Spring Into Romance: My Everything by Heidi McLaughlin (Exclusive Scene)

Welcome back to our Spring Event! Now we have a very special post from Heidi McLaughlin, author of FOREVER MY GIRL and MY EVERYTHING. Two books perfect to take with on a romantic picnic! 

My Everything
A Beaumont Series Novella
Outtake

Aubrey

I’m nervous. My hands twist together in my lap as I wait for the shop to open. I know last night’s dinner went well, but I wanted a moment to speak with Josie on my own. I stand as soon as the window sign indicates that they are open. I cross the street and climb the three cobblestone steps and open the door. Door chimes signal my arrival. 

“I’ll be with you in a minute,” her voice calls out from the back. I look around the shop, so tastefully decorated and full of fragrance. I pick up a few potted plants to buy to spruce up Nick’s office. There isn’t enough life in there for my liking. 

It doesn’t take long until the shop is busy. I’m amazed at the amount of traffic that comes in once the door in unlocked. A peppy redhead works along the side of Josie, each customer greeted by name. I walk around with my plants in my arms and look at everything they have to offer here. I stand behind a tall, white tree decorated with Christmas decorations and watch Josie. 

It’s hard to believe that my husband was in love with her, but I can’t help but wonder now that we are here, will I be enough. I have no doubt that he loves me, but he loved her once too and wanted to marry her and have a family. Something like that isn’t easy to get over. 

Liam walks in and the ladies in the shop start giggling. I can see why. He’s dressed in a leather jacket and is carrying a helmet in his hand. He moves behind the counter and pulls Josie to his lips causing a roar of ah’s from the patrons. I turn away when he walks toward me and into the coffee shop. He flips on the light and yells that he’ll be ready in a few minutes. Some of the women congregate over to him. My mouth drops in shock. Liam Page serves coffee on Sundays. Who knew?

“Aubrey, hi.” Josie stands in front me with a towel in her hand and a green apron on. Her long brunette hair is piled on top of her head. Side by side we are opposite. Aside from loving the same man, her and I would probably never be friends. “Something wrong?”

I take a deep breath and shake my head. “I’m just here to buy some plants for Nick’s office. It’s so barren and –“

“Boring unless you’re a child?”

“Yes, exactly.” I can’t help but laugh.

“Have you given any thought to working here?”

I look around and see that she’s busy. It looks as if her shop does very well. Nick and I discussed this last night after they left; he said it’s up to me. Whatever I decide he would support me fully.

“I have, but I’d only be interested in part-time. I’d like to spend time with Nick when he’s not working.”

“Of course. Come on, let’s grab some coffee.”

I grab a table while she gets us something to drink. I watch, like a peeping tom, as her and Liam interact. They move around each other like magnets and I realize that I have absolutely nothing to fear when it comes to her. 

I smile as she walks back to me. She pulls out her chair and sits down. “Tell me about how you and Nick met.”

I pick up my coffee and take a sip before setting it down. “My favorite subject.”

Josie smiles and looks over my shoulder. I follow her gaze as it lands on Liam.  He raises his head at the exact moment as if he knew she was looking at him. It’s clear from his expression that she walks on water where he’s concerned. That’s the way things should be for people. I turn toward her and smile.

“Nick walked into the clinic on my first day and I just knew. I didn’t know what it was, but every time he was around my skin would tingle. I never believed in love at first sight and I’m not sure I still do, but something brought us together and if it’s not love I don’t know what it is.”

“Can I confess something?”

“Sure,” I reply.

“When I heard that Nick had gotten married, I thought he was doing it to make me jealous. I thought he was coming back to make problems for us, but Liam said I was being silly… actually he said stupid. Anyway, when I saw the both of you standing in front of me, I knew that wasn’t the case. I’ve known Nick a long time and can honestly say he never looked at me the way he looked at you that day.”

I try not to smile, but can’t help it. I won’t lie; jealousy has been creeping around my conscience since we arrived. I didn’t know what to expect where Nick’s feelings for Josie were concerned. But hearing her say this, I know I have nothing to fear when it comes to my husband.

My Everything 

(Beaumont #1.5)

by Heidi McLaughlin 
ebook - novella

Published March 18th 2013 by Mad Bear Publishing

When Nick Ashford lost his friend, Mason, he didn’t realize he was going to lose his family as well, but that’s exactly what happened. Alone and in a foreign country, Nick is working on rebuilding his life one patient at a time, that is, until a striking volunteer makes her presence known.
Can Nick finish his year in Africa without risking his heart being broken again, or is he willing to start a new chapter in his life before his return to Beaumont?

Forever My Girl 

(Beaumont #1)

by Heidi McLaughlin 

Paperback, 220 pages

Published December 27th 2012 by Bandit Publishing Company (first published December 26th 2012)

ISBN 0988695103

I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after. 
I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile. 
And now I’m going back. 
After ten years. 
I hope I can explain that after all this time. 
I still want her to be my forever girl.