Saving Tatum (Trace + Olivia #4)

by Micalea Smeltzer

  She looked up and smiled widely at us. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be at your friend’s wedding?”

  Jude nodded, and wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me against his side. “Yeah, we were there, but now Tatum and I have decided to get married. Today,” he added bluntly.

  Trudy’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked between the two of us. “Oh, wow. That’s exciting.”

  “It is,” Jude agreed. “But I was wondering,” he lowered his voice and gave her his most charming smile, “if it would be possible for me to pick up Mr. Jenkins and take him with us. He was very adamant about being at my wedding and I want him there. Please, Trudy?” Jude batted his eyelashes.

  I wanted to roll my eyes at his ridiculous display, but of course Trudy caved.

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  Twenty minutes later we were on our way, Mr. Jenkins in tow, with strict orders to have him back by eight tonight.

  “I knew you two would get married.” Mr. Jenkins smiled proudly in the truck—I was stuck sitting in the middle, practically on Jude’s lap. I didn’t know how he drove.

  “I knew it too,” Jude agreed. “Even though Tate wanted to fight me the whole way.” Skimming his fingers along my neck, he murmured, “But no one can resist my charm.”

  He was definitely right about that.

  We got back to the mansion and went in search of our friends. Rowan ended up intercepting me and shooing Jude and Mr. Jenkins away. I watched them leave, laughing at Mr. Jenkins’ wide-eyed expression as he looked around the mansion in awe. It was pretty impressive so I couldn’t blame him.

  “Who’s the old guy?” Rowan asked, watching them leave as well.

  “Mr. Jenkins. He’s a patient at the nursing home Jude works at,” I shrugged.

  “Oh, that’s cool,” she smiled. “It was sweet of Jude to want to bring him. Now come on,” she grabbed ahold of my arm, dragging me up the main staircase, “we found a dress for you.”

  I was pulled into the bedroom we’d used to get ready in earlier. Olivia and Lily stood inside waiting for us.

  I expected them to be angry about what Jude and I were doing—after all, Lily wasn’t family to me, and I didn’t really know Olivia all that well—but they were smiling happily and eager to help.

  “Do you want to change your hair?” Rowan asked, already reaching to pull out the braid.

  “I like it the way it is,” I assured her.

  She immediately dropped her hand and went over to the chair in the corner. She turned back around to face me with a white dress draped over her arm. She bit her lip nervously and held it up. “I hope you like it.”

  The dress was short and I knew when I put it on it would hit just above my knees. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and a silver sparkly band around the waist. The bottom of it flowed without being poufy. It definitely wasn’t the traditional wedding dress, but it was perfect.

  “I love it, Row.” I reached out to touch the fabric. “This is perfect. How’d you find it?”

  She shrugged. “It was mine. I got it for a homecoming dress in high school and never got a chance to wear it. Someone should.”

  “Please tell me you didn’t leave your wedding to go get this,” I frowned.

  “No, of course not,” she hastened to assure me, “I got someone else to go.”

  I reached for the dress and took it from her hands. “Thank you so much for this.”

  She waved her hand dismissively. “No thanks needed. I’m just happy to see my two best friends getting married,” she clapped, doing a small happy dance. I still marveled in the differences in Rowan since she’d been with Trenton. Gone was the quiet girl only focused on school and creating a better life for her son and sister. She was so full of life now. “Now,” she held up a finger warningly, “don’t try to hijack my honeymoon. I’m not sharing that with you,” she laughed.

  “Deal,” I agreed, laughing too.

  Lily and Olivia left Rowan and I alone while she helped me into the dress.

  Rowan grabbed some lip-gloss off a table and swiped it on my lips. “You look beautiful, Tate.” She fixed a piece of hair back in place and put her hands on my shoulders. “It’s time to get you married.”

  I soon found myself standing where we’d waited earlier before walking down the aisle.

  I turned to Rowan, grabbing her arm. “Can you grab Jude’s grandpa and my dad?”

  “Of course,” she smiled, and headed outside to get them.

  When they stepped inside I pulled them away from the others so we could have the semblance of privacy.

  “I’m sure by now you’ve probably figured out that Jude and I are getting married—” My dad opened up his mouth to speak, and I knew from the steep set of his brows he was going to try to talk me out of this. “No, dad. This is what I want. Nothing you can say will change my mind.” I squared my shoulders and took a breath. “I know it’s customary for the father to walk the bride down the aisle, and while I want you to do that, dad, I also want Jerry to be by my side.” I turned to face Jude’s grandpa and tears pricked my eyes. “You’ve become a huge part of my life and it doesn’t seem right to celebrate this day without making you a bigger part of it. So, I’m hoping you’ll walk me down the aisle as well.”

  “You know I’d do anything for you, Tatum,” he reached out to hug me. Wetness stung my shoulders and I realized he was crying. I was relieved that he’d called me Tatum. A part of me was afraid today would be one of his unfortunate bad days, and he wouldn’t remember Jude and I getting married.

  Once everything was straightened out, Rowan stood as my bridesmaid and Trent was at her side.

  “Oh,” she shoved a bunch of Twizzlers tied together into my hand. “Jude told me to give you this as your bouquet. He said you’d understand.” Lowering her voice, she said, “One day you really have to explain this whole Twizzler thing to me.”

  I laughed as I stared at the red candy in my hands. Only Jude. I was surprised he hadn’t glued gummy bears onto the Twizzlers.

  “You ready?” Rowan asked.

  I nodded and she signaled to someone outside the doors.

  Music started up and my heart lurched as my stomach dropped.

  This was it.

  The first day of the rest of my life.

  Time seemed to speed up as Jerry and my dad walked me down the aisle and towards Jude who stood waiting for me.

  He grinned proudly with his hands clasped together. His brown hair was gelled messily and stubble adorned his cheeks and chin. His brown eyes shimmered with happiness and I kept thinking mine.

  When we reached him he held out his hand for mine. I took it and my dad and Jerry drifted away to sit.

  I’d been so focused on Jude that I hadn’t realized that the crowd attending our wedding was much smaller than Trent and Row’s. Everyone that had attended their ceremony must’ve been down on the grounds at the reception already.

  I was glad for that.

  This way it was only our friends and family, making it seem more like our own wedding—and not someone else’s, which was exactly what it was.

  Jude took both of my hands in his. He couldn’t seem to stop grinning and neither could I.

  The minister or preacher or whatever he was began his lengthy speech.

  My heart thumped against my chest so hard I was surprised it didn’t break free and fall to the ground.

  Then, before I knew it, it came time for the vows.

  Jude repeated after the man, “I, Jude Gabriel Brooks, take you Tatum Elizabeth O’Connor, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part.”

  He slid two bands on my finger. The first was more of an engagement ring—a simple silver band with a modest sized diamond. “My Grams,” he explained. “Pap gave it to me to give to you…when you were ready. I feel like I’ve been carrying it in my pocke
t forever, because when I asked you to marry me, I knew you weren’t ready to wear this. But now you are,” he grinned triumphantly. The second band he put on my finger was the ring he got today. I gasped at its beauty. It was an infinity band with many small diamonds. It was simple and stunning. Absolutely perfect. I couldn’t have picked anything better for myself.

  My body shook when it was my turn. I stared into his eyes as I spoke each word, so he’d know I meant them completely.

  “I, Tatum Elizabeth O’Connor, take you Jude Gabriel Brooks, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part.”

  Rowan handed me Jude’s ring and my hands shook as I slipped it onto his finger. I smiled in satisfaction at seeing it on him and then turned my gaze to him.

  We’d done it.

  We were married.

  It might not have been a traditional wedding—not by a long shot—but it was spontaneous, crazy, and fast just like the two of us and the journey of our relationship. I couldn’t ask for more.

  The man officiating the wedding smiled. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  “About fucking time,” Jude groaned, taking my face between his hands and kissing my deeply. I felt his tongue press lightly against mine and I moaned into his mouth. With a hefty breath he pulled back. “You’re mine now, Tatum Brooks.”

  “I was always yours,” I grinned back, staring into the loving eyes of my husband.

  He looked over at Rowan, who stood behind me. He grinned proudly, and said, “I told you I was going to marry this girl.”

  This girl.

  His girl.

  Jude’s girl.

  Forever.

  Epilogue

  Two years later.

  Arms wrapped around me from behind and I giggled as I was pulled against a hard chest. “Jude,” I laughed, “I’m trying to cook.”

  He pressed kisses to the skin where my neck met my shoulder. “I’ve been working all day. I miss you. Let me kiss my wife.”

  I let go of the wooden spoon I’d been using to stir the sauce for the homemade spaghetti and turned around to wrap my arms around his neck. I stood on my tiptoes to give him a proper welcome home kiss. Jude put in many hours at the nursing home and I always missed him when he was away from home—and home happened to be his grandpa’s farmhouse. Jerry still lived here, which worked out well since we could look after him, but he’d given us the deed to the house. A wedding present he said. Jude and I had spent the last two years working on fixing it up. We still had a few more things to fix, but it was almost complete. We’d had to halt renovations last month when our daughter was born.

  So, she definitely wasn’t Jude Jr., but Juliette was the light of our lives. I’d thought I’d loved Jude before, but having our daughter only made me fall in love with him more. He was so good with her, and the way he looked at her almost always brought tears to my eyes. What could I say; I was highly emotional these days. Having a baby will do that to you.

  Seeing her daddy, Juliette began to stir in her bouncer.

  Jude kissed my forehead and then went over to her. He lifted her out and cradled her in his arms. She was beautiful—not that I was biased or anything. She had light brown hair, her daddy’s pouty lips, and my nose. She was perfect.

  “Hi, my beautiful Juliette,” Jude cooed to our daughter. “Did you miss daddy? Because daddy sure missed you.” He kissed the top of her head and inhaled her sweet baby scent.

  Once I found out I was pregnant I’d started looking for jobs I could do at home. The last thing I wanted was to miss out on any moment of Juliette’s life, or any children we might have in our future. I’d been lucky enough to find a job writing for an online magazine. I got to do what I loved and be with my daughter all day. It was a win-win.

  Jude rocked Juliette in his arms, singing to her. Her eyes grew large as she listened to him. Despite the fact that she was only a month old she was already daddy’s little princess. Jude spoiled her rotten. I knew as she got older he’d make sure she got everything she wanted. Except boys. I feared the day she started dating. Jude was going to go lose it.

  Smiling at the loves of my life I couldn’t help thinking how crazy it was that if Professor Taylor had never given me that assignment, and I hadn’t needed Jude’s help, we’d never be where we were now.

  Things had worked out exactly as they were meant to and I couldn’t be more thankful.

  I had everything I’d never known to want.

  “Thank you.” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them as I gazed at Jude.

  He stopped singing and stared at me. “For what?”

  “Giving me this…you…our daughter…for never giving up on me.”

  “Oh, baby,” his eyes softened as he stalked towards me, “you don’t need to thank me for that.” He kissed me slowly and Juliette stirred in his arms. I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, soaking in his warmth with a smile on my face.

  Happiness came in many shapes and forms. This happened to be mine.

  The End

  Continue for an Excerpt from Tempting Rowan

  Acknowledgements

  Writing THE END on this book was an extremely bittersweet moment. I can’t believe the Trace + Olivia series is over. It’s been a crazy year thanks to these characters and I couldn’t ask for more. I’m beyond shocked by the amount of love and support these characters have received. I hate saying goodbye to them as much as you guys do. But no matter what, their stories will always be there for you to go back to.

  A tremendous thanks goes out to the fans of this series. Without you it would have never done as well it has. Thank you for embracing a crazy, ketchup-loving, plaid shirt wearing, mechanic in Finding Olivia. Thank you for loving these characters as much as I do and wanting more. Thank you all for your support, words of encouragement, and love. I know all authors say this, but I truly feel like I have the best fans in the world.

  Thank you to my BAFF’s Harper James and Regina Bartley for keeping me sane. (Okay, I’m probably not completely sane…so let’s go with mostly.) Thank you for staying up late and doing writing sprints with me, Regina. If it wasn’t for you this book wouldn’t be done yet.

  Regina Wamba, you kicked cover design butt with this one. It’s stunning and exactly what I wanted. Your talent never ceases to amaze me and one of these days I swear I’m going to watch you in action.

  A big thank you goes out to Chloe and Max for bringing Tatum and Jude to life. You both did AMAZING and I couldn’t ask for more.

  Thank you to my beta readers, Haley, Becca, Kendall, Stefanie, and Heather. You’re words of encouragement have meant the world to me. Thank you for shaping Saving Tatum into the book it is today. I know it’s much better with all your help.

  Becca deserves a special shout out for sending the gummy bear cake my way. As soon as you showed it to me I knew it would make the perfect apology cake. I also have to thank you for chatting with me late night during my many freak-outs and for your often hilarious beta reading comments. They always make me smile.

  Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling Young and New Adult author from Winchester, Virginia. She’s always working on her next book, and when she has spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family.

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  I’m drowning in the numbness. It’s pulling me under and I can’t see the surface. It’s easier to pretend I can’t feel. And the longer you pretend, the easier it is to believe. But he wants to save me. Only he can’t. I have to save myself…and I don’t know if I want to.

  Rowan Sinclair’s life has been anything but easy. With an alcoholic mother and a
sleazy stepfather, it’s been her responsibility to raise her younger siblings. At twenty-one she’s chained to a life she doesn’t want, but sees no other alternative. After all, what would happen to her brother and sister if she were to leave?

  Trenton Wentworth sees the pain behind Rowan’s eyes. He wants nothing more than to make it disappear. To hold her. To love her. Except Rowan keeps everyone at a safe distance. But if there’s anyone that can break down the walls she’s built around herself, it’s Trent. So she avoids him at all costs. But Trent isn’t one to be easily evaded. He’s stubborn and determined. He’ll save this girl even if it costs him everything.

  Love, lies, and deception.

  That’s the name of the game when you’re Tempting Rowan.

  Available Now for Kindle and Nook

  prologue

  I stare at the reflection in the mirror, not recognizing the girl I see. The fancy dress, the shoes, the hair, none of it’s me. But take that away and I still don't recognize myself.

  Who am I?

  I don’t know.

  If I don't know then no one does.

  I glare at the girl in the mirror, hating her. The hate consumes me and I watch helplessly as my fist flies out, connecting with the glass. It shatters around me, crumbling to the ground just like my life.

  Pain radiates from my hand up my arm. I look down and all I see is blood and all I feel is pain. For a moment I’m reminded that I’m alive and I welcome the pain. But it’s not enough. It won't be long until the numbness consumes me, swallowing me whole.

  It’s all I know.

  It’s all I am.

  A shell.

  A ghost.

  I don't exist.

  I used to be okay with that, but I don't know if I am anymore, and that’s what scares me the most.

  chapter one

  “Hey,” my best friend Tatum poked my side. “Hey,” she hissed a little bit louder. When I still ignored her, she exclaimed, “HEY!”

  “Shhhh!” Hushed a guy with his nose buried in a textbook.