Total pages in book: 181
Estimated words: 177690 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 888(@200wpm)___ 711(@250wpm)___ 592(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 177690 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 888(@200wpm)___ 711(@250wpm)___ 592(@300wpm)
“I can’t believe I’m getting married,” I tell her the words coming out in an over-excited bubbling giggle.
“I’m so glad to see you happy,” Faith says, hugging me. “I wish Charity could be here with us.”
“Me too, but we will see her soon.”
Faith nods. “I know, it just seems like we haven’t seen her in forever.”
“Maybe she’ll come in for your wedding,” I joke, knowing what my sister’s reaction will be.
“Shut your mouth. I told you, I don’t do weddings. I don’t understand you. You came to Vegas! Everyone knows if you’re going to be stupid you drive through a damn all night wedding chapel.”
“And miss the chance to see you all dressed up. Besides look up at the end of the aisle, Faith. I wouldn’t miss that in a million years,” I breathe.
As I tell her that, I’m looking out the doorway to see Aden standing by the Elvis impersonator that will be marrying us. He’s got Jack and ruffling his hair, kissing his cheek.
“Okay so, Aden is a good one.”
My grin deepens, even though I didn’t think that was possible.
“He’s the best,” I whisper.
The music begins and as Faith takes her place in front of me, walking up the front, all I can think is that this is my life. Aden could have hated me forever. I wouldn’t have blamed him if he did. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure he never regrets giving me a second chance.
Giving us a second chance.
When I make it up to him, he takes my hand and then Jack demands to put his hand with ours. If I wasn’t certain before, I definitely am now. Aden, Jack, and I are a team, a team that will only become stronger with the child I’m expecting.
We have what it takes to last forever and forever starts today.
epilogue two
Ida Sue
“Women’s hearts are breaking all around the world today as Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor was taken off the market. Major motion picture star, award-winning director and screenwriter, Aden McIntyre, took the plunge today in a small ceremony in Vegas surrounded by family and friends.
Aden said his I do’s to small town motel owner, Hope Lucas. The couple are expecting their first child this Spring, though they are being very private with the details. Witnesses say that the ceremony was filled with lots of laughs and was officiated by an Elvis impersonator. There was a huge party afterwards, in which Aden and Hope treated the entire staff to a private showing of Aden’s latest work. We wish the happy couple the best!
Congratulations Aden and Hope on getting your very own, happily ever after.”
“Aren’t they a little late? The wedding was two days ago,” Jan responds, coming through the back door.
“It’s a repeat report on the entertainment network,” I answer.
“Still, you’ve seen Hope and Aden up close. You should be proud. It looks like another of your chicks flew the nest and is happy, Lovey,” Jansen murmurs, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling my body back into him.
I click the button on the remote control silencing the television and turn into my man’s arms. I used to be afraid that my life was so good that I would lose it all. That fear isn’t present so much these days. Jansen is slowly loving it away. He’s my rock.
I lean up on my tiptoes and kiss him way too briefly. The taste of black coffee and Jansen hits me and it’s familiar and so sweet my heart aches with happiness.
“Those two didn’t make it easy. Hope was harder to handle than our Petal,” I murmur, snuggling in under his chin, pressing my ear against his beating heart.
“She’s got Lucas blood. I’ve learned over the years that the Lucas men can be difficult but it’s the girls that really give new meaning to the word stubborn.”
I rear back to look at him, narrowing my eyes. I’m not really mad. He’s actually one hundred percent right. Still, I’m not going to let that slide and he knows it. Truth be known, it’s probably the reason he said it.
“Jansen Reed! You take that back right now!”
He leans back against the kitchen island, widening his legs and moving me so he can put his hands on my ass and hold me there in front of him.
“Stop busting my balls, Lovey. You know I’m right,” he laughs, his hands kneading the cheeks of my ass.
Instantly, heat moves over my body and my skin tingles. The wicked promise in his eyes has me licking my lips. It still amazes me that nothing has changed between us, even after all these years. Somehow, it just gets better.
“I am not stubborn,” I grumble, tugging on his shirt, trying my best not to smile.
“And pigs don’t wallow in shit either,” he replies with a smirk.