I was stunned.
To say the least.
“Sweetness,” Chase said, picking up on the tension filling the room. “Why don’t we head into the kitchen? Give Pop and your friend some time.”
Nodding, I grabbed Jade’s hand with one of my own. Then, placing my hand on Addie’s back, I started to guide us out of the room as Dad followed. “We’ll be in the kitchen if y’all need anything.”
Drowning in each other, neither Pop or Carmen said anything as we left the room, leaving them alone.
Once in the kitchen, I released Jade’s hand as Chase scooped Addie up in one arm—much to her delight—and pulled me into him with the other.
“I think I just saw love,” he said, smiling.
I nibbled my bottom lip. “I saw it too.”
But I also saw something more.
And that something more? It was hurt.
A whole lot of it.
Pressing a kiss to my forehead, Chase whispered, “I love you, Sweetness.”
My worry lessened at his words.
“And you,” he said, tickling Addie’s belly. “May just be my favorite person in the whole damn world.”
My heart melted, and my soul sighed.
I love him.
So much.
Addie laughed until I thought she’d burst as Chase continued to tickle her while focusing his attention on Jade. “I’m gonna go out on a limb here and guess that you’re Jade.”
She nodded, and regret flashed in his eyes.
He was thinking about Clyde.
“One step at a time,” Dad whispered, reading the situation correctly. “That’s how we’re going to do this. Just one step at a time.”
Jade nodded. “I can do that.”
“Me too,” Chase agreed.
Feeling better about the situation before me, I wrapped my arms around Chase’s torso and rested my head on his rock-hard chest. “Say it again.”
Knowing exactly what I wanted, he rested his chin atop my head and whispered, “I love you, Sweetness. Until my final breath.”
I closed my eyes. “I love you too, Jock. Until my final breath.”
The sound of raised voices grabbed my attention. My eyes popped open, and I looked back toward the living room. “Think they stand a chance?”
Chase grunted.
Jade remained silent.
But my Dad? He looked at Chase and me. Then, he whispered, “True love will always find a way.”
He was right.
Because of true love, Chase and I had found our happily ever after, and maybe, just maybe—Pop and Carmen would too.
Ready for Pop’s and Carmen’s story? If so, pre-order Every Sin We Erase now!
Also by J.E. Parker
Redeeming Love Series
Every Moment with You (Hendrix and Maddie)
Every Breath You Take (Anthony and Shelby)
Every Promise You Made (Evan and Hope)
Every Tear You Cry (Brantley and Clara)
Every Wrong You Right (Ty and Heidi)
Every Kiss You Steal (Chase and Ashley)
Every Sin We Erase (Pop and Carmen)
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About the Author
J.E. Parker is an American romance author who was born and raised in the great state of North Carolina. A southern belle at heart, she’s addicted to sweet tea, Cheerwine, and peach cobbler.
Not only is J.E. married to the man of her dreams (albeit a total pain in the rear), she’s also the mother of a herd of sweet (sometimes), and angelic (only when they’re sleeping) children. Despite their occasional demonic behavior and bottomless stomachs, J.E. loves her little tribe more than words could ever express.
On the weekends, you can find her sitting on the couch, cheering on (or cursing) her favorite football team, stuffing her face with junk food, and guzzling a bottle of cheap red wine.
When she’s not busy making sure her husband doesn’t burn the house down or acting as a referee for her fighting children, J.E. enjoys reading, writing (obviously), and listening to a wide variety of music.
Acknowledgments
Ziggy Bear
I miss you, ya giant ball of fluff.
Thank you for loving me, sweet boy.
And thank you for loving my babies.
My heart will never be whole again,
but I’m thankful for every second we had.
Angel Youngren
I never met you, but she loved you,
and therefore I do by default.
Take care of my Marshmallow for me.
Lord knows, he likes to find trouble.
Rest easy, sweet boy.
Christina Youngren
This book hurt.
We both cried, we both cursed,
but somehow we survived.
Words will never be enough.
You’ve walked me through anxiety attacks, family emergencies, and moments where I just wanted to give up.
Thank you. For everything.
Sara Miller
Book number 7!
How the hell that happened, I don’t know.
But here’s to thirty more!
Tempi Lark
You understand my special brand of crazy, and you don’t judge me for it.
You have no idea what that means to me. From the bottom of my whacky heart, thank you!
John
I was a mess when you married me.
And I’m still a mess today.
Thank you for saving me all those years ago.
Without you, I’d be lost. No doubt.
Love you, Big Guy.
Until my final breath.
Grandmama
Life hurts without you.
But seeing how much everyone falls in love with you as they read my books lessens the pain.
I miss you, Crazy Old Biddy.
A whole lot.
I hope you’re proud of me.
Because I’m certainly proud of you.
The Parker Squad
You five drive me batshit crazy.
But I wouldn’t trade you for the world.
Everyday, I’m thankful to be your Mama.
Love you guys.
With every piece of me.
JE’s Romance Junkies
Y’all will never understand how much you mean to me. Thank you for sticking with me through everything! Without y’all, I never would’ve made it this far.
Every Kiss You Steal: A Redeeming Love Novel (Book 7) Page 35
