr. and Mrs. White left town. Do you remember me telling you when I retired from the Air Force I had to go in the Reserves or I would lose a whole bunch of money?

Yeah.

Well, that’s why I still have to go sometimes. You know what though? He shakes his head. I only have to do this for two more years and then I can retire forever from the Air Force. Isn’t that great?

I guess, but I wish you could do it now.

Me too Cam. I don’t like leaving you or Zoey or your mom, but I’m counting down the days until I don’t have to go. Maybe we can get you a two-year calendar so you can countdown with me. Does that sound good?

Mmhmm.

Watching a corner of my son’s mouth curl up eases my mind, at least for now. Let’s go to the living room, shall we? I slip my arm under Liam’s as Cam leads the way to the sofa.

Where’s Zoey?

She wasn’t sure when you’d get here so she’s on a video call with her best—

Gotcha! My daughter yells and squeezes his sides making him flinch.

He whips around, grabbing her in a bear hug before he tickles her. They laugh together as Zoey tries to free herself from his grasp.

Stop, you’re going to make me pee my pants! Mom, help!

She rolls from side to side flailing her arms and legs as he utters, Well, I guess you should’ve snuck up on me after you went to the bathroom.

Okay, okay. I’m sorry. He lets go of her and she stops giggling as she sits up glancing at Liam. It was funny watching you jump though.

Zoey takes a step back as if she’s afraid he’ll tickle her again. Yeah, you got me… this time. You know what they say about paybacks though. He leans forward and messes up her hair.

I’m glad you’re back. She grins as he steps closer giving her a squeeze. But I was serious, I really have to pee. She pushes away and runs to the bathroom leaving me shaking my head.

That girl is too much.

He chuckles following me to the sofa. It’s one of the things I love about her. She usually speaks her mind.

Yes she does, no matter what people might think. She gets that from her father. I grin at the memory.

Liam and I sit holding hands while Cam plops down next to him. Shelby forces her large body between them, wanting attention. Do you wanna play basketball? Cam asks.

That sounds like fun. Can I visit with your mom for a little before we go get sweaty?

Sure. I’m thirsty. Can I have some tea mom?

That’s fine honey. Just one glass though. If you’re still thirsty afterwards, have some water.

Okay.

As soon as he walks into the kitchen, Liam swiftly pulls me against him. Man have I missed you and the kids. He pecks my lips.

We’ve missed you too. I’m just thankful it was a short trip. You know the long ones are the hardest, especially since the kids have gotten used to you being around.

I know, and I’m hoping they’ll hold off scheduling me for the two-weeks of active duty until after the New Year.

Do you think they’d consider taking you away at the holidays? I know it’d be tough on the kids. It’s hard enough remembering their father died around Thanksgiving.

I really hope they don’t. My entire unit has kids so it would impact everyone.

Sighing, I tell him, Zoey was super helpful while you were gone, but Cam mostly kept to himself. Whenever he joined us for a movie or to eat, he either talked nonstop about you or sulked while playing with his food.

I’ll talk to him one day soon when his mood gets back to normal. Maybe I can think of something to keep him busy and to ease his mind during the next trip.

Curling my legs up between us, I graze his cheek with my fingertips. He’s so smart and rarely forgets anything so keep that in mind.

While I was away, I did some research on Asperger’s. Since I’m part of Cam’s life, I think it’s important that I understand more about it. I—I want to be there for him and for you even when things get tough.

I cock my head and grin. That’s one of the sweetest things you’ve ever said to me Liam James. When I think you can’t surprise me any more, you do.