The Next Season (novella) (15 page)

Their guests were laughing again now but Zoe could barely hear them, her heart so full of love for Shaun she felt like it would explode.

But he continued, his voice as deep, sexy and strong as ever. ‘Zoe, I've never had a moment's doubt about us. I love you with all my heart, my everything. You are and always will be my one.'

Grinning, Shaun slipped her gold band onto her finger and then, without waiting for the celebrant's permission, he leaned forward and kissed her. Tears streamed down her face as she lost herself in his kiss, oblivious to the whoops and hollers erupted all around them.

The celebrant laughed and spoke loudly over the top of the cheering crowd. ‘I guess this is where I say, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”'

Nothing had ever sounded so magical to Zoe. She and Shaun finally pulled apart, but they couldn't stop grinning at each other.

Although she wanted nothing more than to run away with him, she loved that so many people from Wildwood Creek had showed up to share their special day and she wanted to show them her appreciation as well. The guests took it in turns coming over and offering their congratulations before the photographer summoned Zoe, Shaun and their
bridal party along the sand for photos. Never much for smiling in front of a camera, Zoe enjoyed this time for all the opportunities it gave her to smooch and get up close to Shaun. She couldn't wait to see the results and to get some photos printed for their wall. Sandee had taught her that a house without photos is merely a place to sleep, and Zoe couldn't wait to start her own photo wall, which would celebrate her life with Shaun. She couldn't wait to make themselves a home.

Just before dusk, the food was served in a marquee. The band kicked off again and everyone partied on the beach until late. Well, the locals of Wildwood Point did…

Shaun and Zoe bided their time until the cutting of the cake and then snuck off to spend their first night together as husband and wife. And although it is traditional to farewell the bride and groom officially, no one held a grudge.

More bestselling Rachael Johns titles from Harlequin Mira:

The Kissing Season
Rachael Johns

From the author of The Next Season comes another funny and romantic Christmas story set in rural Australia.

Every family has a black sheep…and Hannah Elliot is it.

It's no surprise to anyone when Hannah Elliot makes the spontaneous decision to marry a stranger in Las Vegas. But when she finds herself pregnant and her new husband files for an annulment, she dreads having to tell her family.

Returning to her Australian hometown of Wildwood Point, Hannah is determined to become a devoted mum and put her baby's needs ahead of her own. She's also set to prove to her family she can actually be responsible. This means putting her wild past behind her and accepting a job back in the family business…while keeping her pregnancy a secret!

Except, when gorgeous Italian Matteo Della-Bosca walks through the shop door, Hannah finds her resolve slipping fast…

 

Outback Ghost
Rachael Johns

Stella only wanted a holiday… the last thing she expected was a love interest and a possible ghost.

Third-generation farmer Adam Burton has always tried to keep his family together, but twenty years after his little sister went missing from the family farm he's losing hope. His dad has walked out, his mum is as reclusive as ever and he still blames himself for his sister's disappearance.

When Stella Reynolds and her young daughter arrive from the big smoke to stay at the holiday cottage on their farm for the summer, Adam is immediately attracted to the beautiful single mum. Although he's always steered clear of children and doesn't believe he deserves love or a family of his own, he finds himself spending time with Stella and her young daughter, Heidi, and enjoying it.

As the twenty-year old mystery begins to unravel, Stella wonders if she should take her daughter and run. But doing so is easier said than done, because Stella just might be falling in love with Bunyip Bay and a gorgeous, but hurting, farmer.

From one of Australia's best loved rural romance authors comes a story of mystery, heartache and hope.

A
Bunyip Bay
novel.

 

Outback Blaze
Rachael Johns

Ruby wasn't looking for love, Drew wasn't looking to stay…until they found each other. Can their fling survive the darkness of Ruby's past and Drew's desire to move on?

Ruby Jones was always an optimist, but the trauma of her past had made her wary. So when she flees to the small rural community of Bunyip Bay to start afresh, she has her sights firmly set on establishing her horse-riding business and rebuilding her life. The last thing Ruby wants is a romance. In fact, after all she has been through, she can't imagine she will ever believe in love again.

Police officer Drew Noble has no intention of staying in Bunyip Bay — he is just an outsider seeking temporary refuge. But as the charm of the town sways him, Drew finds himself increasingly drawn to the community and its inhabitants, as well as another newcomer, the lovely Ruby Jones.

When Drew investigates a suspicious fire at Ruby's parents' business, he finds himself feeling strangely protective of the girl with the flowers in her hair. As the details of Ruby's past emerge and she comes once more under threat, Drew realises he will do all in his power to save her.

Soon these outsiders discover they have both lost their hearts — not only to the town but to each other.

A
Bunyip Bay
novel.

 

Outback Dreams
Rachael Johns

Faith and Monty are both looking for love…in the wrong direction.

Faith Forrester is at a crossroads. Single, thirty and living on a farm in a small Western Australian town, she's sick of being treated like a kitchen slave by her brother and father. Ten years ago, her mother died of breast cancer, and Faith has been treading water ever since. She wants to get her hands dirty on the family farm. She wants to prove to herself that she's done something worthwhile with her life. And she wants to find a man…

For as long as he can remember, Daniel 'Monty' Montgomery has been Faith's best friend. When he was ten, his parents sold the family property in Merindah and moved to Perth to be closer to support services for his autistic brother, and ever since, Monty's dreamed of having his own place. So for the last ten years, he's been back on the land, working odd jobs and saving every dollar to put toward his dream. And now he finally has it. But there's still something missing…

So when Faith embarks on a mission to raise money for a charity close to her heart — Dogs for Autism — and Monty's dream property comes on the market, things seem like they are falling into place for them both. Until a drunken night out ends with them sleeping together. Suddenly, the best friends are both facing a new set of challenges…

Monty and Faith are both ready to find a life partner and settle down, but have they both been looking in all the wrong places?

A
Bunyip Bay
novel.

 

Jilted
Rachael Johns

After more than ten years away, Australian soap star Ellie Hughes returns to the small country town of Hope Junction, determined to remain anonymous while caring for her injured godmother, Matilda.

But word spreads fast in the tight-knit community. It isn't long before the people of Hope are gossiping about the real reason for Ellie's visit and why she broke the heart of golden boy Flynn Quartermaine all those years ago.

Soon Ellie and Flynn are thrown back together again, forced to deal with the unresolved emotions between them. For Ellie is not the only one with secrets. Flynn has his own demons to battle, and Matilda is hiding something from her much-loved goddaughter.

When all is uncovered, can the ill-fated lovers overcome the wounds of their past? Or is Flynn destined to be jilted again?

 

Man Drought
Rachael Johns

She'll make over this town…one man at a time!

Imogen Bates moved to the small rural town of Gibson's Find to start a new life for herself after the death of her husband. Tired of being haunted by the painful memories of her old life, Imogen set her last remaining hopes on the little town and poured her heart and savings into restoring The Majestic Hotel to its former glory. But while the female-starved town might be glad to see a young woman move in, not everyone is happy about Imogen's arrival.