From Winter's Ashes: Girl Next Door Crime Romance Series - Book Two

by Amy Leigh Simpson

  She could see his heart pounding in his throat, the questions and the hope in his eyes. “And what’s that?”

  “That love always hopes, trusts, believes. And it endures whatever comes.”

  A spark ignited in his eyes, spreading down to upturned and gorgeous come-kiss-me lips. “So … you’re saying you love me?”

  Unleashing her smile to match his, she leaned in to share her secret and nodded her answer before adding, “No matter what.”

  He released a short, comical sigh of relief. “That’s very good news because I have something else I need to ask you.”

  She leaned in a little more, drawing reverent circles on the marred skin of his neck, tempting him to give in to her wanting lips. “Can it wait until after you kiss me?”

  “Actually, it can’t.” Easing away a few inches, Finn brought his hand up between them, his eyes sparkling like the sunlight over an emerald ocean. She was sunk. “Joselyn Whyte, will you marry me?”

  It was the moment she’d been waiting for her whole life. For someone to claim her. To chase away the loneliness. This man, the man she’d always loved, wanted to be her family.

  She nodded her head and let herself cry without a hint of shame. “Yes. Yes, Finn Carson, I would love nothing more than to marry you.”

  She’d forgotten about their audience, but they burst to their feet in applause a mere moment before Finn slipped the ring on her finger, lifted her up out of her chair, cradling her to his chest, and sealed the whole thing with one heck of a crowd-pleasing, toe-tingling kiss.

  Two weeks later…

  Chapter 49

  Finn & Joselyn

  “Finn, how could you!” The shrill reprimand echoing through the earpiece forced a few extra inches of grace between his ear and his phone.

  Joselyn fought back a giggle, having heard all of Sadie’s meltdown from across the room and enjoyed discretely witnessing the comical sibling interaction.

  Before Finn could articulate a response that was appropriate for his sister’s ears, Sadie started back in. “Well, I guess I should have seen this coming after you two couldn’t keep your hands off each other and practically made out for the remainder of my reception. Thanks for that, by the way.”

  Finn’s face lit up, a devious grin tilting his lips. “No problem. And at least we excused ourselves to the coatroom. But, hey I gotta go. Time to make it official.” Wagging his eyebrows, he sent a silent signal of his innuendo.

  One Sadie obviously didn’t need to see to pick up on. “Eww. Yes, go. And let’s not talk for a while, huh? I’m glad you’re happy, but I also want to be able to sleep at night—you know, without the nightmares. It’s taken me two weeks to wash the image of you two on the dance floor out of my mind. The last thing I want to think about is those poor traumatized coats, let alone the evening you have planned tonight.”

  Finn laughed, deep and musical like the melody of any number of love songs he’d taken to crooning in her ear at every opportunity. “Okay, but tell Mom and Dad the news. Oh, and let them know they’re gonna be grandparents again soon.”

  “Finn, seriously, I might throw up.”

  “Settle down, it’s not what you think. We’re adopting Kendi. It’s not official yet, but Joselyn pulled some strings and it’s looking good for us. Be happy, Aunt Sadie.” After a marked influx of squealing, Finn haggled for a few more moments to end the call with his sister.

  Joss watched him drop his phone on the end table, shed his suit coat, and tug to loosen his tie.

  All those years dreaming about him, loving and hating him, had culminated to bring her to this moment. Tried by fire. Then and now. Each time their winter had burned to the ground, leaving them broken but not defeated. Because deep beneath the wreckage, the ashes still smoldered, kindling a new flame that couldn’t be extinguished. Not even by her almost too-hot-to-handle firefighter. A man who rescued strangers. Who rescued dogs. And orphans. And the one who helped rescue her frozen heart and set it on fire.

  A true hero. Down to the marrow.

  He had even gotten to explain that the “payment” was a term her father enforced to maintain the upper hand in their arrangement. After persistent refusal, Finn had relented with a counteroffer—that a generous donation be made, and determined, by Declan Whyte to the struggling group home where Kendi lived.

  Her father had accepted. Only last week were they informed of how generous her father had been. A million dollars would go a long way in helping countless young kids find security at Trisha Bollivar’s home. If all went as planned, Kendi wouldn’t need to be one of them. She’d have a family of her own.

  And maybe, just maybe, the generosity meant the tides were turning in Joselyn’s father’s heart too.

  Nothing was impossible.

  Joselyn stepped forward from the doorway of the bedroom suite. As if feeling her eyes on him, tuned to the sizzling frequency of her gaze, Finn turned at her soundless pursuit, her barely tender feet glided over the plush carpet as if walking out a dream.

  His lips curled in a slow spreading grin, the appreciative gleam in his eyes mimicking the longing bubbling beneath her skin.

  Crossing the space that separated them, he drawled teasingly, “I have a feeling you are going to make me an extremely happy man.” He already was. Happier than he ever knew was possible.

  “Care for a preview?” She threw his flirty words back at him, remembering that moment in his bedroom when they’d first been tempted to play with the fire of their attraction. Only now, they could play all they wanted. And though she’d never willingly given herself to a man, for the first time in her life she felt whole. Like what had once been stolen had been restored.

  Like she had something special to give.

  Matching his sexy grin, she slipped the tie from her robe and braved ahead the last few feet as it fell to the floor.

  Revealing miniscule sheer white lace pieces that artfully covered nothing.

  His mouth dropped open, the heat in his eyes a hundred times hotter than the five-alarm blaze that brought them together. Like the scrape of a match down her spine, every nerve ignited from his spark.

  “No, Mrs. Carson.” Tipping up her chin, he smoothed the back of his knuckles down her neck, luxuriating in the feel of her silken skin. “Not just a preview. I’ve waited my whole life for you. I want it all. And more.”

  Then, sweeping his bride up in his arms, his lips found their way to hers, hungry and cherishing, with the passion of star-crossed enemies who had just eloped after ten years of wrestling with love and hate.

  His heart raced, strong and thrilling, against her chest. His arms held her tight in his grip, like he would never let her go.

  His legs led the way to the intimate gift that awaited them. Over the threshold to the enormously decadent bed of the honeymoon suite. And then those lips again took their time … laying claim to it all. And more, just like he’d promised. A promise she echoed with her own. Cherishing every taste, every discovery of the man who was hers. Who proved the almost unbearable anticipation made every long-awaited touch irresistibly electrifying.

  When they finally joined together, the miracle of it, of how they got here, crashed over her with emotions she’d never known. Love, devotion, passion, and tenderness pieced together in a stunning array of intimacy, held together by a covenant promise of belonging. Family. It stole her breath, pressed tears of joy behind her eyes, and poured bliss through her veins.

  Fevered, but with heart-melting sweetness, they crested that glittery summit to heaven and back with sensational ease.

  There was no fear. No panic. The cold darkness that had preyed upon her loneliness, the lies from the poisonous black serpent that had teased the fringes of her fears for so long, had been slain by love.

  And she knew she’d been healed. Gloriously remade. A truth they cemented over and over and over, making up for lost time and enjoying every second of pure wedded bliss.

  And when they could no longer summon the energy to mov
e, holding each other until the sun dawned on their first day as man and wife, Finn tugged her closer. Splaying his large hand down her belly, nibbling gently on her smooth shoulder, he whispered, “I’m on fire for you.”

  Smiling to herself, she arched back into him enticingly before flipping over and pinning her firefighter husband beneath her. “I can help you with that.”

  The End

  Dear Reader,

  First, I want to say that there are hordes of books out there, so I am completely humbled and honored you took the time to read mine! From the moment I plopped Joselyn and Finn together on the page in When Fall Fades I knew something good was cooking. Their temperaments were as polar opposite as, well, fire and ice, but I loved exploring that fine line between love and hate where passion and perception cross wires. The barbs and the banter between these two! Such fun! I seriously had a blast constantly throwing them together and watching them fight a losing battle.

  As a mother, I talk a lot to my wee ones about consequences. Luckily at this phase in my life those consequences are things like time outs, no candy, and losing privileges. I may compose stories about imaginary people, but fictional heiresses or ordinary stay-at-home-mamas, we’re all flawed. Mistakes are part of the package. And I’d even venture to say that they can become the most beautiful product of that refining fire. But we all know some mistakes are harder to live with than others. It was heartbreaking to portray such devastating consequences for Finn and Joss. Despite their seemingly charmed lives and physical beauty, they each wore their most debilitating scars on their hearts, and yet still found the courage to reach for something more. Second chances are a beautiful thing.

  But while this book is meant to be exciting and romantic, I chose not to shy away from several rather sensitive topics. Not because I wanted to add drama or darkness to the overall mood, but because life and love are messy. Pain is real, and it’s something we all live with. Every single smiling, Facebook-perfect person hides a certain hurt or shame or insecurity that holds far too much power over the hope and the beauty available to every soul, no disqualifiers. I touch on things like depression, suicide, and abuse. Things we like to bury or ignore until we feel it’s too late to escape. The Truth that can be so hard to see is, you were meant for more. So much more. No matter where you are at, or how alone you feel, no one is too lost to find their way home. If you’ve ever been there, you are not weak for struggling, but you don’t have to go it alone, and YOU have the power to find the more you were called to be.

  If you or someone you know struggles with depression or suicidal thoughts, talk. Fight. There are hotlines and ministries, local support groups and churches with compassionate people who truly can help.

  And if you have a spare minute, I would be ever so grateful if you’d consider leaving a review. They really are an author’s bread and butter, and they make all the difference. Besides, one way conversations are boring. Talk to me. J

  Dream big!

  Amy

  Acknowledgements

  This is quite possibly my favorite chapter of this book! Arguably the most important! This book exists because of the champions who’ve made it possible for my stories to leave the nest and find their way into your hands. You’re a HUGE part of my dream, and I couldn’t do this without you.

  To my husband, my muse, my very best friend, for perpetuating my love of happily ever afters by giving me one to live in every day. “I love … I love … I love you.” And to the most awesome and adorable kidlets in the world—Kael, Rafe, and Eisley—who fill my days with more love and adventure than I could cram into a thousand stories as long as mine. I can’t wait to watch you write your own dreams!

  To my mom and dad, who taught me all things are possible. And whose prayers moved every mountain in my way. How blessed I am to have you.

  To my family members who continually give their unwavering support. Jeremy Stehlick, Elsie Fitzgerald, Pete Simpson, Colleen Phillips, Karen Falbe, Big Rick Simpson, and Britt and Patty Buersmeyer. You’re the best!

  To Eric Williams, for adding such beauty and artistry to the “fire and ice” artwork gracing these pages. It’s all in the details, cuz, and yours are pretty remarkable!

  To Pepper Basham, my crit partner and brainstorming buddy, faithful friend and sister of my heart. You inspire me to greatness. When I grow up, I want to be like you.

  To the incredibly talented (writer and graphic designer) Angie Dicken, who gives her time to make me look good!

  To Captain Russel Elzinga, who volleyed a few technical questions. I didn’t want to be a pest, so any and all mistakes are mine. Creative liscense and all that.

  To the most awesome early reader author pals, Jill Lynn Buteyn, Amber Lynn Perry, and Nicole Deese. You know how wordy I am, but honestly, there aren’t enough of them to thank you for the encouragement, support, and friendship. You’re the reason I look forward to opening my messages every day!

  To my blogging sisters and dearest writer friends the Alley Cats, as well as the Spicettes. It’s so much more fun doing this together.

  To amazing authors I am so blessed to know like Beth K. Vogt, Lynette Eason, Jennifer K. Hale, Irene Hannon, and Rachel Hauck—who gave me immeasurably helpful feedback from this book’s very tentative beginnings several years ago.

  To Serena Chase and Jeane Wynn, for having my back and being some of the sweetest women I know!

  My super sharp editor Andrea Ferak, for making my words shine. Kim Mesman, for the gorgeous covers I still swoon over. And the rest of the hardworking and innovative team at WildBlue Press—Steve Jackson, Michael Cordova, Ashley Butler, Elijah Toten, and Carla Jackson.

  To Taryn Henry and Laura Hunt, for so patiently letting me go on and on about book stuff when I’m in the thick of the madness. (And never telling me to zip it already!)

  Chip MacGregor who believed in this book about one page in and signed on to be my champion.

  To our heroes who fight a viciously unpredictable beast called fire. Who run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out. Courage doesn’t begin to cover it. Thank you.

  To my amazing readers, it is a privilege to connect with you through stories I love to tell. For every kind word, review, and copy, you make all the fears, frustrations, plot kinks, and sleepless nights worth it. Thank YOU for spending time with my imaginary friends and for reading every painstakingly vetted word of my labor of love. My heart is overflowing with gratitude!

  And most importantly, to the Author of my story. Who wrapped me up in grace from my first breath, miraculously preserved my life against all odds, still relentlessly pursues my stubborn heart, and loves me and my crazy imagination like no one else. Again, this, and every other word I write, is for You. Always.

  Thank you for reading From Winter’s Ashes. Reviews help authors reach readers. If you enjoyed the book the way I hope you did, then I would appreciate an honest review at http://wbp.bz/fwaa

  You can sign up for advance notice of new releases at: http://wildbluepress.com/AdvanceNotice

  Thanks again for reading,

  Amy Leigh Simpson

  Read the USA TODAY “2015 Must-Read Romance” WHEN FALL FADES!

  Read More: http://wbp.bz/whenfallfades

  WHEN FALL FADES

  Sadie Carson is an expert on unfinished business. Five years after the derailment of her dreams she’s just barely existing, using her job as a hospice nurse to give others the one thing she can’t seem to find—closure. So when her elderly neighbor Charlie, a brilliant conspiracy nut known for harassing the FBI, is murdered, Sadie suspects Charlie might’ve been onto something and intends to make sure someone solves the mystery of her friend’s death, even if it’s her.

  The feisty little blonde may have found the victim’s body, but FBI Special Agent Archer Hayes has no intention of letting some nosy civilian interfere with his investigation. The guilt he feels is bad enough. The last thing Archer needs is another distraction to haunt him. Especially one as beautiful and beguili
ng as the girl next door.

  But throw in a mountain of hoarded evidence and suspiciously coded journals and the case takes a puzzling turn toward a decades old conspiracy cover-up from World War II—one only the victim’s closest confidant can help untangle. Sadie and Archer reluctantly join forces to decode the riddle of secrets Charlie carried to his grave. Or did he? Someone is after a dangerous truth. But to uncover it or bury it is a question that leads the unlikely pair on a quest for redemption that lands Sadie in the crossfire of a desperate killer. And when the dangers of the past and present collide Archer must fight to save the life of the woman he’s falling for . . . only to discover he might be the one in need of saving.

  Check out the book at: http://wbp.bz/whenfallfades

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