Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Unable to speak, I nodded. He took the ring off the ribbon, sliding it on my finger.
He smiled. “Perfect. Just like you.”
Then he kissed me.
And I knew my life had changed forever.
John was right. Together, we would be extraordinary.
It was as simple as that.
EPILOGUE
A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LATER
QUINN
Iwandered the venue, straightening a fork, retucking a napkin, making sure everything was perfect. It didn’t matter how often I walked this floor, looked at the wall of glass, or watched as a couple took their first spin on the dance floor as husband and wife, this room took my breath away.
I sat on a chair, recalling my wedding to John, a year ago today. We had been married late in the evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness kissed the sky. The fairy lights glowing around us, the flickering of the candles, and the scent of the flowers were things I would always recall about that day.
John wore a suit, looking handsome and sexy, a single rose pinned on his lapel. Abby wore a sparkly pink dress, and I chose a simple, lacy tea-length gown in a pale gold that glimmered in the subdued lighting. Abby and I walked the short distance together, John insisting on including her in our ceremony. There hadn’t been a dry eye in the house as he’d spoken of loving his two girls and being the man privileged to watch Abby grow.
We had celebrated hard. Eaten, drank, and danced the night away. Returned to the farm as husband and wife, John carrying me over the threshold. We had barely made it to our room before his suit and my pretty dress were on the floor.
I had been glad we hadn’t planned to pick Abby up until later the next afternoon. We were delayed getting there, and I doubted anyone believed John’s explanation of engine trouble.
Then we started our life together.
I still had the restaurant, but I also helped Helen run her wedding location. We offered delicious, local fare, made from the freshest ingredients. Handmade. Served by neighbors and friends.
The place was a roaring success, and it was booked solid for the next two years.
“What are you thinking about?”
I startled at John’s voice, smiling as he walked toward me, a bouquet in his hand.
“Daydreaming. What are you doing here?”
“It’s our anniversary. Did you think I forgot?”
I laughed. “You reminded me last week, last night, this morning as we made love, and you wrote me a poem. I knew you didn’t forget.”
“Well, I decided flowers were necessary.”
I took the bouquet, inhaling the blooms’ enticing scent. “Thank you.”
He bent and kissed me. “Thank you for a wonderful first year. I look forward to many, many more.”
Pulling out a chair, he sat beside me. “Memories,” he murmured. “Such good memories.”
“Yep. I was recalling how sexy you looked in your suit.”
“Not half as sexy as you looked in that damn dress. I wanted to throw you over my shoulder and run someplace so I could rip it off you.”
I nudged him. “What, my overalls don’t do it for you?”
He tugged on my straps, pulling me close. “Woman, you do it for me all the time.” He kissed me soundly. “Every. Damn. Day.”
“I see.”
“I got you a present,” he murmured, still holding me close, his lips hovering near mine.
“Is it in your pocket, or you’re just happy to see me?”
He started to laugh, kissing me again. “Both.”
He pulled out a folded envelope. “It’s not really from me, but I get to give it to you.”
I took the envelope and unfolded the document in it, gasping in happiness. “Really? The building is mine?”
“Signed, sealed, and delivered.”
I flung my arms around his neck. “I own a building!”
He hugged me close. “You do. The Dill has a permanent home, and if you want to expand, you can.”
“I was thinking of putting a small market next door. Showcasing local goods.”
He stroked my cheek. “Great idea. The tradesmen in town can help renovate it. Show off their skills. There is a new development down the road, seeing their work might help them find jobs.”
“Perfect.”
I smiled as I slipped my hand into my purse, pulling out a flat box. “I have something for you too.”
“Yeah?”
I handed him the package. “Yeah. Happy anniversary, John.”
He grinned. “I’m gonna love it.”
“I hope so.”
He unwrapped the box and pulled out a frame. He studied the blurry black-and-white image for a moment, then froze. He looked up, expectant and happy. “Really, Quinn?”
“I’m pregnant,” I confirmed. I tapped the image. “That’s our baby.”
In seconds, I was in his arms, being cradled in his embrace. “When? How? Are you okay?”
“About eight weeks,” I replied as he laid his hand on my stomach, his large palm pressed to me, his fingers spread wide. “I’m pretty sure you know how, and yes, I’m fine.” I covered his hand. “I was tired last week, and it hit me that not only was I tired because we’ve been so busy, but I was late. I went to see the doctor two days ago.” I sighed as I laid my head on his shoulder. “It’s been all I could do not to tell you, but I knew you would love it as an anniversary gift.”