by Sara Orwig
She hurt for him, but she remained silent because Aaron was opening himself up completely to her and gone was the shuttered look and the feeling that a wall had come between them.
“I finally began to socialize, but I just never got close to anyone until you came along. I soon realized that you were the first woman I’d enjoyed being around since Paula. I also noticed I didn’t hurt as much and I didn’t think about her as much.
“Stella, I will always love Paula and Blake. There’s room in my heart for more love—for you, for our baby. I love you and I have been miserable without you and it’s my own fault for shutting you out, but I just didn’t even realize I was falling in love with you.”
“Aaron,” she said, her happiness spilling over.
He pulled her close, leaning down to kiss her, a hungry, passionate kiss as if he had been waiting years to do this.
Joyously she clung to him and kissed him. “I love you, Aaron. I missed you, but I want your love. I just want you to be able to share the good and the bad, the hurts, the happiness, everything in your life with me and me with you. That’s love, Aaron.”
He held her so tightly she could barely breathe. “You mean everything to me. I just couldn’t even recognize what I felt until I saw I was losing you. Thank goodness I haven’t.”
“No, you haven’t. You have my heart. I love you, Aaron. I’ve loved you almost from the very first.”
“Stella, wait.” He knelt on one knee and held her hand. “Stella Daniels, will you marry me?” he asked, pulling a box from his jacket pocket and holding it out to her.
“Aaron.” She laughed, feeling giddy and bubbly. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Aaron Nichols. For goodness’ sake, get up,” she said, taking the box from him. “What is this, Aaron?”
She opened the box and gasped. Aaron took out the ten-carat-diamond-and-emerald ring he had bought. He held her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. “Perfect,” he said, looking into her eyes. “Everything is perfect, Stella. I will tell you I love you so many times each day you’ll grow tired of hearing it.”
“Impossible,” she said, looking at the dazzling ring. “Oh, Aaron, I’m overwhelmed. This is the most beautiful ring. I can’t believe it’s mine.”
“It is definitely yours. Stella, I love you. Also, I’m going to love our baby so very much. This child is a gift and a blessing for me. The loss of my first child—I can’t tell you how badly that hurt and I never dreamed I’d marry and have another baby.”
“We’ll both be blessed by this child. I’m so glad. From the first moment, I thought this would be the biggest thrill in my life if I had your love when I found out we would have a baby.”
“You have my love,” he said, hugging her and then kissing her. After a few minutes, he leaned away. “C’mon. I think it’s time for an announcement.”
She laughed again. “Aaron, I’m used to staying in the background, being quiet and unnoticed. My life is undergoing every kind of transformation. I don’t even know myself anymore in so many ways.
“I’m announcing this engagement to keep the guys away from you. I’ve even had them ask me if I cared if they asked you out. Yes, I cared. I wanted to punch one of them.”
She laughed, shaking her head as he took her hand.
“C’mon. I’m making an announcement and then all those guys will stay away from my fiancée.”
When he said my fiancée, joy bubbled in her as she hurried beside him.
“Stella, let’s get married soon.”
“You need to meet my family. I should meet yours.”
“You will. I’ll take you to Paris soon to meet them. Either before or after the wedding, whichever you want.”
“You’re changing my life in every way.”
In the great room, when the band stopped between pieces, Aaron found Gil. Stella couldn’t believe what was happening, but Gil motioned to the band and hurried to talk to them.
He turned to the dancers and people seated at small tables around the edge of the room. There was a roll from the drummer and people became quiet. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Gil said. “May I have your attention? We have a brief announcement.”
Stella shook her head. “Aaron, you started this,” she said, and he grinned.
Aaron stepped forward, but Stella moved quickly to take the mike from a surprised Gil. “Folks,” she said, smiling at Aaron as he took her hand. “I’d like to make my first announcement as acting mayor. I’d like to announce my engagement to Aaron Nichols,” she proclaimed, laughing and looking at Aaron.
As everyone applauded and cheered, Aaron turned to slip his arm around her and kiss her briefly, causing more applause and whistles.
When he released her, he took the mike. “Now we can all go back to partying! Merry Christmas, everybody!”
There was another round of applause as the band began to play.
“Thanks, Gil,” Aaron said, handing back the mike. “Let’s go dance,” he said to Stella. “Two dances and then we start calling family.”
It was a fast piece and she danced with Aaron, having a wonderful time. She wanted him and was certain they would go home and make love. When the number ended, people crowded around them to congratulate her and look at her ring. She left the dance floor to let them and remained talking to friends until Aaron rescued her a whole number later.
“Instead of dancing some more, how about going to your place?”
“I’ll beat you to the door,” she said, teasing him, and he laughed. “I have to get my purse and start thanking people.”
“Everybody is partying. Save the thank-you for one you can write on a Christmas card or wedding announcement or something.”
“You’re right about everyone partying,” she said. “You win. Let’s go.”
He took her hand and she got her purse. They stopped to get their coats and then at the door they waited while a valet brought Aaron’s car.
Everybody who passed them congratulated her on becoming acting mayor and on her engagement.
When they drove away from the club, she turned toward him slightly. It was quiet and cozy in his car. “Aaron, this has been the most wonderful night of my life,” she said. “Thanks to you.”
“I’m glad. Let’s have this wedding soon.”
“That’s what I’d like.”
“I don’t care whether we have a large or small one.”
“My parents will want no part of a large wedding. I got my plain way of life from my mother.”
“If you prefer a large wedding, have it. I’ll pay for it and help you.”
She squeezed his knee lightly. “Thank you. That’s very nice. What about you?”
“I don’t care. Mom and Dad will do whatever we want. So will my brother.”
“Probably a small wedding and maybe a large reception. After tonight, I feel I have to invite the entire town of Royal to the reception.”
“I agree. That was nice of everyone. All the people I talked to were enthused, everybody wanted you to be acting mayor. Stella, I didn’t find anyone who didn’t want you. Mayor Vance definitely wanted you.”
“That makes me feel so good. I can’t tell you. In high school I was sort of left out of things socially. I guess I always have been.”
“Not now. You’ll never be left out of anything with me.”
“I think you’re speeding. I’d hate for the new acting mayor to get pulled over the first few hours I have the job.”
“I want to get home to be alone with you,” he said as he slowed.
In minutes they reached her town house. “My trunk is filled with Christmas gifts. I’m not carrying them in tonight. I’ll get them in the morning,” he said.
“I have to go shopping tomorrow. I’ve been so busy I haven’t gotten all my presents and I don’t have any for you yet. I really didn’t expect to be with you Christmas.”
“But now you will be if I can talk you into it. How disappointed will your sister be if you don’t come this year and we spend Christmas he
re, just the two of us?”
“With three kids, she won’t care. We can go sometime during the holidays. We can call her.”
“We sure can, but later. I have other plans when I close the door.”
“Do you really?” she teased.
He parked where she directed him to and came around to open her door. As soon as they stepped into her entryway, Aaron closed the door behind him and turned to pull her into his embrace, giving a kiss that was filled with love and longing.
* * *
Later Stella lay in his arms while he toyed with her hair. The covers were pulled up under her arms.
Aaron stretched out his arm to pick up his phone and get a calendar. “Let’s set a date now.”
“Aaron,” she said, trailing her fingers along his jaw, “since I just accepted the job of acting mayor, I feel a responsibility for Royal. I’ll have to live here until I’m no longer acting mayor.”
“I’m here all the time anyway. I’ll work from here and go to Dallas when I feel I need to. We can build a house here if you want. Remember, that is my business.”
“Whatever you’d like. When my job ends, I don’t mind moving to Dallas.”
“We’ll work it all out. I just want to be with you.”
“Our honeymoon may have to come after baby is here,” she said.
“Baby is here,” he echoed. “Stella, I’ve told you before and I’ll tell you again—I’m overjoyed about the baby. I lost Blake and he was one of the big loves of my life. I have a second chance here to be a dad. I’m thrilled and I hope you are.”
“I am. Do you particularly want another little boy?”
“No, I don’t care,” he said, and she smiled, relieved and happy that he didn’t have his heart set on having a boy.
“Just a baby. I can’t tell you.” His voice had gotten deep and she realized he was emotional about the baby he’d lost. She hugged him and rose up to kiss him, tasting a salty tear. His hurt caused her heart to ache. “Aaron, I’m so glad about this baby. And we can have more.”
He pulled her down to kiss her hard. When he released her, she saw he had a better grip on his emotions. “For a tough, military-type guy, you’re very tenderhearted,” she said.
“I am thrilled beyond words to be a dad. That’s why I got those necklaces for you. I love you, Stella.”
“I love you,” she responded.
“Now let’s set a date for a wedding. How about a wedding between Christmas and New Year’s? That’s a quiet time. January won’t be.”
“You’re right. I’d say a very quiet wedding after Christmas. Can you do that, Mr. Nichols?”
“I can. Want to fly to Dallas next week to get a wedding dress from Cecilia? That’ll be a Christmas present to you.”
She smiled. “Your love is my Christmas present. Your love, your baby, this fabulous ring. Aaron, I love you with all my heart. I give you my love for Christmas.” Joy filled her while she looked into his brown eyes.
“Merry, merry Christmas, darling,” he said as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to kiss her.
Happiness filled her heart and after a moment she looked up at him. “Your love is the best Christmas gift possible.” She felt joyous to be in Aaron’s strong arms and to know she had his love always.
* * * * *
TEXAS CATTLEMAN'S CLUB: AFTER THE STORM
Don’t miss a single story!
STRANDED WITH THE RANCHER
by Janice Maynard
SHELTERED BY THE MILLIONAIRE
by Catherine Mann
PREGNANT BY THE TEXAN
by Sara Orwig
BECAUSE OF THE BABY...
by Cat Schield
HIS LOST AND FOUND FAMILY
by Sarah M. Anderson
MORE THAN A CONVENIENT BRIDE
by Michelle Celmer
FOR HIS BROTHER’S WIFE
by Kathie DeNosky
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE SECRET AFFAIR by Brenda Jackson.
Ten years ago one devastating night changed everything for Austin, Hunter and Alex. Now they must each play their part in the revenge against the one man who ruined it all.
Austin Treffen has the plan… Hunter has the money… Alex has the power!
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only from Harlequin Presents:
Avenge Me by Maisey Yates (June 2014)
Scandalize Me by Caitlin Crews (July 2014)
Expose Me by Kate Hewitt (August 2014)
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Prologue
Jillian Novak stared across the table at her sister, not believing what she’d just heard.
Jillian placed the glass of wine she’d been holding on the table, barely keeping the drink from spilling. “What do you mean you aren’t going with me? That’s crazy, Paige. Need I remind you that you’re the one who planned the trip?”
“A reminder isn’t needed, Jill, but please understand my dilemma,” Paige said in a rueful tone, her dark brown eyes shaded with regret. “Getting a part in a Steven Spielberg movie is a dream come true. You can’t imagine what I was feeling—happiness at being chosen one minute, and then disappointment the next, when I found out that shooting starts the same week I was supposed to be on the cruise with you.”
“Let me guess, your happiness overpowered your disappointment, right?” Jillian felt a pounding pressure in her head and knew why. She had been looking forward to the Mediterranean cruise—for many reasons—and now it appeared she wouldn’t be going.
“I’m sorry, Jill. You’ve never gone on a cruise and I know it’s one of the things on your bucket list.”
Paige’s apology only made Jillian feel worse. She’d made her sister feel awful for making a choice Jillian would have made herself if given the chance. Reaching across the table, she grabbed Paige’s hand.
“I’m the one who should be apologizing, Paige. I was only thinking of myself. You’re right. Getting that part in the movie is a dream come true and you’d be crazy not to take it. I’m truly happy for you. Congratulations.”
A bright smile spread across Paige’s lips. “Thanks. I wanted so much for us to spend time together on the cruise. It’s been ages since me, you, Pam and Nadia have had sister time.”
Nadia, a senior in college, was their youngest sister. At twenty-one she was two years younger than Paige and four years younger than Jillian. Pamela, their oldest sister—who Jillian, Nadia and Paige were convinced was the best older sister anyone could ever have—was ten years older than Jillian. A former actress, Pam had given up the glitter of Hollywood to return home to Gamble, Wyoming, and raise them when their father died. Now Pam lived in Denver. She was married, the mother of two and the CEO of two acting schools, one in Denver and the other in Gamble. Paige had followed in Pam’s footsteps and pursued an acting career. Sh
e lived in Los Angeles.
With Pam’s busy schedule, she’d said accompanying them on the cruise would have been close to impossible. Nadia had wanted to go but finals kept her from doing so. Jillian had wanted sister time with at least one of her siblings. And now that she had completed medical school, she needed those two weeks on the cruise as a getaway before starting her residency. But there was another reason she wanted to take that two-week cruise.
Aidan Westmoreland.
It was hard to believe it had been a little over a year since she’d broken things off with him. And every time she remembered the reason she’d done so her heart ached. She needed a distraction from her memories.
“You okay, Jill?”
Jillian glanced up at Paige and forced a smile. “Yes, why do you ask?”
“You zoned out on me just now. I was talking and you appeared to be a million miles away. I noticed you haven’t been yourself since I arrived in New Orleans. More than once you’ve seemed preoccupied about something. Is everything okay?”
Jillian waved off Paige’s words. The last thing she wanted was for her sister to start worrying and begin digging. “Yes, everything is okay, Paige.”
Paige didn’t look convinced. “Um, I don’t know. Maybe I should forget about being in that movie and go on that cruise with you after all.”
Jillian picked up her wineglass to take a sip. “Don’t be silly. You’re doing the right thing. Besides, I’m not going on the cruise.”
“Why not?”
Jillian was surprised at her sister’s question. “Surely you don’t expect me to go without you.”
“You need a break before starting your residency.”
Jillian rolled her eyes. “Get real, Paige. What would I do on a two-week cruise by myself?”
“Rest, relax, enjoy the sights, the ocean, the peace and quiet. And you might luck up and meet some nice single guy.”
