Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Draven cups my face and draws me in for a passionate yet tender kiss. Eventually, we break apart, coming up for air. I lean my head against his chest, and he strokes my hair. "Dahlia," he murmurs. "I've been thinking about that name of yours."
"Yes? What about it?"
"I'm thinking it's time to change it to something else."
Is he about to pop the question?
My heart beats faster with anticipation. Knowing how much he enjoys my sassy attitude and the thrill of the chase, I'll play with him for a little longer. "You don't like my name? Well, what if I don't want to change it? I am a modern woman, Mr. Woodburn."
"Yes, yes, I know," he mutters, shaking his head at my stubbornness. "I am not trying to insult your family name, so if you want to keep or hyphenate it, I'll support you."
Throwing my arms around him, I try to imagine how we would explain our combined name as I dissolve into a giggling fit.
"You find it funny," he murmurs. I bite my lip to stop laughing as tears stream down my face. He arches a brow. "If you're a modern woman, then I'm modern too, and I'd hyphenate my name for you if you want me to."
"I know, and that's one of the reasons why we never will. I can't imagine life as Mrs. Savage-Woodburn. Can you?"
He groans in agreement. I dissolve into another fit of giggles, and this time, he laughs along with me.
"Okay, okay, you're right. You win," he says.
Twisting my head to one side, I lean closer. "I didn't hear you? Can you please repeat what you just said?"
Draven threads his hand under my mass of curls, cups the back of my neck and drops his forehead to mine. "You win, Beauty. Always." He places a tender kiss on my lips, but I sense a shift, as though he's holding something back.
"What's on your mind?" Although I'm dying to run inside and share the news with Gretchen, there's no reason he should hold anything back. "You can tell me anything. You know that."
Draven blows out a breath while he gathers his thoughts. I love his sensitivity, and I have a feeling I know what's on his mind.
"Is this about my dad?"
Draven nods and makes a sound low in his throat.
"You are the sweetest man in the world, you know that?"
"I don't want you to have any regrets," he says, his voice soft.
"I don't have a single regret."
I wondered how long it would be before my dad came around begging for our forgiveness, but it didn't happen. At first, I was sad, but there's always a silver lining. As a result of being forced to stand up to him and defend my beliefs, I discovered new strength within myself, and I am grateful for that.
The moment my father insulted the love of my life without even trying to understand us, he forfeited his right to an opinion. Being loved and accepted by Draven healed my heart and helped me make peace with the past. Draven makes me so happy that the past is no longer important. I have a new home with people who care for me, my found family. I never knew I could be this happy. But Draven and Gretchen give me everything I need. The only thing that matters is the future we are working toward. The future we are building together.
Our family.
Epilogue One
Dahlia
Four Years Later
Gretchen pokes her head over the edge of the colorful rope hammock, greeting me with a warm smile and a wave. “Hi, sweetie. How was work?”
“We were short-staffed at the clinic, so it was super busy, but nothing out of the ordinary happened, so overall, I’d say it was good.” I roll my shoulders and rub the back of my neck, working out the kinks as we speak.
“Staying busy makes the day fly.” She tips her head to one side and winks. She’s incredibly sweet.
“Did you have a good day?”
“We had a good day too.” She smiles warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I do my best, but I’m not as young as I used to be,” she says, pressing her fingertips to her forehead. “The little ones have so much energy.”
I can tell by her bright smile how much she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. I'm so grateful she enjoys taking care of them. Since I don't want to miss watching them grow and change, I only work outside the home two days per week.
“I’ll head inside and get dinner started while you get some rest.” I am dying to see Draven, but Gretchen lifts her hand and calls out my name, and I remain rooted in place.
“Dahlia.” She pushes the sunglasses onto the top of her head, her eyes full of concern. “Another letter arrived today, and it’s addressed to you.”