Best Thing I Never Planned: The Wedding Belle Series, #2

By A.J. Nighthawke

Best Thing I Never Planned is Book 2 in the Wedding Belle Series. Don't Worry! This is a standalone novel. Any book in this series can be read in any order and feature different main characters.
Let's face it! We all want the fairy tale. It's just that our idea of a happy ending is likely different from those around us. Sometimes you meet people and discover places, and the unexpected happens. I hope you enjoy these new characters. This one will likely have you in stitches and happier than a plump tick on a coon dog! This one was fun to write and had me laughing along the way. Enjoy the backdrop of the majestic Blue Ridge, the southern sass, and most of all, the heartfelt connections.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.J. Nighthawke
• Release date: May 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223459781

A.J. Nighthawke

There is nothing like a good story that leaves you feeling warm and cozy inside. Here is my promise to you - Within the pages of my books, you will never find anything vulgar or inappropriate. My goal is to leave you encouraged and happy. Who doesn't like a happy ending? You may find a little drama, maybe a touch of suspense. Some of the characters might even face hard challenge's but a sweet kiss, and a happily ever after is a must.

Book preview

The Best Thing I Never Planned: Wedding Belle Series

Book 2

© 2023 A.J. Nighthawke No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

For more information, contact

A.J. Nighthawke

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Cover: keepturningthepage

ISBN: 9798393698850

Published by: A.J. Nighthawke

Printed in the United States of America

Best Thing I Never Planned

Wedding Belle Series

Book 2

By

A.J. Nighthawke

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 1

Arabella

Cedar Ridge Plantation is a postcard-worthy vision. I’m not just saying that because this has been my home for the last nineteen years. One of those long, drawn-out sighs that my Mama calls unladylike slips out. I ain’t even gonna hide it after the week I’ve had.

Sure, the main plantation house is an absolute stunner. My bedroom is three stories up in that antebellum mansion that is two minutes older than dirt. Daddy bought this place before I was born, restoring it completely before I turned five.

The main house is a white beacon surrounded by these Blue Ridge Majesties. It’s got those giant white columns wider than me and as tall as a Carolina Pine lining the classic architecture in the front.

You know what they say... Location... Location... Location! Cedar Ridge Plantation is now the premier destination spot in all of North Carolina. Brides from all over the country have our venue booked solid for the next three years. The weddings take place at a large barn that was built from trees cut from this property. It sits on the southern side of our eight hundred and thirty-seven acres.

The barn venue might be the main focal point of the wedding, but just about every blushing bride ventures to the main house for their bridal portraits. My vision blurs with tears as the pretty bride beams a bright smile for the photographer. My eyes might prick, but the tears never fall, so I don’t count them. I think I’m more embarrassed for making a foolish decision than the fact that the engagement is off.

That was me a few days ago. Yup, I was the fiancee that posed in that exact spot. In less than twenty-four hours from my photoshoot, my relationship and dream of a future crashed like the two last cars of a demolition derby.

Yeah, I should have figured that Jeremiah Cunningham was a snake in the grass because of his family reputation. His father, a well-known attorney down in Charlotte, was in the unfortunate scandal a few years back when it came out that he had lady-friends in all the neighboring suburbs. I didn’t judge Jeremiah on his father’s mistakes. I gave him a chance to mess up for himself, I guess... and oh, did that boy mess up.

Jeremiah is a junior lawyer in the firm that bears his daddy’s name. He’s got a busy life and hectic schedule, trying to prove his ability and trying to overcome the shame of his father’s indiscretions. Working around the clock meant that he also spent a lot of time with his auburn-haired paralegal named Heather.

Our relationship ended when a friend texted me a picture of the two all cozied up in a booth at a fancy Italian restaurant. The next photo that came through was the two in a lip-lock. It was disgusting, but it told me everything that I needed to know.

I called the wedding off immediately, breaking up with Jeremiah by text since the scumbag wouldn’t answer his cell. I’m sure talking would have been difficult with his lips so busy. The awful part is that Heather portrayed herself as a supporter of our relationship. I’d even shared with her about my plans for the wedding... That conniving heifer!

Of course, Jeremiah, the narcissist, had an answer for everything I threw at him. I guess that is why he’s a lawyer. At first, he just outright lied. When I texted him the picture of my proof, those lies morphed into excuses and justifications.

... It just happened.

... It didn’t mean anything.

... It was an impulse because he was anxious about the wedding. You know, loss of freedom and all.

... It was my fault because I didn’t live in the city. He needed me there.

Blah... Blah... Blah...

There is no excuse that’s gonna be good enough. I’ll not exchange vows with a man who can’t keep a promise, much less a covenant with God.

My cell rings, drawing me from the nightmare replaying in my mind. Seeing that it is Daddy, I hurry to answer.

Hey, Daddy, I drawl sweetly southern.

Arabella, the Langley-Thomas party has just arrived. They are here to start decorating and need access to the barn. Rain is on its way, and I’m sure they’d like in before the deluge starts.

I got it, I chirp, pulling the reins and giving Juniper a little nudge.

Bella, honey, Daddy continues, and I hear the shuffle of papers through the phone. The Langley-Thomas couple have also booked ten of our rental bungalows. They are due to check in after three this afternoon.

The bungalows are ready if they need to get in early, I inform, having already resupplied each bungalow with what Cedar Ridge Plantation leaves for our guests.

We actually have twenty bungalows, ten for our wedding guests and ten for general rentals. Folks like to come here for a peaceful weekend getaway. Couples book a bungalow and enjoy the mountain life. Some will take a romantic row out into one of the many ponds on the property. Others come just for the hiking trails. Our main destination is the waterfalls near the mountain summit. Some men venture out fishing, which we encourage, and everyone loves our horseback riding tours.

I led the tour about an hour ago. After dropping off my scheduled trail time crew back at the barn, me and old Juniper here kept on riding around the property.

Good. Good, Daddy praises. Let me know if there is anything else that you need from me.

Will do, I answer with a chirp, the main barn and caravan of five trucks coming into my view. Love you, Daddy.

Love you too, Bella, Daddy drawls, and I can hear the smile on his face. Pressing end, I tuck the cell in my bookbag. With everything securely in place, I pick up speed to get to my destination. Juniper likes a little pick-me-up with a run.

A few people are climbing out as Juniper and I ride up. The blonde woman gasps when she notices us. Her wide eyes and quivering lip tells me that she’s terrified. Without thought, her feet have her taking steps backward until she hits a muscular chest that looks as solid as a wall. The man’s beefy arms come protectively around the woman.

More men come to stand with the couple, which is when I notice that they are all big. There are even some that tower over the first guy. What is this... the American Strongman team? Good grief!

Flitting my gaze back to the terrified woman, the last thing I want to do is scare her. It’s alright, honey, I coo, leaning to pat Juniper on the left front flank. This here is Juniper. She might be a big girl, but she’s as gentle as a newborn lamb. It’s them skinny heifers that you gotta watch out for.

The woman’s face breaks into a beaming smile just before she bursts into full guffaws. I love you, the woman says, banding an arm around her middle. You southerners are hilarious.

And honest, I add with a knowing wink. The blonde nods in understanding. Dismounting Juniper, I tie her off to a nearby post, so she can munch on the cool green grass. Hooking my bookbag to the saddle horn, I head to the awaiting group.

Extending a hand, I introduce myself, I’m Arabella Carter.

The woman places her hand in mine. Joy Thomas, she says in a little different accent that I can’t quite place. She points upward to the giant looming over her shoulder protectively. This is Justin Langley.

Nice to meet you both, I drawl sweetly. Let’s get y’all inside before it comes a gully washer that’ll strangle the frogs.

The group chuckles as I unlock the barn, sliding the massive doors back so the crew can enter.

Beautiful, Joys says breathlessly.

Sure is, I agree, coming to open up the other doors to let in a breeze. We have a fairly large kitchen in here, restrooms, groom and bridal suites, and three storage rooms. All tables, chairs, and miscellaneous decor are yours to use. Honey, you’re welcome to use anything here, so don’t be shy.

Really? Joy questions, spinning to meet my gaze in disbelief.

Sure, I chirp back. Some couples leave decorations behind. They really don’t care to pack things up. They’re all in a hurry to leave, so we get whatever they leave. I try to keep it all nice and neat. If you have an idea of what you want and you can’t find it in here, we also have the white barn that is half-full of wedding oddities and bigger pieces.

The truth is, this venue and the caterer took most of our budget, Joy admits sheepishly. "I brought an antique