Page 81 of Vodka and Chocolate Drops

“Of course. What could be worse than this torture chamber you’re currently locked in?”

Amber gave Nicola an encouraging smile as her friend wandered off, seemingly dazed, to join the line congratulating the couple.

“Were you just giving dating advice?” Jen asked, joining her.

“Yep. And it’s going to work out totally awesome. People spend way too much time being afraid of putting their true emotions out there, and that’s such a load of bullcrap.”

“Well, now aren’t you Miss Big now that you’ve conquered your fear of true love.”

Scott joined them. “Did I hear that right? Dating advice?”

“Amber’s trying to convince Nicola to run after her own happy ending. Aka Todd.”

“Ah.” Scott hooked an arm around Amber’s waist, bringing her close enough to kiss her on the end of her nose. “Sounds like good advice.”

“I thought so,” she replied, going up on tiptoes to kiss him. She was glad she’d finally stopped running from her own fears and claimed what was hers--love.

Scott tugged her away from the group, murmuring things about her green dress and how it looked hugging her curves.

Amber laughed, pushing him away. “We’re in public!”

“That can be remedied.”

Amber caught sight of Nicola leaving the park, a new determination in her step. “Do you think she’ll get the man she wants?” she murmured, gesturing toward her friend.

“That’s her adventure, not ours.”

Amber turned in Scott’s arms, draping her arms around his neck. “And whatisour next adventure, Officer Malone?” Now that she knew the nickname drove him wild, she was afraid she was going to wear out its effect, teasing him so she could enjoy the results.

Sure enough, he pulled her close against him, lining them up as he kissed her hard, letting the town know that she was his. A crowd cheered behind them and, smiling, Amber broke the kiss, giving the spectators a little wave.

“Did you say you know a place we can go?” she whispered.

Her mother bustled over with John, out of breath with happiness. “Did you hear the news? Jen and Rob are expecting.”

“I know. Exciting, isn’t it?”

John, who had his arm around Gloria’s shoulders, pivoted her so his lips touched her forehead, his eyes closing in satisfaction and happiness.

He had been extra careful around Amber since her outburst at what was supposed to be their first family dinner, and she still felt bad.

“I’m glad you two are together,” she told him. “That things are okay between you now.”

“I’ll take good care of her, Amber. You, too, if you need it.”

“I know.”

John watched her, then, seeming to find the answer he was looking for, gave her a short nod.

“Oh! I need to take a picture for the paper,” Liz said, coming over, camera raised. “Family Reunited. I can see the caption already.”

The group of them groaned.

“Where are Marisa and Justin? We need them in here, too.” Liz began gesturing with her hand as though she could sweep the missing family members into the picture. She paused, looking at Scott as though trying to decide whether he should be in the photo are not.

“Scott is part of my family. He’s my forever friend,” Amber said, giving him a playful nudge in the ribs. He grabbed her and somehow rolled her body up his arm, slinging her over his shoulder as he carried her off.

She giggled and pretended to try and get away, secretly delighted by his behavior. How could a woman like her ever be so lucky as to have a man like him in her life? It really couldn’t get much better.

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