by Sylvie Fox
“I know the room is not finished,” Nick rambled on, clearly anxious about her reaction to all this, “but I couldn’t figure out what kind of curtains or blinds or drapes you might want. I made measurements, and I thought maybe you could pick something out at an online store, or if you know of something at a local store, I’ll order it or pick it up for you.”
She shook her head again, trying to figure out what he was trying to say. “Are you asking me to stay?”
He nodded. “I love you, Holly. You’re the most beautiful, most amazing woman I’ve ever known. I love your hair,” he said reaching up to stroke her curls. “I love your body. You overwhelm me. I can’t imagine ever not wanting you. I know that I’ve made this hard for both of us, but I want to do this right once and for all.” Nick stood slowly and removed a small velvet box from the top drawer of the dresser. He knelt again, this time on one knee. “I love you, Holly, and I love our child whoever he or she turns out to be. Will you marry me?”
“Are you certain about this?” Holly asked, suddenly feeling very unsure. It felt like every nerve in her body was on alert, quivering in anticipation of her response. “You don’t have a couch,” she blurted out.
He didn’t even blink at her non sequitur. “I know how much you love your grandparents’ things. I didn’t get anything for the living room because I hoped you would bring your settee here to make it your home as much as mine.”
Holly was at a loss for words then. “Oh,” was all she managed to say.
He nodded solemnly. “I know I’ve taken a long time to come to this. But I’m surer of this than I’ve ever been of anything.”
It was overwhelming to know that everything she’d ever wanted was within her grasp, a man she loved deeply, a baby to complete their family. Finally, a sense of belonging. She looked at the emerald solitaire that was more perfect for her than any diamond she’d ever seen, and nodded yes. Her throat was too constricted with emotion to say the words.
He slid the ring on her finger and kissed her soundly, deeply. It was a kiss of promise, of hope, of the future, of always.
Epilogue
Early morning light cast a bluish glow on Holly’s face as she rocked the sleepy baby in her arms. The infant had just nursed and should sleep for a few hours at least, giving Holly time to rest. She was ready to lay her child in the mahogany crib when Iris’s bright green eyes popped open, roaming the room. Holly scooped the baby in her arms again and turned to face the door where her fiancé Nick leaned against the frame. Her fiancé. The words rang in her mind like a dream come true. After all their setbacks, it still amazed her that this wonderful man had come into her life. He was gorgeous, charming, loving, and all hers. Letting his age blind her to his love had been her biggest mistake. She was glad they had made their peace with it before their fears had crushed their love.
“Is she asleep?” Nick whispered.
“No, she was about to drift off but opened her eyes when her daddy walked into the room.”
Nick took the drowsy baby from Holly’s arms and cradled her against his shoulder. Like magic, the baby dropped off.
Holly shook her head wonderingly. “It happens every time.”
Holly dropped back into the leather-padded rocking chair, bone weary. Nick kneeled next to her, swallowing her hands in his.
“I never thanked you.”
“For what?” Holly asked.
“For honoring my mother like you did. I was truly moved when you announced to everyone in the delivery room that our daughter would be called Iris.”
“She sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I know that she surely raised an amazing son. I wish I’d had the chance to get to know her,” Holly said wistfully.
“Mom would have loved you as much as I do.”
“I hope our daughter can live up to the name,” Holly said.
“I’m sure she will,” Nick said. They both rose quietly, being sure not to disturb the baby, and walked to the bedroom, whispering about the upcoming wedding and planning their future.
About the Author
I write the kinds of books I love to read. The quirky characters in my romance novels experience passion, angst, and conflict, but always get their “happily ever after.” Though I’m a native of Brooklyn, New York, I made the move to Los Angeles where I live with my husband, son, and a handful of rescued pets. When I’m not hanging out in Hollywood, I’m eating my way through Budapest. I love to connect with readers at www.sylviefox.com. I can always be found procrastinating on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
L.A. Nights heats up. Sign up to my mailing list to find out when the next L.A. Nights book drops. Also get updates on my longer stand-alone romances releasing in 2014.
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Sylvie
Also Available from Sylvie Fox
Sophie meets her match in Unlikely, another L.A. Nights romance.
There are only two things Sophie Reid doesn’t do: lawyers and sex.
When sexy lawyer Ryan Becker stumbles into her life, her first two thoughts are “no,” and “definitely no.” After Sophie and Ryan rescue a dog from certain death on the Hollywood Freeway, they share one smoldering kiss. Sophie knows a potential train wreck when she sees it and leaves the dog and Ryan at the pound knowing she’ll never see either of them again.
Poor kid turned corporate attorney, Ryan vowed he’d get an education, succeed, and be welcomed in the front door of the most stately homes in Beverly Hills. Now that his career is on an upward trajectory, he is ready to settle down. Unfortunately, the women he has been meeting haven’t set his heart racing.
Enter: Sophie.
A master of persuasion by profession, Ryan convinces Sophie to pursue their undeniable mutual attraction. But Ryan’s quest to be a success at the very occupation she reviles rankles her.
When a Hollywood union strikes, Ryan and Sophie find themselves on opposite sides of the bargaining table. Can their sparks in the bedroom overcome their standoff in the boardroom?
Impasse
Sylvie Fox
Los Angeles, California
This edition published by
Penner Media
Post Office Box 57914
Los Angeles, California 91413
www.pennermedia.com
Copyright © 2013 by Sylvie Fox
ISBN 13: 978-1-940811-01-7
eISBN 13: 978-1-940811-00-0
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, corporations, institutions, organizations, events, or locales in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or, if real, used fictitiously. The resemblance of any character to actual persons (living or dead) is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba, Mae I Design
Cover images © Thinkstock
