Come Morning Light

Come Morning Light EDEN’S GREEN BOOK ONE CHARLOTTE DAE CHARLOTTE DAE Copyright © 2023 by Charlotte Dae Cover Design: Cat (TRC Designs) Editing & Proofreading: Beth Lawton (VB Edits) This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: [email protected] FIRST EDITION ISBN 979-8-9879428-0-2 (paperback) ISBN 979-8-9879428-1-9 (ebook) www.charlottedae.com Author’s Note This book is a dark contemporary romance, meaning it contains sexually explicit scenes, graphic violence, and other mature situations. I understand that these themes may be triggering, so please feel free to email me at [email protected] or visit my website at www.charlottedae.com for a full list of content warnings. Warning: the epilogue of Come Morning Light ends on a cliffhanger. If you would like to enjoy this novel as a standalone, please skip the epilogue, and relish in the happily ever after that awaits you. However, if you would like to continue James’ and Evelyn’s journey, please revisit the epilogue, and continue through to the sequel novel that is currently in the works and is on track to release this winter. The full story concludes in the upcoming sequel, Come the First Snowfall. Please visit www.instagram.com/charlottedaeauthor or www.charlottedae.com for updates. To my incredible husband, who pushed me to just sit down, shut up, and write a book like I’ve always talked about doing, but never did. Until now. And for allowing me to use him as a test subject for the Adam’s apple scene… He didn’t mind one bit. * * * This book also goes out to all the “Pretty in Pink” fans who thought Andie should have chosen Duckie instead of Blane at the end of the movie. It just goes to show that you should always go with your gut instinct and stick with your original ending. I mean, seriously, John Hughes, what the fuck? Nerds need love too. Greetings & Salutations! You are cordially invited to David and Jenna’s pre-wedding celebration on Saturday, May 20th at Krelborn Manor on the island of Eden’s Green. For one night only, you will participate in a grand tournament designed by the betrothed: a series of games that will force you to push all inhibitions aside and let loose as you compete for the ultimate prize! Rest assured, it will be an unforgettable night of uninhibited frivolity, laughter, and perhaps even a little flirtation (or more). Don’t bother calling for details about the games or what you may expect from the weekend itself. We won’t tell you a damn thing. This is an all-expense paid weekend for the people we love most; our way of expressing our gratitude for everything you have done for us as we prepare to tie the knot next weekend. Come with an open mind, your birth control up to date (ladies), some extra never hurts (fellas), and the items listed on the accompanying packing list. No need to RSVP. Everyone will be there, or else! Please arrive at your designated dock at the point no later than 4 p.m. XOXOXOXO Jenna & David PS What happens at Krelborn Manor stays at Krelborn Manor Chapter One EVIE It’s been ten minutes since the ferry left the dock, and I’m already a mess. Shit. Champagne coats the deck in a lazy spray as I shake the sticky mess from my hands, the remnants dripping down my wrist and fingertips and onto my stilettos. “What happened?” Jenna exclaims, her eyes wide at the mess I made of myself. “Nothing, I just…lost my balance or something. I bumped the railing and tried to catch my drink before it fell.” I release a labored sigh. “I don’t know.” “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” Jenna hooks her arm in mine and guides me to the cramped one-person head in the belly of the boat. “You need to find your sea legs, girl,” she jokes as she flips the sink faucet on and pulls my hands under the warm water. “I know, it’s been a minute. I haven’t been on a boat since my dad took me fishing when I was little.” Our eyes meet in the mirror for a fleeting moment before Jenna quickly averts her gaze, her sudden discomfort tangible. I can’t help but wonder if it’s her overprotectiveness creeping back in. Although unnecessary, it feels incredible knowing someone cares so strongly about my happiness and well-being. Jenna might be the only person in this world who really gives a shit about me. “There, good as new,” she says, wiping my hands and arms down with a bundle of paper towels. “Thank goodness you didn’t get anything on this beautiful dress of yours. It’s stunning. Where on earth did you get it?” I roll my eyes. “Thanks, I got it from Closet à la Jenna. Such an amazing selection.” She lets loose an obnoxious laugh. “Oh, I know. I have great taste.” Her signature smile is endearing, full of heart. It could quite literally win over anyone. Perhaps that’s how she got me to agree to come to this insane party off the coast of Cape Cod in the first place. I’m far from immune to her gift of persuasion. That talent got us into all kinds of shenanigans in college. “If I don’t get to pick my own outfit, you could have at least let me be involved in the planning of this shindig, Jen. It’s your bachelorette party, after all. Maybe just once you could let someone else surprise you with something. That someone being me, you know, your maid of honor. At least I got to plan your bridal shower, your engagement party…Oh wait, never mind, you took over planning