The Bravest Hero (A Curvy Girls Club Novel Book 2) Read online

  She drifted to sleep within minutes and slept harder than she had in years.

  The Wedding

  Mia slowly walked down the aisle as she began the procession to the song God Bless the Broken Road. Royal and McKennon weren’t the biggest country music fans, but the song was fitting to their life and how they met.

  Mia looked at McKennon and smiled warmly at how excited and happy he looked. After proposing they only took a few months to plan the wedding. They wanted something small and intimate. So, they’d chosen the Conservatory of Flowers. The flowers surrounding them also cut the cost of flowers for the event.

  Her eyes found and focused on Nick. Nick, of course, was his best man. He’d been there for both McKennon and Royal. He watched Mia walk down the aisle and winked at her. She grinned back at him.

  Mia hadn’t seen him since the night of the slumber party six months ago. It had been nice to sleep within the circle of someone’s arms again. But Mia didn’t want to want that. She didn’t want to get used to that feeling. So, she’d sent him on his merry way and never spoke to him again.

  She was glad to see he looked good and happy. Mia wished only the best for him. He was a good guy. Plus, he helped save her best friend’s life. She’d always have a soft spot for the man.

  Mia reached the altar. Payton was close behind, and Kennedy brought up the rear. They all looked killer in their royal blue lady tuxedos. Mia loved Royal for her style and not forcing them to look hideous.

  Her smile widened as she watched one of her dearest friends walk down the aisle towards the love of her life. Royal walked down the aisle alone. No father or mother there to give her away. The divide between her and her family still unable to be mended. But she didn’t look as if she cared in the slightest as her eyes connected with McKennon’s.

  Royal looked stunning in her black lace halter, shimmery black tuxedo pants with a black tulle train behind her, and royal blue heels. It was so her. No fufu white dress for her. It was black or nothing at all. Mia was actually shocked her friend hadn’t worn combat boots. Well, the heels were only for the actual ceremony and photos. She had a pair of rhinestone and studded combat boots for the reception.

  As they exchanged vows, Mia and the other girls dabbed at their eyes. She may have been a stone-cold woman, but seeing her friends find happiness made her a gushy mess.

  After McKennon kissed his bride, they started back up the aisle. Mia met Nick at the altar. He extended his arm to her and she took it as they followed behind Royal and McKennon.

  “How have you been?” He asked.

  “I’ve been good. How about you?”

  “Great actually. I met someone.”

  “Really? Is she here with you?”

  “Yeah, actually.” Nick pointed to a woman, “She’s right there.”

  The woman was probably in her forties although to look at her she looked in her thirties. But Mia knew how black women aged. She had beautiful mahogany skin. Her hair was natural. Longer on top, and tapered on the sides and back. She was stunning.

  Nick smiled at her and Mia nodded to her respectfully.

  “She’s gorgeous, Nick.”

  “Right?!” He said excitedly. “I met her online.”

  “That seems to be the spot these days,” Mia said as they lined up outside.

  Kennedy started passing out sparklers and Payton helped light them.

  “Yeah, but as soon as I saw her pic, I knew. And you know what?”

  “What?”

  “It’s all because of you.”

  “Me?” Mia asked taken aback.

  “Yeah. I was really down when I met you. I’d lost quite a bit of my confidence and didn’t think anyone would want to really date me.”

  “You certainly didn’t act like it.”

  “It was all for show. But you made me feel like a man again. Like I had something to offer someone.”

  “Well, I’m glad it all worked out.” Mia said as his new girlfriend walked up to him and put an arm around his waist.

  The move wasn’t possessive like it could’ve been. It was simply a loving gesture. And they looked beautiful together.

  “Mia, this is Gwen. Gwen, this is Mia.”

  Mia shook her hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Gwen.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Mia.”

  Mia felt good knowing she’d helped Nick find love again. But something inside of her, a very small seed of something she couldn’t name, wished that she was able to put herself out there like he had. To be brave enough to find love for herself. But love scared her to death. So, instead, she only wanted to celebrate the love others found. It would have to be enough.

  Moments later, Royal and McKennon burst through the doors of the conservatory and they all cheered the newlyweds as they ran past their extended sparklers twinkling in the evening light.

  Kennedy and Payton found Mia and flanked her sides. They wrapped their arms around her waist and they all hugged as they watched their friend ride off into the sunset.

  Mia felt happiness radiating from her pores.

  They held their sparklers up into the air, touched them together, and shouted in unison.

  “Curvy Girls Club for life!”

  “Alright. Let’s get to this reception. Aren’t the single bridesmaids always supposed to get laid at weddings? I’m ready for some wedding dick.”

  Kennedy and Payton just shook their heads and walked away.

  “What?”

  To be continued…

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  Acknowledgments

  I must thank my beta crew. My ride or die ladies who give it to me straight every time. Nadia, Grace, Kim, Simone, and Cosalyn. Your encouragement and candor can’t be measured. You’re a godsend to an author in need and I could never thank you enough.

  I want to thank my parents for without them, none of this would be possible. They indulge me as I build my career. One day, I plan to repay them for their continued support.

  I’d like to thank the people who inspired this story. I had the gist of what I wanted the story to be about, but how I was going to make it work was foggy. Then I watched a video by a man named Josh who lost is leg in a motorcycle accident. As he laid on the side of the road, a woman stayed by his side until help arrived. I thought it was beautiful and would make the perfect beginning for my characters. In passing a few weeks before that, I’d seen a story about a firefighter who’d lost his leg from the knee down and was able to return to full duty. He created an organization that helps first responders get their jobs back. And as I wrote The Bravest Hero and did my research on above the knee amputees and if any were firefighters, I stumbled across another story about a firefighter who had practically the same experience as McKennon. This firefighter lost his leg above the knee in a motorcycle accident and fought his way back onto full duty. He became the first above the knee amputee to come back full duty. All of these men inspired McKennon’s story, determination, and persistence. I know the details of their recoveries were much more detailed and intense than I was able to convey, but I hope that within a romantic story, I did it some justice. These men have no idea how they inspired me, but I still wanted to honor them and say, ‘thank you.’

  To my loyal readers who’ve been with me on this wild ride, thank you for sticking with me. I wouldn’t be here without you.

  And to the new reader who’ve just found me…Welcome! And thank you for giving me a chance.

  About the Author

  Twyla Turner currently resides in Arizona. She was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, a Midwest girl at heart, though constantly moving from place to place, and always thinking of where she wants to go next. Having been an avid romance novel reader since junior high and minoring in Creative Writing. She felt th
at it was finally time to start combining her love of travel and writing, as well as her life experiences and putting them down on “paper.” Which experiences, she’ll never tell…well maybe, if you ask nicely.

  Other Books by Twyla Turner

  The Struck Series:

  Star-Struck

  Awe-Struck

  Damaged Souls:

  Scarred

  Open Wounds

  Healed

  THR3E

  Valentine’s Novellas

  Love in the Wild

  The Rescue

  Curvy Ever After:

  Forbidden Curvy Girl Fairy Tales

  Chasing Day Series:

  Chasing Day

  Catching Day

  The Curvy Girls Club:

  The Red Scot

  The Bravest Hero

  Winter’s Beast

  His Muse

  Bound Through Time - The Viking Brothers Series:

  Past

  Fictional Memoir (Non-Romance):

  Tinderella: Round, Brown & Abroad

  Connect with Author

  Website:

  www.twylaturner11.wix.com/novelswithcurves

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