In the distance, a small mass of black birds drew a broad path across the sky. A moment later they’d each made landing among the trees around us. Aside from the random shuffling of feathers and the casual chirp, they were mostly silent, almost as if in reverence to the light snow that had begun to fall.
“There are so many of them,” I whispered, not wanting to scare them off.
Cameron looked up. “Beautiful. Kind of eerie though.”
“I don’t think so. You know black birds are actually lucky.”
He looked down and gave me a slanted smile. “Really?”
“Yeah. They represent transformation. They’re supposed to connect us with life’s magic.”
“That sounds corny, but promising,” he said softly.
I smiled, reveling in Cameron’s own magic, the spell only he could put me under. “I think so too. Not corny, but the promising part.”
I reached up and kissed him softly. When I broke away, his eyes clouded with emotion. Before I could question the reason why, he dropped on one knee in front of me. From his coat pocket, he pulled out the same black box I’d seen before. My heart thundered in my chest. I’d already given him his answer by nearly begging for his, and for the past few weeks that had been enough. I hadn’t given the ring or any of the formality another thought. I was his, and he was mine. We’d make it official eventually. I had absolutely no doubt that’s what I wanted.
Opening the tiny box, he revealed a beautiful ring that sparkled radiantly even in the dim light of the day.
“Maya Jacobs.” His voice was low, thick with love. “I’ve waited a long time to do this right. I want you in my life forever. Will you be my wife?”
Before he could get the words out, I was nodding, smiling and tearful. “Yes. I will.”
Smiling broadly, he slipped the ring onto my finger. When it was securely in place, I didn’t waste a second reaching for him, hugging him with all my might.
“Thank you.”
“It’s symbolic, Maya. I want to give you so much more.”
“You already have. You’ve given me the best times of my life and we’ve only just begun, Cam.”
He pulled me back enough to kiss me, warm tender kisses full of meaning. “And you’ve given me mine.”
“I love you so much.”
“Love you too, baby.”
I smiled. Warm tears of happiness brimmed my eyes. I drew in a deep breath, overwhelmed and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. Nothing would ever keep us apart.
With a wild clatter, the birds above us suddenly took flight in groups, and one by one they were all gone. We watched as they disappeared into the snowy sky.
FOLLOW THE BRIDGE FAMILY JOURNEY CONTINUE WITH
DARREN & VANESSA IN
Writing this story was like enduring an especially difficult pregnancy. It was uncomfortable and downright painful at times. I just wanted it to be over, but it simply would not be rushed. In the end, finally, a piece of myself was born.
Of course, I have a few people to thank for helping me bring this story to life. As always, thanks to Jonathan for giving me the support I needed to brainstorm, write, edit, agonize, and publish this book. You’re a keeper!
Thank you, Kaveri, for not being a prude, for celebrating with me every step of the way, and for giving me critical New Yorker insights!
Thank you to my betas, for your thoughtful and reassuring feedback. Thank you to my girl Krystin and the entire Team Wild crew! You are truly an amazing and badass group of women. I’ll never be able to appropriately express what your support has meant to me, but suffice to say, I love you all!
Here’s a big shout out to my Indie Romance Author Chicks for inviting me to sit at the cool kids’ table with you all. I love our group and the support everyone has given!
Thank you, Amy, for proofing with two arms full of needy children.
Many thanks to Helen Hardt for being the best editor ever, and for tolerating my perpetual sense of urgency and my propensity for dangling modifiers. I’d love to tell you all of this will change, but it probably won’t.
Lastly, for Michael, Mom, and so many others who’ve walked in the shadows, thank you for inspiring me with your strength.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meredith Wild picked up her first romance novel at the tender age of twelve. Shortly after, she put pen to word processor and made her first attempt at writing a love story inspired by those she so enjoyed reading well past her bedtime.
Her dream of writing took a back seat to college, parenthood, and eventually entrepreneurship, which led her into the fast-paced high tech industry. With enough life experience to fill a few lifetimes, she now devotes her hours to writing contemporary adult romance with a hint of kink.
When she isn’t writing or mothering, Meredith can be found sunbathing with an adult beverage.
Official Website: www.meredithwild.com
Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/meredithwild
Book Playlists on Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/user/12121443905
On My Knees Page 28
