Love in Twinkle Falls: A Twinkle Falls Novel, #3

By Freda Ann

Bridgette Dupont is engaged to the hunky, flirty fireman who has it all—yet why does she feel anxiety when she thinks of herself walking down that aisle on their wedding day?

 

With her best friend Sophie happily married and pregnant, Bridgette has a clear picture of what her life could look like, but she can't help feeling the fear of motherhood...and when her past comes calling, all of Bridgette's simmering emotions begin to boil over.

 

Ryan Hodges couldn't be any happier with his fiancée, she's beautiful, compassionate and sweeter than pie—but when his parents drop into town for a surprise visit, tensions between his mother's wants and his fiancée's needs come to a head.

 

When everything rains down on the happy couple all at once, their strength and faith in each other are put to the ultimate test. Will Ryan and Bridgette make it to the altar, or will they realize their future together was never meant to be?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Freda Ann
• Release date: Apr 25, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201978884

Book preview

Chapter 1

(Bridgette)

I can’t wait to make you my wife. Ryan flashes those dimples that could melt an entire row of snowmen.

Well, that’s good because we are engaged you know.

I know, but it’s been months since I proposed to you, Bridgette, don’t you think it’s time we set a date and make it official?

With rocks crunching under my boots, I tug on his hand. He stops in his tracks, cutting his eyes at me. Are you sure you really want to marry me? I ask, tipping my head sideways.

Ryan turns and places his hand on my left ring finger, gazing at the sizable diamond that glistens in the sun. Doesn’t this answers that question?

Maybe. Although you do realize you might’ve been engaged to my best friend if Liam hadn’t come along? I tease.

He sighs, furrowing his brow and stepping closer. You, my love, are the only woman I want to marry, now or ever.

We lock eyes. But—you always flirted with her more than you did me. Doesn’t that tell you something?

I only did it because you intimidated the heck out of me with your stunning beauty and whimsical ways. I didn’t think I had half a chance with you. You could have any guy you want, Bridgette, don’t you see that?

Oh come on, you’re obviously looking in the mirror because it is you who could have any woman he desires.

Cupping my cheeks, he leans closer. I don’t know where this insecurity comes from, but believe me when I say that you’re the only woman I want to make my wife.

His mouth lingers over mine while we close our eyes. The lips I’ve grown so fond of gently touch mine, sending tingles to my toes.

When my eyes flutter open, I smile. Never fails, it happens every time.

His brows raise. Do you care to elaborate?

After all this time, you still make me weak in the knees.

That’s what I love to hear. So let’s set a date—I vote for early summer.

Are you serious? There’s no way to pull off a proper wedding that soon. You know our mothers would never settle for anything less.

Hey, it’s our wedding, not theirs.

I know, but this will be the only one they’ll get to be part of. It’d be rather selfish to take that away from them, or us for that matter, don’t you think?

I guess you’re right. What can I say, I’m hopelessly in love and can’t wait to officially start our life together.

Tightening my arms around his waist, I say, Let me and Sophie check on availability for the most important things we have to schedule and maybe we can talk about a date, okay?

Cupping my cheeks, he beams. That’s music to my ears ma chérie.

I love it when you speak my native language.

Why do you think I do it? We giggle, releasing our hold on each other before making our way through the rear parking lot of Angelcakes Cupcakes and Cafe.

We stop just shy of the back door when he wraps me up in his arms. I wish you didn’t have to work today. I’d love for us to snuggle up in front of the TV watching movies. He pecks my lips.

Well, if you don’t let me get inside and start baking, my boss might just oblige you by firing me for being late.

Yeah, as if that’s ever going to happen.

You forget she’s not her usual self. With her ever-changing moods these days, I never know what to expect when I walk in.

You may have a point. I hear those hormones can make a woman do crazy things. But pregnant or not, she’s still your best friend who’s married to my best friend so I think you might be okay.

We jump at the sound of the door opening and the sound of footsteps approaching. You better get inside. She’s having a meltdown because the oven’s taking too long to heat up, even though she just turned it on. Liam shakes his head with a grin.

Oh goodness. Let me go Ryan, so I can talk her down. I’ll see you later. I rush past them, shutting the door behind me before making my way to the kitchen.

When I walk through the doors, I get a glimpse at Sophie’s flushed face as she stares at the oven temperature while it rises. I turn to the sink and wash my hands before grabbing an apron off the hook and joining her.

Well, don’t you look pretty this morning? I say in a sugary sweet voice, using reverse psychology on her.

Liar, she bites back.

Well, so much for that idea. Whatever do you mean? You always look pretty.

I know what you’re doing. You spoke to my husband, didn’t you?

He happened to be leaving as Ryan dropped me off. There’s no need to bite my head off.

Looking like she’s going to start crying any minute, I say, Oh honey, why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you?

It’s my husband! He—he has no idea how frustrating it is when I take the time to pick out clothes only to realize they don’t fit me anymore. Can you believe he had the nerve to say I might be over reacting?

Turning around to the small island full of cupcake trays, she pulls each one closer to her while waiting for the oven to signal it’s ready.

Seeing how serious she is, I shut my open mouth for a minute and choose my words carefully. "You know how clueless guys can be, Soph, pfft. I’m sure Ryan will do something that stupid whenever we get pregnant."

Wait, so you guys have had the baby talk? And you didn’t tell your best friend?

I swear we just talked about it last night. I was going to tell you this morning but you were upset when I got here, and I didn’t want to appear insensitive.

Well, you could’ve called me last night, especially with that kind of news.

Sweetie, I know how tired you get since you’ve been pregnant, especially after working all day. I thought you might’ve gone to bed early.

I did, so I guess you’re forgiven. When I grin, she continues, So how did the subject come up? I want details.

We were cooking dinner and somehow got on the subject of exes. While discussing things we didn’t like about them, I told Ryan how Greg insisted we have kids as soon as we got married. When I told Greg I still wasn’t sure about motherhood, he said there was no reason to get married if I couldn’t give him the one thing he really wanted. I told him I couldn’t do it right now, and that’s when he packed his bags and walked out on me. A twinge of anxiety runs through me remembering that dreadful day before I continue, That’s when I mentioned to Ryan that telling him about Greg’s ultimatum made me think that I do wanna be a mom one day. He got so happy and said he can’t wait to start a family with me someday.

Sophie’s jaw drops before throwing her arms around me and squealing, I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to be an aunt!

I giggle. Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There’s still a wedding to plan, and actually saying I do, before that can happen.

She pushes me back, squinting. Bridge, you’re not having second thoughts are you?

Uh, no, why? When the alert sounds, I open the oven and slide the trays inside as she waits for me to turn around.

It’s the way you said it, and the tone in your voice. You know I’ll help with everything just like you did for my wedding.

Reaching for her hand, I squeeze it. I know you will. I guess I’m trying to process everything there is to do. Anyway, speaking of your wedding, I loved helping you with everything. Little did I know how much it would prepare me for my wedding.

Exactly, so don’t worry about a thing, we got this, Bridge.

As Sophie gathers ingredients to make the cannoli cupcake frosting, I slide the tub of flour over to start the scone batter.

Ryan is pushing me to set a date, which I don’t mind, but now he’s talking about getting married late summer. That’s what’s giving me some anxiety.

"This summer?"

Yup.

Wow, what’d you say?

I said no way and basically blamed it on our mothers. Pursing my lips, I shrug. I know neither of them will be happy with anything except a proper wedding.

And he understood?

Not really, but I reminded him that as their only children, this is the one chance to help plan and be a part of a wedding so he let it go for now.

What if we could manage to pull it off that soon? Would you want to? Sophie’s eyes brighten at the prospect, yet all it does is bring my anxiety to a whole new level.

When my hands begin to sweat, I drop the scoop in the flour and wipe my hands on the apron before facing her. Are you serious? I swallow the lump in my throat, having a hard time maintaining composure.

What is it? Are you sure something’s not holding you back from marrying Ryan?

No, I—I don’t think so. Honestly, I’m not sure what it is. What’s wrong with me?

There’s nothing wrong with you. Maybe you’re getting an early case of cold feet, but it should pass.

"But look at him. Any woman in the world would give her left arm to marry a guy like Ryan. He’s not only a walking billboard for the hottest man of the year, he’s the nicest, most unselfish guy I’ve ever met. Anyone in their right