“Ah, well.” Reaching up, Rebel picks a stray curl from Madeline’s clammy cheek and tucks it back behind her ear. “He’s all hot air. At least she has a man in her life who’s willing to step up and be a father to her.”
I nod, my gaze falling on Brody. I was right to push those two together. He and Annie may have started out as friends like Brody and I, but they’ve grown to be so much more. They have this quiet kind of love. It’s a slow burn built on mutual attraction and respect for one another, and Madeline is the glue the binds them together.
They’re a perfect little family. The kind of family Rebel and I are working towards having.
“How’re my girls?” Rebel asks, his hand covering the part of my stomach that’s not covered in toddler limbs.
“Sleeping,” I say with a relieved sigh. “I swear they bruised a couple of ribs today with all their fighting.”
“They’re feisty just like their mother,” Rebel says with a pleased smile.
“Or ill-tempered just like their father.”
Grinning, Rebel rises to his feet and bends down to kiss the top of my head. “Since my mother told me never to cross a pregnant woman, and she’s usually right about everything, I’m just going to let you go on believing that.”
I watch him walk back across the patio and rejoin the rest of the men, leaping seamlessly into the conversation. He’s standing right next to Brody, and I can’t help but stare. For a man who seemed to truly hate him just because of the parts he was born with, Rebel has come a long way in accepting Brody into our inner circle. I think it has more to do with Brody and Annie’s nuptials than anything, though. Now that my friends are tied down to one another, he can finally let down his guard.
“Vincent and I drove past the building yesterday,” Seraphim says, calling back my attention. “The new sign looks great.”
I smile, glancing back at Rebel. He’s finally made it official. Being the sole owner of the company now, we thought it would be smart to inform everyone in the city of the change. I went right to work designing a new sign for the front of the building and over the course of a couple days, Donnelly and Townsend came down, replaced by Scott Enterprises.
“You did a really nice job,” Seraphim praises. “The silver against the glass is eye-catching.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you thought any more about Rebel’s offer? I know he would love to have you working alongside him.”
I chuckle under my breath. This conversation has been beaten to death already, but it looks like it’s time for one last round. “I don’t have any interest in being a partner or taking on any of the other jobs available,” I inform her yet again. “I really like what I do. I don’t see that changing.”
She nods thoughtfully. “Well, it was worth one last try. As long as both of you are happy, that’s all that matters.”
“We are.”
“I know.” Her smile is soft and affectionate, true to her personality.
“How’s my peanut?”
Tipping my head back, I see Annie walking up. She looks harassed, but the closer she gets, the more the look fades. “Sleeping like an angel.” Shifting forward, I gently transfer her daughter into Annie’s waiting arms.
“That’s about the only time she can ever be compared to one,” Annie laughs. “Thank heavens for Brody. He’s got enough energy to keep pace with her. Otherwise I don’t know what I’d do. Honestly, most days I think those two wear each other out.” Her gaze drops to my swollen stomach. “I still can’t believe you’re having twins. I’ll pray for you.”
“Ha! Thanks. I have a feeling I’m going to need every one of them.” Especially if they turn out anything like their father and uncle. Although, now that Rebel and I are solid, their sibling rivalry seems to have all but vanished. The road has not been easy, but it’s good to know that my involvement hasn’t ruined their relationship.
Catching one of Annie’s warm smiles, I count my lucky stars that she returned home. Being miles away from each other just wasn’t cutting it for either of us. She’s helped me navigate this crazy life better than I could have done on my own, and I’d like to think that I’ve had a good impact on hers as well. Together, we have a strong support system, and now that I’m about to enter motherhood, I can’t think of a better person to help me learn the ropes.
“Oh Annie,” Seraphim says from my opposite side. “Joe told me that you found an adorable wooden rocker for Madeline’s nursery. I’ve been looking everywhere for the perfect set, but I just can’t seem to find it. Where did you get yours?”
“It was this little antique barn. It’s kind of out of the way, but if you don’t mind traveling a distance, I’m sure they’ll have something there you’ll like.”
“Sounds perfect,” Seraphim says, an exuberant smile lighting up her face. “I’d love for you girls to tag along and help me pick them out. We could make a day of it.”
“Conspiring to spend all my hard-earned money again?” Vincent strolls up, a wide, playful smile on his handsome face and takes his seat beside his wife.
He’s followed by Brody on Annie’s opposite side, then Ransom, and Rebel takes the seat closest to me, automatically reaching for my hand and lacing our fingers together.
Seraphim swats Vincent’s arm, laughing. “Those are my first grandchildren. Don’t spoil my fun.”
“I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing. They’re my first too, and I plan to spoil the little ones rotten.”
“He means that,” Seraphim warns me. “Look what he’s done to our boys.”
“Hey!” Rebel and Ransom shout in unison.
Laughter fills the air surrounding the table and quickly dissolves into idle talk. We learn that Brody has decided to return to school to earn his masters so he can apply his business degree to a job that Rebel has assured him will be waiting when he’s finished. Annie is content with focusing her attention on being a mother to her whirlwind of a daughter for now, and Ransom is taking the summer break to explore the women down in Florida. Without a copy of Rebel’s dating card to punch, he’s excited to branch out and create his own. I guess that means he’s going to play the field for a while. Rebel makes no bones about how he feels about it. He thinks it’s the perfect solution to an age old problem. I just hope he finds what he’s looking for.
As for Rebel and me? Seraphim has her own hopes and dreams for us, and she doesn’t hesitate to spell them out.
“When are you two getting married? Those babies are going to be here before we know it, and weddings take time to plan.”
My back stiffens and Rebel’s hand squeezes mine gently. We’ve talked about this before and Rebel and I don’t see the need to get married right away just because we’re starting a family of our own. Our hearts are already locked in. We don’t need a piece of paper to make it official.
“It’s not at the top of our list,” I tell her. This is a point of contention because Seraphim and Vincent are very traditional in their beliefs, and Rebel and I just aren’t. We’re taking things slow, one step at a time.
Seraphim slants Rebel and me a look that promises trouble, but he speaks up to diffuse the situation before it can get out of hand.
“Don’t get bent out of shape, Mom,” he says coolly. “It’ll happen soon enough.”
Picking up my glass of lemonade, I nod my agreement as I take a long drink of it, glad that Rebel is man enough to stand up to his parents and for what we believe in.
I’m so focused on my thoughts and the need to escape this potential deathtrap of marriage talk, that I don’t notice Rebel leaving his seat right away. By the time I do, it’s too late. He’s already kneeling down beside me wearing a brilliant smile.
“What are you doing?” I ask breathlessly at the same time his mother lets out a screech of joy. Vaguely, I’m also aware that everyone is focused on us.
“I think that’s obvious, pussycat,” Rebel says for my ears only. Holding up a platinum band with a single fat, sparkling diamond on it, he s
tares into my eyes, stealing my focus. “We’re not a match made in heaven. We’ve never followed conventional ideas of what makes two people a couple, and we’re never going to be perfect. I can’t promise that we’ll always see eye to eye because we won’t. I can’t promise that we won’t fight because we will. But what I can promise is that between all the bad times we’re sure to have, there’s going to be some fantastic make-up sex—”
“Rebel!” Seraphim shouts. Vincent rushes to quiet her while the others laugh.
“Most of all,” Rebel continues, “I can promise that we’ll fall even more in love with each other every day because we already do. So what do you say? Will you take a chance on me one last time?”
I never thought I’d be the kind of woman to cry when her man got down on one knee to propose, but here I am, a teary-eyed mess. Leaning forward, I clasp my hands behind Rebel’s head and touch my lips to his, closing my eyes for a moment so I can commit every detail of the day that my mystery man committed every part of himself to me.
When I open my eyes again, they find his automatically. I read the question in his midnight eyes, and I know that there’s only one answer I can give, and it all comes down to one moment in time. Six years ago I received an invitation to a hotel room for one night of mind-blowing sex and left the next morning a different woman. I hadn’t known then what that change was, but I do now. It’s so obvious.
I fell for him.
So my answer is easy. “Yes,” I say, my voice a mere whisper laced with emotion.
“Yes?” Rebel asks, seemingly shocked. I nod, and like a shot, he lunges for me. Wrapping me in his arms, Rebel kisses me like we’re the only two people at the table and by the time we come up for air, we are. With steady hands, Rebel glides the ring onto my finger. “I promised you diamonds once. This is just the first of many.”
Reverently, he presses his lips to the ring, and then he stands. Holding out his hand, I slip mine into his, and he pulls me to my feet and begins leading me away.
“Where are we going?” I ask, craning my head to see where everyone’s gone off to.
“Home,” Rebel tells me, his voice a husky rasp. “My mother is probably already planning the wedding, so we only have a short time left to live in sin.”
Leaning into his side, I laugh. “Then we’d better make every moment count.”
Rebel’s dark eyes find mine and for a moment, I get lost in them again. Grasping my chin, he says, “Always, pussycat. Always.” Then he kisses me, and everything I need to know can be found in that one kiss. Despite the many pitfalls we’ve encountered along the way, this is the man I am destined to spend my life with. I’ve found my home.
THE END.
Read more books by J.C. VALENTINE
Note from the Author
When I started writing this series, it was nothing more than a seed of an idea. I had some concepts in mind and needed a little push from my sister from another mother Kim to steer it in the right direction. Ransom was supposed to be the stripper and Joe was supposed to be the innocent school girl. Can you believe the turn it took? Neither can I. As with most stories, I’ve come to find that they don’t always follow the plan. Just like most of you, I didn’t know Ransom would have a twin in Rebel. Those details unraveled as the story basically wrote itself. I love it when that happens!
When Dance for Me went live, I hoped that a small few would see my vision and enjoy the ride. I never imagined the fantastic response it’s gotten. Cliffhangers can be a death sentence, but you all have made it a suspense-filled journey to the finish line. Thank you for seeing this trilogy through to the end. I feel that I’ve given Joe, Rebel, Ransom, and the rest of the gang the best possible ending with a hint toward a brighter future. I hope it was everything you wanted it to be and more. Before you ask, I won’t tell you whether or not there will be more from these characters down the line. What I will say is this: Never say never.
Thank you for joining me, Rebel, Ransom, and Joe on this wild ride.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today Bestselling author J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.
She lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms. Connect with JC on Facebook!
Acknowledgements
I usually don’t make many changes to these things because, well, why mess with perfection?
To my usual suspects:
My sister from another mother, Kim- You are the best! What has it been now, two years? I never could have imagined that I would be friends with such an amazing woman as you. You read everything I throw at you, you’re my sounding board, and you help keep me sane. It is such a pleasure to have you as my assistant and I am truly blessed to call you my friend. You are the one who gave me the idea of a naughty professor. Brainstorming with you was so much fun and I had a blast writing this story. I hope it’s everything you imagined it would be.
Mitzi- What can I say, except you’re such a wonderful woman who is also an unexpected friend and gift in my life. I’ve said it before, and the same is true now: I love our talks, and I love your passion for books, especially mine *grins*. You rock!
My Valentines! You ladies rock my socks off. I love our little family and as always, I am confident in saying that you’re the best team a girl could ask for. You all pimp so hard! Thank you!
To all the people that take the time to connect with me: Every message, every comment truly means the world to me. I read every one, so keep ‘em coming!
To my readers: You’re the best. You’ve stuck by me from the beginning, when I wasn’t even sure anyone was paying attention. I am continually blown away by your enthusiasm for my stories and your endless support.
I could never forget my darling hubby. You’re my inspiration behind all of these delectable men. You’re my rock, my one true love. I love you!!
Fall for Him
Forbidden Series Book Three
By J.C. Valentine
All rights reserved. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook is copyrighted material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any form without the prior permission of the publisher, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorized use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.
Fall for Him by J.C. Valentine
Copyright © 2015 by J.C. Valentine
Cover design by J.C. Valentine
Edited by Mitzi Carroll.
Lie to You is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. Please do not take offence to the content, as it is FICTION.
Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademark status in this work of fiction. The publications and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Books by J.C. VALENTINE
About this Book
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
C
hapter 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
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Epilogue
Note from the Author
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Copyright Notice
Connect with J.C. VALENTINE
Fall for Him Page 21
