Not to be left out, apparently Adam had found a special someone he hadn’t yet shared with Sam. But Sam didn’t mind, because he’d scored a date with a fellow ninth grader he planned to take to the movies. Poor Rylan, unfortunately, hadn’t passed his driver’s test and would have to take it again.

Justine couldn’t wait to get Katie all up to speed on her life, planning to lead with the fact that they’d gotten four more clients thanks to Kenzie shuffling more people their way. And in even better news, Kenzie was looking to expand her business and offered them both positions, if they wanted them.

So much to think over!

Right after she moved into Xavier’s apartment. Was it a bad move to live together so quickly? Only time would tell. But they both wanted more togetherness and less distance, and he promised to do better sharing what he felt. She actually liked that he wasn’t so perfect. It put them on an even playing field, so to speak.

Where was her bestie—other bestie? Katie was late.

She finally found her frazzled friend looking less than her best, her pink skirt stained, her blouse wrinkled, as she hustled toward Justine with her bag and Jon in tow.

Jon kept looking at her and laughing, his smile way too wide compared to Katie’s pinched expression. Odd, because Jon and Katie were like peas in a wacky pod.

Justine hurried over to them. “What’s wrong?”

Jon broke down in hysterical laughter.

“It’s not funny,” Katie seethed and tried to push back her flyaway hair.

“You smell drunk.”

“I think I am drunk.” She moaned and ripped at the tangle on the side of her head.

And that’s when Justine spotted a ring on her finger.

A wedding band.

“What the hell?”

“Celebrating being single, and my best friend gets married.” Jon continued to chortle. Yes, actual evil chortling.

“Married to who?”

“To me,” said the tall, good-looking guy trailing them. He was tall, with a military short haircut and straight posture, wearing jeans, an olive green tee-shirt, and black boots. And whoa, momma, but those biceps were huge.

Sergeant Hot Stuff held out a large hand. “Hi. You must be Justine. I’m Theo.” He gave a wide smile, showing bright white teeth and a dimple as he gently took her hand in his. “Katie’s husband.”

Thank you for reading Justine and Xavier’s story! Click here to read a bonus Auggie and Benji short story! And look for Katie and her new husband!!!! coming soon.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Huge thanks to author Kai Strand, who gave me the title and makes a cameo in the book. You rocked it with Love in 3D!

And to my beta readers; Angi, Sarah, Tracy, Jen, and Jean for helping with consistency and typos, I truly appreciate it!

ALSO BY MARIE

(SEE PARENTHESES FOR CONNECTIONS!)

CONTEMPORARY

THE MCCAULEY BROTHERS

The Troublemaker Next Door

How to Handle a Heartbreaker