This book takes place RIGHT AFTER  'Fear of Intimacy'. You don't have to read the first two books but I highly recommend that you do cause you may get a bit confused. Especially 'Fear of Intimacy'. This book is Lydia and Landon's story. The others will make an appearance but it is mostly them.

Happy Reading! :) 

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"Thank you guys for coming today." Josie Scott, my best friend and co-worker, sent us all a wide smile.

Currently all of our friends-Tasha Davis, Sydni Roberts and I were in a bridal store getting ready for Josie to try on wedding dresses. Her wedding was exactly three months away which meant it was finally time to start picking out dresses.

"Of course." I gave Josie a smile. I could see her nerves as she glanced around the bridal store. Rows after rows of dresses lined the walls, the sight of them a little nerve-wrecking. It can be a lot being surrounded by so many dresses.

I had helped Josie pick this store after we did an article on it in my magazine, Fushion Weekly, a few months back. It was a cute little shop that was locally owned and had a great selection of dresses. Any type of dress you want they have.

"Ready to start picking?" Tasha asked, looking beyond giddy. As Maid of Honor she was taking the role seriously, getting everything ready for the wedding and making sure the bride wasn't stressed about anything.

"I think so."

"Pick whatever you want. You can try on as many as you need." The sales lady, and owner, said as she stood off to the side.

I pulled a few strings and made sure we booked the entire store so no one else would be here but us four. Aside from wanting this moment to be special for Josie, the last thing she needed was someone coming in and recognizing her. That's what happens when you get engaged to the hottest hockey player in Toronto.

"Lets do this." Beside me Sydni grinned and clapped her hands. With that all of us fanned out. To help give Josie some choices we decided we'd all pick a couple so she could try on and see what style she wanted.

As I walked around looking at the gorgeous gowns I tried to ignore the pinch in my chest. All of this felt so familiar, memories coming to the surface. Wedding dress shopping wasn't exactly my thing but I was here for Josie.

So shoving all the memories from the past aside I looked for a dress that would suit Josie. Thinking about Josie and her fiancé Wyatt Boone made me smile. It feels like yesterday she was telling me about being stuck in an elevator with some guy after her assignment with a local football team.

She didn't tell me who it was until a few weeks later so imagine my surprise when she told me she was seeing Wyatt Boone, star player for the Toronto Knights hockey team. What are the chances of meeting one of Toronto's eligible bachelors in an elevator.

I knew from the moment she talked about Wyatt that she was smitten. There was a look on her face I'd never seen before. The more she saw him the brighter her eyes got. When Josie's dad passed a year before I watched her become a shell. She wasn't living. Just going through the motions. Until she met Wyatt.

Wyatt gave her back her light. She may be one of my workers but she was also my best friend. So seeing her happy and in love was all I could ask for. It did help that Wyatt was one of the nicest guys and treated Josie like a queen. The two of them were meant for each other. I don't think I've ever seen anyone better suited than those two.

It only took Wyatt a year to know Josie was his forever. Wyatt proposed to Josie in Whitsunday Island, Australia a few months ago when our entire friend group decided to go on vacation together. The whole thing was amazing and so sweet. He had it all planned out that all of us would be standing near videoing the proposal. I'm not typically a fan of proposals but that one even had me crying.

I ran my fingers along the dresses, feeling the different kinds of fabrics. With each passing dress the pit in my stomach grew. I had thought I was over this but being here, surrounded by wedding gowns was bringing back unwanted memories. There was a reason I was hesitant on coming today. Some things are better left in the past.

Grabbing three random dresses I hightailed it to the back of the store where the fitting room was. Spotting Josie I plastered on a fake smile. I wasn't going to ruin this day for her. Its a once in a lifetime feeling shopping for your wedding dress, so no way was I going to let Josie know I was inwardly having a meltdown.

"Oh I like those." Josie gushed looking at the dresses in my hand.

Get your shit together Lydia.

Thankfully I was spared as Tasha and Sydni came back with a pile of dresses in their arms. As Josie and Tasha went to put the dresses in the back to try on, I took a seat on the couch that was perfectly situated off to the side of the platform Josie would stand on. Across from that a huge floor to ceiling mirror.

"Champagne?" The sales lady came out with a tray of champagne glasses.

"Yes, please." I barely let her get the words out before I was grabbing two. Beside me Sydni snorted as she grabbed only one. "What? Just supporting Josie."

"By getting drunk?"

"More like tipsy." I smirked, tapping my glass with hers before taking a sip. "Dress shopping isn't complete without someone getting tipsy."

Sydni just laughed before sipping her own drink.

"You're next." Out of everyone I for sure thought Sydni would be engaged first. Seeing as she's been dating her boyfriend, Bryton Young, for over two years now.

"We've been talking about it actually." Sydni played with the stem of her champagne glass. "We both want to get married. Bry just doesn't want to over shadow Josie and Wyatt's big day. So maybe in a year or so."

"That's exciting though."

"It is. We aren't in a rush and we're basically married at this point. Waiting another year won't change that."

"You guys are meant for each other." I've seen the way Bryton dotes on her. He looks at her like she hung the moon.

Just then Tasha came out from behind the curtains leading to the dressing room.

"Oh Champagne." She grabbed a glass from the table. "What are we talking about?"

"Sydni getting engaged." I said taking another sip of my champagne.

"He better propose soon and with a huge ring."

"That is if Trevor doesn't propose first." Sydni winked at Tasha who flushed.

"We haven't been dating that long." Tasha ducked her head.

"Oh please. That guy looks at you like the world is about to end." I sorted into my champagne glass.

I've had front row seats to all my friends relationships. All three dating the star hockey players on the Toronto Knights. I've known Josie and Tasha the longest. When Josie started working for me Tasha basically dragged me into their little group.

Meeting Tasha Davis was a tiny bit intimidating. Aside from the fact she was gorgeous with blonde hair, stunning grey eyes, and a body most models would kill for, she was also insanely smart. Her parents were really well known in Toronto for owning a huge law firm which in turn made Tasha known. Instead of following in their footsteps to be a lawyer, Tasha became a counselor. So along with being gorgeous and smart she was insanely kind.

About six months ago Tasha and Trevor, Right Wing for the Toronto Knights and Wyatt's best friend, finally got together. The two have liked each other from the moment they met but it took awhile for them to finally give in. The two of them were absolutely perfect together.

"Seriously I can see Trevor proposing before Bry." Sydni joked.

Sydni I've known the shortest but the moment we met I knew we were going to be great friends. Sydni was one of the sweetest, funniest people I've met and not to mention stunning. Her dark skin was always glowing and her dark curly hair had me jealous on more than one occasion. She was an event coordinator which was how she met her boyfriend, Bryton.

Sydni and Bryton were the ultimate goals. The way he looked at her had my own heart aching. The pair have been through a lot together. When the world found out that Bryton Young, Left Wing to the Knights, was seeing a dark skinned woman people were not happy. They've had to deal with tons of comments from the media and fans. But the two of them were the strongest couple I know. They never let anyone get to them and honestly I think it's just made them that much more in love.

I was literally surrounded by couples and pretty much seventh wheeled whenever we all hung out. Seeing everyone together, happy and in love made my chest ache. Did I want that? Of course. But it wasn't in the cards for me anymore. I wasn't going to let myself fall for anyone again. Not after what happened.

I rarely let anyone close, choosing to be alone than give my heart to someone who would eventually crush it. So instead I'll take crashing everyones date nights instead. Thankfully my depressing thoughts were halted when Josie walked out of the changing room.

I shoved all those thoughts back into their little box in the back of my mind. Not today. I was here to be with my friends and help pick out the perfect wedding dress for Josie. I don't need to ruin a perfectly good day dwelling about things in the past.

At the sight of Josie in a wedding dress all three of us gasped. She looked absolutely breathtaking. The dress was stunning; tight bodice that hugged her waist before flaring out and to the ground.

"Wow." Josie whispered staring at her reflection. I knew what she was feeling as she looked at herself. Feeling like a princess in a fairytale.

"You look amazing Jo." Tasha said with watery eyes.

"I really do." Josie laughed, sniffling. She twisted and turned in the mirror. "It's really pretty."

"But?" I supplied. I could tell she was not fully loving the dress but wasn't sure how to say it.

"I think I want something a bit more...flowy?"

"That's perfectly fine! You have tons of options." Tasha didn't even hesitate in jumping up and helping Josie back to the dressing room. I had a feeling we were going to be awhile.

"You're coming over for the bbq Sunday right?" Sydni asked a few minutes later. Part of me wanted to say no and come up with some excuse that I couldn't but I've already bailed on the last two. Plus it was at Sydni and Bryton's new house they just moved into.

"Yeah I'll be there."

"Good. Bry bought enough food to feed the whole neighborhood so everyone needs to come."

"The amount of food these men eat is beyond me." Watching them eat you'd think they haven't eaten in years but with how much calories they burn a day practicing and playing in games, it makes sense why they eat three plates of food. And I was a tad bit jealous they could eat so much without gaining weight. Unfair if you ask me.

Sydni and I sat there making small talk for another few minutes before Tasha came back out, follow by Josie in another gown.

For the next half hour Josie went back and forth trying on dresses. Each one beautiful but not the one. I could tell Jo was getting a bit annoyed not finding one she absolutely loved but we all kept reminding her that she wouldn't find her dream dress in one try. If she didn't find any here she loved there are plenty of other bridal stores we can go to.

As Josie went back to try on another dress I felt my phone buzz in my purse. Fishing it out I saw my head editors name flashing on the screen. I told everyone I was taking the morning off so if they were calling it must be important.

Cursing under my breath I said a quick 'excuse me' to the girls and got off the couch.

"Hello?" I answered, moving off to the corner.

"Sorry Lydia I know you took the morning off." My editor, Susie, apologized.

"It's okay. What's up?"

"So you know Zoe was suppose to go interview that little mom and pop flower store?"

"Yeah?" I had a feeling I already knew what she was going to say.

"They are now having second thoughts about it."

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I closed my eyes. Interviewing the shop was a last minute addition to the magazine. If we didn't get them we were down an article. This months magazine needed to be done and fully edited by the end of next week.

This wasn't the first time someone we were interviewing became hesitant but it was still annoying when it happened. My mind was going a million miles a minute trying to come up with an idea to fix it.

"Okay hold off on final edits for today. Tell Zoe to meet me at the flower shop later this afternoon." I rattled off. Maybe if I showed up and explained how everything worked they'll be more keen to do it.

"Sounds good. I'll let her know."

With a quick bye I tried not to groan. I swear something always has to happen right before our publishing date.

"Everything okay?" I heard Josie ask behind me. Not wanting her to stress or take anything away from this I schooled my features and turned around to face the girls.

"Yeah all good." Nothing I can't handle. "That dress is gorgeous." I easily flipped the conversation.

As Josie talked about how much she loved the style of the dress I was mentally at work. I was already trying to come up with a way to convince the flower shop to continue with the interview. They were a cute little shop that needed the publicity. Just this one article would boost their business so much.

One of the main reasons I started my own magazine was to give spotlights to business's that needed it. These little mom and pop shops who's business has slowed because of brand new ones down the street. I've seen countless places become popular again all because of a small article.

Anyone who reads Fashion Weekly can see everything from cool places to take pictures to a concert in town. We cater to everyone in the magazine which is why it has done so well the last few years.

My hands itched to grab my phone and start doing some work. My mind going over everything I needed to get done. It was not lost on me that I was a workaholic. Even hanging out with friends work was in the back of my mind the entire time. I couldn't help it. I threw myself into work years ago and haven't surfaced since.

If it wasn't for Josie I probably would work everyday of my life. She's one that pushes me to go and hang out with everyone. Between her, Tasha and Sydni I've become less of a recluse that only went to work and home.

With that in mind I shoved all thoughts about work aside and focused on being here. It can all wait.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

"This is the one."

"It's beautiful."

"I love it."

"Perfection."

Sitting there looking at Josie I felt my eyes start to water. Tasha and Sydni tearing up as well. The dress she currently had on was breathtaking. Everything from how it fit to the off white color. Everything about it screamed Josie. It may have taken us 50 plus dresses but finally found the one.

"Wyatt is going to die when he sees you." Tasha joked.

"Good." Josie hiccuped, wiping under her eyes.

"If this is the one we can get it all ready within the month." The owner of the shop said. We've kept the poor lady busy today going back and forth with dresses.

"That will be perfect." Josie gave her a grateful smile. She looked at her reflection one more time with a content sigh. "Can't believe I found it."

"You're going to look beautiful." Leaning over I squeezed her hand. There is no doubt in my mind that her and Wyatt's wedding is going to be spectacular.

"Thanks for coming today. I know it isn't really your thing." I instantly waved her off.

"I enjoyed it." And I did surprisingly. Wasn't as dreadful as I thought it would be.

"Good." She gave me a wide smile before stepping down and headed to get changed.

"You know what we should do?" Tasha came up to my side, her eyes sparkling.

"What?" I asked although I had a feeling she was going to say something crazy.

"You know that scene in Friends where they are all in wedding dresses? We should do that. Spend a whole day dressed up."

"Just sit around in wedding gowns?" Sydni laughed.

"Why not? We can even scare the guys." Tasha wiggled her eyebrows.

"We could make it a second bachelorette party." Sydni said almost excitedly. I prayed they weren't actually serious. I don't plan on wearing a wedding dress, ever.

"Okay you guys ready for lunch?" Josie came out from the dressing room, back in her regular clothes.

"Yes please I'm starving." Tasha nodded grabbing her purse. "Rick's?"

The mention of the best food truck in Toronto had my mouth watering. I would kill for one of the burgers right now but unfortunately I had work to do.

"Sorry guys I can't." I apologized feeling bad for bailing. "But you guys go and have fun."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, sadly work doesn't stop. But I'll see you guys Sunday."

Before I could be talked into going to lunch with the girls I quickly said my goodbyes and headed for the doors. Time to convince a flower shop to be interviewed so this months issue can be sent in on time. 

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I hope you guys enjoy this book as much as I have writing it. Lydia and Landon are going to become one of your fav couples I just know it. As you can probably tell from this first chapter everyone is gearing up for Josie and Wyatt's wedding. Their wedding WILL BE included in this book. That will be going on while Lydia and Landon's love story is being told, just a small heads up so you don't think it's a Josie/Wyatt book. 

I also will not be uploading the whole book in one go like I have before. I'm still writing it but I promise there won't be a huge wait between updates. So make sure to add the book to your libraries to get notified when I update! 

I wanted to post this chapter today since my birthday is this weekend and I'll be gone. This is my small bday gift to you guys! Without you I wouldn't be writing or having opportunities that I am very excited to tell you about soon. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hopefully we can get Fear of Intimacy and this book to 1 Million reads soon!! 

So with that said..I hope you enjoyed this chapter!! I know a bit of you didn't like Lydia in 'Fear of Falling' so please keep an open mind as you read because I can guarantee you'll end up loving her. 

Love you guys!!

VOTE, COMMENT!

<3 <3 <3 

-Ken

What are you most looking forward to seeing in this book??

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