Lock, Stock, and Feral by Addison Moore (free e novels .txt) 📕

“I don’t know,” I growl as I watch the waves lap the shore.

The cove is filled with tourists today, and there are colorful umbrellas staked as far as the eye can see up and down the sand. The scent of burgers and hot dogs on the grill mingles with the salty brine, and summer is well on its way. Kids are chasing one another, mothers are chasing after their kids with suntan lotion in their hands, boogie boards abound in the water, and there is an entire army of people lying on beach towels—and wonky beach quilts as we soak in the first yummy rays of the season. Yes, Mom and Georgie’s quilting endeavor has taken the cove by storm today, and I’m glad about it, too. Not only are their wonky quilts adding a cozy touch to the beach, but it makes me happy to see their business thriving.

Fish, Clyde, Sherlock, and Emmie’s labradoodle Cinnamon are lounging under the umbrella along with us, playing with the toys Emmie and I brought for them. Well, Fish, Sherlock, and Cinnamon are playing with the toys. Clyde is sprawled out over Sherlock’s back once again. It seems to be her favorite place to take a nap, and don’t think for a minute Fish hasn’t been irritated to no end about it. I’ve never seen her so worked up. She can’t think Clyde is going to swoop in and steal Sherlock’s affection for her. She’s just being irrational.

“What do you think of the book?” I can’t help but ask Emmie as she continues to bury her nose in it. “I mean, you must like it. You’re turning the pages so fast, you’re creating a breeze.”

“Bizzy.” A laugh bellows from her, and I won’t lie, I find her joy just a tad bit annoying. “I’m loving it. But only because I’m picturing Leo and me as the main characters. If I think of Hadley and Jasper in those roles, I’d want to vomit. And judging by that expression on your face, that’s exactly what you want to do right now. Do yourself a favor, and don’t read the book.”

“Ha,” I grumble. “And not find out what happens after that cliffhanger on page fifty-two?”

“You’re only on page fifty-two? Bizzy, you might want to put that book down. The heat level only goes up from there. Let’s just say, I’m taking mental notes for my wedding night. I might really wow Leo with some of these moves.”

I openly growl right at her. “Okay, fine. I’ll stop reading. What’s happening with your wedding? The ceremony is all set to take place right here at the gazebo, and then the reception on the beach right after. What about your dress? What about my dress? Let’s talk food.”

She bubbles with a laugh. “Don’t worry about the menu, and the cake—I’m taking care of all of it. The kitchen is handling it. And yes, Leo and I insist on paying for the food. You’re already sacrificing by not charging for the use of the gazebo and the reception venue. I know for a fact you lost out on paying bookings because of me. As for my dress, I’m thinking about wearing my mother’s dress, or just pulling something out of my closet.”

I gasp without meaning to. “Oh, Emmie.”

“No, it’s okay. My mother’s dress is an eighties monstrosity. I gasp when I see it in person each time myself. But I’m in talks with a seamstress who thinks she can get it close to my dream dress.”

“Aw! The sweetheart neckline with full lace sleeves and bodice?”

“That’s the one. I feel like we’ve sketched it out on paper so many times, I’m surprised we haven’t conjured it by now.”

We share a warm laugh.

“Don’t worry,” I tell her. “You’re going to get your dream dress. And your dream wedding, too. I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that happens. Just like I’m going to make sure Hadley doesn’t get her dream wedding to my husband.”

Emmie laughs alone this time. “Your paranoia is amusing. But I can assure you, my wedding will be the only one Jasper will be taking part in this summer.”

It’s true. Jasper is the best man and I’m the maid of honor.

Bizzy? Clyde whips her furry little orange tail over Sherlock’s back. What’s a wedding? Do cats get one, too?

Cinnamon barks. Of course, cat, dogs, and any animal can have one. It’s when two creatures fall in love and want to tell everyone around that there’s no one else for them. What’s his is hers, and what’s hers is his. I’m married to Gatsby. He hates the sand in his fur or he’d be here right now.

Gatsby is Leo’s golden retriever, and Cinnamon is right. He’s not a fan of the hot sand, or the hot sun. He likes to come out in the evenings and run through the shoreline during the cool of the day.

Clyde mewls my way, I want a wedding, too, Bizzy! I want to marry Sherlock Bones, and that way no other creature could have him.

Sherlock barks. That’s a great idea. That way you could give me backrubs all the time and we don’t have to worry about angry poodles trying to chase you away.

What? Fish screeches. And what about me? What about all the backrubs I’ve given you these past few years? What about curling up at night with me? Why am I suddenly feeling like yesterday’s chew toy?

An odd vocalizing sound comes from Sherlock. Don’t worry, Fish. You’re still my girl. In fact, I’ll have two wives. What do you think of that, Bizzy?

“Exactly what I’m afraid Jasper will say to me next.” I quickly relay the conversation to Emmie and she belts out a hearty laugh.

“It’s funny to you,” I sniff. “Back to your wedding. You’re getting married in June. That’s just two months away.” I suck in a quick breath. “That means next month I have to