After running away from home seven years ago to escape a loveless arranged marriage, Kyra Wilder has finally mastered up the courage to be back in her small town of Ruthwell in Washington DC. She’s ready for a second chance with her parents and the people who used to be her friends back in high school and most of all, she’s ready to tell her parents that she’s about to become a bride.
But the small town she lived in hasn’t changed all that much in the past seven years and no one seems to have forgotten her betrayal, or seems anywhere near ready to forgive her for her past mistakes. Everywhere she goes, she’s met with hostility and anger and it’s thinning out her chances of redemption ever second. Now, how does she tell her parents and her friends that not only has she moved on in her life, further than anyone had ever anticipated, but she’s happy and successful in what she does? And amid all the truths and revelations, how does she tell everyone that she isn’t marrying a man, but the woman of her dreams?

The Bride GL

“Practice before dinner.” Gabriella told me. “Or your stomach will be upset if you start to practice right after dinner.” 


“I’ll get the area ready right now then,” I cleared the table swiftly, eager to dive into the dance steps. Gabriella led the way to the living room, our makeshift dance studio for the evening. 


"Where should we start?" I inquired, trying to mask my excitement and nerves. 


"Let's begin with the basics," she said, adopting a patient tone. "It's about feeling the rhythm and letting your movements flow with it." 


Trying to emulate her steps, I ventured, "Like this?" 


Her correction was gentle. "Not quite. It's about the fluidity, the smooth transition between steps. Watch my feet closely." 


I absorbed her movements, gradually grasping the nuances. "Ah, I think I'm getting there. This step here, then there..." 


Gabriella's encouraging words buoyed my spirits. "That's it! You're catching on faster than I thought." 


Chapter 13: Tension in Between Us