Something to believe in, p.18
Something to Believe In,
p.18
Mads held her hand over her tummy. The horrified look on her face made him feel so bad for her. For both of them, really. He reached forward and took her hand in his.
She scooted closer to him on the bed and together they listened to Mitch.
"The police are wrapping up the investigation. The investigators ruled her death an accident. Zeke saved you both from another terrible accident."
Mads nodded. "We're so grateful to him."
Mitch responded. "Yes, I am as well. Do either of you have any questions?"
Axel turned to Mads. She smiled sweetly and shook her head.
"No, thank you. We appreciate the update, Mitch."
"You're welcome. Have a great day."
The call ended, and Axel set his phone on the bed. "I honestly don't remember meeting her that night. There wasn't a moment in the conversation where I thought she'd get the wrong idea."
"It isn't your fault, Axel. She may have had issues prior to that meeting, and something triggered it again."
He kissed her. "You're so sweet."
She chuckled. "Pfft."
Maddyn scooted off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. He went to the kitchen and got the coffee going. He had a phone call to make and a song to write.
Chapter Forty
Maddyn's dress was soft, mint-green lace. She and Livia had gone shopping yesterday after she had unpacked most of her belongings. She still had a couple of boxes left to do, but the excitement of shopping for a wedding dress took precedence.
She stood before the mirror and added the gold chain her mom had given her for her birthday fifteen years ago. It was a simple gold chain. Layering her gold chain with another necklace she'd purchased for herself with her first paycheck over ten thousand dollars. That had been the goal.
Stepping back, she perused her reflection in the mirror. In an hour, she'd be Axel's wife. Her tummy fluttered.
She let her hair dry naturally today, her natural curls tamed only by hair product and a curling iron in some areas.
Inhaling a deep breath, she stepped from their bedroom into the hall. As she passed the office, Axel looked up from his chair and smiled. "You are a vision."
She chuckled. "So are you." And he was. He had black dress pants on and a mint-green shirt to match her dress. His hair was short so nothing had to be done with it. His smile was perfect. A flutter in her tummy reminded her of that.
He set his notebook down on the table next to his chair. Standing, he tucked in his shirt, then stepped close to her and kissed her forehead. "I'll kiss your lips after you're my wife."
She chuckled. "Deal."
"Are you ready?"
"I am."
He reached for her hand and held it as they strolled through the house. Once in the car, he took her hand once more and held it as he drove them to their new homesite. He'd gotten his Mustang back yesterday, and the smile on his face was priceless.
The weather was warm and not as humid as it had been. The perfect weather for a wedding. That was a sign, wasn't it?
Moving up the driveway to the top of the bluff, her tummy fluttered once more as excitement raced through her.
Tony had erected a white tent at the top, and it provided a place for them to sit and eat sheltered from the blaring sun. It changed the look up here, for the better. Their friends had gathered. Tony and Livia and Sean and Gloria stood waiting for them, looking out over the water.
Axel opened her door and helped her from the vehicle. Hand in hand, they neared their friends. Livia hugged her close. "You are stunning."
Mads chuckled. "Thank you. I love that dress on you."
Livia grinned. "Thank you for helping me find it."
Gloria hugged her close. "You are a gorgeous bride, Mads. But then, when aren't you gorgeous?"
"You should see me first thing in the morning."
Gloria shook her head. "Doubtful."
She stepped over to Sean. He hugged her close. "The next wedding is yours."
He grinned. "I'm excited for the day."
She winked and hugged Tony. "You look handsome. Thank you for getting the tent set up."
"Anytime I can help my beautiful friend marry her soulmate, I'm in."
She sniffed lightly. This was not the time to cry.
Jami's vehicle was parked with the rest of the cars. When he stepped out, she grinned. It was clear why the women swooned when Jami was on stage. He had a presence. He commanded the room.
He smiled at her as he neared. Wrapping her in his arms, he whispered, "I'm so fucking happy for you and Axel, Mads."
"Thank you, Jami. It means the world to us."
Zeke stepped out of the tent. His hair was a bit messed up, but he finger-combed it as he neared. He glanced at Tony and said, "All good." Maddyn grinned. Tony had Zeke set up the tent.
The last arrival made his way to the top of the bluff. The pastor who would marry them.
He neared Axel and nodded. Axel shook his hand and moved toward her. His smile was beautiful. Her heart fluttered.
Axel stood next to her, the pastor before them. They looked over the bluff as he prayed for them and their future together. Axel put a beautiful eternity band on her finger with her engagement ring. She put a shiny, thick gold band on his finger. It looked good on his hands.
They were pronounced husband and wife, and she kissed her husband, but the best part was when he kissed her back.
Zeke handed Axel a guitar, and she watched in surprise as Axel lifted the strap over his head and settled it on his shoulder. He faced her and smiled. "I wrote this song for you on this day."
She sucked in a deep breath.
As he sang to her, he stared into her eyes. His watered twice. Hers flowed over heavily. Livia handed her a tissue, and she made good use of it. After he finished the song, he handed his guitar to Zeke and kissed her once more.
She got her emotions under control and whispered. "It was simply beautiful, Axel. Thank you."
"I love you, Maddyn Peters."
She grinned. "Oh, wow, my new name."
"I wanted to be the first to call you by it."
She hugged him. "I'm glad you did."
Their friends joined them in congratulations. The Sandbar delivered a meal for them to share, and they were home in the early evening hours, excited, happy, and spent. Tomorrow, they started a tour, and they'd be on the road for two weeks. They'd go on a honeymoon another time. They were starting their new life together, doing what they absolutely loved.
Axel grinned. "How about we write a song while we're on the road?"
"I'd love that. Yes, let's do it."
* * *
Did this story make your heart sing?
Axel wrote a special song for Maddyn on their wedding day — and I’d love to share it with you.
Join my newsletter to read the full lyrics to “Always You” — the song Axel wrote for Maddyn on their wedding day.
https://www.pjfiala.com/something-to-believe-in-epilogue/
* * *
Axel found his forever with Maddyn…
Now it’s Jami Hart’s turn to face a different kind of love story.
When the band’s happily-ever-afters make him look like the odd man out, image consultant Carlene Matthews suggests a fake relationship to save face. Jami wants no part of it — until he realizes pretending might be the only way to stay close to the woman who’s stealing his heart.
But Carlene didn’t plan on falling for him either…
Don’t miss More Than a Feeling — where love gets real, even when it’s supposed to be fake.
https://geni.us/MTAFAll
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Also By PJ Fiala
I’m fortunate to be able to do what I love. It’s a blessing.
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MEET PJ
About the Author
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Writing has always been my dream, but it wasn’t until I found the courage to put pen to paper that my life changed in the most profound way. Creating stories that resonate with readers and bringing to life flawed yet lovable characters brings me endless joy—and I hope my books bring you the same.
* * *
When I’m not writing, you’ll likely find me enjoying time with my family or hitting the open road with my husband, Gene. We’re avid bikers who love exploring new destinations, meeting fascinating people, and soaking in the beauty of this incredible country.
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Coming from a proud family of veterans—including my grandfather, father, brother, two sons, and daughter-in-law—I have a deep appreciation for service and the sacrifices that protect our freedoms. Their dedication inspires me every day, and I’m honored to share stories that celebrate resilience, love, and the American spirit.
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Copyright
Copyright © 2025 by PJ Fiala
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
* * *
Publisher’s note: 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 events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
* * *
Printed in the United States of America
First published 2025
Fiala, PJ
Something to Believe In / PJ Fiala
p. cm.
1. Romance—Fiction. 2. Romance—Suspense. 3. Romance - Military
I. Title – Something to Believe In
ISBN-13: 978-1-966513-45-2
PJ Fiala, Something to Believe In
