Marty Smith was born in Accident, Maryland, and his whole life reflected it: he missed the game-winning free-throw junior year, got chicken pox twice in grade school, even lost his mother to cancer. To break this supposed curse, he fled Accident as soon as he graduated high school.<br><br>Now, ten years later, Marty must face his past when he's forced to care for his suddenly-immobile father. Marty knows his close-minded hometown hasn't changed, but seeing an old classmate named Colten Williams makes him wish things were different. The more time he spends with Colten, the more he wants to stay. Accident isn’t so bad when viewed through Colten’s eyes.<br><br>Or is it just the curse lulling him into a false sense of security before it pounces again?

The Accident Curse

“Colten,” I said breathlessly. I went to him, my eyes already watering. When I threw my arms around him and held him close I was fighting back tears. “I missed you so much.”


“What are you doin’ here?” he whispered into my hair. “Am I dreaming?”


“No. Colten, I want to move here. I want to be with you.”


His arms tightened around me. “You mean it?”


“Yes. I had to come and let you know. I’ll relocate here as soon as possible. I’m not afraid anymore. I love you so much.”


“I love you, Marty. I’m so overwhelmed.”


I pulled back and met his gaze. “Plus, I wanted to cheer you and Lola Belle on. I know you’ll take home the championship ribbon.”


He laughed and gave me a brief kiss. “Thanks for your vote of confidence. You made it right in time. We’re about to start.”


“Then I’ll go get a seat. Good luck.” I kissed him again, then went to find a place among the spectators.


Chapter 51