by J. H. Croix
He smiled. I was deeply in love with another man, but I knew that smile did something to plenty of women. “You don't look anything like little Archie in fifth grade, although you do have the same hair and same eyes,” I offered.
He chuckled. “Good to see you, Mae.”
When I glanced toward Phoebe, her cheeks were tinged pink.
“What brings you back to Willow Brook?” I asked. “Do you have any family still here?” I didn’t think his parents were around, but I didn’t know if he had other family nearby.
“You remember the Cannon Mine?”
“I do. It closed, like forever ago. Aren’t they trying to re-open it?” I replied.
Archer dipped his chin in acknowledgment, and even that was kind of sexy. I flicked my eyes to Phoebe, thinking she would have one hell of a time resisting this guy.
“It did close, but my family owns it. I’m here to take over management.”
“Isn’t there a big thing about the environment with that? I’ve only been back a month or so and am getting caught up on all the local issues, but unless I’m confused, there’s a ton of opposition to re-opening it.”
Archer nodded slowly. “Don't worry, we're not going to ruin the environment. That’s why I’m here.”
Phoebe cast him an assessing look. “Here’s to hoping.”
“Well, it’s good to see you. I’ve got a few errands to run after getting coffee. Welcome back to Willow Brook.”
Archer smiled again. “Good to see you, Mae.”
“Are you bringing him to the fire station tonight?” That question slipped out without me thinking.
Phoebe looked a little flustered, which was definitely not a Phoebe thing. She was a badass hotshot firefighter. She didn’t do flustered.
“She didn't mention it,” Archer offered with a sly grin. “But I'd love to go.”
Feeling mischievous, I replied, “Oh, you should totally go. I'll be there with Rowan.”
I was certain Phoebe would have glared at me if it weren't for Archer sitting right there. I grinned and patted her lightly on the shoulder. “See you tonight.”
As planned, we went to my parents’ house for an early dinner. I was returning from the bathroom and found my father with his hand on Rowan’s shoulder. Their heads were bent close together as they conferred. My mother sat beside my father, smiling almost giddily.
“What's going on?” I asked when I reached the table.
“Nothing,” my mother said quickly, too quickly.
I knew she was hedging, but whatever. “You two enjoy the staff holiday party at the fire station,” my father said a few minutes later.
“We will. Good to see you both,” Rowan replied as he reached for my hand.
“What was that about?” I asked once we stepped out into the freezing cold night.
“Nothing, just chatting with your parents,” he replied casually.
“That wasn't nothing,” I retorted.
“Wasn't that a double negative?” Rowan teased.
I rolled my eyes. “Fess up.”
“You're going to have to wait.”
“What if I don't want to wait?”
All I got was a low chuckle in return. I contemplated badgering him on the drive to the fire station, but it was only about three minutes. When we arrived, we were swept into the back area. I glanced around. “Wow, it’s festive.”
Maisie appeared at my side. “Isn't it, though? I even made the guys help me decorate,” she said solemnly.
Beck arrived at her side, adding, “And we did a great job.”
Susannah strode over, pulling me into a quick hug. “Hey, you! Glad you two could make it.”
“Wouldn't miss it. This place is bigger than I expected.” The utilitarian space was decorated with some small wreaths, and glittering lights hung from the ceilings with large red bows in the corners of the room. There was a table with plenty of alcohol and a collection of food.
“You didn't tell me it was a potluck,” I said, nudging Rowan in the side.
His eyes caught mine as he smiled sheepishly. “I told them that we had to go to dinner with your parents, and I didn't have time. I didn't want to make it your responsibility.”
I sighed. “Ugh. We’re that couple now.”
“What couple?” Graham asked as he approached with Madison's hand in his.
“The couple who didn't bring anything to the potluck because Rowan didn't tell me,” I explained.
“He said you had to have dinner with your parents tonight,” Graham replied.
“Well, we did, but I would’ve made cookies or something. Anything.”
Madison shrugged. “It's okay. You can bring something next time.”
There were enough friends here that I forgot to wonder about Rowan's conversation with my parents until the following morning.
The clear cold from Christmas Eve was chased away by clouds that rolled in during the night. We woke to over six inches of snow on the ground with plump snowflakes still falling from the sky. My mother had gifted us a Christmas tree from a local artist who made decorative trees out of reclaimed crab pots. I pulled it out of the box, set it up on the table, and plugged in the lights just as Rowan came in from the bedroom. His hair was rumpled, and he looked sleepy. And sooo sexy.
“Good morning,” I murmured as I crossed over and leaned up for a kiss.
He palmed my cheek, turning what I meant to be a brief kiss into a lingering one. I was flushed all over by the time he lifted his head. Sassafras bumped against our calves, and he peered down with a chuckle. “Well, good morning. She touches me now,” Rowan offered as he looked back at me.
I laughed. “I know.” I abruptly remembered my question last night and pressed my palm to his chest. “No more kisses until you tell me what you were talking about with my parents last night.”
“Mae,” he protested. “Can I please surprise you?”
“Fine, don’t tell me,” I muttered, turning and crossing into the kitchen. I was on the way to start coffee when he called my name.
When I turned back around, he was standing under the mistletoe that I'd jokingly hung a few nights ago. “What is it?” I asked. He looked rather serious.
“Well, you know…” Suddenly, he seemed nervous and shifted on his feet.
“Are you okay?” I crossed over to him.
He was wearing a pair of worn sweatpants. I was partial to how they hung low on his hips because I could take a gander at his sculpted abs. He slipped his hand into the pocket, pulling something out. “All right, I won't wait,” he said, almost to himself.
“Wait for what?”
He opened his palm, and my pulse rocketed. “Rowan? Is that what I think it is?”
He nodded slowly. “You said you loved opals, that it was your favorite stone. Remember?”
I blinked at the tears threatening to spill over. “Uh-huh,” I whispered.
Years back, before we even went on our first actual date, Rowan had been present for a conversation in my dorm room. I didn't even remember which friend it was, but she was all giddy because she wanted to get engaged. That led to a conversation about rings, and I’d said my favorite stone was an opal even though it wasn't traditional.
“So, I talked to your parents about it last night. Not because I thought I needed anyone’s permission, but because I know how much they mean to you. I'm trying to get things right this time. You know?”
I swallowed through the emotion thick in my throat, and a single tear slipped down my cheek.
“Mae, please don’t cry. If this is too soon—”
“No, they’re good tears,” I said hurriedly.
Then he was stepping closer and sliding one arm around my waist. We looked down together at the simple ring he held in his hand. The iridescent opal shone under a ray of the early morning sun that broke through the clouds and fell in a hazy shaft through the windows.
“I can't believe you remembered that,” I whispered.
“There's not much I
forgot about you, Mae. I told your parents that I loved you. I wanted them to know that, for me, you're the real deal. And, well, that's it.” He took in a gulp of air.
“You're the real deal for me too. I'm sorry it took us so long.”
“It's okay. You have nothing to apologize for. I'm just really glad I took the chance to come out here when I heard about the job. It was only ever us. You know that, right?”
It was only ever us. Then he was kissing me, and the ring fit perfectly.
I squealed and held it out for him. “I’m not the kind to freak out about jewelry, but it's pretty incredible you remembered that conversation.”
His eyes were warm, and when he smiled, it felt as if a ray of the sun cast over my heart.
It was the best Christmas I'd ever had. After a relaxed morning, we went over to my parents for gifts and had lunch. All I wanted was time with Rowan. And that night in front of the fire, without the shag carpet, was everything I wanted.
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Thank you for reading Rowan & Mae’s story - I hope you loved it!
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Up next in the Light My Fire Series is Archer & Phoebe’s story. Archer & Phoebe were childhood best friends until Archer moved away after fifth grade. It’s safe to say they didn’t have romance on the radar in those days.
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Fast forward over a decade and Phoebe’s ex cheated on her with her bestie. Archer is moving back to town and needs a wife. He offers to salvage Phoebe’s pride. Before she can think twice, she’s married to the man she used to jump in mud puddles with.
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Archer’s not supposed to be so tall, dark and damn sexy. They’re supposed to be faking it. But there are definitely some things they are not faking.
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Don’t miss Archer & Phoebe’s friends to lovers, marriage of convenience romance - it’s hot, swoony and gooey sweet all in one!
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Pre-order Fall For Me - due out Feb 22, 2022!
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For more swoony romance…
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This Crazy Love kicks off the Swoon Series - small town southern romance with enough heat to melt you! Jackson & Shay’s story is epic - swoon-worthy & intensely emotional. Jackson just happens to be Shay’s brother’s best friend. He’s also seriously easy on the eyes. Shay has a past, the kind of past she would most definitely like to forget. Past or not, Jackson is about to rock her world. Don’t miss their story! Free on all retailers!
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Burn For Me is a second chance romance for the ages. Sexy firefighters? Check. Rugged men? Check. Wrapped up together? Check. Brave the fire in this hot, small-town romance. Amelia & Cade were high school sweethearts & then it all fell apart. When they cross paths again, it’s epic - don’t miss Cade’s story!
Free on all retailers!
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For more small town romance, take a visit to Last Frontier Lodge in Diamond Creek. A sexy, alpha SEAL meets his match with a brainy heroine in Take Me Home. Marley is all brains & Gage is all brawn. Sparks fly when their worlds collide. Don’t miss Gage & Marley’s story!
Free on all retailers!
* * *
If sports romance lights your spark, check out The Play. Liam is a British footballer who falls for Olivia, his doctor. A twist of forbidden heats up this swoon-worthy & laugh-out-loud romance. Don’t miss Liam & Olivia’s story.
Free on all retailers!
Find My Books
Thank you for reading Only Ever Us! I hope you enjoyed the story. If so, you can help other readers find my books in a variety of ways.
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1) Write a review!
2) Sign up for my newsletter, so you can receive information about upcoming new releases & receive a FREE copy of one of my books: http://jhcroixauthor.com/subscribe/
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Light My Fire Series
Wild With You
Hold Me Now
Only Ever Us
Fall For Me - coming February 2022!
Keep Me Close - coming July 2022!
Dare With Me Series
Crash Into You
Evers & Afters
Come To Me
Back To Us
Take Me There - coming May 2022!
Swoon Series
This Crazy Love
Wait For Me
Break My Fall
Truly Madly Mine
Still Go Crazy
If We Dare
Steal My Heart
Into The Fire Series
Burn For Me
Slow Burn
Burn So Bad
Hot Mess
Burn So Good
Sweet Fire
Play With Fire
Melt With You
Burn For You
Crash & Burn
That Snowy Night
Brit Boys Sports Romance
The Play
Big Win
Out Of Bounds
Play Me
Naughty Wish
Diamond Creek Alaska Novels
When Love Comes
Follow Love
Love Unbroken
Love Untamed
Tumble Into Love
Christmas Nights
Last Frontier Lodge Novels
Take Me Home
Love at Last
Just This Once
Falling Fast
Stay With Me
When We Fall
Hold Me Close
Crazy For You
Just Us
Resources
A note about Mae’s story
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Mae’s story involves drug-facilitated sexual assault, an all too common crime on college campuses. It is estimated that between 19-27% of women will experience sexual assault in college and that approximately 47% of rapists are known to their victims (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 2021). In addition, it is estimated that 68% of all sexual assaults are unreported (RAINN, 2021). Of those that are reported, 98% of perpetrators will never spend a day in jail (RAINN, 2021). For Mae’s story and so many others, it is remarkably unrealistic for perpetrators to experience legal consequences. The emotional and psychological pain and shame that victims carry can be devastating. If you or anyone you know has experienced sexual assault, there are resources for help.
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National Sexual Assault Hotline: http://www.thehotline.org
1-656-4673 (HOPE)
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National Sexual Assault Online Hotline: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/
Confidential online instant messaging and online chat with trained professionals
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National Dating Abuse Hotline (for teens and youth): http://www.loveisrespect.org
1-866-331-9474
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National Center for Victims of Crime: www.victimsofcrime.org
1-202-467-8700
Acknowledgments
It’s almost 2022, and it’s been quite a ride in life and in my writing this past year. I remain so grateful for my readers. Thank you for loving my stories and characters.
My assistant, Erin, makes magic behind the scenes and helps keep me organized. My editor helped me whip Rowan & Mae’s story into shape, and Terri D. swept up the details with her keen attention.
This gorgeous cover comes courtesy of Najla Qamber. In addition to an amazing eye and incredible design skills, she makes me laugh.
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Huge thanks to my early readers who find any lingering mistakes, and to the bloggers who cheer on my books and so many others.
No book would be complete without the support of my husband, who gives me the time and space to write. Our dogs keep me company on my plotting jogs every morning. This was the first book I wrote with our new rescue puppy, so it meant lots of pee breaks for him. I’m happy to report he was potty trained by the end of the first draft.
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xoxo
J.H. Croix
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in Maine with her husband and three spoiled dogs. Croix writes contemporary romance with sassy women and alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!
Places you can find me:
jhcroixauthor.com
[email protected]
