Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62811 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Xander walked over and pressed a kiss to his mom’s cheek. “I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve been over but we’re more settled now. I promise to see you more often.”
His mother, always put together and beautiful, smiled as she held Leah over her shoulder and patted the baby’s back. “I know. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you and Sasha are back together and happy. It makes my heart so full to know three of my children are settled.”
She knew he planned to ask Sasha to marry him soon and was keeping his secret. But she couldn’t wait and smiled wide when she looked at him. “The family rumor mill says you almost blew it with her.” His mom winked.
Xander rolled his eyes. No doubt Dash had told someone, who’d told someone else, and so on. “All’s well that ends well,” he said, patting his pocket.
“Quit it with that move or Sasha’s going to figure out you’ve got something going on,” Dash said as he joined them.
Their mother looked at him, concern on her face. “Sarah Jenkins called this morning. Apparently there are photographs of you with your arms around two women at a strip club on social media.”
Xander winced. The last person an adult man wanted to be lectured by about his sex life was his mother.
“An old friend was getting married. I posed for a picture with two women. They were fans,” Dash muttered.
“Two strippers. Not that I’m passing judgment,” his mother said, “but really? Must it all be so public?” she asked.
Xander glanced at his brother, who flushed beneath their mother’s gaze. “It was platonic, Mom. I swear. Scout’s honor.” He held up his fingers. Xander wouldn’t know if that was a Scout sign or not.
“You were never a Boy Scout, Dash.”
“He still isn’t,” Xander added helpfully, which earned him a jolt in the arm.
Their mother merely shook her head.
And now seemed like the perfect time for a distraction. Xander looked across the pool area to where one of the servers was standing and nodded her way.
A little while later, everyone around the pool had a glass of champagne in their hands, except Xander and Sasha, who he’d pulled over to him in an attempt to separate her from everyone.
“I don’t understand. What’s going on?” she asked, glancing at everyone, who’d grown silent. And who were watching the two of them standing by the pool.
Chloe, the designated photographer, had her phone camera in her hand. She inclined her head, letting him know she was ready.
“Xander?” Sasha asked again, because he hadn’t answered her.
Instead, he put his hand in his front jeans pocket, pulled out the ring, and enclosed it in his hand before dropping down to one knee.
“Xander?” Sasha asked, except she then gasped and put her hands over her mouth as she saw the four-carat ring in his hand.
The beautiful actress-turned-producer love of his life deserved nothing less. “There’s a quote by an author that is perfect for us. ‘A second chance doesn’t mean anything if you don’t learn from your first.’” The saying was attributed to Zig Ziglar, a veteran, salesman, motivational speaker, and more. “We suffered and we learned. And now I don’t want to spend another minute without you by my side.” He’d decided to keep it short and sweet. “I love you and need you. Sasha Keaton, will you marry me and become a Kingston?”
* * *
Sasha stared at the elegant ring that sparkled in the sunlight. Her family and Xander’s stood around them, waiting, along with the man she adored, for her answer.
“You must be pretty confident to do this in front of everyone.” Her smile grew wider as she met his gaze. “Yes, I will marry you. I love you, Xander. Then, now, and forever.”
Around them, the families clapped and cheered as Xander slipped the ring on her finger.
“It fits perfectly.” She blinked and happy tears dripped down her cheeks.
“I borrowed one of your rings and took it with me to the jeweler.” He rose to his feet, and she threw her arms around him, pressing her lips to his.
The kiss went on and on, their tongues slipping and sliding against each other’s until someone called out, “Get a room!”
Laughing, they broke apart, still staring into each other’s eyes and smiling.
Sasha couldn’t tear her stare from Xander and his scruffy beard and the happy grin on his handsome face. For all they’d been through, this had been worth waiting for.
She was so grateful they’d given each other just one more chance because now they had forever.
Epilogue
And another month later…
The waiting room of the hospital was full with the entire Kingston clan waiting for Jordan to give birth. Her parents, Tamara and Patrick, were beside Xander’s mom as they alternately talked and paced.
Xander sat beside Sasha, holding her hand. They’d been playing musical chairs with the rest of his siblings and significant others for the better part of three hours. Xander had talked to everyone, and he now just wanted some quiet time with Sasha.