by Helen Hardt
“There’s nothing that says a husband and wife can’t work together.”
Her hand flew to her chest. “Are you… Are you asking me to marry you?”
“There is one way we both can get what we want.” He lifted a strand of her hair to wrap it around his finger. “Marry me. You already gave me what is essentially a signed prenup, but I have a feeling you and I won’t need a legal agreement.”
“When I signed that piece of paper, I meant every word. The only things I want from you, Mike Lewis, are your love and your children. Anything else is just a cherry on top.” She leaned closer. “But don’t play games.”
“Who’s playing? You’re the perfect woman for me, Devon Gaines. Become my wife. Let’s build a life together.”
“Then if your offer is real, my answer is yes.” She kissed him. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
“I love you, Devon.” He rolled her onto her back to make sure she could see the love in his eyes. “You are the woman made for me, but I’ve been too blind to notice. You were right here all this time. Marry me, Devon. Complete me. Help me find balance in my life.”
“I can’t…” she whispered, as the tears streamed down her cheeks.
“Why not?” The hurt almost gutted him.
“You didn’t let me finish.” She giggled and threw her arms around his shoulders. “I can’t believe you asked me to marry you. I couldn’t love you any more right now if I tried. When do you want to get married?”
“How about tomorrow? Most of my family is here for another couple of days.”
“Tomorrow? Really?” She kissed him hard.
“I don’t see why not. And it’ll happen so fast, even the paparazzi will be caught off guard. It will just be us and family.”
“I like the sound of that.” She slid a hand down the side of his face. “I love you, Mike Lewis. I hope you hear me this time, because I’ve been saying it for a long time. You just haven’t noticed.”
“You have?”
“Who do you think nominated your company for the World Tech Awards? Or sent your lead design engineer notes about how to solve a connectivity problem? I’ve been helping you solve problems for years. You just never knew it.”
Mike’s heart swelled with adoration and surprise. Could this woman be any more awesome? “What did I ever do to deserve your love?”
She shrugged. “You decided to change the world. Who couldn’t love a man like that?”
Jamaican Planter’s Punch
2 ounces light rum
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
Splash of orange juice
Ice
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.
About the Author
A healing love is at the heart of all of award-winning author Lyz Kelley’s books. She mixes a spoonful of heart, healing, humanity, happiness, hope and honor in these small-town stories written especially for you. Creating these wounded yet amazing characters—discovering what drives them, frightens them, heals them, makes them laugh—is what gives her joy.
She’s a total disaster in the kitchen, a compulsive neat freak, a tea snob, adores her four-legged fur babies, and adores writing about and falling in love with everyday heroes
To keep tabs on Lyz’s newest releases, connect with her by signing up for her newsletter at LyzKelley.com or by signing up at, https://geni.us/LyzKelleyFreeBook
