The Spark
Page 30
“You mean there’s more than just a giant party at a fancy restaurant in the middle of Central Park? Pretty sure you can’t top all of this.”
Donovan smirked. “You know I love a challenge.” He kissed my forehead. “Stay right here for a minute.”
I watched as he walked over to Skye and came back with two glasses of champagne. Handing one to me, I thought we were going to have a quiet little celebration drink. But instead, he cleared his throat and yelled, “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?”
The room had been rumbling with voices but settled down.
“Thank you.” He smiled. “I just wanted to make a toast, and then I promise I’ll let you all eat.”
“Talk fast,” Storm yelled, and everyone laughed.
“First off, I want to thank you all for coming to help celebrate Dr. Wilde’s big day. Anyone who is in this room knows how passionate she is about helping people.” He pointed at Storm. “Even the ones who are a pain in the ass.”
Everyone laughed.
“A minute ago, Autumn told me she was overwhelmed by all this.” He motioned to the present table. “And I reminded her that I hadn’t given her my present yet. She told me it would be hard to top this perfect night, but you know me—I’m nothing if not an overachiever.”
Donovan set his champagne glass on the gift table, and everything began to play out in slow motion. He got down on one knee and took my hand. His was cold and clammy, and when I looked down, I could see how nervous he was. It made the moment that much more surreal, because my arrogant man had nerves of steel.
Donovan lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. “Autumn Renee Wilde, two years ago you walked into my life and knocked me on my ass. I thought I had everything I wanted, but you very quickly showed me I didn’t even know what I was missing yet. You’re the toughest person I’ve ever met, yet somehow you also manage to be the kindest. Before I met you, I lived for the next challenge at work. But now, the only challenge that seems important is being the man you deserve.”
Donovan paused and looked down. When his eyes met mine again, they were brimming with tears. “Red, I was so damn proud watching you walk across that stage today. The only thing that could possibly make me any prouder would be to tell people Dr. Wilde is my wife.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a ring box, and opened it. The most gorgeous princess-cut stone sparkled from inside. “Marry me, Autumn...please?”
I practically knocked Donovan over as I crashed into him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Yes! Yes! Of course I’ll marry you.”
He gripped me in a bear hug and stood, lifting me off the floor as he crushed his lips to mine.
The entire room broke out in applause, cheers, and whistles.
I couldn’t stop smiling as our kiss broke. “Well, you did it. Just like you said, your present topped everything.”
“Sweetheart, that wasn’t the present I was referring to.” He winked. “I’ll give you that one when we get home later.”
Dear Readers,
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading Donovan and Autumn’s story! I’d love to stay in touch and invite you to join my mailing list and receive back a FREE short story.
For a Good Time Call
Ever see For a good time call scribbled on the bathroom wall of a bar? Sure you have. Ever wonder what would happen if you had a few too many drinks and actually called the number? Well now you don’t have to wonder anymore, because I’ll tell you… It blows up in your face when you suddenly realize who Mr. Good Time is.
Other Books by Vi Keeland
* * *
The Invitation
Inappropriate
We Shouldn’t
The Rivals
The Naked Truth
All Grown Up
Sex, Not Love
Beautiful Mistake
Egomaniac
Bossman
The Baller
Left Behind (A Young Adult Novel)
Beat
Throb
Worth the Fight
Worth the Chance
Worth Forgiving
Belong to You
Made for You
First Thing I See
Cocky Bastard (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Playboy Pilot (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Mister Moneybags (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
British Bedmate (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Park Avenue Player (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Stuck-Up Suit (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Rebel Heir (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Rebel Heart (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Hate Notes (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Dirty Letters (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
My Favorite Souvenir (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
Happily Letter After (Co-written with Penelope Ward)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
* * *
To you – the readers. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and loyalty. I hope Donovan and Stella’s story allowed you to escape for a short while, and you’ll come back soon to see who you might meet next!
To Penelope – Writing is a lot like riding a rollercoaster—it’s so much better when you have a friend sitting next to you who reminds you to throw your hands up and enjoy the ride. Thank you for always buckling in with me.
To Cheri – Thank you for your friendship and support. I’m ready for more road adventures!
To Julie – Thank you for your friendship and wisdom.
To Luna –The first person I chat with most mornings. So much has changed over the years, but I can always count on your friendship and encouragement. Thank you for always being there.
To my amazing Facebook reader group, Vi’s Violets – 22,000 smart women who love to talk books together in one place? I’m one lucky girl! Each and every one of you is a gift. Thank you for being part of this crazy journey.
To Sommer – Thank you for figuring out what I want, often before I do.
To my agent and friend, Kimberly Brower – Thank you for being there always. Every year brings a unique opportunity from you. I can’t wait to see what you dream up next!
To Jessica, Elaine, and Julia – Thank you for smoothing out the all the rough edges and making me shine!
To Kylie and Jo at Give Me Books – I don’t even remember how I managed before you, and I hope I never have to figure it out! Thank you for everything you do.
To all of the bloggers – Thank you for inspiring readers to take a chance on me. Without you, there would be no them.
Much love
Vi
About Vi Keeland
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Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.