Dare to Love (Maxwell #3)
Page 27
Lizzie set down the pitcher of water then glided to my side. “What’s going on?” Her eyebrows were mashed together.
I grabbed her hand. “I have some news I’d like to share.”
Mom swung her blue gaze from me to Lizzie. The men gathered around the island along with everyone else. My dad angled his head, hesitation flaring in his copper eyes.
I kissed Lizzie on the back of her hand.
“No way you’re getting married before me, bro,” Kade chimed in, standing next to Dad.
At Kade’s side, Lacey slapped him on the arm. “Seriously? If Kelton is about to tell everyone he’s getting married, you should be recording this.”
Kade raised an eyebrow. Bee squealed. She was always bubbly and excited at any surprises.
“Kel?” Lizzie said. Her voice was shaky.
“Everyone take a breath,” I said as my heart dropped. Lizzie probably did think I was proposing.
Zach was laughing. Kody and Kross wore nonplussed expressions. The rest of our extended family waited anxiously.
“I got my acceptance letter into Harvard Law.” I focused on my dad.
He immediately started to push through the crowd toward me.
“Oh my God!” Lizzie cheered. She tried to jump into my arms, but Mom came up to us.
“I’m so proud of you,” Mom said.
A hand landed on my back, then my dad pulled me away. Tears clouded his eyes. “Congratulations, son.” He hugged me tighter than he ever had. “You did it. Talk about proud.” He choked on his last word. “A lawyer.”
Kody and Kross ponied up, hugging and punching me.
Then it was Kade’s turn. “So damn proud. You’re on your way to living your dream.” He glanced at Lizzie before embracing me. “And you’ve even given love a chance,” he whispered in my ear. “Love you, bro.”
My heart burst with so much love. I was grateful for everything in my life, but nothing more than showing my dad and Kade that I was the man they’d both raised.
After several handshakes and kisses from everyone, I homed in on Lizzie. She had a huge smile on her face. I stalked up to her and buried my hands in her hair. “I’m sorry I might’ve given you the wrong impression. I didn’t tell you about the acceptance letter because I remember you weren’t all that good at keeping secrets. But when I do propose, you will be the first to know, and it will only be you and me.”
She blushed two shades of red. “I did get a tad nervous until I thought back to our conversation earlier about building a foundation. We’re not ready for marriage.”
“But we are ready for feathers, flowers, and foreplay. How about tonight?”
“Let’s make a new memory,” she said as she tugged on my belt. “Let’s celebrate by sleeping in a tent down by the lake. No roomies. Just you and me under the stars.”
“Anywhere as long as you’re under me.” I kissed her forehead.
So many things had gone right since Lizzie had showed up in Boston. My mom was in a better place thanks to Lizzie. My dad had shed years of grief after his talk with Lizzie. If it weren’t for her, I would still be walking around with the guilt that had haunted me for seven years. Even Lizzie had grown, letting go of the anger she’d harbored for my dad for so long. Best of all, I had my best friend back. She was my girl with the bright gold speck in her left eye—the only girl who would hold the other half of my heart for a lifetime. She was my Lizard, and I was the luckiest fucking dude alive.
Afterword
To all my fans:
I hope you enjoyed Kelton and Lizzie’s story. I know I had a blast writing it. Kelton challenged me along the way, but he had a lot of emotion built up inside him. Up next in the Maxwell Series will be Kross Maxwell’s story in Dare to Dance. In the meantime, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read Dare to Love. Don’t be afraid to open your heart for that special someone.
When you have a moment, a short review would be greatly appreciated. Your help in sharing your excitement for Kelton’s story would mean the world to me.
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If you’re a Maxwell Fan, come join on us in Maxwell Mania on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1628458054061188/
You can connect with me:
Website: https://www.sbalexander.com
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/sbalexander
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I want to thank my fans, readers and bloggers. Without you guys I wouldn’t be writing. You motivate me, you support me, and you encourage me. I’m humbled by all the reviews and messages I’ve received along the way. Hugs and kisses to each and every one of you for taking the time to take this journey with me and sharing your excitement. This book is dedicated to you.
To everyone in Maxwell Mania, I love the crap out of you. Thank you for loving the series, the Maxwell boys, for all your input into Dare to Love’s playlist. Most of all, thank you for spreading the word on the Maxwell Series.
The team at Red Adept Publishing is without a doubt the best editing team in the industry. Lynn, Alyssa and Laura, thank you.
I can’t say enough about Streetlight Graphics and for my amazing covers. Love you guys.
Marketing a book is one of the hardest aspects for an author, and I’m so lucky and glad I met Marissa at JKS Communications. She had a vision for Dare to Kiss, and she has an even bigger vision for the future of my books. To Marissa, Angelle and the entire team at JKS, thank you for your insight, creativity and dedication in helping me get the word out to readers around the world.
The publishing industry changes constantly, and without Katey Coffing’s inspiration and coaching I wouldn’t have come this far without her in the three years since I published my first book. Love you, girl.
Wendy Kupinewicz, you are a superb lady, a great friend, and poet. The poem in the Prologue you’ve written for Kelton was perfect. Much love and thanks.
To the wonderful and talented, Amy Simms, thank you.
Kylie, Kari, Heidy and Sontae, you gals are the best. Thank you for all your love and support.
Cassie Schlenk, not only are you the Future Mrs. Kade Maxwell, you are a dear friend. I love your excitement, energy, insight, and feedback, and how you dedicate your time to helping authors succeed. You’ve gone above and beyond in helping me to spread the word about the Maxwell Series. Love you!
Tracy Hope, you are my super fan. You’ve read my drafts and every line I’ve ever written, even when it was rewritten fifteen times. You’re honest in your feedback when something isn’t working. You kick me in the butt when I need it. And you’ve brought my books to life with your creative vision and superb producing skills of my book trailers. Love and hugs!
Finally, to my main squeeze, Bill, you have my heart! Love, love, love you.
Dare to Love Playlist
“Jealous” by Labrinth
“Always Be You” by Matthew Mayfield
“Love is Hell” by Theory Of A Deadman
“When You’re Young” by 3 Doors Down
“Sexy and I know It” by I’m Sexy and I know It
“Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
“Easy to Love You” by Theory of A Deadman
“Better Or Worse” by Theory of A Deadman
“Girl Crush” by Little Big Town
“Yours” by Ella Henderson
“Better Than Me” by Hinder
“Waking Up The Dead” by Hinder
“One Last Breath” by Creed
“Love and Memories” by O.A.R
“I Miss You” by blink-182
“One Grain Of Sand” by Ron Pope
“What’s My Age Again?” by blink-182
“Want U Back” by Boyce Avenue
“Trouble” by Ray LaMont
agne
“Your Body is a Wonderland” by John Mayer
“Good Man” by Devour the Day
“Picture” by Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow
Also by S.B. Alexander
Dare to Kiss - The Maxwell Series - Book 1
Dare to Dream - The Maxwell Series - Book 2
On the Edge of Humanity - Book 1
On the Edge of Eternity - Book 2
On the Edge of Destiny - Book 3