“Run! Run! Run!” I yell as loud as I can, hoping it’s some kind of motivation to get #23 to round the bases. I smile inwardly at the number on the Braves’ shirt, remembering a time I had teased Parker about introducing me to #23 on his team after he had told me about the worst date he had ever been on.
I’m jumping up and down, watching the player round third and run home, sliding safe before the catcher caught the ball and got to him. Emily laughs next to me, Wes is as agitated as I am.
These past few years have been an adjustment. Between spring training every year, the length of the season, and the away games, Parker and I have been tested, but our love has been fortified, keeping us close together. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank the stars above for bringing that stubborn, smart mouthed man into my life. God, his sense of humor when I first met him irritated me, but just like me, his witty jokes are often misunderstood.
I look down and catch Parker’s eyes on me. He’s smiling widely, holding me frozen in place as I take him in. Still after all these years together, he makes my heart beat faster. It was difficult at first when Parker got promoted to head coach, but we made it through, with some fighting and lots of make up sex.
It helps that the new stadium is much closer to our Roswell home and his commute allows him to make it home to me quickly. I still miss him like crazy when he’s away, but those days I work longer hours at the bakery, making new recipes and interacting with the customers. It’s a different rhythm than Tuscaloosa, but Sweet on You has bloomed and grown in the Roswell community. People love coming in to try the daily special or pick up their favorite treat. I’ve kept the same concept as Sweet Delights, adding a few twists to mold into this new group of people.
My staff is awesome and we quickly formed a bond I’m grateful to have. Alabama is my first home and family, but Georgia has a special place in my heart, holding my love and my future. It helps that I visit my grandma often in Tuscaloosa, as well as my friends. Caroline has also visited us here, spending holidays and vacations with us. I love that my grandmother has made it a point to spend that time with us. Parker’s family loves her, and they insist on her visiting every time she’s in Georgia.
I focus on the game again, reminiscing about the first opening game I went to cheer on Parker and his team. Players have come and gone, coaches have left and new ones have been added, but the tightness and love of the game is still there.
I’m so proud of Parker and all he has accomplished. Even more proud of him for putting his worries aside and following his dream despite having a shaky start to it. He is the perfect example that if you want something and work hard nothing will get in your way, not even a shoulder injury or broken heart. I love him even more for that.
A player hits the ball out of the field, and looks at the ball fly before he runs around the bases, smiling smugly. Parker gives him a high five as he enters the dugout and the innings continue to swing by.
His smile warms my heart and I look down at my wedding ring. It glimmers in the sun and I’m taken back two and a half years. I still remember the surprise of finding that ring in one of the geocaches. What I thought was going to be a regular day out on the trails as we searched for hidden caches like we so often liked to do, turned into a life-altering event.
Parker was insistent I opened the cache I had spotted hanging from a tree. When I opened it, I looked at it in confusion. When I turned to question Parker, I found him on one knee. He spoke from the heart and I cried, but between the tears, I said yes and he slipped the ring on my finger. Although we joked about it, he really was my Prince Charming. The Benny to my Wendy.
As the game ended, I made my way down towards the field to congratulate my husband on another win. A proud grin framed my face as he came into sight. I hugged him tightly and kissed him after I stole his cap and put it on my head backwards.
“How’s my little guy?” He rubs my small bump lovingly.
“He’s great. Proud of his daddy.” I kiss him again and link our hands together so Em and Wes could say hi.
Looking back, I’d go through everything all over again to end up where I am right now; all the shitty dates, awkward conversations online, and making that pact with Em. It was all worth it, even those nasty dick pictures I had received.
“Come on,” Parker tugs my hand and leads me out of the stadium and we head towards home.
Once home, I lead Parker into our bedroom to show him just how much I love him, ready to continue our lives together and raise our family. I know Parker is going to make an amazing father, and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to share this joy with. I’ve seen him with his niece and nephew, and I cannot wait to experience those moments with our own son.
“Mrs. Wilde, are you trying to seduce me?”
“Always.” I kiss him and pour my love into him, keeping the promises we made on our wedding day.
“Never stop.”
“I don’t intend to.”
So many people to thank! It’s been a year since I published my first book, and I feel like I’ve made lifelong friendships already. I’m still in awe when I see all the support I have received from readers, bloggers, and authors alike. Thank you to all for motivating me and believing in me. Without you, I am not sure how far in this journey I would have gone. I was supposed to publish one book and move on. Life has a funny way of working itself out, and I am so grateful I did not stop at Perfectly Imperfect.
I want to thank my family for always encouraging me to follow my dreams and work hard to achieve them.
To my readers–You continue to amaze me with your kind words and love for my stories. Having your support pushes me to better myself and strive.
To my Betas: Jennifer, Veronica, Alina, Noemi and Miriam–Thank YOU! Your feedback and love for my stories help me to continue writing and developing them. I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read chapter by chapter and wait, sometimes not so patiently, for the next chunk to read. You encouraged me to keep going on with Savannah and Parker’s story even if it was my sappy side that came through.
To all the authors who have continued to support me, and the new authors I have met recently, thank you for being by my side. I cannot explain how grateful I am to have found such an encouraging community in this author world.
To Christy Pastore and Rachel Blaufeld–You ladies are my rock. You have been there for me through the tough times and the good times. You always offer the best advice and cheer me on. Thank you for being so amazing!
Ashley Erin–You are the best sprinting partner ever! I’m so grateful we met and built a friendship. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; I’m not sure how much writing I would get done if not for you pushing me to keep on going. Thank you!
To Susan Ward–I will continue to thank you no matter what because no amount of words will be enough to show my gratitude. You know how I feel and what you have taught me in this journey.
To Fran and CJ from TSRBR, my editors–Thank you for taking me in again and working with me! Your input is so important to me. I’m grateful that you have helped me perfect Sweet on Wilde.
To Kari Ayasha– You are amazing!! Have I told you that already? You continue to create beautiful covers for my stories that are just perfect! I could not have asked for a better designer. Thank you for your patience!
To Tami from Integrity Formatting–You have been amazing to work with! You have beautified the inside of my books and I love opening them up and seeing how pretty you make them! Thank you!
To my Firecrackers–You ladies are the best! Thank you for your continuous support and laughs! I love having met each of you. You support me and love my stories as much as I do.
A special thanks to Joni and Heidi for all the behind the scenes help you’ve offered to make this release a great one! You don’t only love my books, but you share my love for country music and Sam Hunt. Does a girl need anything else?!
I can’t go without thanking the fabulous bloggers who continue to wo
rk hard in supporting authors like me. Smutty Book Friends, Sexyways of Reading, Danielle’s Escape, Trina & Taylor’s Bedtime Stories, Reading & Writing Between the Wines, BBF—Book Boyfriends Forever, Jo&Isalovebooks, My Girlfriend’s Couch, Romance Bytes, Revenge of the Feels, Fictional Rendezvous, Kez’s Korner, Cover to Cover Book Blog and so many more! I am so grateful for all of you!
Fabiola Francisco is an independent, Contemporary Romance author and publisher from Miami, FL. She has always loved writing, and her love for books has inspired her to write her own story. She is an avid reader of romance novels.
She writes stories that readers could relate to and grow with. She hopes to continue writing more stories to reach readers individually.
Fabiola enjoys writing about life and love, including romance in her stories. She also loves expressing herself through art and being out in nature.
You can connect with Fabiola here:
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Amazon Author Page
Perfectly Imperfect
Restoring Us (Restoring Series, 1)
Resisting you (Restoring Series, 1.5)
Sweet on Wilde
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Books by Fabiola Francisco
Sweet on Wilde Page 29
