Drew: Book One of the Perfectly Independent Series

by Amanda Shelley

  No, that honor is directly tied to Abby.

  I remember it as if it were yesterday…

  I’d insisted on meeting for breakfast early that morning. Wanting to keep as much normalcy as I could manage, I’d asked for breakfast at the diner. She had no idea what was in store for her.

  We came in and sat in our usual booth. Vanessa took our order, and I did my best to keep our conversation casual. Abby could clearly tell I was anxious about something, but I was sure she suspected it was likely about the game. So, she prattled on about meaningless things to distract me. God, she was adorable.

  As we waited for our food, I noticed my parents and Aunt Kathy slip in behind Abby. But I ignored them, keeping Abby none the wiser. When Sydney and Chloe walked in with two people who I assumed were Abby’s parents, I knew it was time.

  We’d spoken on the phone, but with the tournament going on, I’d never actually met them. After explaining my plan, they were leery but on board with everything. After all—it wasn’t them who needed to agree with me.

  It was now or never. My palms began to sweat, and my heart raced out of my chest.

  Had I ever been that nervous?

  Of course, Abby noticed. “Everything okay, Drew?”

  Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I exhaled slowly. Then I began what was likely to be one of the most memorable experiences in my lifetime.

  “Abby.” I waited until she looked me in the eye, so I knew I had her full attention. “I love you more than anything in this world, you know that, right?”

  A beautiful blush spread over her cheeks that I’d never tire of. “Of course. I love you, too. Are you nervous about the game?” Her concern for me was etched across her features.

  I reached out to take her hand in mine from across the table. “I’m not nervous about the game…” I drew out. “I’ll either win or lose, but I’ll leave it all on the court.”

  Her confidence in me was astounding as she squeezed my hand and nodded silently in understanding.

  I looked to my family and hers again, as I gathered up my strength to lay my heart on the line.

  “Winning another championship would be amazing, but at the end of the day, it’s just a game. I’m actually hoping to have another reason to celebrate this day for many years to come.”

  Confusion morphed across Abby’s features. Her eyebrows pulled together in the most adorable way. I just wanted to kiss that look off her face. But I couldn’t let myself get distracted. Instead, I took a stroll down memory lane.

  “Abby, when I walked into that classroom, little did I know the partner I scouted for would be the one I’d want in life.”

  “Okay…” she drew out, clearly not seeing where I was going with this.

  “You were strong, independent, and let’s be honest—called me on my shit. But you were also the first person besides my family to see the real Drew Jacobs.”

  “Oh, Drew…” she started to say with tears building up behind her lashes.

  God, I hoped she didn’t cry before I could finish, or I might be bawling right alongside her.

  I stood and came to her side of the booth, where she turned to face me. I was sure she thought I was just coming to comfort her, but when I dropped to one knee, she gasped.

  Her beautiful brown eyes were wide and filled with questions.

  “Abby Angelos, I think I’ve loved you from that very first day I annoyed the hell out of you. You’re the most kind, loving, and stubborn woman I’ve ever met. Would you do me the honor of not only being my partner in school, but in life?”

  I pulled out the box that had been burning a hole in my pocket since my mother gave it to me the night before.

  Immediately, I noticed Abby’s hand tremble as she brought it to cover her clearly shocked expression.

  “This was my grandmother’s wedding ring. And if you don’t like it, I’ll work hard to get you one you deserve. But in the meantime, will you answer one important question?”

  Abby nodded repeatedly. I wasn’t sure if it were to get me to keep going, or if it would be the answer to my prayers. But I forced myself to continue.

  “Abby, will you make this the happiest day of my life and agree to be my wife? I love you, Abby Angelos. Marry me?”

  Abby didn’t say anything but jumped into my arms, nearly knocking me on my ass. I quickly recovered, but instead of staying on one knee, I pulled us into a standing position.

  When I was sure she was steady on her feet, I finally looked her in the eyes.

  Tears streamed down her face, and her smile could probably be seen from the moon, it was so big. But she still hadn’t given me a definite answer. Then I whispered, “Is that a yes?”

  “God, Drew!” Abby said on a sob. “Yes… Yes, I’ll marry you!”

  My heart nearly beat out of my chest as my lips crashed onto hers to show her she’d made me the happiest man alive.

  Cheers erupted from the diner, and I could care less we had an audience.

  When Abby pulled away breathless, the expression of wonder and beauty would be etched in my memories for as long as I live.

  Of course, our friends and family surrounded us by the time we broke free, and each of them congratulated us. When Abby realized the lengths I went through to orchestrate this, she turned to me and said, “You’re in so much trouble, Drew Jacobs.”

  “You can be mad at me after my game this evening. Until then, just continue to love me like you do.”

  With this, everyone laughed at my smartass antics.

  “Dr. Jacobs?” Suzanna, a nurse we’ve hired to work in our clinic, interrupts my trip down memory lane.

  “Your wife is looking for you. You were supposed to meet her out front a few minutes ago. Everyone is waiting.”

  “Thanks for the reminder,” I say as I get up from my desk.

  When I reach the lobby of the building Abby and I have leased, I find everyone I know and love standing in there waiting.

  Abby still manages to take my breath away when I look into her beautiful golden-brown eyes. I swear she’s hardly changed in the last ten years, though she’d wholeheartedly disagree. When Abby spots me, she comes up to take my hand. There’s a bounce to her step, and radiant energy flows through her. I love her more now than ever before. She’s been my partner in every sense of the word. I’m so thankful I chose her that day when I walked into class. It was by far my best decision. Ever.

  I lean in to kiss her, and I’m still mesmerized by her beauty and scent that’s uniquely her. She’s dressed in a navy-blue wrap dress that accentuates her every curve in the best possible way. Especially, the baby bump that only I can notice.

  Abby and I are planners. We plot everything out. Make goals and smash them into oblivion together. Pregnancy wasn’t on that list, with opening our practice together, but knowing Abby as well as I do, she’s not about to let anything get in her way. I know with every fiber of my being, she’ll be the best mom possible.

  She steps up to the podium we’ve set up with pride and confidence. Everyone in the room settles. I stand by her side, never letting go. It’s an honor to share this with her.

  “Welcome, everyone. Thank you so much for coming.” Applause fills the room, and she waits, before continuing. “Drew and I couldn’t be happier to have you experience this journey with us.

  “This has been a dream come true for us. For years, we’ve wanted to return to Spokane and open a practice of our own. Our goal is to provide preventative and routine care to children in this community. We’ll be there with you as if you’re members of our family. We value you as unique individuals and promise our care and commitment to you. We look forward to working with you and want to welcome you to Jacobs’ Pediatrics & Oncology.”

  Another round of loud applause roars throughout the room, making my heart soar.

  I take this moment to step up to the mic and say a few words in honor of this celebration. Sure, we officially opened months ago, but today is the grand opening to welcome the communi
ty.

  “When my sister Summer was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s years ago, my family and I were devastated. But through the strength and support of great health care professionals, we were able to spend many more years with Summer and get through her loss as a family. I know what it’s like to have to travel across the state to receive the care you need in this situation. Part of the reason Abby and I wanted to open our practice here, is to provide opportunities for families on this side of the state to get their needs met. We thank you for coming out today to help us celebrate. We couldn’t do this without you and want you to know how much your support means to us. Thank you.”

  Once another round of applause dies down, I remind the crowd, “Please help yourselves to food and refreshments. Abby and I will be around should you have any questions. Thanks again for coming to celebrate this journey with us.”

  With that, I look to Abby. She reaches up on the tips of her toes and kisses me lightly on the cheek. Seeing that I hadn’t forgotten to say anything, she squeezes my hand, and we walk away from the podium to mingle with our guests.

  Before we part, she looks to me and caresses my face with her free hand. Then she whispers, “I love you, Dr. Jacobs. We did it. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  The look on her face makes me wish we were anywhere but in a crowded room. But I’m brought back to my memories at my desk from earlier, and I proudly remind her, “I’m sure glad I chose you, Angel. I’m sure glad I chose you.”

  She rolls her eyes and smiles. “I won’t let you forget it.”

  THE END

  If you want more from this series, be sure to check out Vince: Book Two of the Perfectly Independent Series where Sydney’s story will continue…

  It’s funny how one night can change everything.

  Since my parents died, I refuse to be another statistic. I’ve had to make sacrifices - especially when it comes to my social life. I'm convinced it's worth it and I'll have plenty of time to focus on me... later.

  Then Sydney walks into my life and knocks my world off kilter.

  She’s strong, sexy, independent and possibly more than I can handle. She's everything I've ever wanted, but my reality and the secret I’m harboring, might have her running in the other direction.

  Will my perfectly laid out plans go up in flames if I take a chance on her?

  About the Author

  Amanda Shelley loves falling into a book to experience new worlds. As an avid reader and writer, sharing worlds of her own creation is a passion that has inspired her to become an author. She writes contemporary romance with characters who are strong and sexy with a touch of sass.

  When not writing, Amanda enjoys time with her family, playing chauffeur, chef, and being an enthusiastic fan for her children. Keeping up with them keeps her alert and grounded. She enjoys long car rides, chai lattes, and popping her SUV into four-wheel drive for adventures anywhere.

  Amanda loves hearing from readers. Be sure sign up for her newsletter and follow her on social media. Join her reader’s group Amanda’s Army of Readers to stay up to date on her latest information.

  Readers group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmandasArmyofReaders/

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19713563.Amanda_Shelley

  Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3iyENe6

  www.amandashelley.com

  Acknowledgments

  First, I want to thank you, the reader, blogger, and reviewer for reading this book. There are plenty to choose from, and I want you to know I appreciate you choosing mine to spend your time with. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed Drew and Abby as much as I have. I’d love to hear from you. You can find me on social media, my reader’s group Amanda’s Army of Readers or at www.amandashelley.com. If you care to share your thoughts on this book with other book lovers, please consider leaving a review at any of the retail sites or on Goodreads and BookBub.

  I’d like to thank Amy Queau at Q Design Covers and Premades for creating the incredible cover for this book. You took my vision for this series and brought it to life and with those images, I’m dying to continue writing this series! You’re brilliant, and I absolutely love working with you! I see many more books in our future!

  This book wouldn’t be what it is without my amazing team of support. To Renita McKinney at A Book A Day Author Services, thank you for helping me make Drew and Abby the best they can be and developing them as characters.

  To Susan Soares at SJS Editorial Services, thank you for working with me. I appreciate your time and feedback. You are amazing to work with. This book wouldn’t be what it is today without you.

  To Julie Deaton at Deaton Author Services, thanks for making my book pretty. I appreciate knowing your proofreading is exquisite, and my worries become less. Your eagle eyes are spectacular, and I don’t know what I’d do without you.

  To Mickel Yantz, thank you for designing my chapter images. Little did you know as a graphic designer, you’d be talking plot and inadvertently becoming a beta reader. I can’t wait to work with you for swag soon.

  To the people who have supported me along the way, I’m humbly grateful to have you in my life. Whether you’ve read my books, asked me about my progress, listened to me talk about my fictional characters as if they’re a part of my family, plotted with me or been my cheerleader, I appreciate your continued support. Please know it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

  Last but certainly not least, to my four beautiful girls, who have had to wait patiently when I said, “Just one more minute,” when I obviously meant a lot more than one. I love that you get I have deadlines and will sometimes keep me to task with your not so subtle reminders that “Mom… you should be working” during my designated times. I appreciate your support more than you’ll ever know. Even though you can’t read these books—because that might be weird—for both of us, I love that you keep asking. I love you all more than words can express. You’re the reason I continue to strive and reach for my goals each day.

  Also by Amanda Shelley

  Available at all retailers

  https://amandashelley.com/books-by-amanda-shelley-2/

  Resilience: Book One of Resilience Duet

  Resolution: Book Two of Resilience Duet

  Samantha never saw Enzo coming.

  As the dust settles from her divorce, her life is full. She doesn’t have time for distractions. She’s too busy running her own company and checking off numerous items from her kids’ demanding schedule to have a life of her own.

  Then he walks into her kitchen with his breathtaking green eyes and a mischievous grin. He’s there to surprise his father - her contractor, but his presence makes everything off kilter.

  Enzo’s perfectly content with his adventurous life as an elite rescue pilot, until a harmless prank turns on him. Instead of surprising his father, he finds his world thrown off course by the beautiful woman with a sexy smile, wicked sass and the mouthwatering ability to keep him on his toes.

  With his limited time on leave, is she worth the risk to his heart?

  Making The Call

  Dani

  As a bestselling romance author, most assume my life’s glamorous, filled with combustible chemistry, and most of all, romance. Ha! I can only wish. With a deadline looming, I’ve escaped to my family’s cabin on Anderson Island to free myself from distractions. My plan's great, until a man, who could pass as a cover model on one of my books, comes to my rescue. Is there chemistry? Sure. Is he everything I’d look for in a guy? Absolutely. But will my career be at risk if I give into my desire?

  Luke

  For a player, women line up outside the locker room. For coaches, we're lucky to get in the game. As the youngest NFL coach in the league, I live, eat, breathe, and even sleep football. To gear up for this season, I return to my home on Anderson Island for a much-needed break. When Dani literally crashes into my life, my mind’s suddenly on the sexy brunette with a sailors mouth, rather than my team's next play. She has me dusting off another playbook entirel
y, making me wonder, did I make the right call?

  https://amandashelley.com/books-by-amanda-shelley-2/

  Coming Soon

  Vince: Book Two of the Perfectly Independent Series

  It’s funny how one night can change everything.

  Since my parents died, I refuse to be another statistic. I’ve had to make sacrifices - especially when it comes to my social life. I'm convinced it's worth it and I'll have plenty of time to focus on me... later.

  Then Sydney walks into my life and knocks my world off kilter.

  She’s strong, sexy, independent and possibly more than I can handle. She's everything I've ever wanted, but my reality and the secret I’m harboring, might have her running in the other direction.

  Will my perfectly laid out plans go up in flames if I take a chance on her?

  https://amandashelley.com/books-by-amanda-shelley-2/