A New Season: Rules of the Game Book Six Read online

“You look so happy, princess,” Dad whispers.

  “I am. This is one of the best days of my life.”

  Dad swallows, his eyes glazed. “That’s good. I remember your mother’s and my wedding day like it was yesterday. We were so in love—I didn’t think it’d be possible to love her more, but our love grew and expanded, especially with the birth of you and your sister. Do you think you and Nick will have children?”

  I’m taken aback, as my dad and I have never had this conversation. Not that we don’t share things, because we do, but this has never come up. “Oh, yes. We definitely will. Not right away, but maybe in five years.”

  “That’s great to hear. Your mother and I can’t wait to spoil some grandchildren. And you know I’ll have them on skates before they can walk.”

  I giggle. “I know you will, Dad.”

  The DJ announces that others can now join us on the dance floor. Several couples come out and dance to the smooth sounds of Lindsey Buckingham playing the guitar.

  “Look at that.” Dad motions to our left.

  It’s Meg and Nick’s friend, Michael; they’ve been inseparable all day. Every time she visits, she asks us to arrange get-togethers with him. There’s definitely something going on between them. It’s obvious how close they’re dancing now—his face is inches from hers and his hands aren’t on her lower back, but squarely on her ass. “Yeah, they seem to be getting along.”

  Dad tilts his head back and laughs.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I see Nick and Mom dancing together. She’s laughing about something. She and Nick have always gotten along so well. “Think we should go cut in?” Dad asks.

  “Great idea.”

  We walk over and I tap Mom on the shoulder. “Think I could have the next dance with my husband?”

  She lets go of Nick and puts her arms around me. “Congratulations, sweetie. This has been a wonderful day.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  My mother gives Nick a kiss on his cheek and moves into Dad’s arms.

  Once more I’m dancing with Nick, the most gorgeous man in the room, and he’s all mine.

  “How much longer do we have to stay?” he asks, a mischievous grin on his face.

  “At least an hour, and then we can make our exit.”

  His strong hands grip me closer, pressing his hard body closer to mine. “As soon as you give me the signal, we’re out of here.”

  “Okay,” I tell him. “Let’s mingle with our guests.”

  “Lead the way, wife.”

  I melt inside hearing that word roll off his tongue. At first, I was afraid to give my heart fully to Nick, but deep down, I knew he wouldn’t hurt me again. He’s done nothing but prove to me over and over again how much I mean to him and how profound his love is for me.

  Now I’ve got forever to show him what he means to me, as if he didn’t know.

  ***

  Thank you for reading A New Season! I hope you enjoyed The Rules of the Game Series.

  If you’re curious about Nick’s hot friends that road around Ireland on their motorcycles, then you have to check out the McLoughlin Brothers Series! Book One is titled, Moving On.

  Braeden McLoughlin is handsome, strong, protective, and the epitome of forbidden fruit. When he offers Scarlette a vacation fling…two weeks to explore Ireland, and each other, Scarlette doesn’t know what to listen to, her head or her heart.

  “Wonderfully written storyline that kept me glued to my kindle from the turn of the very first page!” ~Amazon Reviewer

  One-Click HERE to read Moving On, Braeden and Scarlette’s story!

  *If you enjoy my stories, I’d be honored if you’d leave me a review on Amazon.

  *To keep up to date on all of my books, deals and giveaways, sign up for my newsletter here.

  Acknowledgments

  I can’t believe my hockey series is finally coming to a close. It’s been an absolute blast to write the Rules of the Game Series, as hockey holds a special place in my heart. All of my hockey boys have been so much fun to write—yes, even Marcus. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

  Let me give a shout out to my awesome readers! Without you guys picking up my books and reading them, I couldn’t do what I love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

  To my peeps, where would I be without you? Theresa Schultz, my editor. I really love you. You help make my books better. Thank you! And to my cover designer Megan Parker-Squiers—the covers for this series are out of this world. You’re so damn talented. Julie Deaton with Deaton Author Services, I fret to think of what my readers would see if you didn’t give my work a last once-over. Thank you! To everyone that read these books and gave me your feedback, I appreciate all of your continued support, especially Lisa and Sandy. You ladies are the best.

  A huge shout out to my cheerleading squad, my family and friends. I adore you all for supporting me and being in my corner. I love you guys!

  And last, a big, bear virtual hug to my readers and fans. Thank you for your support, your emails, and your reviews. They make me smile and help me out so much. xo

  About the Author

  Emma Tharp is the USA Today Bestselling author of The Bluff Harbor Series, The McLoughlin Brothers Series, The Rules of the Game Series, Drawn to Dark and Keeping It Casual. She was raised in upstate New York. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone, dreaming up characters who would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending twelve years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.

  If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.

  A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.

  Contact Emma Tharp at:

  www.emmatharp.com

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  Also by Emma Tharp

  What About Her (Book One of the Bluff Harbor Series)

  What About Us (Book Two of the Bluff Harbor Series)

  The McLoughlin Brothers Series Boxed Set

  Scoring Chance (Rules of the Game Book One)

  Drawn to Dark