by Annie Rains
“You’re afraid of being alone with the wildlife?” she asked.
Jack laughed. “I can handle myself. I’m afraid of what might happen to you. Whether you like it or not, I’m in love with you and I don’t plan on leaving your side. No matter what.”
Emma wrapped her arms around him to help him stand. “Jack, we’re not going to—”
“Technically, I’m a dying man right now.” He looked over. “And having you stay with me is my dying wish. So you have to grant it.”
“This isn’t funny, Jack,” Emma huffed, wanting to hate him right now but loving him instead.
“I’m not joking. I’m pretty sure the snake that bit me was venomous. We probably need to get off this mountain.”
Emma gasped. “I’m so sorry you followed me up here. This is all my fault. If something happens to you, I’ll never—”
“Nothing is going to happen to me,” Jack said. “We’re going down this trail together. And then you’re going to make sure I get help. I trust you, Emma.”
Emma wished she had as much faith in herself. She started walking faster, nearly dragging Jack along. After a few steps in, she heard the sound of motors growing louder as utility vehicles traveled up the trail.
“I called Granger, and he called nine-one-one,” Jack said. His voice was barely audible. Then his knees gave way, and he fell to the ground once more. Emma watched helplessly as the guys who’d come to their rescue lifted Jack up and put him on a stretcher to load him onto an emergency vehicle. She got in beside him, and the vehicle turned back down the path.
All Emma could think as they rode in the pouring rain was that she didn’t want to lose Jack. She needed him; she loved him. And he loved her. If he died tonight, she wouldn’t regret a single second except all the wasted time she’d spent this afternoon pushing him away.
But he wasn’t going to die tonight. Jack was as stubborn as he was tough. He’d pull through, and when he did, she was either going to strangle him or kiss him for scaring her like this.
* * *
Jack could hear the steady beep, beep, beep on the monitors around him. That’s how he knew he was still alive. His eyes weren’t opening though, probably a result of whatever anecdote the doctors had given him.
Beep, beep, beep.
Sniffle.
He struggled to figure out who was crying at his side. Maybe Amanda or his mom. Hopefully Emma. Not because he wanted her to be upset but more because he wanted hers to be the first face he saw when he woke up. He also wanted hers to be the last face he saw when he fell asleep at night. When had he turned into such a sappy, lovestruck guy?
He cracked an eye open and glanced over, his heart giving a little kick when he saw Emma at his bedside. “You look awful,” he said, his voice coming out broken and dry from the night’s events.
She gasped and met his gaze. “You’re awake. How do you feel?” she asked in quick succession.
He lifted a hand and ran his fingers through his hair. “Like a rattlesnake bit me.”
“That’s exactly right. Not once but twice.” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m surprised you’re even breathing. You’re pretty tough, Jack Hershey.”
“Tougher than you give me credit for, right?” He reached for her hand, and she let him take it. “Thanks for sticking by my side tonight.”
“You’re welcome. And I didn’t really have a choice, you know. Thanks for coming to my rescue. I guess we’re even.”
Jack frowned. He didn’t really feel any pain so he guessed he was on some pretty good medicine right now. “You’re the one who saved me. I didn’t do anything for you.”
“You came for me even when I told you not to. That’s enough.” She looked down at their intertwined hands, appearing to be thinking over what to say next. “I don’t want to be afraid of the future, Jack. When I turned thirty, I decided I wasn’t going to live under this umbrella of fear that I would turn out like my mom and grandma. I wanted to have goals and dreams. I wanted to fall in love.”
“Liar. I don’t think you had any intentions of falling in love with me. But you did,” he said quietly.
“Another thing you didn’t give me a choice in.” She offered him a small smile, and he thought he’d never seen her more beautiful.
“Emma, I could have died tonight. No one is promised another day, much less another hour. All we have is the moment we’re in. And I, for one, want to spend every second I’m given with you. Even if it’s chasing you up a mountain in the pouring rain.”
“And getting bitten by rattlesnakes?” she asked as a tear slid down her cheek.
“If that’s what it takes to be at your side.” He searched her eyes, hoping for a sign that he was getting through to her.
Emma swiped at another tear that slipped down her cheek. Then she leaned over and kissed him softly. “I want to spend every moment with you too.”
“Does this mean you’re going to stop pushing me away and let me love you?” he asked.
Her face hovered only an inch from his. “Only if you let me love you back.”
He grimaced teasingly. “Hmm. I don’t know. That’s a tall demand.”
She laughed for a moment. Then she grew serious. “I have an appointment with Dr. Rivers on Monday. We’re going to discuss the results of the genetic testing and what I can do about them.” Emma shrugged. “If I decide to do anything. Just because I have the genetic mutation doesn’t mean I’ll get sick.”
“You couldn’t have realized that before you broke up with me and made me follow you up a mountain and into a storm?”
She sniffled as she laughed. “What fun would that be?”
“Not as much.” Jack squeezed her hand, holding her gaze. “I’ll go with you. If you want me to.”
She hesitated for a moment and then nodded once. “I’d like that.”
“We’re in this together, okay? For all the good stuff and the bad. All the birthdays and every moment in between.”
“This sounds serious,” Emma said.
“Oh, it is. Very serious. One of these days, if I get out of this hospital bed, I might even drop to one knee and ask you to marry me.” He’d only just told her he loved her today. It was probably too soon to talk about marriage. But he didn’t think Emma was going to push him away or run anymore.
“And one of these days,” she whispered as she leaned toward him for another kiss, “I’m going to say yes.”
Epilogue
One year later
The sun came up just like any other day but today was special. Emma had spent her entire thirtieth year chasing new ideas and dreams and letting go of old fears. She had the gene mutation linked to breast cancer but she had taken her control back by creating a plan with Dr. Rivers to have more frequent screenings at the clinic in addition to her own self-checks. She was doing her part to stay healthy by exercising, eating well, and being in love, which was maybe the best medicine on earth.
There was a lot to celebrate on her thirty-first birthday.
Emma continued to climb up the path, higher and higher until she reached Blue Sky Point. She had Barnaby at her heels, and Jack would be joining her in a little bit. She’d wanted to come here alone first. The land flattened out, and Emma stepped toward the guardrail to look out on the town of Sweetwater Springs, remembering her mom’s awestruck words: This is what the angels must see.
Emma wasn’t sure if there were angels looking down but she hoped her mom somehow knew that she was doing okay. “I have another event planned this summer, Mom. It’s going to be bigger and better than the last and make a difference in people’s lives. It made a difference in mine.”
Emma wasn’t afraid anymore. Knowledge was power, and so was love. With Jack at her side, she was fearless.
“Dad and Angel are throwing me a birthday celebration later. Jack and I are going. I wanted to come say hi to you first though. And I wanted to thank you for being my mom.”
Emma pulled the bandana from the loop of her waistband and held it
up, watching the fabric flutter in the growing breeze. “I’m returning this to you. I don’t need it to remember you. I have every memory I need in my heart.” She released the bandana and watched it take flight, feeling free herself.
Jack would probably have something to say about this as the park ranger here, but this felt like the right thing to do. And it was her birthday after all.
She inhaled deeply. “Also, Mom, I’m pretty sure Jack is coming up here with a ring and he’s going to ask me to spend my life with him. And I’m going to say yes.” Her heart fluttered in anticipation. Jack told her he was meeting her here this morning and bringing a gift. He’d been secretive for the last couple of weeks but they weren’t secrets like last summer’s.
Emma watched the bandana rise with the wind again. “I know you and Jack’s mom always dreamed out loud of Jack and me getting married one day. That’s become my dream too. He’s my best friend and the man of my dreams.” And she couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her birthdays with him.
The ground crunched behind her, and Barnaby took off downhill, barking like the ferocious guard dog he thought he was. Emma turned to see Jack coming off the path toward her. Her heart did a silly little dance.
“You didn’t let me serenade you last year,” he led with, “so I’m definitely going to sing happy birthday to you this year.”
She laughed as he stepped in front of her.
“Happy birthday, Emma,” he said softly, staring deeply into her eyes. “I have something for you.” Then he reached into his front pocket and pulled out a Hershey’s Kiss, its white flag raised high.
She took it and breathed a laugh, wondering if she’d gotten it all wrong. Maybe he wasn’t proposing up here this morning. “I should’ve known I’d be getting one of these today.”
The corner of his mouth curled. “If I have it my way, I’ll be bringing you these for the rest of my life.”
Her gaze jumped back up to meet his. Then, even though she’d been expecting it, she gasped as he dropped to one knee.
He held up his hand. “Don’t worry. I haven’t been bitten by a snake,” he teased.
Always teasing. Always making her laugh.
“I told you I was going to ask you to marry me one of these days,” he said, holding her gaze.
Emma nodded. “And I told you I was going to say yes.”
He smiled back at her, and then he reached into the pocket of his jeans, pulling out a small red velvet box. Her gaze dropped to it, and she stopped breathing for a moment. “Yes,” she finally said.
“I haven’t asked the question yet.” He grinned as he clutched the box. Then he dodged a sloppy kiss from Barnaby, who propped himself up on his leg.
“My answer will always be yes to you. I love you, Jack. I want to spend our lives together. You make me a better person. You make me stronger.”
“No. You were always the strongest woman I know.” He reached for her hand. “You’ve stolen half my lines, so I only have one thing left to say. To ask really.”
Emma held her breath.
“Emma, will you marry me?” He opened the box and revealed a round diamond that caught the light of the sun, reflecting a beautiful rainbow of colors.
Emma held out her left hand. “Yes,” she said, trembling as he slid the ring onto her finger. Then he stood and kissed her softly. When he came up for air, he had a song on his lips.
“Happy birthday to you,” he sang. “Happy birthday to you.”
She giggled softly.
“Happy birthday, dear Emma. Happy birthday to you…and many more.”
She grinned back at him. “You’re going to serenade me on my birthday for the rest of our lives too, aren’t you?”
“Forever,” he agreed. Then he kissed her again, slow and easy like the breeze that lifted around them. “And I for one can’t wait.”
Perfect Picnic Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A pimento cheese sandwich is perfect for picnicking with your special someone. Hungry for seconds? Pack an extra container of your homemade pimento spread to dip chips in later as the sun goes down behind the mountains and the fireflies come out!
Ingredients:
Pimento cheese spread (see homemade recipe below)
Sourdough bread
Avocado slices (optional)
Bacon slices (optional)
Bread and butter pickle spears (optional)
Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread:
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
½ cup Duke’s, Hellmann’s, or another high-quality mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon of onion powder
1 (4 ounce) jar of diced pimento, drained
1. Place all ingredients into a large bowl. Use a hand mixer to thoroughly combine them. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
2. Once the ingredients are mixed, spread a thick layer (to your preference) on a slice of sourdough bread.
3. Add bacon and/or avocado slices as desired. (Bacon makes everything taste better!) Bread and butter pickle spears go great on the sandwich or as a crunchy side.
4. Top off your sandwich with a second slice of bread and load up your picnic basket and favorite blanket. You might want to pack more than one sandwich for each picnicker because these are sure to be a hit!
About the Author
Annie Rains is a USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author who writes small-town love stories set in fictional places in her home state of North Carolina. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s living out her own happily ever after with her husband and three children.
Learn more at:
www.AnnieRains.com/
Twitter: @AnnieRainsBooks
Facebook.com/AnnieRainsBooks
Instagram: @AnnieRainsBooks
Also by Annie Rains
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane
A Wedding on Lavender Hill (short story)
Springtime at Hope Cottage
Kiss Me in Sweetwater Springs (short story)
Snowfall on Cedar Trail
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek
PRAISE FOR ANNIE RAINS AND HER SWEETWATER SPRINGS SERIES
Starting Over at Blueberry Creek
“This gentle love story, complete with cameos from fan-favorite characters, will enchant readers.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A sweet, fun, and swoony romantic read that was both entertaining and heartfelt.”
—TheGenreMinx.com
Snowfall on Cedar Trail
“Rains makes a delightful return to tiny Sweetwater Springs, N.C., in this sweet Christmas-themed contemporary. Rains highlights the happily-ever-afters of past books, making even new readers feel like residents catching up with the town gossip and giving romance fans plenty of sappy happiness.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Over the past year I’ve become a huge Annie Rains fangirl with her Sweetwater Springs series. I’m (not so) patiently waiting for Netflix or Hallmark to just pick up this entire series and make all my dreams come true.”
—CandiceZablan.com
Springtime at Hope Cottage
“A touching tale brimming with romance, drama, and feels! I really enjoyed what I found between the pages of this newest offering from Ms. Rains…Highly recommend!”
—RedsRomanceReviews.blogspot.com
“A wonderfully written romance that will make you wish you could visit this town.”
—RomancingtheReaders.com
“Annie Rains puts her heart in every word!”
—Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling author
“Annie Rains is a gifted storyteller, and I can’t wait for my next visit to Sweetwater Springs!”
—RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane
“Top Pick! Five stars! Romance author Annie Rains was blessed
with an empathetic voice that shines through each character she writes. Christmas on Mistletoe Lane is the latest example of that gift.”
—NightOwlReviews.com
“The premise is entertaining, engaging and endearing; the characters are dynamic and lively…the romance is tender and dramatic…A wonderful holiday read, Christmas on Mistletoe Lane is a great start to the holiday season.”
—TheReadingCafe.com
“Settle in with a mug of hot chocolate and prepare to find holiday joy in a story you won’t forget.”
—RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times bestselling author
“Don’t miss this sparkling debut full of heart and emotion!”
—Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author
“How does Annie Rains do it? This is a lovely book, perfect for warming your heart on a long winter night.”
—Grace Burrowes, New York Times bestselling author
A Fairytale Bride
Hope Ramsay
Melissa Portman is fighting a losing battle when it comes to saving her grandmother’s bookstore—and selling the historic building may be her only option. Yet when a handsome stranger wanders in one day, she wonders if her very own fairy tale is just beginning…
Please turn the page for a bonus story from USA Today bestselling author Hope Ramsay.
Chapter One
Jefferson Talbert-Lyndon turned up his jacket collar and hunkered down in an easy chair by the front window of Bean There Done That, the trendy coffee shop in downtown Shenandoah Falls, Virginia.
He fired up his tablet, connected to the coffee shop’s Internet, and scanned the headlines from the Washington Post and several cable news networks. Things had not improved since he’d left New York a week ago.
