A Word Called Love

By Yuella Higgins

Dawn Hart wants to be in love. The problem is she’s scared to put herself out there in the dating world. When her best friend gets engaged, Dawn decides her time has come. Discovering an app for “larger” singles turns out to be the first step in the happily ever after Dawn has always dreamed of, but is falling in love going to be as easy as she hoped?
Isaac Sinclair worries he isn’t exactly the catch women dream of calling their own. He lives with his mom and three cats in a poor neighbourhood. He spends a lot of time at school and doesn’t look like a movie star or have washboard abs, but when he meets Dawn Hart, she doesn’t seem to care about any of those things.
Can Dawn and Isaac navigate the challenges of forming a relationship while dealing with school, their parents, and life in general? A Word Called Love is a heartwarming story about love, friendship and what it means when people see each other for who they truly are inside.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yuella Higgins
• Release date: Sep 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005228323

Book preview

A Word Called Love

Copyright 2021 Yuella Higgins

Published by Yuella Higgins at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter One

He proposed!

Dawn Hart watched her best friend Cheryl’s pretty mouth forming the life-changing words. Cheryl wore a glossy pink lipstick that inspired a stab of jealousy in Dawn, though she would never admit that. She was happy for Cheryl. Of course she was. Cheryl McDonald had been like a sister to Dawn since they were children. So why was it that Dawn now struggled to unearth the joy she should feel for her friend at this pivotal moment of Cheryl’s life?

Please say you’ll be my maid of honor? Cheryl asked, reaching across the table to seize Dawn’s hands in her own. The glint of the diamond on her finger nearly blinded Dawn.

Ow, she said with a laugh. Watch where you shine that thing. You don’t want your maid of honor to be wearing an eye patch, do you?

Cheryl’s face lit up, her beautiful green eyes filling with tears. So you’ll do it?

Of course I’ll do it, Dawn said. She squeezed Cheryl’s hand in hers. Haven’t we been talking about this since we were ten?

Yes, I was just worried you’d change your mind or something. Cheryl sniffed. I can’t believe this is really happening.

No, me neither. Dawn stared down at their joined hands. Cheryl’s was slim, the ring that now adorned it a sparkling, tiny circle decorated with a square cut rock the size of Dawn’s pinky nail. Such a ring would never fit on Dawn’s finger. Internally, Dawn gave herself a little shake. Today was not the day for a pity party. Today was Cheryl’s day, and Dawn would do anything in her power to make sure it was the one she’d dreamed of since she was a girl.

Dawn pulled her hand free under the guise of waving down the server. When he approached, his eyes lingered on Cheryl, though Dawn had been the one to snag his attention. Dawn cleared her throat, fighting irritation. Excuse me, my friend has just gotten engaged, and we’re celebrating, she said. Can you bring us a bottle of champagne, please?

The server looked at Dawn and blinked, then smiled. Well, yes, of course! Which would you like?

Dawn didn’t know. She didn’t exactly make it a habit to order bottles of champagne. Trying to sound mature, she flicked her hand casually. Bring us your favorite.

The server backed away with a bob of his head, eyes back on Cheryl, though with less fervor now. Congratulations to you, ma’am, he said, then spun on the heels of his shiny shoes.

Ew, he called me ma’am, Cheryl whispered. Is that what happens now? I go from being ‘miss’ to ‘ma’am’ just because I have a ring on my finger?

Dawn nodded. Yes, that’s exactly it. You’re an old maid now. The claim has been staked. You’re off the market.

Cheryl threw her head back and laughed. Thank you, Dawn.

For what? Dawn said. She suddenly felt uncomfortable under Cheryl’s gaze and shifted. Her chair creaked beneath her, and she forced herself to sit still.

For always being there for me, Cheryl said. Her eyes were wet once more, and Dawn wondered how much longer it would take the server to come back with their drinks. I can’t wait to be your maid of honor one day.

Dawn released a self-deprecating snort. Don’t hold your breath on that one.

A line appeared between Cheryl’s brows. Don’t be like that. I told you I would help you meet someone whenever you saw the word.

We know all the same people. How are you going to help me meet someone? Dawn asked. Her stomach turned over in a fit of anxiety, and she forced herself to draw a deep breath.

Cheryl leaned across the table, her eyes so wide with excitement that she looked ready to spill all the secrets of the universe. Dawn leaned in until their noses nearly touched.

Online dating, Cheryl whispered. Like it was a secret. Or a wish. Dawn closed her eyes.

I’ve told you, it isn’t for me, Cher. She waved an encompassing hand at herself. Men don’t pick the girls like me on those sites. They want someone they can meet in a bar and … do things with.

What do you mean, girls like you? Cheryl said, her tone fierce. Beautiful, smart, hilarious? Which of those traits could possibly be bad?

Dawn sighed. Picking up her napkin from her lap, she ran it through her fingers, refusing to look at Cheryl. You know that’s not what I mean.

All the dating sites are different, Dawny, Cheryl said, trying to catch Dawn’s eye. You just have to find the one suited to you and your wants. When Dawn was silent for a moment, Cheryl pushed on. I’ll help you. What do you want in a man?

Dawn swallowed against a rush of hot, embarrassing tears. She wanted a man that made her laugh. She wanted him to look past the supposed flaws of her body, see her soul, and tell her how beautiful she was. She longed to smile when she spoke of him, the way Cheryl did whenever she said Bobby’s