Hold on Tight
Page 24
Then said quietly, “I believe in love, and I believe in second chances. Just as importantly, I believe in us, Dani. I love you, I love Jeremy, and Kate needs you as much as I do. Will you marry me?”
The whole room fell silent. Tears filled her eyes as she looked just beyond him. “Jeremy?”
“It’s all good, Mom. Promise.”
All of a sudden, the brightest smile he’d ever seen illuminated her face. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Jackson.”
Pulling the ring he’d bought two days ago out of his jeans pocket, he slid it on her finger.
Her eyes went wide. “You got me a ring?”
“That’s usually how it’s done, sweetheart,” he said as he stood up.
She lifted her hand to stare at the ring, a half-carat diamond surrounded by pink sapphires. It looked delicate and feminine and impressive. Everything she was to him. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”
“I’m glad. Now, can I give you a kiss and a hug before this crowd of ours gets too restless?”
The moment she nodded, he claimed her lips again, then hugged her tight.
Then, as she giggled, he called out to the room. “Everybody, please meet Dani Brown, my fiancée.”
“You’re still holding her hand, Cookie!” Troy called out. “Are you ever going to let her go so we can give her a hug?”
Still staring at Dani, Jackson shook his head. “Nope. I’m going to hold on to her as tight as I can. I don’t intend to ever let her go.”
The End
Acknowledgments
When I began writing the first book in the Bridgeport Social Club, I had only a vague idea about a trio of novels featuring a bunch of guys trying to fit in. Never did I imagine that the books would be so well received. I’m so very grateful for that.
With all that in mind, I have many people to thank.
First is the incredible team at Blackstone Publishing. It’s been an honor and a privilege to be one of their authors. Big thanks go out to both my editors Ember Hood and Vikki Warner for their guiding hands and encouragement. I felt that the three of us all worked together to make the books as good as they could be. I loved that.
Just as important to the series’ success were Jeffrey Yamaguchi and Lauren Maturo. Their enthusiasm and skill made me want to work even harder, which says a lot! I’m indebted to them for sending me to the many conferences and appearances, setting up contests and promotions, and for doing all the things that authors dream about but rarely get the chance to experience.
Finally, I’m so grateful for the library sales team at Blackstone, especially Stephanie Hall. Stephanie has a way of making everyone feel like they’re an old friend, which is a gift. I was so happy that she—and the rest of the team—put the word out about the books.
Closer to home, I’d like to thank my incredible agent Nicole Resciniti. She’s been my biggest cheerleader and advocate. All writers should be so blessed to have an agent like Nicole.
I also owe a huge thank you to Seymour agent Lesley Sabga. Lesley went with me to signings, tutored me on Instagram, took more pictures and tweeted about them than I can count, and was a constant source of enthusiasm. Yes, Lesley just happens to be my daughter, but she’s also been a tremendous amount of help.
Next I want to share another shout out of THANKS to Tony Westley, who started a poker club in our hometown and was the reason I began this series. Thank you, Tony!
I also am thankful for my husband, Tom, who patiently listens to my daily writing updates, now cooks more meals than I do, and always has a hug for me. I would be lost without you, Tom.
Finally, I want to take a moment to praise God for giving me the tools to write. With Him all things are possible. I really believe that.
Reader Questions
Both Jackson and Dani have had to start over after devastating circumstances. What were some of the challenges they faced? If you’ve ever had to “start over,” either in a new job or a new relationship, what challenges did you face?
Jackson chose to move to Bridgeport instead of staying in Spartan near his family. Would you have done the same? Why or why not?
Dani has a close relationship with her son, Jeremy. How did you feel about the sacrifices that she made in order for him to play on the Bats baseball team?
Both Gen and Seth made a lot of mistakes in their past. Why do you think they were still able to get back together? What do you think will happen to them in the future?
How did you feel about the Bridgeport Social Club’s benefit tournament?
If you’ve read more than one book in this series, what have you enjoyed about it? Who makes up your “social club”?
What characters, either in this novel or in the series, are you anxious to see again in a future book?
What do you “hold on tight” to in your life? Your faith? Family? Friends? Hope?