One Last Shot (Pub Fiction #3) (25 page)

“No, Matty, I love it, it’s perfect. I would have tried to buy it, too,” I laugh. “So all this land is ours?” I gesture to the fields and bit of forest surrounding the two-storey brown brick home.

“Yes, it’s all ours, from about there,” he points to a small shed in the far distance to the road, “to there,” he points at the road, “and from that fence in the woods to the middle of the water, there, down by your willow tree.”

“It’s perfect. So perfect.” I nod, meeting his gaze. His head is tilted to the side ’cause he knows I’m up to something.

“What are you thinking? I see those cogs turning in that pretty head.”

“Oh, not much. I was just noticing there’s so much space that we could build another house on it, if ever someone wanted to, is all,” I shrug. “Maybe Kat and Ryker would like country life, too…”

“You are trouble, Miss Knox,” Matt growls. “Now, let me get you inside before you turn this into a commune. I want to fuck you on the floor of our new bedroom.” Matty nips my ear, pulls out a set of keys, and opens the front door.

I’m…no,
we’re,
finally home.

Claire

F
or the last
couple of years, I’ve continued to attend the same Friends in Grief group meetings. It’s a bit of a drive from our home in the country, but it’s worth it.

Today, they’ve asked me to share my story. I’m being honoured for my resiliency and for my ability to help others to deal with their grief. Trust me, it hasn’t always been easy, but with the help of Matt and Kat and Nick and everyone else, I’ve grown and learned a lot, and it’s starting to show.

Walking to the podium and looking out into the small crowd, I smile at my adoptive family who are all here to support me today. The Rollins clan: Mary, Doug, Wes, his wife Chloe, and of course my bestie—my sister from another mister—a very pregnant Kat Eddison. Nestled in close to her with a protective arm draped around his girl is Kat’s adoring hubby, Ryker. Next to Ryker’s smiling face I see Levi, Braun, sweet Emme and the cutest little boy, Parker. A feeling of pride overtakes me, seeing my people here for me today. But it’s when my eyes seek out
his
that my breath really catches and my smile widens, like it does every time my eyes land on my Matty.

I’m super nervous for today, but knowing he is here to support me means so much, especially after everything we’ve been through. After I dated what felt like a hundred frogs, I finally found my prince. I never would have thought that Matty would still want me after I’d left him, especially once he finally saw the real wizard that was me, a broken wizard that cowered behind a curtain, oozing doubt and insecurity, a stubborn one who was simply waiting for a Dorothy to come along and help the wizard see what was within the whole time—the power to heal and love.

This was my story, the story of how sometimes a relationship needs one last shot for you to realize it’s what you needed all along, that one last push to get there.

This was also our story, of how Matt Bishop helped me to not only lower my drawbridge…but also kicked the shit out of the protective troll’s ass, setting my heart free for me to love for good. Matty taught me to trust again. I no longer fear I’ll be left behind. Today, I live each day to the fullest and seek new challenges alongside my husband.

I, Claire Knox-Bishop, am a warrior—a survivor.

Oh, yeah. Did I mention that Matty proposed just over a year ago? And how we were married under our willow tree, the very one where he proposed to me? Well, he did, and it was perfect.

It was an intimate affair, under stars and candlelight, a romantic celebration where Matty became mine, and I his, forever. It was the best day of my life.

I knew my parents were there looking out for me and probably smiling that I’d finally got my head out of my ass to see what was right in front of me all along, that I took one last shot at taking a risk for love and finally left the shackles of my grief in the dust. I like to think that the soft wind which caused the beautiful hanging branches and twinkle lights to dance and sway during the sharing of our vows was my parents nodding their approval. A part of me also thinks it was most likely my mom nodding ferociously at times, in her excitement over Matty and I having found our very own willow tree. I feel they knew all along that Matt Bishop was the man for me.

As for wedding gifts, we’d requested books. We asked our family and friends to each gift us with a copy of their favourites. We’d asked for these perfect treasures from the people we loved most so they could share in our new adventure. We love these books and are reading every single one, starting with Kat’s gift: L. Frank Baum’s
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
On weekends, we choose a day, pack a picnic and head up to our spot where we lazily read aloud to each other under the willow, carrying on the tradition I’d started but never got to finish with my mom; it’s one we look forward to and love. The best part is the feeling of excitement as, with each new book, we’re sent on an adventure together, an adventure someone we loved decided to share with us, one that they had enjoyed.

“You were perfect, Sugarshack. You did it,” Matty says to me after my speech, breaking me from my reverie. He drops a sweet kiss on my cheek before turning me around to face the others as they start coming up to congratulate me. His hand rests on my stomach, and a loving smile passes between us as I glance back at him.

I guess in the end I was right.

Time
doesn’t
heal all wounds.

But love from the right people does.

The End

Once again, I’m the luckiest girl in the world to be surrounded by such supportive and incredible people cheering me on and encouraging me. There is no way I could do this without any of you.

Alissa—My little book twin, I love you so hard. I appreciate all your help, support and friendship. I’m truly blessed to have you in my life. I’m glad to have you in my corner, and know I’m always in yours. You are stuck with me for life! Lots of love. x

Amanda—Lobby, I love you. It’s hard to describe how important you are in my world. I value your opinion so much. Thank you for always supporting me and giving me your honest feedback. You push me to be better, and call me out without hesitation. I could not do this without you!

Cassia—Thank you for being you. I’m so very lucky to call you a friend. I cannot express how amazing you are, and know I couldn’t do this without you. You are my partner in crime! Thank you for allowing me to screen shot you my crazy and for being final eyes on Matty and Claire. I love you! xox

Dad—You’re simply awesome. Thank you for always being so proud and supportive of me, your daughter who writes smut. Just remember you CANNOT read these books.

Deanna—Once again, you support, encourage and are willing to read and reread my stuff over and over again. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.

Doris—Thank you for reading over my stories. Your keen eye is so very appreciated.

Jen (ESM)—Here we sit editing book #3, and I’m in awe of you. The way you push, challenge and encourage me is fantastic! I don’t know how you pull it off, but you do. You get me to rethink, reword and even delete. Thank you for taking my words and helping to make them better. Again, I have loved taking this journey with you and I love seeing your little editorial notes when you get a “Feeling” or a laugh is elicited by my various Pandas. I can’t wait to keep moving along the path of this partnership. I love you. xox

Jeneane—JJ! I cannot express how thankful I am for your friendship, support and willingness to keep taking a chance on my stories and me. I love your notes, comments and feedback.

Jenny—Thank you for being so supportive and such an amazing friend. I love that you wanted to read this early on. You are truly an amazing friend to have in my corner. xox

Karl—Wow, again I sit here trying to figure out the right words to tell you how truly incredible you are. Thank you for being you, thank you for loving my crazy and for always encouraging me to chase this dream. I hope you know that you are my Dorothy, my absolute favourite person, even when I ignore you when I’m writing! Max and you are my world. Never forget that.

Kymmie—Once again you played such a big role with this one. Thank you for reading it early on, being straight with me and yanking me off the ledge. You are truly beautiful and I’m grateful for our friendship. You always bring me up when I’m down, and for that I am forever grateful. Love you. HARD! xox

Mom—Mommy, we did it again. I swear I couldn’t do this without you; you’re my biggest supporter and best friend. These books are yours as much as they are mine. Thank you for caring about these characters and being willing to read each book a million times over.

Laurie—Thank you for taking this journey with me, for being excited and always wanting to hear about, read about, and fall in love with my characters. Your constant support and encouragement is appreciated.

Lia—Thank you once again for being an amazing beta reader and friend. I’m so thankful for your support and feedback. xox

Radha—My Brownie, see what you started? Thank you for the push, I’ll always be grateful.

Paige—You are a wonder. I could not have written this book without you. Please know how thankful I am for our newfound friendship. I value your opinion, feedback and respect you so damn hard as a reader. I have loved taking this journey with you, and Matty is yours!

River—Words are hard to find to describe how much I love and respect you. Thank you for always being there to help, support and make me laugh. I cannot imagine doing this without you. I look forward to many more years of friendship and our families getting together. xox

Toni—Thank you for being the amazing friend you are. Your willingness to let me bounce ideas off you means more than I think you’ll ever know. You made this book better. Thank you for telling me there is never too much oral! xox

Gilly’s Gems—Honestly, how truly lucky I am to have you ladies in my life. I adore each of you and love hanging out with you in our little group. I cannot thank you enough for all the love and support you have given me over the past year. I love chatting with you all and getting to know you, your friendship means the world. Please know I am eternally grateful, and I hope to meet you all in person one day. Xox

Ashley at Book Cover by Ashbee Designs: Thank you for being so amazing to work with. You always know exactly what I will love. I appreciate the time and patience you have with me. I look forward to many more covers together.

Thank you to all the amazing bloggers for all you do. I could not do this without your support; I appreciate you taking a chance on me. If ever I can help you in return, please contact me. Once again, you continue to make this adventure even better.

I held a contest on my author page on Facebook, for the best Pomtini recipe. The winner who earned the most likes would have their recipe featured in
One Last Shot
.

Congratulations to our winner, Jeneane Johnson. Her recipe for a Squirt Tini is perfect for Matty and Claire. But I couldn’t resist sharing the other recipes, too. They all sounded so good and are way too much fun not to share.

I hope you enjoy them!

Squirt Tini
by Jeneane Johnson (Winning Recipe)

Ingredients

1 cup fresh pomegranate juice (or bottled)

½ cup vodka

½ cup triple sec

1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Fresh pomegranate seeds and lime slices for garnish, optional

Directions

1.   Fill martini shaker or 3 cup covered container half full with ice. Add all ingredients except pomegranate seeds and lime slices; cover and shake.

2.   Pour into a martini or other tall glass. Pour through a strainer to keep the ice out of the glass.

3.   Garnish with lime slice, sugar rim, or even fresh pomegranate seeds in the drink!

** Slowly pour it over your boobs and nether regions having your sexy man sip, lick and slurp you clean. Guaranteed to make you squirt!

Red Orgasm
by Lorena Tuchlocke

Ingredients

1 oz Pom juice

1½ oz vodka

1 oz grapefruit juice

½ tsp lime juice

½ tsp simple sugar

Orange twist to garnish

Directions

Fill shaker with ice.

Add ingredients.

Shake.

Pour.

** In sexy moments you can: Drink, pour, rub, lick and slurp from your lover (neck, abs, belly button, etc.)

Clit licker
by Tracy Supple

Ingredients

1/2 oz whisky (whiskey, bourbon…)

1/2 oz coconut rum (Malibu)

1/2 oz peach liqueur

1/2 oz banana liqueur (Pisang Ambon)

1 splash pomegranate juice

1 splash apple juice

1 splash orange juice

Directions

Mix in tall glass with ice.

** Pour on your pussy, and have your man to lick and suck it off and while he’s going down on you. He won’t be able to resist giving you a serious tongue fucking that will guarantee to have you seeing stars!

Tie Me to the BEDPOST
by Jessica Coody Kennedy

Ingredients

1.5 shots each of:

Southern Comfort

Malibu coconut rum

Peach schnapps

Vodka

Amaretto

Pineapple juice

A splash of Pom juice

Grenadine

Directions

Add all into a 16oz glass

Pour over ice and shake well, serve as a drink or shots.

** It’s super sweet but strong enough that you’ll wake up tied to a bedpost!

Blushing Vixen
by Tanya Galloway Cole

Ingredients

1 bottle of dry white wine

3/4 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)

1/4 cup simple syrup

Juice of 1 lemon (suck, squeeze until lemon has nothing left)

Juice of 1 orange (milk all of the juice out. Show your talents, ladies!)