Climbing into the car, I become a bundle of nerves and excitement on my way to his house. My phone dings and I quickly glance at the message.
I’ve missed you this week. See you soon, beautiful.
Arriving at his house, I’m surprised he doesn’t come out to greet me. Leaving the bags in the car, I head inside to find him. The door is cracked open and I carefully open it before stepping in. At my feet, I see a gold wrapped chocolate coin. Lifting it from the floor, I notice a note is taped to it.
The first time I met you I knew you were someone special.
Clutching it to me, I spot the next coin a few feet ahead and quickly go to it, lifting it off the floor and immediately read the note.
The first time we kissed I knew I needed more.
Rushing to the next coin sitting on the back of the couch, I pick it up and read it.
The first time we made love I knew I was yours.
The coins are leading me to his bedroom. I hurry to the next one.
The first memory I had was of the woman I love.
Glancing up, I see the next is just inside the room.
To me, she’s everything I need.
Looking at the bed, I see another. Setting all the other chocolate coins aside, I pick it up.
And I want her to always be mine. Will you marry me?
“Alex.”
Turning toward his voice, he’s standing in the doorway of his bedroom. Tears pool in my eyes as my emotions overtake me.
“You remember.”
With careful steps, he comes forward. I rush to him, removing the distance between us. Arms tangled around one another, we get lost in our kiss. Tears escape my eyes, but I can’t break the connection. I need him like the air I breathe.
Putting his head to mine, he holds me close, his hands around my face, fingers laced in my hair.
“Yes, I remember. I love you, beautiful. So damn much.”
“I love you too. You’re everything to me.”
“You’re everything to me too. Since the moment I met you, I wanted to know you, to have you all to myself. When I woke up from the accident, there was something about you that I couldn’t let go of, and it’s because you’re meant for me. You’re the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
Tears rolling down my cheeks, he kisses me through them, his loving embrace mending every broken piece of me.
“I never thought I’d have a love like this. You’ve given me a second chance, Carter. A second chance at happiness. Before you, my heart was broken, I was living in a shell. You saw past my scars and had the patience to show me what real love truly is.”
Pulling me to his chest, he holds me tight, kissing my hair. The familiar scent of his masculinity surrounds me, giving me as much comfort as his affection does.
“We’ve both been given a second chance and I realized that in Key West when my memories came back. You don’t know how hard it’s been this week, not being able to tell you, but I needed time to plan this and to get this.”
Releasing me, he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a little black box. Opening it, he shows me the diamond and white gold ring.
“Carter, it’s beautiful.”
Pulling the ring from the box, he holds it out for me. Striking blue eyes gaze down at me, filled with anticipation.
“Alexandria DeMarco, will you marry me?”
“Yes, a million times yes.”
Sliding my finger into the ring, I take his hand and lead him to the bed. Lifting me onto it, I lay back as he joins me. Sliding his tongue between my lips, he reaches for the button of my jean shorts. Undressing me slowly, he admires every curve, running his fingers along my body. Raising my leg, he kisses the inside of my thigh, then again closer to my aching core. When his lips touch my clit, my head falls back.
A trail of warm, loving kisses continues up along my stomach, reaching my breasts, lingering over each nipple. Taking my mouth with his, our kiss is slow, passionate, loving. Laying between my legs, he fills me, moving with care, intent on pleasing me. His tender kisses continue along my cheek and neck as he thrusts deeper.
Every nerve in my body is attentive to his touch, to his affectionate movements. Along my ear, his lips tease my lobe.
“I love you.”
EPILOGUE
—
ALEX
Snuggled up next to Carter on our couch, he caresses along my arm, calming me as I nervously make this phone call to my sister. The ringtone sounds and I await the answer on the other line.
“Hello?”
“Amy, it’s Alex.”
“How are you?” She seems pleasantly surprised.
“Really good. I’m getting married.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you.”
“I’m calling…because I’d like you to come…to our wedding,” I announce anxiously.
“I’d…love to. When is it?”
A smile pulls my lips up as I look at Carter. Happy to see me smiling, he leans over and kisses my cheek.
“In a couple months, March third.”
“I’d like to be there. I’ll ask for the time off. Who is the special guy?”
Staring up at his beautiful blues, I intertwine my fingers with his.
“His name is Carter Maxwell. He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever met.”
“What does he do?”
“He’s a personal trainer and an MMA fighter.”
“Oh wow! I don’t watch MMA, but I’d be willing to watch one of his fights.”
“His next one is after our wedding in April. I’ll get you the details for the wedding and his fight.”
“You sound really happy, Alex. I’m glad you called.”
“I am too. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry I didn’t reach out.”
“It’s okay, I don’t think I would’ve been ready to open up, but so many things have changed. I hope we can reconnect.”
“I’d really like that. I’m married, and we just had a little girl. I’d like you to meet them. I’ll bring them to the wedding.”
“I look forward to meeting them and for you to meet Carter.”
“If he won your heart, he must be a really great guy.”
“He is.”
Carter squeezes my hand before raising it to his mouth. The familiar touch of his lips to my fingertips warms my body, giving me pleasure from head to toe.
“I love you,” I mouth to him.
“I love you too,” he whispers back.
TWO MONTHS LATER...
Looking in the mirror, I run my fingers over the smooth beading and fine lace of my wedding dress. The dress fits perfectly, and I can’t stop staring at my reflection. I’m mesmerized. Our day is finally here, and in a few minutes, I’ll be marrying the man I love.
Soft hands touch my bare arms and a pretty face with blond ringlets comes into view in the mirror.
“Are you ready to become Mrs. Carter Maxwell?” Jane asks, her smile beaming.
“I am, Jane, I’m so ready.”
“You look stunning. He’s going to be awestruck.”
“Thank you.” A giggle escapes me, my excitement unable to be contained.
“Your father is waiting outside.”
“Can you believe he came?”
“Yes, you’re his little girl, and it’s your wedding day.”
“Jane,” Turning to her, I hold her hand close to my chest.
“Thank you for pushing me, to take that leap. If not for you, I never would’ve met Carter. Besides you, he’s the best thing that’s happened to me.”
With a kiss on my cheek, she pulls back, her eyes full of moisture.
“I might have lead you to him, but it’s the two of you who fell in love. You two are meant to be and I’m so happy for the both of you.”
Hugging her tight, I fight the oncoming tears.
“Okay, I need to get out there before I ruin my makeup.”
“Yes.”
&nb
sp; She quickly pulls back and takes my hand. Together, we walk out of the room. Outside, my father is standing in a tailored gray suit, with a pretty blue vest and tie beneath. At first sight of me, his eyes water.
“You look beautiful, Alexandria.”
My head lowers, blushing. I force the tears back.
“Thank you, Dad.”
“I’m honored to be able to walk you down the aisle.”
“Thank you for being here. It means so much to me.”
Putting his elbow out, he awaits me to take it.
“Thank you for calling me. It should’ve been me calling you.”
Placing my hand on his arm, I smile up at him.
“I’m glad you’re here now.”
“Me too.”
Meeting my sister at the Villa doors, her eyes light up when she sees me.
“You look gorgeous.”
With an excited giggle, we all line up. Two waiting staff members open the double doors. Amy and Jane disappear through them. Jittery with excitement, I wait for our cue. Stepping forward, we turn left, and everything comes into view. Beyond the doors is a white walkway through rows of white chairs filled with guests. At the end of the walkway is an archway of blue and white flowers and beneath it, the man I long to be with.
With the rhythm of the music, we take our steps, my father escorting me down the aisle. At the end, he hands me to Carter. With my hands in his, I stand before him, ready to say the words that will promise my devotion and commitment.
Blue eyes alight with love, he stares down at me, holding my hands tenderly.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than the woman in front of me. You’re breathtaking, Alex, completely breathtaking.”
“So are you. You’re incredibly handsome in your suit.”
A smile that can make me feel loved on my darkest day beams before me.
“In mere minutes I’ll finally be your wife. I’ve longed for this day.”
“I have too.”
Behind us, the officiate is grinning. “You may all be seated.”
The movement momentarily draws Carter and my attention from one another.
“We’re all here today to celebrate the relationship of Carter and Alexandria and to be witnesses and supporters of the commitment they share with one another. You all are the most important people in their lives and they’ve brought you here to publicly recognize you’ve all played some special part in the love they share today.”
Never taking our eyes from each other, we wait to say our vows.
“Carter and Alexandria, these vows are your way of openly declaring your promise to one another as well as to all of those who are here in attendance today.”
With his mesmerizing blue eyes, he gazes down at me.
“Alex, my beautiful fiancée, I had no idea how much love can move an individual until I met you. Your strength and kindness know no bounds. Your love has no limits. And it’s that very love that has brought us to where we are now. It’s your love that gave me the strength to overcome my obstacles. It’s your love I wake up and long for each day. There is nothing in this world that can stop me from loving you…today and every day we have together.”
A single tear rolls down my cheek as my entire body shakes with the need to be closer to him, kissing him, holding him. With a gentle swipe of his thumb, my tear is wiped away.
“Carter, there was a time I’d lost myself, and in that journey to find myself again I also found you. You became the wind and strength I needed to be able to spread my wings. It was your patience and your love that mended my heart. Every day I wake up thankful to have you in my life, thankful to have your love. You’re the most kind, caring, loving man I know and I’m so thankful you love me too. I promise to be there for you no matter what life throws at us. I promise to cherish you until the very last breath we take.”
Stepping closer together, Carter holds my face in his hands as he kisses my cheek, his lips lingering. “I love you so much.”
As he pulls back, my tears unleash and stream down my cheeks. “I love you too.”
“Carter and Alexandria will now exchange rings to symbolize their commitment. The wearing of the rings is a visible, outward sign they have committed themselves to one another.”
Taking my hand in his, Carter slides the ring onto my finger.
“I give you this ring, as a symbol of our love, for today and tomorrow, and for all days to come. Wear it as a sign of what we have promised on this day and know my love is present even when I am not.”
Taking a breath, I force the tears back as I slide his band onto his finger and repeat the same vow.
“By sharing your vows and exchanging rings here today you both have decided to share the rest of your lives together. You are no longer two separate people, but one couple together.
“Alexandria, do you take Carter to be your husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“Carter, do you take Alexandria to be your wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Carter, you may kiss your bride.”
Arm around my waist, hand lost in my curls, he pulls me to him, kissing me, giving my body the needed connection. Sealing our love and promises. Making me his.
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LASAGNA RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 – 26 oz. jar of garlic & herb spaghetti sauce (brand of your choice)
1 – 26 oz. jar of marinara or tomato and basil spaghetti sauce (brand of your choice)
2 cups ricotta cheese (16 oz. container)
6-8 slices of provolone cheese (6 oz. package)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 oz. package)
½ cup parmesan cheese
¾ cup diced turkey pepperoni
1 lb. of lean ground beef
1 package of lasagna noodles
Tsp. garlic salt
Tsp. black pepper
Tsp. Italian seasoning
Tbsp. Sugar
Cook 1 lb. lean ground beef in frying pan without any oils. As it browns add a teaspoon of garlic salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once ground beef is browned, set aside. Put both jars of sauce into the cooking pot. Mix with sauce - 1 lb. cooked ground beef, ¾ cup diced turkey pepperoni, 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir ingredients in saucepan over medium heat.
Boil 1 package of lasagna noodles. (Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to keep noodles from sticking together). Once boiled thoroughly, drain pot of noodles almost completely. Leave some water to keep noodles moist while layering the lasagna.
Layering Lasagna:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread a small amount of sauce on bottom of large 9x13 baking dish instead of oils. Add first layer of noodles, covering bottom of baking dish. Add 2 cups of ricotta cheese on top of first layer of noodles. Cover ricotta cheese and noodles with the sauce/meat mix. Repeat layering with another layer of noodles, add the 6-8 slices of provolone cheese, then sauce. Repeat layering with another layer of noodles, add the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, then sauce. Complete layering by sprinkling the ½ cup parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove the oven and let sit for 5-7 minutes before serving.
MORE BOOKS BY BETTY SHREFFLER
CASTLE OF KINGS
(A Kings MC Romance)
CLIPPED WINGS
(A Kings MC Romance, Book 2)
FIRE ON THE FARM
(A Second Chance Cowboy Romance)
MY HOT BOSS
(A Sexy and Witty Office Romance)
WHEN HUNTER MEETS SEEKER
(A Sexy and Suspenseful Paranorm
al Romance)
EMBRACE THE DAWNING
(Book 1, The Covenant Series)
CRUEL TEMPTATION
(Book 2, The Covenant Series)
DARK AND BEAUTIFUL NIGHTS
(Book 3, The Covenant Series)
View any of Author Betty’s Shreffler’s Books Here
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Betty Shreffler is an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of paranormal romantic suspense and contemporary romance. She writes sexy and suspenseful stories with hot alphas and kickass heroines that have twists you don’t expect. She also writes beautiful and sexy romances with tough women and their journeys at finding love. Betty is a mix of country, nerdy, sassy, sweet and a whole lot of sense of humor. She’s a fan of photography, reading, watching movies, hiking, traveling, drinking wine, bubble baths and all things romantic. She lives with her amazing hubs and five fur babies; two rescue pups and three cats. If she’s not writing or doing book events, then you can find her behind the lens of a camera, in the woods, or sipping wine behind a deliciously steamy book.
Ways to stay in touch with Betty:
Facebook Author Page
Facebook Readers' Group
Website
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Newsletter
Table of Contents
COPYRIGHT
FROM THE AUTHOR
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Unbreak This Heart Page 27
