“I love you too.”
He looked past Ava and saw the Fruitcake Lady standing in the hall, peering in. Before he could get any words out, she tipped a smile and gave him a salute as if to say, Goodbye. Somehow, in a way that defied words, he knew he’d never see her again. “Thank you,” he squeaked, emotion welling in his chest.
Ava frowned. “Who are you talking to?”
Beckett glanced at Ava. “To the woman in the hall.” He smiled broadly. “Ava, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
As Ava turned around to look, Beckett also did the same. The woman was gone.
“No one’s there.” Ava made a face, turning back to him. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Her voice faltered. “You’re injured. Plus, I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you. Losing everything in the fire. I’m so sorry.”
He laughed, feeling deliriously happy. “On the contrary, I didn’t lose anything.” His eyes held hers. “I have Jazzie, my parents, …” his voice grew soft “… you.” He traced the curve of her cheek with the tips of his fingers. “You’re everything I need.”
“Right back at you,” she uttered with an unencumbered laugh.
He wound a finger around a tendril of her fluid hair. “All that glitters is not gold,” he murmured.
Ava rewarded him with a smile so brilliant that he thought he caught a glimpse of heaven. “Beckett Bradshaw, you’re my gold,” she said softly, leaning in for another kiss.
Epilogue
As Beckett stood looking at the shiny, new building in front of him, he couldn’t help but feel blessed. In many ways, he felt like he was living a beautiful dream. Today marked a year from the date Beckett first learned he’d inherited Milton McQueen’s trust. Sometimes it still felt surreal to think he was a billionaire. It had been a turbulent ride getting to this point. Once the media found out about the living trust, Beckett’s entire life including his car accident and time on the streets, was broadcast over every internet site and TV channel known to man. The media frenzy had been especially hard on Jazzie, but she was tough and resilient. Pulling together, they’d made it through it. After several months, things settled back down to somewhat normal. Beckett chuckled. Was anyone’s life ever really normal?
It had been more challenging than Beckett guessed to balance running a company with holdings all over the world and his job as a firefighter. These days, Beckett looked forward to his shift at the station, because it gave him time to clear his mind of the stress of McQueen Capital Management.
He grinned thinking about how floored the fire crew was when they learned about his inheritance. They teased him relentlessly, nicknaming him Daddy Warbucks. At first, Garrett expressed concerned that it would change the dynamics of the crew as well as bring undue attention to the fire department. However, thankfully, the media soon lost interest in Beckett and went on to the next story.
Beckett offered a smile and nod to the man walking towards him and Houston.
“Looks like it’s about time for the show to start,” Houston said, shoving his hands in his pockets, as he rocked forward on the balls of his feet.
As Scotty approached, he thrust out his hand to give Beckett a hearty shake. “Hey, Blanket Man.” He motioned at the building. “It looks like you’ve built a fine shelter and training center. I’m honored that you’re letting me run it for you.”
“I can’t think of a better man for the job,” Beckett said, and he meant it. Scotty was compassionate to him when few other people were, taking the time to not only put aside the blankets for Beckett at the shelter, but also, talking to him like he was a person, not a number. Scotty truly cared about other people. That was the sort of man Beckett wanted on the frontline of this facility; which would provide people not only shelter and food, but also counseling and career training to help rebuild their lives.
“You must be decent at your job,” Scotty teased. “Not bad for a firefighter turned real estate guru.”
“Oh, he’s more than good,” Houston piped in. “This is the most profitable year we’ve ever had.” He gave Beckett an appraising look. “I guess Milton McQueen was the smart one. He realized the boy was a genius when it comes to business.”
“Thanks,” Beckett said with a casual shrug, “but that might be laying it on a little thick.” Houston had been right by his side the entire time, giving advice and being a sounding board. Not only was he a great mentor, but also a close friend.
Scotty pulled out his phone. “It’s 10:15. What time is the media getting here?”
“The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 11:00,” Houston said. “I reckon the posse will be arriving soon. The mayor’s supposed to be here too.” He turned to Beckett. “What time are the missus and Jazzie getting here?”
“They should be arriving any minute.” Even as Beckett spoke the words, Ava’s BMW wagon pulled into the parking lot.
A few minutes later, Ava and Jazzie came into view. Ava’s blonde tresses bounced against her red coat with her every step. She looked like a model with her perfect features and slender figure. Jazzie half-walked/half-skipped beside her. The two of them made up Beckett’s entire world. Ava caught his eye and flashed a brilliant smile that caused his heart to flip. Having her as his wife was the greatest miracle in his life, besides Jazzie’s recovery, proof that God wasn’t keeping score of His blessings. Ava made Beckett the happiest man on earth when she agreed to become his wife. They were married the past June. The six months since had been the best in Beckett’s life. Every single moment with Ava was an adventure, and he looked forward to a lifetime more.
“Sorry we’re late,” Ava began as she hugged Beckett. He leaned in and kissed her on the mouth. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” she chimed, beaming.
Jazzie made a face. “Get a room,” she said disgustedly.
Houston and Scotty let out a few surprised chortles.
Beckett shot Jazzie an exasperated look. “Really? The room thing again? I thought we’d been over this.”
“Got ya!” Jazzie laughed, flashing Beckett an impish grin, letting him know the little stinker enjoyed razzing him. He grabbed her and ruffled her hair.
“Stop,” she protested. “Dad, you’re messing up my hair!”
“What’re we gonna do with her?” he asked Ava.
Ava only smiled and shook her head.
“Just love me, I suppose,” Jazzie said flippantly. “Oh, and I wouldn’t mind having a new phone.”
Beckett grunted. “Is that right?”
“Yes,” Jazzie countered emphatically.
Now that Beckett had money, Jazzie’s wish list was never ending. Yes, he could buy Jazzie everything her heart desired, but he wanted her to grow up responsibly, recognizing the value of work. That didn’t stop the little stinker from asking for the world.
Jazzie turned to Ava, her expression pleading. “You know how badly I need a new phone.” She brought her hands together. “Please.”
“We’ll talk about it,” Ava said evasively, looking to Beckett for help. He only grinned, shaking his head. He was grateful that Ava and Jazzie got along so well.
“Also,” Jazzie continued, “will we still be able to go to Disneyland after Christmas, even with a baby on the way?”
Beckett’s jaw dropped. Baby? His pulse picked up its beat as he looked at Ava, whose face had turned as crimson as her coat.
“Jazzie,” Ava exclaimed, her eyes widening. “You weren’t supposed to say anything until I had a chance to talk to your dad.” She gave Beckett a sheepish look. “I’m sorry, Jazzie saw the pregnancy test in the bathroom when we were getting ready.” Her expression took on a radiant glow. “I just found out this morning.”
Adrenaline shot through Beckett as his eyes misted. “Are you serious?”
A full smile broke over Ava’s lips. “Yes.” She gave him a tender look. “We’re having a baby.”
He let out a whoop and pulled her into his arms, twirling her around. “A baby!” He laughed, tears coming t
o his eyes. “That’s wonderful!” he exclaimed. A feeling of overwhelming gratitude flowed through Beckett, making him feel like his heart would burst. He’d been the lowest of the low, a faceless homeless man who thought redemption was out of his reach. Then, in the most unexpected and wondrous way, a loving Heavenly Father had given him infinitely more than he could’ve ever hoped for. His cup was filled to overflowing.
“Congratulations,” Houston said, giving him a hearty pat on the back.
“Yes,” Scotty, added.
Beckett peered into Ava’s eyes. “I love you,” he murmured, stroking her hair.
Her lips tipped in a smile, revealing her adorable dimples. “I love you too.”
He glanced at Jazzie, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “You’d better close your eyes, Jazzie, because I’m about to give this wonderful woman of mine a kiss that will curl your toenails.”
“Yuck!” Jazzie said with a mortified expression, but her eyes twinkled happiness.
Everyone else but Ava disappeared as Beckett’s lips claimed hers. As a spark of desire flickered through his veins and their lips began their familiar dance, a single word kept running through Beckett’s mind—joy!
Want more Christmas Romance? Check out The Christmas Romance Collection, Jennifer’s other Christmas collection.
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Books by Jennifer Youngblood
Check out Jennifer’s Amazon Page HERE
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Blue Collar Boss
Her Lost Chance Boss
Georgia Patriots Romance
The Hot Headed Patriot
The Twelfth Hour Patriot
The Unstoppable Patriot
O’Brien Family Romance
The Impossible Groom (Chas O’Brien)
The Twelfth Hour Patriot (McKenna O’Brien)
The Stormy Warrior (Caden O’Brien and Tess Eisenhart)
Christmas
Rewriting Christmas (A Novella)
Yours By Christmas (Park City Firefighter Romance)
Her Crazy Rich Fake Fiancé
Navy SEAL Romance
The Resolved Warrior
The Reckless Warrior
The Diehard Warrior
The Stormy Warrior
The Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Perfect
Texas Titan Romances
The Hometown Groom
The Persistent Groom
The Ghost Groom
The Jilted Billionaire Groom
The Impossible Groom
Hawaii Billionaire Series
Love Him or Lose Him
Love on the Rocks
Love on the Rebound
Love at the Ocean Breeze
Love Changes Everything
Loving the Movie Star
Love Under Fire (A Companion book to the Hawaii Billionaire Series)
Kisses and Commitment Series
How to See With Your Heart
Angel Matchmaker Series
Kisses Over Candlelight
The Cowboy and the Billionaire’s Daughter
Romantic Thrillers
False Identity
False Trust
Promise Me Love
Burned
Contemporary Romance
Beastly Charm
Fairytale Retellings (The Grimm Laws Series)
Banish My Heart (This book is FREE)
The Magic in Me
Under Your Spell
A Love So True
Southern Romance
Livin’ in High Cotton
Recipe for Love
The Secret Song of the Ditch Lilies
Short Stories
The Southern Fried Fix
Falling for the Doc Series
Cooking with the Doc (Co-authored with Craig Depew, MD)
The St. Claire Sisters Series
Meet Me in London (Co-authored with Haley Hopkins)
Collections
The Christmas Bliss Romance Collection
Christmas Romance Collection
The Cozy Fire Collection
Sweet Beginnings Series Starter Collection
Jennifer’s Military Romance Collection
The Heart and Soul Collection
Texas Titan Romance Collection
Hawaii Billionaire Romance Collection
The Southern Romance Collection
The Romance Suspense Collection
About Jennifer Youngblood
Jennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii in 1989. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.
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