by Kimi Flores
When they finally made it into a room, Abby was quickly hooked up to all of the machinery to monitor the baby. The nurse discovered that the baby was in distress, and the heart rate was weak. Abby hadn’t dilated as much as they had hoped by now, and the contractions were stressing the baby out further.
Leah tried to keep herself together for her friend’s sake, but her heart was breaking right along with her. Abby had already lost one baby when she was younger. Leah couldn’t even imagine how she would handle losing another. Leah decided that she was going to pray instead of focusing on any possible negative outcomes.
After examining her, the on-call doctor decided they needed to get her into the operating room for an emergency C-section.
Caleb must’ve run into him when he exited the room because Leah heard his whispered voice.
“What can I do?” Leah asked, feeling helpless.
Grabbing onto her arm, Abby begged, “Just hold my hand. I’m so scared. I can’t do this again.” Tears welled up in Abby’s eyes.
Caleb came from behind the privacy curtain just as another contraction began, and Abby screamed out in pain. Rushing to her side, he carefully bent her forward, massaging her back. “Oh love, I’m sorry you’re in so much pain.” He kissed her temple. “Everything is going to be fine.”
The contraction ended, and Abby let go of her death grip on Leah’s hand, then she started to sob into her husband’s chest. “I can’t lose another baby.” Clutching onto his shirt, she pulled him even closer. “I can’t.”
Leah had to turn away as the tears escaped her own eyes. Rather quickly, a crew of nurses came in, transferred Abby to a rolling bed, and gave Caleb a pair of scrubs.
As Caleb put the scrubs on, he stood next to Leah, assuring her that everything was going to be fine. He called out to her as he left the room, “I’ll come out to the waiting room with good news.” His genuine smile looked confident that this was going to turn out fine.
Grabbing a few tissues on her way out the door, Leah trudged to the waiting area. Stefen was sitting on one of the couches, leaning on his knees, twiddling his thumbs. Madison was snuggled up between her grandparents.
All eyes were on Leah as she stood at the entrance. She put on her best brave, smiling face for Madison’s benefit.
Stefen knew her well enough not to buy it. Getting up from the couch, he looked back as he led her away from innocent eyes. “What’s going on?”
She began to sob. “The baby is having problems, and they had to rush her in for an emergency C-section. She’s beside herself. She’s already lost one baby.” Leah sniffed, using the tissue to wipe the tears from under her eyes.
He pulled her into his chest and kissed her head. “I didn’t know she lost another baby.”
“It’s not something you bring up over Thanksgiving turkey, but yeah, she had a miscarriage when she was seventeen.”
Moving her face to look at him, he told her, “We have to remain positive here. Until something bad happens, we’ll just think about the good.” Stefen wrapped his arms around her, and she felt like she was home.
She sunk into his warm arms and sniffled again. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He kissed her forehead before pulling at her hand.
They joined the rest of their group. While they were in the hall, Bri and Dani had arrived. Everyone sat impatiently waiting for any news.
Madison fell asleep by the time Caleb stepped into the room. As he grinned from ear to ear, the entire room seemed to exhale.
He threw his arms up. “It’s a boy.”
Leah stood just inside the hospital room doorway, watching Abby and Caleb with their children, Madison and baby Max. It was breathtaking. Stefen come up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“Do you see that?” he whispered.
“Yes.” She leaned into him. “It's beautiful.”
They swayed slightly back and forth as he said softly, “Someday, we’ll have that.”
She turned to look at him, and he noticed her watery eyes. Pulling her out of the room, he told everyone, “We'll be back.”
Caleb gave a knowing look and smiled. Abby was too hypnotized by the squirming little guy in her arms.
Stefen led Leah out to the parking structure where his car was parked. “Come on, get in, I have something to show you.”
Situated in his car, Stefen started out.
As they drove, Leah remembered everything that happened earlier. “I got a call from the studio today.” She watched him closely.
He gave nothing away. “Oh yeah? What did they say?”
“That I no longer have a class there and that you knew about it.” She bit her lip nervously.
“Hmm. Interesting.” He slowly nodded.
They pulled up to the curb of an unmarked building, and he got out.
Opening her car door, Leah asked, “That’s all you have to say?”
“For now.” He smirked.
He was being so cryptic as he led her to the back of the red brick building.
What is he up to?
Whistling as they turned the corner, he searched his keys until he found the one he was looking for, then he opened the heavy, metallic back door.
“You’re renting a building here?” she questioned.
He flicked on the bright lights. “Nope, you own it.”
As soon as they stepped inside, she began to take in the room.
The floor was the same kind of refurbished wood she'd admired at the tasting room at Zachary's vineyard. The walls were covered in mirrors and ballet bars. She looked up and saw several large intricately designed chandeliers hanging from the ceiling in a row. On the left was a beautiful soft chocolate-colored leather sofa sitting diagonally in the corner.
Is this a dream?
Leah walked into the center of the room, hoping the gush of air coming from the vent above her would help her catch her breath and stop the tears from streaming.
“Do you like it?” Stefen moved his hands from behind his back and lifted her chin.
Lifting her hands, palms up, she motioned around them. “What is this?”
He looked confused by her tears. “It's for you. You said you wanted a better space for your kids. I wanted to open this one for you.”
She cried even harder, and he looked like he was afraid that he’d made a mistake. His voice was soft when he said, “I thought this would make you happy.”
“Stefen, it's too much.” Leah shook her head. “Way too much.”
Understanding now, he sighed with relief and pressed her teary face to his chest. “Nothing is too much for you, Leah. You deserve everything.”
She pulled away to look up at him. “All I've wanted this whole time was you. Not what you could give me.”
His face beamed, full of love. “That's good. This next part would be really awkward, otherwise.” He lowered onto one knee.
Shocked, she gasped, “Stefen, what are you doing?”
“Leah Valdez, I love you with all my heart and soul. I can’t stand it when we’re not together. I want you with me always. You’re the only one I want. You’re my perfect girl, the one I dream about spending the rest of my life with, raising kids and enjoying grandkids with.” He choked up. “I promise to do my very best to make you happy and to deserve you for the rest of our lives.” A nervous smile spread across his lips before he asked her, “Will you marry me?”
Stefen picked up her hand and slipped a beautiful red ruby and diamond ring onto her finger.
Leah was speechless. It took her a moment to even remember she was still breathing. Finally, she whispered, “Yes.”
Jumping up, he lifted her off her feet and spun them in a circle, pressing his lips to hers.
When they broke their kiss, she looked into his face. “It’s not too soon, is it? I was thinking we’d wait a while. What changed?”
“You changed me, ma cherie amour. I didn't believe in marriage before I met you, b
ut once I realized how much I would miss out on if I didn't marry you, I became a believer.” He smiled and kissed her again.
“Are you sure you aren't just caught up in Abby and Caleb’s happy bubble? You know how I feel about marriage. It's forever for me.” She was a bit insecure that he might be moving too fast and back out later.
He held their bodies together, looking down at her. “No, I’m caught up in our bubble. You have no idea how excited I am to make you my wife.”
Finally, Leah grinned. “Well, I'm enjoying the beautiful dance studio my fiancé made for me. This room is gorgeous. How did you know what to add?”
He flashed his devious smile. “I pay attention. I know what you like.” He pointed toward the wall. “Oh and that empty lot next door should be big enough for that community garden you wanted.”
Leah jerked her head back. “Are you kidding me? You bought land for a garden, too?”
He kissed the top of her head. “Yes, I told you nothing is too much for you. I want to be the one that makes your dreams come true.”
Leah settled into his chest. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
Shaking his head, he reminded her, “Do not ever forget that I’m the one that doesn’t deserve you.”
That was one of those things they could go round and round about, so she decided to drop it.
Walking toward the corner, she pointed. “Um, what is the couch for?”
“I've changed a lot, gorgeous.” He winked. “But I’m still a naughty bastard to the core.” He nodded at the couch. “That's for me to sit comfortably while I examine your dance moves.”
Her eyes rounded in surprise. “You know I don't do that kind of dancing, right?”
He threw his head back, laughing. “Doesn't matter. I enjoy watching you move, and…we could always add some specialty equipment in here, if you wanted.” He wiggled his eyebrows, and she giggled.
“Is this what being married to you will be like?”
“Probably,” he laughed again.
She pulled him close. “Then I look forward to it.”
He breathed her in. “I can’t wait to make you my wife. We might break the record for shortest engagement.”
She giggled at his mischievous smirk, until he said, “That wasn’t a joke.”
The afternoon sun shined down on the old Spanish-style building in Harmony, California, bringing all the vibrant colors of the surrounding spring flowers to life.
Balancing herself as she stepped onto the uneven bricks outside of the chapel, Leah took a deep breath and closed her eyes. There was no way she’d be able to hide her anxiousness in this tight dress.
This. Is. Happening. She breathed out and in again.
“Are you okay, mija?” The look of concern on her step-father, Sal’s, face was evident. “Having second thoughts?”
She opened her eyes, exhaling through her mouth as she smoothed her hand down the side of her fitted mermaid-style satin gown. Fortunately, she’d been able to purchase and pick up this dress in a very short amount of time. After searching through hundreds of gowns, the tulle train that gathered between the shoulder blades and ran all the way down the back of the dress was what had sold her on this one.
She shook her head. “Absolutely not. I’m just overwhelmed.”
He lowered his head and looked up at her. “Is it your papi? I’m sure you wish he was here.”
She gave a small nod. “Of course I do, but I’m also grateful you’re here. You’ve been like a father to me for quite some time.” She patted Sal’s arm. “Thanks for giving your blessing.”
Leah still couldn’t believe that Stefen had actually asked her mom and Sal for their approval before he proposed. She could kick herself for all of the time she’d wasted, thinking his sneaky phone conversations and sudden trip to L.A. had anything to do with another woman. She was now done with those insecurities.
Sal’s eyes were compassionate. “My pleasure, but if we don’t get in there soon, your groom is going to think you swapped those red heels for a pair of jogging shoes.”
Sal chuckled as Leah took another deep breath.
Pulling the hem to the side, she lifted her foot to take another look at the heels that Stefen had her sister deliver to the bridal chamber, just a few hours ago. The red leather stilettos had a small ankle strap and were probably the most beautiful pair of shoes she now owned.
With Stefen’s love of woman’s footwear, Leah was certain they wouldn’t be the last pair he’d surprise her with.
Always the smartass, he’d recently taken to sending her roses, knowing what she thought of them. They were cliché. She preferred something original like proteas.
She never used roses in her floral displays, unless a client asked for them. To her surprise, once she was dressed for their special day, Stefen had arranged for Abby to hand her the bridal bouquet he had asked if he could have made for her.
He, of course, chose roses. But she had to admit they did look beautiful bunched together with mini white orchids. Something was tucked between a few of the flowers. She pulled the flower-pressed slip of paper out, noticing it was the same one that had been pinned to her bucket list. The one that read, Fall in Love, and she’d later amended to include, *with someone who will love me back. Tears streamed down her cheeks, realizing her wish had come true.
Dani popped her head out of the hand-carved wine cask entrance that opened to the small church. “It’s time. Are you ready?”
Giving a quick nod, Leah held her breath. The music began, and Dani and Bri opened the doors for her and Sal to enter.
The crowd was small—only thirty guests. Though every eye was on her, Leah couldn’t tear her eyes off of her groom. He’d always looked handsome. But standing twenty feet away, in his classic, tailor-made black suit and looking at her like she was the only woman alive, Leah was dreaming up all sorts of naughty thoughts. She could see the fire in his eyes from where she stood.
She was ready to get through the wedding and on to the honeymoon. As if reading her thoughts, his eyes roamed down her body, slightly widening when they took in the red peep-toe heels peeking out from under her long white dress.
She cocked her head, grinning wider than she thought possible.
Soon, mi amor. Soon.
They’d just come back from their honeymoon in Spain, and Leah was taking some time to enjoy the dance studio she now owned with her husband.
A few months back, she’d relinquished control, allowing Stefen to hire some professionals to come in and help get the flower shop up and running. Deciding not to let her previous experiences define who she would and wouldn’t trust in the future, she employed an entirely new crew, who were well trained and able to run the store when she wasn’t around.
Spanish music blasted on the surround sound as she infused the moves of Latin, hip-hop, and belly dancing. Nobody danced that style better than Shakira, but Leah enjoyed imitating her as best as she could.
Gliding and gyrating her hips through this large space was a dream come true. She still couldn’t believe Stefen had proposed to her in this exact room. Now three months later, they were married.
Entranced by the music, she rolled her body downward, flicking her hips from one side to the other.
The next song began to play, encouraging her. A Latin melody filled the room as she shifted her hips seductively back and forth. Swaying her arms, Leah closed her eyes, getting completely lost in the music.
Strong hands gripped her hips, startling her out of her trance and moving her into his fantasies. “Like this,” Stefen whispered suggestively. He swirled their attached hips in synchrony.
Caught in the moment, she reached back, cupped his behind, and drew his body even closer, letting him know that she was his.
He growled, then pulled back, taking her by the hand toward the office. “As much as I’d love to take you right here, I have another plan.”
Batting her eyelashes, she tiptoed behind him, pouting her lips. “Mr. Hunter, are
we going to enjoy some private time on your desk again?”
He groaned, opening the door attached to the side of the office space. “As appealing as that sounds, this is even better.”
She scrunched her nose. “The storage room? Well, that’s not as sexy as I thought.”
There was a wicked gleam in his eye as Stefen pulled her by the fingertips, encouraging her to take a look inside. “It’s not the storage room anymore.”
Her eyes slowly adjusted to the low lighting as she stood in the open doorway. A huge couch filled the majority of the room. Candle-lit sconces covered the back wall, and soft, sensual music was playing.
“I’ve reformed in a lot of ways, Leah. But I’m still a greedy son of a bitch, and I want to be the only one that gets to see you dance like that.”
Leading her deeper into the room, he brought her attention to the pole attached from the ceiling to the floor. She was filled with both excitement and surprise as she leaned into him and breathed out. “I thought you were kidding about that.”
He placed soft kisses below her ear. “Oh, Mrs. Hunter, I take loving you very seriously.”
Leah beamed. “Well, hot damn.”
Chris King never saw it coming…
In some ways, closing the book on my first love was the worst day of life. I was gutted, and yet I was completely at peace with my decision. I walked away knowing that I did what was best for her, unsure if I could ever recover.
Little did I know that one concert would change the entire course of my life.
There I stood, signing autographs and snapping pictures with fans when a familiar face in the crowd catapulted my mind back in time—Salem Honeycutt, once a balm to my pain and a calm in my storm. Yet again, her smiling face gave me hope.
Only one question remained: did she still see me as a wayward teenage boy who was completely off limits, or could she see the man I'd become…focused and driven, yearning for another chance at love?
Countless people helped in so many different ways to get this book published. I’m grateful for each and every person that walked beside me during this journey. I will keep the acknowledgments here to a minimum since the last book had six pages
