
Redeemed by Love

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Sunset Creek Book 2
by D. J. Minshall
Chapter one
Jess
The last person I expect to see when I walk out of the kitchen during my sister’s engagement party is Brandon Scott. I freeze in place. I hate Brandon Scott. He’s standing against the makeshift bar, looking disgustingly handsome. Why in the hell is he here?
I feel a hand on my lower back, and I remember I’m here with my boyfriend, Stewart. He kisses my neck. “Everything okay?” I look back at him and smile. “Yeah, everything’s fine. I saw someone I haven’t seen in years.” He puts his arm around my waist and looks around the room, as if trying to find out who I’m talking about.
He doesn’t have a clue; this is the first time he’s been to my hometown. I had no plans to ask him to come with me this weekend. When I mentioned I was going out of town, he wanted to know where. When I told him, he insisted on coming.
I guess it was about time. I’ve been dating Stewart for three months and none of my sisters have met him yet. Not even on the video calls.
We arrived an hour before the party started, so I could help finish setting up, and I introduced him to my sisters, Vicki, Becca, and Sam, the bride. I also introduced him to Josh, the groom, Josh’s parents, Maureen and John and Sloan, the cook from our family diner. We’ve been in the kitchen helping Sloan with plating some more food. I didn’t see Brandon arrive.
I look around the room and back to Stewart, whose lips are now pursed. “Is it him?” he mumbles. I follow his line of sight and see Brandon looking at us.
“Yes,” I answer, and my heartbeat picks up pace. Stewart had a tad possessive side at first. I thought it was kinda cute, but the past few weeks have been getting on my nerves. I don’t know what it is, but something about it has been bothering me.
He pulls me closer as if he's showing Brandon I’m taken. I look back at Brandon and he’s turned away and is now talking with Josh. I let out a breath and take Stewart’s hand. “Come on, let’s get some food. I’m starving.”
We make our way to the food table set up in the dining room and help ourselves to a plate. I pile on the Italian meatballs—I love them, and I could eat the entire pot if they let me. I add some Caesar salad with bacon bits and croutons and a healthy serving of my Gram’s famous lasagna. Stewart opts for some salad, a vegetable skewer and a couple of bacon stuffed mushrooms.
I wish Grams was here to celebrate with us. Back when my sister Sam married Derek, Grams wasn’t happy with the situation, but she wanted us to be happy. And if marrying him made Sam happy, she was all for it, but I think she knew he wasn’t the one for her.
I think she would have liked Josh. Who wouldn’t? He’s a police sergeant and a wonderful father and I think he will be a great husband to Sam. The type of husband she should have had from the start.
I finish eating and look up to meet Brandon’s eyes. He’s looking right at me, and he gives me a tentative smile.
I excuse myself and tell Stewart I’m going to use the restroom and make my way to the one upstairs. It’s more private up here, and I need a moment to take a breath. I close the door and brace my hands on the counter when Sam walks in.
“You, okay?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know. It’s been twelve years since I saw him. I didn’t know I would have this kind of reaction.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you he would be here. It slipped my mind. I’m so, so sorry.”
I look at her. “Hey, it’s okay. You’ve had a lot on your mind. You told me he was Josh’s best friend. I should’ve figured he’d be here.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?” She looks at me with concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I need to get used to seeing him around.” I hug her tightly. “I love you and I’m so happy for you.”
Once Sam leaves, I turn to the mirror and look myself in the eye, not sure if I’m okay or not. It’s been a long time since Brandon broke my heart and I thought by now I’d be over him.
After seeing him in person, I’m not sure I am.
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Thank you for reading chapter one of Redeemed by Love, book two in my Sunset Creek series. I hope you enjoyed it!