by Ryan, Joya
Sweet Hill was her home and this was her community. Their community.
“Everyone is loving this, Mia,” Ms. Delmore said and hugged Mia then hugged Tate. “I was going to wait until Monday to call you in, but the job is yours if you want it.”
“Really!”
“Congratulations, sweetheart,” Tate patted her bottom and Mia couldn’t help but jump up and down a little. There she was, in public with her Deputy boyfriend feeling like nothing in the world could touch her. “I’m so happy,” she said, feeling the need to just enjoy the moment. “Thank you so much, Ms. Delmore, I can’t wait to start.”
Since Tate was running unopposed and the election was next week, he was gearing up to take over Sheriff. But judging by the way people kept coming up to him, shaking his hand and offering their support, Tate gained the faith of the town, and the support from his mentor.
“You’re going to do a fine job, son,” Branch said and patted Tate’s back. “There’s no better man to entrust with Sweet Hill than you.” He raised his cup of cider. “Proud of you.”
“Thank you, sir,” Tate said.
Branch looked at Mia. “And you, young lady,” she gulped hard. “You keep Tatum here on his toes, huh?”
“I think I can do that.” She smiled. When Branch walked off, Mia turned and kissed Tate and knew she caught him off guard but he wrapped her up and kissed her back.
Of all the things to end a year with, Mia couldn’t help but feel blessed. Tate found the peace he was looking for with Branch. He was truly a good man and the entire town saw that.
Mia’s cheeks were starting to hurt she was smiling so much. She had a man in her life who valued her, a new job and a brother who had the promise of a bright future and great friends. For the first time, she felt accomplished, responsible and cherished. She had people counting on her and she counted on them.
“I love you,” she whispered against Tate’s mouth.
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
And Mia believed him. Just like she knew he believed in her.
For more books by Joya Ryan, check out her website:
www.JoyaRyan.com
The Shattered Series
Break Me Slowly (Shattered #1)
Possess Me Slowly (Shattered #2)
Capture Me Slowly (Shattered #3)
The Sweet Hill Series
Sweet Hill Temptation (Novella)
The Sweet Torment Series
Breathe You In
About the Author
Joya Ryan is the national and international bestselling author of The Shattered Series. She loves to cook and is a terrible dancer, though that doesn’t keep her off the dance floor. Currently, she lives in California with her husband and two young sons.
