Molly, agitated by all the movement, climbed off Jenny’s lap and walked a few paces before she lay down on the sand.
Owen groaned. “Okay, okay.” He sighed loudly and rubbed his head.
“Drama king much?” Jenny gave him a look, unused to seeing him pout.
“It’s just that—I figured that since my gift fit in this box—” Owen held up a tiny package. “Maybe you’d make an exception.”
Jenny’s eyes widened and filled with tears. She swallowed hard. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Maybe you should open it and see.” Owen placed the box in her hands.
The blanket slid off Jenny’s shoulders, ignored by both of them as she unwrapped the gift. As she pulled the lid back, Owen plucked the box from her fingers. In a fluid motion, as he pulled her to her feet, he lowered himself to one knee in the sand.
“Jenny, I love you, and I never want to be without you. Will you spend Christmas with me, this way, for the rest of our lives?”
Jenny cupped her hands over her mouth in shock as tears streamed down her face. A cool, salty breeze whipped her hair around, and a few strands stuck to her wet cheeks.
Rising to her knees, she threw herself against Owen, knocking him backward. They laughed as she lay on top of him on the sand.
Growing sober, she gazed into his beautiful eyes. “I love you, too. And of course I will.”
The sun fell away, leaving the moon and the stars to witness the promises they whispered to each other as they rested in each other’s arms and Molly the dog snored softly next to them.
The End
DEAR READER,
I hope you enjoyed Owen and Jenny’s story. If you did, please consider leaving a review. Sammie’s story will release in December. As a thank you, I’ve included a sneak peak of the cover on the next page. ♥
A BIG THANK YOU TO everyone involved in this project. To my family members who read it in advance as well as complete strangers who signed up. You all are the best. Thanks for taking a chance on my work. There’s nothing like having the support that comes from groups like Clean Indie Reads and The Writing Gals. A big hug to my author friend, Patricia Bell, for all the support, motivation, and general pants-kicking that was unfortunately required on this project. Also, to my Aunt Jannell for being an amazing proofreader. And to the person who wishes to remain unnamed, your polishing cloth must be infused with diamonds. Thank you for the sparkle.
SHARON SUE THORN IS a Californian adventurist. Unable to stay in one place for long, she enjoys people-watching from parks and coffee shop windows in whatever state she happens to be living in at the time. Loved dearly by her children and family for her eccentricity and in spite of it, they don’t claim to understand her and have given up trying. Her reclusive nature gives her ample time to weave stories inspired by her travels for your reading pleasure.
If you would like to connect with her, please subscribe to her newsletter, follow her author page, and feel free to send her an email at [email protected]. By subscribing to her newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about new releases and special news.
The Conflicted Billionaire (The Conflicted Love Series Book 1) Page 15
