Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 41839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41839 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 209(@200wpm)___ 167(@250wpm)___ 139(@300wpm)
Tilly attacked and she went to hit him, but before she could even land a single blow, Callie had her.
He watched in shock as Callie grabbed Tilly in a restraining lock.
“I can see you like using your fists a lot, but only when you think no one is going to reach. In a room full of witnesses, they saw you. They can testify against you.”
“There won’t be any need for that,” Michael said.
The sheriff had been sitting in the back of the diner. Drew hadn’t even seen him. He’d only hoped someone had called it but it appeared he’d been enjoying his lunch as well.
“You will be pressing charges and Tilly will be signing those divorce papers. If she continues to refuse, I know we can ask the court to make her do it. Her abuse ends now.”
Michael pulled out his cuffs and placed them over her wrists, silencing her.
Tilly was taken away. She gave up the fight and Callie stepped into his arms.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I am. I think it’s finally over.”
“Don’t drop the charges, Drew. What if she does this to another man and gets worse? What would you say to a woman in your circumstances?”
“You know what I’d say.”
“Then don’t let her get away with this. You’re worth a lot more than you think.” She kissed his lips. “And I love you. Even if we don’t ever have to get married.”
“I’m marrying you, Callie Stewart, as soon as I can. Now, let’s go and get our girl.”
****
Three months later
“You look so beautiful,” Callie’s mother, Doreen, said.
“Thanks, Mom.” She put her hand on her rounded belly as Leah smiled at her.
“Is she moving?”
“Yes, a lot today.” The wedding dress she picked out was designed to hide the pregnancy bump she now had. Tilly had signed the divorce papers in the hope of serving community service. She finally admitted to assault and was no longer allowed in town. She had to stay away from Drew. There had also been negotiation for a social worker to help if she wished to spend time with Meghan. Tilly had told everyone she didn’t have a daughter. The moment she left town, they hadn’t heard from her. Callum had made sure she signed a legal document where she forfeited her parental right in Meghan’s life.
It was all her own choice, and she’d signed it away without a care.
“You look really pretty. Like a princess,” Meghan said.
Drew’s little girl stood in a pink dress, looking so sweet. She was carrying their rings today and would be throwing flowers as she walked down the aisle.
“Not as beautiful as you. You’re the special one here.” She kissed her cheek.
“Thank you, Mommy,” Meghan said.
Meghan had been calling her Mommy for a couple of months now. Drew didn’t mind and Callie loved the little girl as if she was her own.
“Are you ready for this?”
“Yes, I think so,” she said.
Her mother handed her the flowers. “Your father is waiting, and so is your fiancé. Time to show them all how it’s done.”
Leah kissed her cheek, and Meghan hugged her tightly.
They all left ahead of her, and she stepped out of the room to see her father, Jim, waiting.
“I always imagined this day. Admittedly the groom was always dead before you got to him.”
“Dad?”
“I know you and Drew have a lot of history together. I hear rumors, but tell me, are you doing this because you want to?”
“Yes. I love him, Dad, more than anything.”
“Good, that’s what I needed to hear.” Her father cupped her cheek, tilted her head forward, and kissed her. “I love you.”
She took his arm and they walked toward the entrance of the church. She didn’t look at the guests. Her gaze stayed on Drew in a tuxedo. She smiled. He looked dashing.
The wedding song started, and she walked down the aisle toward her soul mate, the love of her life.
Her father handed her over. The butterflies in her stomach settled and as they stood in front of one another, bound together, she knew this was what was always supposed to happen. His vows were beautiful. He offered her his life and in return, she did the same. They were united and by the time it came for them to be husband and wife, she was more than ready for his kiss.
“Now you’re mine, beautiful, for forever.”
“I don’t mind.” She cupped his face and kissed him again harder.
Epilogue
Ten years later
Drew walked into his home and chaos ensued. This was what he loved most about coming home. No matter the time of day, someone was always waiting.
He and Callie had been married for ten blissful years, and four kids later, well, if they got a spare moment to call their own, they were lucky. At least he could dump his kids on Callum so he could make love to his wife without any interruptions.