Page 1 of Watering Stone


Font Size:  

Chapter One

Eliana held the bouquet as her sister said her vows to her doting fiancé. Her words transformed him into a husband. It was a lovely spell to behold.

Her sister, Gwen, smiled at her as she and her husband turned to walk down the aisle. Eliana handed her the bouquet, and the couple raced down the path together. Eliana ran next to the best man, and they joined the couple for photos with the rest of the bridal party.

The day was torture to Eliana, but she smiled, chatted, didn’t punch out the groom’s uncle, who pinched her butt, and ate the undefinable meal that was certified vegan. A burger was on the agenda when she left.

When she crouched by her family table, her aunt called out, “When are you going to get married, Elly? I know a few charming boys who would be perfect for you.”

“No thanks, Auntie, I can guarantee they aren’t my type.”

“You didn’t even give them a chance.”

“I have a job lined up, and having a love life will just get in the way.”

Her mother smiled. “What is the job, Elly?”

“I am a bodyguard and nanny for a very wealthy family on Emerald Island. They are expecting twins and need the extra help.” She chuckled. “I am being flown out to them when this party is over.”

Her mother spluttered a laugh. “You? A nanny?”

“I took early child development, Mom. I have degrees, and I am really good at hand-to-hand combat.”

“Who is the couple?”

“It’s a triad. An omega, an alpha, and a beta. They already have one baby girl, and this will overload them a little. I am going to help.”

“For how long?” Her mother blinked.

“As long as they need me. Or as long as I want to be there.” She smiled. “I can surf every day, so I am thinking I want to see those kids to college.”

Her uncle laughed. “Can I be a nanny?”

“Probably.” She smiled and got up, heading for the ladies’ room.

She was intercepted by the bride. “Elly, I need you to move the gifts tonight and bring them to our place tomorrow.”

They got into the restroom, and Eliana said, “I am going to tell you again. I leave town as soon as the dancing is underway. Passport is ready and suitcase is packed. I thought Nadine was going to do it.”

Gwen stomped her foot. “I wantyouto do it.”

“Honey, I don’t work for you. I was here to make a statement that you were friendly with your family. I got Mom and the aunts to come. I even wore this damned hot wig, but you want more? No. Absolutely not.”

Gwen whined and jumped up and down.

Elly washed her hands and let her younger sister throw a tantrum. “This doesn’t work on me, Gwen. Enjoy your little dance. Oh, hey, the music is starting.” Gwen stopped her tantrum and made concerned noises as she ran back to the party. Eliana didn’t yell what she wanted to though. Gwen hadn’t washed her hands.

The bridal party had to dance, and the party kicked into gear. Eliana went through four dances and then called it a night. She kissed her mom, hugged her aunts, and took off her wig, leaving it at her place setting. The ocean green and blue hair writhed down her shoulders and waved like the tide near her knees.

She left her sister’s wedding, and only ten people seemed to realize what they were looking at. Eliana got her bag from her mother’s car and then summoned a rideshare. Time to head to the airport.

An hour later, she was sitting in the private plane waiting for a series of VIPs to arrive. She sipped at her coffee and chatted with Ven regarding the procedure when she landed. She heard voices and the thud of feet climbing the stairs. “Well, looks like my company has arrived. I look forward to seeing you again, Ven. I can’t believe you have taken to domesticity so hard.”

Ven grinned. “Hard has something to do with it.”

Eliana giggled. “See you soon.”

Five men stomped onto the plane and took seats in the four grouping while their extra dropped into one of the seats across the aisle. His black hair had red highlights, and Eliana tried to figure out the odds of running into him again in this lifetime. She glanced at the set of four and blinked when there was a second black-and-red head. What were the odds?

Source: www.allfreenovel.com