There wasn’t a single ounce of doubt in her voice as she spoke. She was so certain I couldn’t help but believe it too. My woman was the strongest, bravest, fiercest person I’d ever met. If she said she was going to win, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind.
Bending my neck, I pressed my forehead against hers and breathed her in. “Christ, I love you. You know that? From the first moment I walked into that bar and saw you standing across the room.”
“And I love you,” she returned, slipping her arm around my waist and snuggling closer. “Never in a million years did I think applying for that waitressing job would have led to something like this, but I’m so glad it did.”
“And never in a million years did I think I’d be so fuckin’ happy that a cat darted out into the middle of the road.”
Her laughter was like music to my ears. “You’re never gonna let me live that one down, are you?”
Pressing a kiss against her sweet lips, I gave her my truth. “Not on your life, Hummingbird.”
* * *
Farah
Disconnecting the call, I dropped my arm and held my phone at my side as I stared out the window into my back yard.
It was over. Finally, it was all over. I was so overwhelmed by the relief I felt in that moment, that all I could do was stand there, glued to the spot on the floor as I took in the incredible view of trees and mountains that butted up to a clear blue sky.
I was so lost in thought that I didn’t realize Cannon had come into the kitchen until I felt his heat at my back. His arms wrapped around my waist and his chin rested on my shoulder as he asked, “That the police on the phone?”
“Yeah,” I whispered at the beauty in front of me.
“What’d they say?”
“They got him.” The moment the last word left my mouth, tears spilled from my eyes.
After Lance had been arrested, he proved just how big a coward he was by confessing everything. He gave them the name of the man he’d hired, and the cops up north didn’t hesitate in tracking the man down.
When they finally had him in custody, that took a DNA sample and ran it against the rape kit and got a match.
“They’re charging him with rape and attempted murder. Lance is being charged as an accessory to both. It’s finally over.”
Cannon stood to his full height, grabbing my hips and turning me to face him. That beautiful golden green was shining with concern as he asked, “What’s goin’ through your mind, right now, Hummingbird?”
“I finally have it,” I answered softly, reaching up to place my hands on the sides of his neck. “Everything I ever wanted but never thought I’d get. I have it all. You gave it to me, honey.”
Cannon squeezed his eyes closed and inhaled deeply as he rested his forehead against mine. “Christ, baby. You have no idea how happy you make me. Never thought I could ever love someone the way I love you. Not in a million years.”
“I told you once that moving here was the best decision I ever made. But I was wrong.”
He lifted his head and looked down at me in confusion. “What?”
“Moving here was only the second best. The best decision I ever made was falling for the guy I spotted across a crowded bar who made my pulse race.” Standing on my tiptoes, I pressed my lips against his and declared, “I love you with everything I am, Cannon. You’re my future, my everything. You’re the best decision I ever made.”
Epilogue
Cannon
"God, Cannon. This place is amazing.” I turned from watching Triumph run around the backyard to Sage’s grinning face. “Never imagined you as the type of guy to live in an old, restored Victorian, but it works. You just . . . you fit here.”
“Not the house, darlin’,” I replied, bringing the beer bottle to my lips and taking a pull. “It’s the woman in it.”
“She’s pretty amazing too,” Sage quickly added. “Beautiful and sweet. And she still doesn’t put up with your shit. I like her honey. In general, but for you especially.”
“Means the world to me, Chestnut,” I mumbled, hooking an arm around my oldest friend’s shoulders and pulling her into a sideways hug.
“You really love her, don’t you?”
That answer was as easy as breathing. “With everything I am. She rambles when she’s nervous or excited, doesn’t know the difference between a Harley and a Triumph, she’d take in every stray she found on the street if she had her way, and she can’t cook for shit, but I can’t imagine spending a single day without her.”
Her eyes grew watery as she looked up at me with a wobbly grin. “That makes me happy, honey.”
“Thanks, darlin’.”
We turned back out to the amazing view that surrounded the old house my woman had poured her love into until it was restored back to its former glory. I was content to stand with my friend in silence, but apparently Sage had other plans. “Just one question.”
“Yeah?”
“If she’s such a terrible cook, why the hell are you letting her make Thanksgiving dinner for all of us?”
At the fear laced in her expression, I threw my head back on a deep laugh. Before I had a chance to answer, I heard a knock coming from behind me, and turned to see Farah’s panicked face through the kitchen window.
“Help,” she mouthed, looking like she was only seconds away from a heart attack. Then she clasped her hands together in front of her chest. “Please.”
“Don’t worry about it, Chestnut,” I said as I let Sage go and started for the back door. “I got a backup dinner stashed in one of the spare rooms.”
With that, I closed the door on the sounds of my friends laughter and headed to the kitchen to save my woman from what was sure to be an epic disaster.
* * *
Farah
I looked at the congealed blob of goo in the pot, feeling the first wave of panic crash into me. I had a houseful of people, all waiting for an incredible Thanksgiving dinner. And I had goo. Turning my gaze to Cannon, I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth and bit down. “I think something’s wrong with the gravy.”
“I knew it!” Jase cried, throwing his hands up in frustration while Bennett laughed uncontrollably. “Told you letting her cook was a mistake. You think that Chinese place in town is open?”
I shot him a killing look that made Bennett laugh even harder. “Keep talking and you won’t eat a damn thing,” I threatened.
“It’s all right, baby,” Cannon said, that smokey voice of his doing wonders to calm my frayed nerves. “We’ll get it squared away.”
“I don’t know what happened,” I cried as I looked around the disaster before me. “I followed the recipe you gave me. Something must be wrong with the ingredients. Maybe they were past their expiration.”
Cannon’s deep chuckle hit my ear as he scooted over to me, pushing me out of the way. “Hate to break it to you, Hummingbird, but that’s got nothin’ to do with expiration.”
“That’s it.” Jase pushed up from his chair, pulling his cellphone from his pocket. “I’m calling for Chinese.”
Before I could cuss my brother out, Brantley’s voice sounded through the kitchen right before he plowed into me, wrapping his arms around my legs. “Pwetty Fawah!”
“Hey sweetie.” I grinned gown at him and reached to ruffle his hair.
“I’m hungwy. Let’s eat!”
“What the kid said,” Jase deadpanned.
My head was seconds away from exploding when Cannon jumped into action. Bending down, he scooped the rambunctious four-year-old up and carried him over to Jase. “Dinner’ll be ready in just a bit, buddy. Why don’t you and Uncle Jase here go watch some football, yeah?”
“Yeah!” Brantley yelled, squirming around until my brother finally put him on his feet, then he bolted out of the kitchen.
“I’m afraid to leave her unsupervised,” Jase mumbled, looking to the stove with trepidation.
“Out,” Cannon ordered. “We got this under control. Don’t need you in here makin’ thin
gs worse.”
With Cannon’s tone leaving no room for argument, Jase and Bennett headed into the living room where the rest of my new family had congregated in front of our giant TV, leaving me and Cannon alone.
He patted the counter beside the stove while adjusting the dials on all of the burners. “Have a seat. You can relax and keep me company while I finish this up. How’s that sound?”
That sounded like the best offer I’d had in a long time, and I didn’t hesitate to take him up on it, hopping up on the counter so I could watch my man work.
“Think any of it’s salvageable?”
He gave me a reassuring wink. “I can make it work, don’t worry. And just because I love you, I’ll even give you all the credit.”
My lips tipped up in a teasing smirk as I replied, “And just because I love you, I’ll allow that.”
I hadn’t thought it possible for my man to get any hotter than he already was, but watching him move around the kitchen, saving the Thanksgiving feast we were about to feed to all our friends and family, had to have been one of the sexiest things I’d ever seen. And while I was excited to have everyone I loved under one roof, there was a part of me that couldn’t wait for them to leave so I could have Cannon all to myself.
Shifting from the stove, he put his hands on my knees and pushed my legs apart to step between them. His expression warmed as he leaned in and brushed his lips against mine. “You happy, Hummingbird?” he asked as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
My house was full of laughter and love, I was surrounded by friends and family, and I was currently holding my future in my arms. There was nothing but good on the horizon for me.
And it was all because of this man and this incredible town.
“Not happy, honey. I’m blissful,” I answered. “But then, every day with you is better than the last, so I guess I’ll need to think of an even bigger word for tomorrow.”
His grin made my belly flip. “Lookin’ forward to hearin’ what you come up with.”
I leaned in to give him a kiss, only to be interrupted when Jase came waltzing back into the kitchen with my snoozing cat in his arms.
“You know, I’ve been meaning to ask. Why’d you name your cat Crash?”
My head whipped back to Cannon, my eyes narrowing as I snapped, “Not a word out of you!”
With that, my man burst into laughter and the sound moved right through me, making that now ever-present warmth in my chest bloom brighter.
Oh yeah, I thought as I held him even tighter. This is definitely bliss.
The End
About Jessica Prince
Born and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict,
connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, or binging on sit-coms, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
While Jessica loves writing series, almost all of her books can be read as standalones. She prides herself on having a little something for everyone.
From fun romantic comedies to angst-filled page turners, to emotional, contemporary small town romances, you'll definitely find a story you're bound to love.
Read on for:
1. Sneak Peek of Crazy Beautiful, Book #2 in the Redemption series by Jessica Prince
Sneak Peek: Crazy Beautiful, Book #2 in the Redemption series by Jessica Prince
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Poppy
“I’m getting married!”
I barely had enough time to brace myself before Farah crashed into me, her arms wrapping around me and squeezing so tight my ribs let out a groan.
“So I’ve heard,” I replied on a laugh, returning my friend’s embrace. “I mean, this is your engagement party we’re celebrating, isn’t it?”
Loosening her grip, she shifted to the side and looked around at the people filling almost every inch of her and her fiancé’s, sprawling house. Her eyes grew misty and her smile wistful as she took it all in.
Farah was a Redemption, Tennessee transplant, coming from Connecticut several months back. She’d overcome so much in her life before her move: neglectful, unloving parents, a psychotic ex, and a brutal attack that almost cost her her life. But now she was surrounded by love and happiness.
She was one of the sweetest, most kindhearted people I’d ever met. She deserved all the good coming her way, and there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that Cannon Banks would give her the life she deserved.
“Hey,” I called out, giving her a little bump with my shoulder. When she finally looked back at me, I could see the dampness building in her eyes. “You okay?”
Her lips slowly dragged up into the most brilliant smile just before she announced, “I’m absolutely perfect.”
I returned her infectious grin. “Good, honey. I’m glad.”
“Only thing that could possibly make this night any better is if you agree to be a bridesmaid.” My eyes widened in shock as she continued to speak at a rapid pace. “Please say yes, Pop. I already asked Shane, and she’s in. I can’t imagine my wedding day without you guys standing up there beside me. You’re the best friends a woman could ever ask for.”
Now it was my turn to get misty-eyed. “Of course. You didn’t really think I’d say no, did you?”
She let out a peel of excitement and jerked me in for another hug.
“So I take it you asked her?” At the sound of Cannon’s voice, Farah and I broke apart. The second I stepped back, he was there. He grabbed hold of her waist and pulled her flush against him, claiming her instantly, like he couldn’t stand not touching her. I hated the pang of envy that lanced through me just then, but I managed to beat it back before it could fester.
Giving my friends a sincere smile, I replied, “She asked. And of course I said yes.”
Cannon looked at his fiancée and smirked, love shining in his eyes. “Told you she would, Hummingbird.”
“There’s just one last person I need to talk to, then everything’s set.” Her eyes began to scan the faces in the room. “Have either of you seen Bennett?”
“Want me to go look?” Cannon asked, but before he could so much as move, I cut in.
“I’ll find him,” I answered, downing the last of my champagne and setting the glass on a nearby table. “You two stay and enjoy the party.”
With a pat on Farah’s arm and a kiss to Cannon’s cheek, I moved off, winding my way through the spacious parlor toward the hall in search of Bennett, the man Farah viewed as a father figure. Having grown up with two sorry excuses for parents, the man who’d been the family driver had taken it upon himself to help raise Farah and her older brother, Jase. He was the closest thing to family either of the Hyland kids had, and it was clear from watching the three of them interact that Bennett loved them both as much as they loved him.
Once I escaped the crowded confines of the room, I pulled in a large breath. I was unbelievably happy for my friend, but that niggling bit of jealousy I’d felt, no matter how faint or short-lived it had been, left a bad taste in my mouth. I didn’t want to feel that way, especially about a woman I’d grown to adore.
However, it had been a long time since a man looked at me the way Cannon looked at Farah, and I couldn’t help but miss it. I missed the affection. I missed the passion. But most of all, I missed the sex. God, I missed the sex.
There really was nothing like an engagement party or impending wedding to shed a fat, blinding spotlight on the sorry state of my love life.
“Knock it off, Pop,” I quietly scolded myself. “This isn’t about you, so stop feeling sorry for yourself.”
When I couldn’t locate Bennett anywhere inside, I decided to try the back patio, a
nd knew I’d hit pay dirt when the sound of raised voices greeted me as soon as I opened the door.
“Christ, son, this isn’t you!”
I recognized that voice as Bennett’s, and when the person he was talking to spoke up, my skin began to tingle.
“It has to be done, Ben. I thought, out of everyone, you’d see that.”
I’d know that voice anywhere. It was like smoke and velvet. As decadent as the richest chocolate and as smooth as a fine whiskey. Jase Hyland, Farah’s older brother, was a walking, talking fantasy, every woman’s dream man come to life, and as a woman—in spite of my past and firm determination not to get lost in another man—I wasn’t immune to all that he was. And everything there was to him was good.
Usually his words were sprinkled with humor, the smile he always seemed to be wearing clear in his voice every time he spoke, but now they were harsh and clipped.
My steps stuttered to a halt at the anger in both men’s voices. My brain screamed at me to turn around and go back inside. I’d never been one to eavesdrop, but I found myself unable to move, listening with rapt attention as the heated conversation continued.
“No one’d be happier to see that bastard taken down more than me, you know that, but not at the expense of your well-bein’.”
“I’ll be fine. Trust me. Nothing’s going to happen.”
There was a long, pregnant pause before Bennett spoke again. “Can’t give you my blessin’ on this one, Jase.”
The coldness in his reply sent a frigid chill up my spine. “Wasn’t asking for it, Bennett. I’m handling this one on my own.”
Fall in Love Book Bundle: Small Town Romance Box Set Page 277
