“So, Quinn, my daughter tells us you’re in the music business.” My mom takes hold of Quinn’s arm and walks him toward the reception while my dad and I follow. When we reach the tent, Roy steps up. Quinn turns and looks at me, it’s like he knows who this guy is. I shake my head, letting him know everything will be fine.
“I figured it out.”
“What, that Jessica is pregnant with your child?”
“No. You won’t take me back because you’re in love with that guy.” He nods toward Quinn. I lean to the side and smile at him.
“Partly right, Roy. The truth is, college changed me, it changed us. You did things that I can’t forgive, and then there’s Jessica. She needs you, and if there’s one thing I know, that baby is going to need both parents.” I pat him on his chest and go to Quinn, reaching for his outstretched hand.
We join Susannah and Tanner on the dancefloor and quick introductions are made as my friends promise to catch up with us later, which I’m fine with because right now, I want to look my guy in the eyes and fall deeper in love with him.
Quinn James is the love of my life. It took me less than a week to figure that out. Some call it love at first sight, and some don’t believe in it at all, saying it’s lust. I call it life slapping you in the face to wake you up, to remind you to stop and smell the roses, to let your heart lead where your mind may drift.
It doesn’t matter because the end is the same. I’m standing here with the man I thought I lost, thinking about a future I know I’m going to have, all because of a friend or two.
The End
Peyton & Noah
Comes out in December
Click Also by Heidi McLaughlin
For More Information
Acknowledgments
It seems, that no matter what story I write, I’m always thanking the same people. Yvette, who always puts up with my ideas, even the ones that never go anywhere. Amy, who becomes so emotional when reading, she tells me I give her hives. Sarah, who always manages to create the most perfect cover (you haven’t seen the best one yet). Emma I’m so thankful we met. Amber, not sure what I can say, I love you and cherish everything. And Ellie, who literally drops everything, scolds me for missing deadline after deadline, but still makes my words work. On top of this, I have an amazing group of girls who share my teasers with the world that I’m lucky enough to call friends.
Many tell me they never want the series to end, that the gang from Beaumont is like family. I’m happy they think so because that’s how I feel. Writing each of these characters feels like home, and I’m excited to say it’s not going to stop. The members of Sinful Distraction will have books, under this series title because Elle, Quinn, 4225 West and the rest of the gang, are all involved.
Thank you to Debra, Drue, Ena & Amanda for always helping me with my ARCs, reviews, and promotional nonsense. And Ashley, thank you for kicking butt as usual.
And finally, to the readers, I’m not sure Quinn’s story is finished so don’t be surprised if he and Eleanora have a novella in the near future. Besides, there’s a couple of “dad’s” out there that are eager to be grandparents
About Heidi McLaughlin
Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
When writing isn’t occupying her time, you can find her sitting courtside at either of her daughters’ basketball games.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
Don’t miss more books by Heidi McLaughlin! Sign up for her newsletter, or join the fun in her fan group!
Connect with Heidi!
www.heidimclaughlin.com
Also by Heidi McLaughlin
THE BEAUMONT SERIES
Forever My Girl – Beaumont Series #1
My Everything – Beaumont Series #1.5
My Unexpected Forever – Beaumont Series #2
Finding My Forever – Beaumont Series #3
Finding My Way – Beaumont Series #4
12 Days of Forever – Beaumont Series #4.5
My Kind of Forever – Beaumont Series #5
Forever Our Boys - Beaumont Series #5.5
* * *
The Beaumont Boxed Set - #1
* * *
THE BEAUMONT SERIES: NEXT GENERATION
Holding Onto Forever
My Unexpected Love
Peyton & Noah
* * *
THE ARCHER BROTHERS
Here with Me
Choose Me
Save Me
* * *
LOST IN YOU SERIES
Lost in You
Lost in Us
* * *
THE BOYS OF SUMMER
Third Base
Home Run
Grand Slam
* * *
THE REALITY DUET
Blind Reality
Twisted Reality
* * *
SOCIETY X
Dark Room
Viewing Room
Play Room
* * *
THE CLUTCH SERIES
Roman
* * *
STANDALONE NOVELS
Stripped Bare
Blow
Sexcation
Santa’s Secret
* * *
COMING SOON
Christmas With You
See You Again - June, 2019