“I’d leave it all in a heartbeat, as long as I have you.”
“Your job? My dad—”
“I’ll land a job anywhere we go. I’m resilient. Your father taught me how to be that.”
“What about the condo?”
“We’ll rent it, sell it, or leave it open for when we come home to visit.”
Oh my god, my heart is racing. These talks. We’ve had them a million times. They all seemed much easier when it was just talks. But this is real. I can’t tell if I’m starting to sweat from nerves or if it’s being soaked from the rain. “Are you sure?”
“I have never been more sure. Lead the way.”
A fresh round of tears soak my cheeks. I can’t fight the sob that erupts from my throat. Levi stands, bringing me into his arms and holding me close as I release a storm of emotions. Fear, relief…it all comes pouring out. Once my crying subsides, I pull away and focus again on the item in his hand. “Why do you have your high school championship ring?” I ask, hoping beyond hope he doesn’t say what I think he’s going to say.
Too bad the grin he wears confirms he is. Humor swims in his gaze. “I read once that a girl, long, long ago, had this fantasy that her one-day dreamboat boyfriend, who sounded really hot, would take his fancy football ring, offer it to her as a promise ring for their future, and they would ride off into the sunset on his ten speed.”
Why did I not throw that damn notebook away!?
“This does not sound familiar whatsoever.”
“Hmmm…” He pulls away just enough to reach for my hand and slide his football ring onto my index finger. “Are you sure? How about the part where they live happily ever after in her brother’s tree house and her mom makes them peanut butter sandwiches so they have more time to talk and—”
“Oh, enough of this. That notebook needs to die.”
Levi’s laughter brings life to my heart. I can’t help but smile as I roll my eyes. “Never.” He plants his lips against mine and offers me a kiss that has nothing on my childhood imagination.
When we finally break apart, he keeps his arms secured around me. “You know, there’s a page in there about your high school jacket,” I say, lifting up my finger to admire his high school class ring.
“Oh, I know. The flowers are a path to our bedroom where it’s laying out for you to wear—with nothing else. I’m thinking a little high school role-playing is in order.”
“You have a deal. But only if your high school tapes are playing in the background. You know how I get a little freaky when you shout plays.” His smile nearly knocks the wind out of me, just like all things Levi Dent.
“Together, babe, there is nothing we can’t achieve.” And with that double meaning, I’m up over his shoulder, being carried down the hallway to my very own happily ever after.
THE END
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Love Not Included Series
Life in a Rut, Love not Included
Life Next Door
My So Called Life
Life as We Know It
Standalones
Faking It
Love Broken
Sundays are for Hangovers
Conheartists
Lake Redstone
Paranormal/Fantasy
Sinful Instincts
Unlocking Adeline
#HotCom Series
Passing Peter Parker
Creed’s Expectations
Exquisite Taste
2 Lovers Series
Text 2 Lovers
Hate 2 Lovers
Thieves 2 Lovers
Four Father Series
Blackstone
Four Sons Series
Hayden
J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she’s not cooking, event planning, or spending time with her family, she’s relaxing with her nose stuck in a book. With her love for romance, and her head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own stories to life. Living in the Midwest, she’s currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.
J.D. Hollyfield dabbles in all genres, from romantic comedy, contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, fantasy and erotica! Want to know more! Follow her on all platforms!
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It’s not easy having to drink all the wine in the world and sit in front of a computer writing your heart out, drinking your liver off and crying like a buffoon because part of the job is being one with your characters. You truly are amazing and probably the prettiest person in all the land. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Thanks to my husband who supports me, but also thinks I should spend less time on the computer and more time doing my own laundry.
Thanks for nothing to my toddler who made this book take forever to finish because he’s so damn needy. Momma loves you.
Thanks to all my eyes and ears. Having a squad who has your back is the utmost important when creating a masterpiece. From betas, to proofers, to PA’s to my dog, Jackson, who just gets me when I don’t get myself, thank you. This success is not a solo mission. It comes with an entourage of awesome people who got my back. So, shout out to Amy Wiater, Ashley Cestra, Jenny Hanson, Amber Higbie, Gina Behrends, Molly Wittman, Melissa Shipe, Cindy Camp, Kristi Webster, Ella Stewart and anyone who I may have forgotten! I appreciate you all!
Thank you to Monica Black at Word Nerd Editing for helping bring this story to where it needed to be.
Thank you to All By Design for creating my amazing cover. A cover is the first representation of a story and she nailed it.
Thank you to my awesome reader group, Club JD. All your constant support for what I do warms my heart. I appreciate all the time you take in helping my stories come to life within this community.
Big thanks for Stacey at Champagne Formats for always making my stories look so amazing!
And most importantly every single reader and blogger! THANK YOU for all that you do. For supporting me, reading my stories, spreading the word. It’s because of you that I get to continue in this business. And for that I am forever grateful.
Cheers. This big glass of wine is for you.
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Chicks, Man Page 31
