by Layla Hagen
“Let’s find him. We can’t let Ian get drunk all on his own,” she exclaimed, getting out of bed. She looked at me over her shoulder with a wicked smile, and I chased right after her.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Mel
One month later
"This is gorgeous," I said. Dylan had surprised me today by showing up at the gym to take me out on another boat tour. We didn’t take it from North Cove, though, but from a harbor near Tarrytown because we were heading to Isabelle’s for a party. The yacht was even more luxurious and comfortable than the last boat, but way too big for the two of us. “The yacht is huge.”
“Don’t go near the edge again.”
I laughed, comfortably sitting on the leather seat next to Dylan. “Good thinking. You’re sure we’re going to make it to Isabelle’s in time?”
She and Brayden were throwing an end-of-summer garden party. She’d confided in me that because they had the big house, she was looking for an excuse to have a party as often as possible because she loved having everyone over. I thought she might have an actual reason for this party, though, because the whole Gallagher and Winchester clans were coming, as well as their parents. She’d even invited Dad, which made my heart happy.
“What are you thinking about?” Dylan asked, looking at me over his shoulder.
“That I’m happy. And you look sexy as hell driving this boat.” He was wearing a polo shirt, which showed off his muscles nicely while he steered the wheel. We also had an umbrella because the heat was insane, and it was humid as well, but still, the day was gorgeous. I couldn't believe how peaceful it all was. I loved feeling the wind in my hair and seeing everything bathed in sunlight.
I felt happier than ever. The excellent lawyer Dylan hired managed to get a restraining order against Elliot. I hadn’t heard from him since, but Charlotte said she dug into things a bit, and he’d filed for bankruptcy. I was happy that Elliot was out of our lives. Dylan and Ian were making partnerships to help with the rollout of project Z. It was going slower than if they’d won the competition, but they were working hard.
We’d been on the boat for about twenty minutes when Dylan stopped it and sat down on my seat. The yacht still moved along with the water flow, but it felt as if we were staying in one place compared to the speed before.
"Tired?" I teased before moving right next to him, touching his biceps. "I need to take care of these again."
Not that he’d strained them too much, but I was always looking for an excuse to spoil him.
"Later," he murmured, pulling me in his lap. I yelped, putting one arm around his neck.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"I had a plan," he answered, kissing my neck. "But I realize it's not a good idea, so I'm readjusting."
"What are you talking about?"
"Close your eyes."
"Okay." I did as he said, anticipation coursing through me. I tried to pay extra attention to any sounds, but there weren't any.
A few seconds later, he said, "You can open them now."
I did and gasped. He was holding an engagement ring in his palm: a beautiful round diamond on a white gold band.
"Dylan," I whispered.
“I thought about getting down on one knee, but I don't want to risk you falling overboard again, so I’m keeping you here.”
“Good plan.” I tried to sound playful, but my voice was uneven. It was full of emotion.
"Mel, thank you for turning my life upside down. For showing me the beauty in admiring a quiet sunset. For making me adopt a puppy—”
“Temporarily,” I reminded him, and we both chuckled.
“I promise to cherish you my whole life, to make you happy. I solemnly promise not to get between you and an audiobook."
I laughed, pressing my forehead to his.
"I promise to always find ways to surprise you," he said. “And to see everything you have on your list together.”
"Thank you for sharing your life with me and showing me that two people can grow together, even if they’re not on the same page in the beginning. I'd love to have you with me forever and be your wife," I whispered. I put the ring on, beaming at the thought of how Dad would smile when he saw it. I imagined Isabelle's reaction and Ian's too. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, shifting into his lap so I was straddling him and my knees were at his sides. In the process I pushed my backpack from the edge, only realizing what happened when we heard a splash.
"Fuck," Dylan exclaimed.
My gym backpack had fallen into the water.
I grinned. "Think we can fish that out without falling in the water again?”
"I’ll do it.” Standing up, he leaned over the edge, grabbing the backpack as it started to sink.
“There. Saved it,” he exclaimed.
I went to him, giving him a quick smooch, patting those strong arms. I thought I was happy before he gave me the ring, but it was nothing compared to now. My whole body was light as a feather.
“We should get going,” he said, pulling back a notch, “or we’ll be late.”
I nodded, sitting back on the bench as he gripped the steering wheel.
“Wait a second, is this the reason why Isabelle’s throwing the party?” I pointed to the ring when he looked at me over his shoulder. “Is this why she invited Dad too?”
Dylan gave me a very smug smile. “Isabelle and I plotted on the best way to celebrate this. My parents don’t know anything. No one knows except Isabelle and your dad. I asked for your hand, of course. Everyone else is going to be surprised.”
The corners of my mouth tilted up in a smile.
“What?” he asked.
“I’m imagining Ian’s reaction.”
He burst out laughing before revving the boat’s engine and lurching forward at the maximum speed allowed. It was the only way we wouldn’t be late.
I relaxed on the seat, admiring Dylan’s gorgeous ass more than the sunset. I couldn’t believe this man was all mine forever. How was this happening? I relaxed as we cruised down the river. Being out here was different than our first trip, when we’d been in the bay with open water surrounding us. The Hudson River was narrow here. Nature and low buildings flanked us on both sides, roads sloping in and out of the greenery. It was very peaceful.
Anticipation coursed through me as we pulled in front of Isabelle and Brayden’s house. I’d never been down to the property's waterfront, so I had no idea they had a special place to dock boats. To the right was a small boathouse as well, but Dylan didn’t park inside it. I assumed Isabelle and Brayden’s boat was there.
After getting out onto the dock, Dylan took my hand, and we walked up to the house. The property sloped down to the river, and everyone was gathered outside the home. The air smelled like roses and freesias and delicious food. Loki ran up to us, and we both petted him until he ran off to someone else. There was a buffet laid out again. Holy shit, Brayden’s bandmates and parents were here too. Those two were definitely planning something.
Dad had already arrived. Isabelle insisted she’d pick him up. It seemed a bit strange when she said it, but now it all made sense, considering she knew about Dylan’s idea with the boat. And Charlotte was here too!
“I didn’t know you’d be here,” I told her.
She smiled. “That would’ve made it all a bit obvious.”
So she knew too.
The whole gang was walking around in front of the buffet, so I held up my hand, flashing the ring for everyone to see.
“Oh my God,” Dylan’s mom exclaimed, bringing a hand to her chest.
I looked straight at Daddy, who was sitting in his chair with a plate full of nachos in his lap. He was smiling wide, and his eyes were a bit glassy. He wheeled the motorized chair to me, and I immediately leaned to hug him.
“I’m so happy, Daddy,” I whispered.
“It’s not just the two of us now,” he said but didn’t add anything else, only hugged me back, and when I straighte
ned up, he gave me a small nod.
Dad might be a man of a few words, but Dylan’s mom was the opposite.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to help you plan the wedding party every step of the way. You’re going to make my son so happy,” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me.
“Let the poor girl breathe, woman,” his dad said but hugged me too.
I laughed, soaking up all their warmth and joy. Not only was I marrying the man of my dreams but inheriting a wonderful family of caring people, and their friends.
The Winchester clan congratulated us next. Tess was beside herself.
“Another wedding to plan,” she exclaimed. “This is so much fun.”
“When do you even find the time?” I asked.
“It’s honestly like a hobby for me.”
Once everyone congratulated us, Dylan turned to Isabelle. “Thanks for organizing this for us, sis.”
Brayden was looking closely at Isabelle and had an arm protectively around her shoulders. Something was going on.
“We have an announcement to make ourselves,” Brayden said. “We don’t want to steal your thunder. We were going to wait a bit longer, but since everyone is gathered here....”
“I’m pregnant,” Isabelle said, smiling from ear to ear.
The crowd erupted in another round of cheers. Josie was closest to her, and she immediately hugged her sister.
“Holy shit,” Ian exclaimed, immediately joining his family. Everyone started talking at the same time. There was so much joy in the air that it was almost palpable.
“Looks like you’re going to have another niece or nephew to spoil,” I told Dylan.
He put an arm around my waist, bringing his mouth to my ear.
“We can add a few kids to the mix too.” His tone was casual, as if he were speaking about the weather.
“I’m on board with that,” I replied with a grin, wondering exactly how many he meant by “a few.”
After hugging Josie, Dylan and Ian went inside the house, returning with champagne bottles. There were already glasses at the other end of the buffet table in the drinks section. Dylan popped open one bottle, Ian another one, and then they both started filling glasses.
I went up to them with a smile the size of Texas.
This was such a happy day. I didn’t have time to look at Ian closely until now. The poor guy looked a bit crestfallen.
“Too many happy couples around for you?” I teased, grabbing a glass for myself.
“I’m happy for you two. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I just realized I am literally the last single person here.”
“Does that scare you or excite you?” I asked, sipping champagne, assessing the situation.
“Definitely scared.”
Dylan clapped Ian’s shoulder just as Josie joined us. She looked between her brothers.
“What are you scared about, Ian?” she asked, making me laugh.
“Couples,” I informed her.
She chuckled. “I think we all went through that fear. It does eventually fade, you know.”
That only made Ian look more panicked. “I have no intention of letting it fade.”
“Aww, don’t worry, little brother. We’re all here for you if you need guidance or advice,” Josie said.
Ian downed a glass of champagne, shrugging. “Hey, I’m enjoying my bachelor life.”
A phone beeped, and Ian took it out of the back pocket of his jeans. He had a strange expression on his face. Josie zeroed in on her brother.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing. Ellie is texting me the details of her flight.”
“Who’s Ellie?” I asked.
“My best friend’s younger sister,” Ian explained. “She’s moving to New York. I’m picking her up from the airport.”
“Riiight, and why do you look like you’re keeping something from us?” Isabelle asked. “Something else going on with you two?”
“I’m doing my best friend a solid and helping his sister settle in. There’s nothing between us.”
Aha! He definitely looked a bit guilty.
Dylan put an arm around my shoulders, pulling me to him in a half hug and flashing Ian a grin. “I just have one thing to say: famous... last... words.”
Dear Reader,
This is the end of Dylan’s story. Ian’s story will be available on August 3. You can pre-order it HERE.
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Other books by Layla Hagen
The Very Irresistible Bachelors series is complete and ready to be binge-read
You’re The One (Josie and Hunter) is available HERE
Just One Kiss (Ryker and Heather) is available HERE
One Perfect Touch (Skye and Rob) is available HERE
One Beautiful Promise (Cole and Laney’s story) is available HERE
My One And Only (Tess and Liam) is available HERE
***
The Bennett Family is also complete. They are a fun family, the romances are HOT and SWOONWORTHY. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Links to individual books in the Bennett Family Series:
Book 1: Your Irresistible Love (Sebastian & Ava)
Amazon US
All other retailers & countries
Book 2: Your Captivating Love (Logan & Nadine)
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Amazon UK
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Book 3: Your Forever Love (Pippa & Eric)
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Amazon UK
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Book 4: Your Inescapable Love (Max & Emilia)
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Amazon UK
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Book 5: Your Tempting Love (Christopher & Victoria)
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Amazon UK
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Book 6: Your Alluring Love (Alice & Nate)
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Book 7: Your Fierce Love (Blake & Clara)
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Book 8: Your One True Love (Daniel & Caroline)
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Book 9: Your Endless Love (Summer & Alex)
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Amazon UK
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The Connor Family series is also complete.
Here are the individual books:
ANYTHING FOR YOU (Landon & Maddie)
WILD WITH YOU (Lori & Graham)
MEANT FOR YOU (Will & Paige)
ONLY WITH YOU (Valentina & Carter)
FIGHTING FOR YOU (Jace & Brooke)
ALWAYS WITH YOU (HAILEY & REID)
Standalone USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Withering Hope
Aimee’s wedding is supposed to turn out perfect. Her dress, her fiancé and the location—the idyllic holiday ranch in Brazil—are perfect.
But all Aimee’s plans come crashing down when the private jet that’s taking her from the U.S. to the ranch—where her fiancé awaits her—defects mid-flight and the pilot is forced to perform an emergency landing in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
With no way to reach civilization, being rescued is Aimee and Tristan’s—the pilot—only hope. A slim one that slowly withers away, desperation taking its place. Because death wanders in the jungle under many forms: starvation, diseases. Beasts.
As Aimee and Tristan fight to find ways to survive, they grow closer. Together they discover that facing old, inner agonies carved by painful pasts takes just as much courage, if not even more, than facing the rainforest.
Despite her devo
tion to her fiancé, Aimee can’t hide her feelings for Tristan—the man for whom she’s slowly becoming everything. You can hide many things in the rainforest. But not lies. Or love.
Withering Hope is the story of a man who desperately needs forgiveness and the woman who brings him hope. It is a story in which hope births wings and blooms into a love that is as beautiful and intense as it is forbidden.
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
When You’re Mine
Copyright © 2021 Layla Hagen
Published by Layla Hagen
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.
Published: Layla Hagen 2020
