Welcome back to another segment of A Blizzard Wedding! What will happen today? Will Luke make it to the ski lodge? Will Joshua and Ivy learn to get along?

Today’s segment is written by Karen Cogan. Karen is a new author to Prism Book Group, with her book Runaway Hearts due out this spring, though with over two hundred articles and short stories published, as well as fifteen books, she’s hardly a “new” author. We’re thrilled to have Karen with us! Readers can learn more about Karen’s many titles through her website at www.karencogan.com.

Yesterday’s winner was bn100! Congrats! I’ll be in touch.

Today we are giving away a free download of choice from Prism Book Group to one lucky winner. To enter, comment this blog and tell us what you think will happen next in A Blizzard Wedding! Comment must be made before midnight 2/13. Winner to be announced on 2/14.

For those of you who are just joining us, A Blizzard Wedding is a continuation—and the grand finale—of After the Storm and Lightning Strikes. You can read the first two segments of A Blizzard Wedding right here on our blog.

 

If you haven’t read Lightning Strikes or After the Storm yet, download them for FREE on our website. They are also available through most of the popular eBook retailers.

 

 

 

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A Blizzard Wedding

Segment #3 By Karen Cogan

 

As they followed the clerk’s directions to the elevator, Joshua trailed behind them. They held it for him as he piled inside with his baggage.

“We’re all on the second floor. I guess we’ll be neighbors,” he said.

Ivy sniffed. “I hope you don’t plan on playing your guitar at all hours of the night. Are you a musician or something?”

“I’m the music minister at my church.”

Ivy’s eyes widened, causing Rachel amusement. She poked Rachel in the ribs. “Did you know that?”

“Yes. Luke mentioned it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You didn’t ask.”

Ivy stared up at Joshua. “You don’t talk like a minister. Don’t you have to turn the other cheek?”

“I’m human, too. I meant what I said about Luke. He deserves a fantastic wife.”

“He’s getting one,” Ivy shot back.

The elevator stopped and he smiled at Rachel. “I’m sure he is. Let me know if you hear from him, would you? I’m in 262.”

“I will. I hope it’s soon,” Rachel said.

The women entered their room. Wood paneling, exposed ceiling beams, a brick fireplace and wide plank hardwood floors gave the room a rustic feel. Comforters with pine tree décor completed the theme.

Rachel and Ivy set their bags on the floor. Rachel punched in Luke’s number again, only to get his voicemail. She was so distraught, she wanted to cry.

“Can you believe that guy, being a minister and talking to me that way?” Ivy asked.

“You started it,” Rachel told her. “Why don’t you like him? He’s a real hunk–tall, dark, and handsome.”

“I don’t know. He seemed pompous, like he looks down on us. He wears a leather jacket.”

“You’re reading too much into it. Lots of men wear leather jackets.”

Rachel’s phone buzzed and she grabbed it. “Yes?”

She sucked in her breath and Ivy grabbed her arm. “What’s wrong?”

Rachel ignored her and listened.

“A concussion? Are you sure you’re okay?”

She focused on his answer.

“I really want to come see you.”

She shook her head. “I know. The weather is bad. I’m just glad I know where you are. I’ll stay here and see you tomorrow morning. I love you.”

She sighed as she clicked off.

“Luke’s car spun out of control on some ice on the way to the airport. He has a injured wrist, likely sprained, and a mild concussion. Right now, they’re keeping him for observation and he’ll be released soon if everything’s all right. He didn’t want me to try coming to see him in this weather.”

“I’m so glad you heard from him. I’m sorry for the things I said about him not turning up for us.”

“All’s forgiven if you promise not to do it again.”

Ivy saluted. “Aye, aye.”

“I feel better, but I’m still worried about Luke.”

“They’ll take good care of him.”

Rachel gazed out the window. “It’s snowing harder. I wonder if anyone else will get here tonight.”

“You have two days until the wedding.”

“And six people missing.”

“They’re probably stranded at the airport,” Ivy said. “Let’s go to supper. I’m famished.”

“I don’t feel hungry, yet I should eat something. All I had were peanuts on the flight,” Rachel admitted.

They took the elevator down to the restaurant and chose a cozy table near the fireplace. A friendly waiter delivered water and menus. After looking at the cuisine, Ivy said, “They specialize in steak and ribs. I’m going for the ribs.”

Rachel glanced up to see Joshua approach. “Have you heard anything from Luke?”

“Yes. I’m so sorry. I forgot to tell you. He was in a car accident and suffered a concussion and injured wrist. They’re keeping him for observation right now, and he’s waiting for the doctor to come around with the x-ray results.”

“At least he’ll be okay. I feared worse. However, I wonder if he’ll be able to get here. The storm is supposed to intensify.”

“That’s a comforting observation,” Ivy muttered.

Rachel nudged her under the table. To Joshua, she said, “Would you like to join us?”

He smiled. “That would be great. I hate eating alone.”

Rachel saw Ivy tighten her lips and wondered if she was employing a self-protective mechanism against a guy who was handsome and assured. Rachel wondered if she would ever break down the wall and allow herself to trust another man.

Will Ivy and Joshua have a confrontation over dinner? Or will they discover they truly like each other? What about Luke? Will he make it through the blizzard for his wedding? Or is their big day doomed to be a disaster?

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Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Runaway Hearts, coming soon from Prism Book Group!

Lynn thought putting distance between herself and her mother was healthy. Then she met Greg. He not only understands the meaning of running away from his problems, he’s about to give her a painful lesson on the subject.

 

Coming soon from Prism Book Group!