Stephan

by Hazel Gower

  “Yep, we’d just need to find a house of some sort with a yard. I can’t leave Fido.”

  I rolled my eyes heavenward. The bloody puppy got treated better than me most of the time. Jade had tried to get it to sleep in our room but I’d drawn the line there. It still slept in the games room. I’d missed out on so many morning snuggles and morning fun because Jade couldn’t leave someone else to let it out or feed it. It had taken me days to convince her the damn dog would be fine with my parents while we checked out universities.

  “Well tomorrow I have it arranged for a realtor to show us some properties. Brand has been out looking today to see if any will suit us.”

  Jade sat up and looked at me. “Hey, how’d you know I’d like it here and want to move?”

  “It was pretty easy, little bit. You haven’t stopped raving about the place since we arrived yesterday and today just confirmed it. Although I’m not sure about Ben, and your classes being so close to his.”

  She grinned at me. “Oh I think he got the idea I’m yours.”

  Wrapping my arms around her I kissed her. I wasn’t going to wait any longer. I was going to make Jade mine in the eyes of everyone. Tomorrow when we found just the right house I’d make her mine so she wouldn’t deny it or doubt again.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jade

  I’d seen five houses so far and none of them were what I liked. They all felt stale, bland, and prison-like. I didn’t want a sprawling mansion. I wanted a home. I sounded picky and selfish, but I had to live in the place we chose for at least the next four years so I figured I should get a say. I knew for security reasons we couldn’t get certain properties.

  “Little bit, we’ve seen everything Brand has okayed.” His arms came around my waist and pulled me back against his chest. We stood by the car in front of the fifth house.

  Stephan would have gone with the first mansion that backed onto the water and had almost no yard, everything in the whole house was stark white. He liked the third house we looked at but was so big I could have gotten lost. It was cream, everything. I’d found out mansions and people with money liked white, or cream. I could paint, but even the feeling of the huge places didn’t feel right.

  “Surely there has to be more.” I leaned into him.

  Brand, who’d been quiet while we looked at the properties he’d already seen and okayed, spoke up, “I told Stephan these weren’t your style.” He smirked my way. “I asked to see a house I spotted for sale when I did a drive around. It’s not as big as these, but it’s in a good neighborhood and would be easy to set up security and monitor. It’s also close to the university.”

  The more Brand talked the more excited I got. I turned and stared at Stephan. “Can we see it?”

  “Sure.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over mine. “If the real estate agent can get us in to see the house.”

  “It was empty.” I turned back around to gaze at Brand, who looked at the realtor. “It was the last house we looked at together.”

  The real estate agent smiled at Stephan. “The house is significantly smaller than what you have seen.”

  I was liking the house more with everything I heard. “That’s fine.” I wasn’t a fan of the real estate agent, he didn’t even take notice of what I said, he looked to Stephan waiting for him. Stiffening, I glared at the dick. So I might not be paying for the house but I knew if I said no Stephan wouldn’t get any of them. My opinion mattered.

  Stephan squeezed me and just his touch comforted me. “If Brand has seen it and thought it was good then let's go look at it. ”

  Spinning, I reached up and pulled Stephan down plastering my mouth to his. “Yay, let’s go.”

  Brand chuckled and Stephan grinned at me. “I need to let you get what you want more often.”

  Rolling my eyes heavenward I moved out of his hold and got into the backseat of the car, Stephan joined me soon after, but not before I saw him say something to the real estate agent that had wiped the smile off his face. Brand got into the driver’s side and we were on our way.

  “Little bit, we’re going to get something to eat first. I’m hungry. What about you?”

  My stomach grumbled at the mention of food. “Oh I could really go for a burger and fries.”

  “You sure? There is this nice little restuar—”

  “Nah, let’s get Maccas.”

  Stephan pulled a face and I laughed. He wasn’t a huge fan of McDonald’s, which I thought was hilarious. I mean what teenager didn’t like junk food? He was all for the gourmet food. “Fine. McDonald’s it is.”

  I laughed because his nose was scrunched up, his eyes squinted, and he frowned as he agreed. “I love you.” I kissed him. “That’s for the sacrifice.”

  “Ha, ha, smartarse.” His frown disappeared. His eyes grew big and his dimples popped. He was gorgeous. My heart rate picked up and I sighed in contentment. I knew my man would do anything for me.

  Brand drove to a Macca’s and went through the drive-thru. Stephan took forever to order as he didn’t know what he wanted. We were honked from two cars back, but Stephan didn’t care, he took his time.

  Stephan bought enough food to feed an army. “There is no way you’ll eat all that.”

  He shrugged. “I know, but I don’t know if I’ll like some of it so I got a bunch to try.”

  Shaking my head at his wastefulness I ate my cheeseburger and fries.

  Brand drove us to a new estate. “I’ll show you the neighborhood first, before we go to the house.”

  “Sounds good,” I said. Stephan grunted next to me.

  The houses around were big, but not as massive as the ones we’d been looking at. We drove for a good ten minutes before Brand parked in front of a house at the end of the cul-de-sac. It was single story house, dark beige on the outside with a two-car garage. The front door and garage were brown. The fence was high but blended in well. The white gates with the lush green garden surrounding it made the house straight away feel more homey then a prison. I liked what I saw so far.

  I was eager to see more. I got out of the car only to be stopped by Owen. “Stay close. I haven’t swept this one.”

  I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

  “Owen, no one knew until about just over half an hour ago we were coming here.”

  “Princess, a lot can happen in that time.”

  I sighed, not only did I hate the name they had for me, I knew I’d never win if I argued. “Fine. I’ll stay close.”

  Glancing around I looked for the realtor we’d been with, but I couldn’t see his car. “Where’s the dick we’ve been with? I knew he would have had to get the keys, but we detoured twice with food and looking around the neighborhood.”

  Brand and Owen chuckled. Stephan came to me and wrapped his arms around me gathering me to him. “The car pulling up now will be the real estate agent. ”

  I turned to see a red sports car, not the black BMW. Had the guy changed cars? A woman in her late forties or early fifties got out of the car, she wore a black suit. She came over with a smile on her face.

  “Hi. I’m Susan Randal. I believe my associate showed you the other properties.” She held her hand out to me first.

  I liked this realtor.

  Shaking her hand, I smiled. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jade.”

  “Hi, Jade.”

  Stephan shook her hand. “Hi, Mrs. Randal, I’m Stephan, Stephan Silverman. The two men with us are our security.”

  I glanced over to see both Owen and Brand give a slight nod of acknowledgement.

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Silverman, and please call me Susan.”

  “Thanks, Susan.” I smiled at her.

  “Well now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s go look at the house.” Susan pulled keys out of her pocket and used them to open the gate.

  Owen went first and we followed him. The garden was established with large shrubs and a colorful garden of flowers. The front yard was a decent size.

 
“The house is just over five years old and the previous owners have only just moved out as they moved overseas.” We followed Susan. She opened the door and again Owen went in first.

  We entered into a hall with grey tiles. The walls were beige and darker skirting boards. We walked down and it veered in two directions. We went right and came to a huge open plan kitchen, dining room, and behind us a lounge room. Then we walked further down passed the nice size kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and white wooden cupboards to a decent size family room. Going back we took the other route coming out to a door and hall, opening the door we stepped down into a large dark room with only one window, it was the entertainment room. My excitement grew the more I saw. This house was wonderful. We left the entertainment room and walked further down the other hall and saw two decent size rooms, a study and the last bedroom was huge with an en suite, and walk-in wardrobe.

  Susan talked about the house but I didn’t really listen. I was too busy dreaming, the house was perfect. I let go of Stephan’s hand and explored. The more I looked the more I fell in love. This was my dream home. This house was more than I could ever hoped to have. I loved it.

  Without realizing, I was bouncing around leaving everyone behind me. The house had a homey feeling. You could move into it and it wouldn’t feel like a show home. Going back to Stephan I grabbed his hand and Brand’s pulling them to the back door. I couldn’t wait to go the outside. I prayed it had a backyard for Fido. They both laughed at me, but I didn’t care.

  Owen was outside and he smiled when he saw me. The yard was huge, circling the entire house. The neighbors were a good distance away but close enough I knew they were there.

  “Well take it.” I heard Stephan say. “I’ll pay asking price and give them an extra ten percent if we can have early settlement, and they’ll be extra for you if you can have the paperwork to us ASAP. There’s a lot that needs to be done in time for us to move in.”

  Everything felt right. Perfect. I stared dazed as I listened to Stephan. I felt like I was in a dream. Susan beamed.

  “Sure, Mr. Silverman. I’ll get right on that.” Susan walked toward the gate with her mobile at her ear.

  Stephan came to me and his arms circled my waist gathering me against him. I gazed up at him, my mouth dry. Tears rolled freely down my cheeks. The man would do anything for me. Why had I taken so long to figure what a treasure Stephan was? How on Earth did I get so lucky? I hugged him.

  “I love you so much. Thank you for being mine. Thank you for being patient with me and never giving up.”

  Stephan wiped my eyes. “I love you too, little bit.” He stepped back, and then he got down on one knee.

  Gasping, I opened my mouth and shut it. I stilled, too scared to move or even breathe. Closing my eyes I pinched my arm. Ouch. My life had never been like this. I’d never been this blessed. Slowly I opened my eyes and there was Stephan still on his knees and holding a red velvet box. Inside was a beautiful diamond ring. The diamond was oval and a flat setting with smaller diamonds surrounding it. I held my breath, terrified and excited at the same time.

  “Jade Black, I love you more than anything in this world. I know we’re young, but I’ve known from the moment I laid eyes on you that you’re mine. You’re my soul mate. My one. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

  Letting my breath out I calmed my racing heart. “Is this real?” I felt like I was in dream I never wanted to wake up from.

  I heard chuckles and Stephan sighed. “Of course it’s real.”

  Before the last word was out of his mouth I threw myself at him. He fell back onto the grass. “Oh. My. God. I love you so much. Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you. I never thought I could ever have what you’ve given me. I have a family. I have so much love. Thank you. Thank you.” I covered him with kisses.

  Laughter surrounded us, but I didn’t care. Straddling Stephan I planted a big kiss on his lips. He beamed at me and my heart soared. My life went from living day-to-day focusing on finishing school and getting away from my grandpa. To having a family and a future I never dreamed possible.

  Stephan grabbed my left hand and slid the ring on; it fit perfectly. Not many things in my life had been good but I knew what I had with Stephan was like the ring—a perfect fit.

  The End

  Books by Hazel Gower

  Published with JK Publishing, Inc.

  The MacLeod Clan

  The Laird’s Future Bride

  Peacekeepers

  Her Keepers

  Caveman Instincts

  Stephan

  Published with Beachwalk Press

  Armageddon Mates

  Kane’s Mate

  Rane’s Mate

  Ava’s Mate

  Arden's Mate

  The Protectors

  Volume 1 – Coming Soon

  Finding Love

  Winning Her Lover – Coming Soon

  Published with Liquid Silver Books

  The Price of Fame

  Published with Evernight Publishing

  The Bears

  Theirs

  Ours

  Hers

  The Inteli

  Savior

  Sin City Shifters

  Sasha’s Lion

  Jezebel’s Lion

  Merpeople

  A Merman of her Own

  A Merman Uncovered

  Mount View Treaty

  Claim By Her Panthers – (Co-authored with Jess Buffett)

  Stand Alone Books

  Always and Forever

  Letters to her Soldier

  Published with All romance eBooks

  Her Big Bad Mistake

  I would love to hear from you!

  Website: www.hazelgower.com

  Email: hazel.gower@yahoo.com.au

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HazelGowerAuthor

  Excerpt from the Laird's Future Bride

  The MacLeod Clan Book One

  By Hazel Gower

  “Well, Holly, I dinna ken how to tell ye this without having ye think I’m crazy or running out of here, but here it goes. This is me mother, Magan MacLeod. She has brought ye from wherever ye’re from to me home in Scotland in the year of our Lord fifteen eighty. I am Duncan MacLeod, Laird of the MacLeods. I’m twenty and eleven and the oldest child. I have a brother who is out training me men now. I should be there with him, but am here trying to figure out what to do. Are ye from this time? Or from a different time?”

  Holly could feel her whole body going numb. For some reason, she knew Duncan wasn’t playing a game or re-enacting; he was telling the truth. She looked around the room with its wooden table and chairs by the fire on the far side of the wall and a tiny round hole that looked to be a window.

  She needed to sit down. Ignoring Duncan’s question, Holly moved to the closest seat and sat. “Oh, my freaking God. I’ve lost my mind.” Holly started to cry, stopping when she felt Magan’s hand settle on her shoulder and pat her.

  “There now, lass, it’s not that bad. Me son is a powerful laird. He can provide ye with anything ye want. Ye’ll be happy here.”

  Holly couldn’t help the hysterical giggle that slipped through. “Oh, lady, you have no idea what you have done. Where you have brought me from. If I hadn’t seen the sparks of lightning come from your hands myself, I would think you crazy and this all a re-enactment.” Holly wiped her face with the long sleeves of her dress and looked up into Magan’s bright green eyes. “I am in Scotland on holiday with my best friend, Jane. This holiday was her idea before we started university. I think she was trying to cheer me up. My parents died in a car accident almost a year ago. A car is a big metal object with wheels that takes us places. I am eighteen, nineteen in three weeks’ time. I live in Australia, which is a twenty-four hour flight around the other half of the world. Oh, and I’m from the year twenty fourteen.”

  Duncan started yelling at his mother in a language Holly didn’t understand. Ma
gan yelled back until finally Duncan quietened, and they spoke calmly for a while. Holly knew she should say something, but she was still trying to wrap her head around what she’d seen and what she’d been told. She could feel Duncan’s gaze bore into her as he spoke to his mother.

  The talking in another language stopped, and Duncan spoke in English. “Me mother is going to explain some things to ye, and we have figured out a backstory that ye need to remember to tell to people. Ye’re now Lady Holly Drake, a distant cousin of me mother sister’s husband in England. And…me betrothed.”

  Excerpt from Her Keepers

  Peacekeepers Book One

  By Hazel Gower

  “Why the hell didn’t you say when we were talking earlier the Johnson group are women?”