She’s nodding so fast her face is a blur. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes.”
I slide the diamond on her finger and stand, wrapping us in a tight embrace. This is the first hug of our new beginning, the life we’ll cherish together. I crash my lips against hers to cement our words with an unbreakable unity.
After thoroughly kissing my fiancée and wiping away her tears, I turn to Millie. The little girl is beaming at us, tiny palms clasped against her chest. She’s been included in most of my plans, except for this. I reach for her left hand and return the smile she’s directing at me.
With a slow exhale, I dig in my other pocket to retrieve the small box reserved for her. Millie’s mouth drops open when she notices the bright pink bow. “This isn’t just about your mama, right?”
She blinks at me, moisture shining in her green eyes. “I dunno.”
“I’m not just asking to spend my life with her, Peep. You need to agree, too.”
“Really?”
“Yep, sure do. Amelia Marie, you’re my little warrior, standing up for me when I wasn’t strong enough to do the same. Because of you, I’ve found understanding and compassion. You’re incredibly precious and important to me. None of this,” I gesture between the three of us, “would be possible without you. So, I have a question to ask.”
“Okay, I’m ready.” Her voice is barely more than a squeak.
“Will you allow me to stick around permanently? Agree to be my little girl?”
“Like you’ll be my dad?”
My heart has never pounded so hard. Any moment, I expect the organ to fly out of my chest. “If that’s okay with you and your mama.”
She doesn’t hesitate, launching into my arms. “Yes! I accept.”
“This is for you, Peep.” I hand her the gift with a shaking palm.
With wide eyes, Millie rips open the wrapping. A gasp tumbles from her as she stares at what’s waiting inside. Her tiny fingers remove the silver bracelet, holding it up so the diamond ring charm sparkles in the sun. “I love my bling. It’s so pretty.”
I open the clasp and motion to her wrist. “May I?”
“Uh-huh.” She thrusts her arm at me while wearing the biggest smile known to little girls.
Keegan is releasing a fresh round of tears when she joins our huddle. She presses her wet cheek against mine. “Was this your plan all along, Prince Charming?”
I kiss the corner of her lips. “Are you impressed?”
“Very. You never cease to amaze me, Ford.”
“And you just agreed to forever. Here’s hoping I continue to deliver.”
Her lips brush along my jaw. “Without a doubt.”
That’s the end for Loner, but I wrote a short story for Josey. Will she get her dream happily ever after? Download Charmer for FREE here!
Did you know Decker and Delaney have a story? They’re from my standalone romance, Keeper. Read this excerpt for more of them!
My newfound focus wavers when two nurses rush by me and turn down another hallway. The burst of activity is familiar in an almost comforting way. But the racking sobs following close behind is a bucket of ice water.
Almost on autopilot, my body pivots toward the weeping sounds. This isn’t my mother’s room. I shouldn’t be stopping. A doctor, or hefty medication, will soothe this audible pain soon enough. Just as I’m about to move along, another gut-wrenching whimper cracks through the air. But the tone is feminine and delicate, and I’m drawn closer on instinct alone.
The door is open, but that doesn’t mean I’m free to enter. A woman is practically folded in half on the bed. Her small frame trembles with a fresh cry of grief. The halo of red hair surrounding her is a fire I can’t ignore. Call me a damn moth, but suddenly I’m a single step from crossing the threshold. I falter when I realize where I am. What the hell am I doing?
The sole of my boot catches on the linoleum and releases a loud squeak. I cringe and freeze in place. The woman snaps upright and faces me. Everything around us tunnels until she’s all that remains. No fucking way.
An eerie tremor ripples down my limbs, and I almost drop the bouquet. I blink, rubbing my eyes for good measure. She’s still sitting there.
Hot damn. Delaney Wallace is back in Silo Springs. The years have been very good to her. Most of her body is hidden underneath a hospital gown, but that’s not what I’m gawking at. A silky cascade of red waves frame her porcelain face. There’s a small smattering of freckles dotting her button nose. Pink splotches decorate her skin, revealing a roadmap of misery, but rather than grief-stricken, Delaney appears cleansed. I’ve heard a good cry can be cathartic.
Mile-long lashes flutter at me, concealing those stunning baby blues from view. Delaney was the beauty queen without a crown, the girl with brains to spare. Varsity athlete. Way out of my league. That didn’t stop me from lusting after her. I was a cocky little shit, but she never fell for my crap. Like I said, smart girl.
But now? She’s staring at me with zero recognition. This girl from my not-that-distant past eyes me with the scrutiny of a detective. The expression on her face makes me believe she’s actually peering through me. Doesn’t she recognize me? It hasn’t been that long. I lift a hand to the thick beard covering my jaw. The facial hair is new since high school. It’s possible she doesn’t know who I am.
Our silent stare down continues. Maybe I look like a different guy. I’m the one to break, cracking under the intensity of her piercing gaze. “Dell?”
Her forehead dents with a deep furrow. I can almost hear the cogs in her mind working overtime. After a few tense moments, she appears to shake herself out of the stupor. Her gaze slides down my body with a slow assessment before lifting to retrace the same path.
I clear the
