by Kori Hart
“Who?” I asked, swallowing hard.
She looked back down to the clipboard in her hand before looking back at me. “Phillip Crow.”
My eyes closed. He was one of the newer guys, having just moved to the area. Hard worker, eager to learn. It was a damn shame.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” The doctor said after a few moments of silence.
“Thank you,” I replied automatically. I opened my eyes and noticed she had her hand on the doorknob.
“You have a visitor. Would you like me to send her in?”
I nodded without thinking about what she said. The doctor left, and I returned to my thoughts. I didn’t know how Phillip’s new wife would handle the news. I felt a terrible knot in my gut and felt thankful I didn’t have to break it to her. I started to wonder about my brothers and my dad, but my thoughts stopped when the door opened.
Anna stood there looking a little lost and unsure of herself.
“Anna,” I said with a smile, trying to sit up. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
She took a couple of steps towards my bed before she rushed to my side and wrapped her arms around my shoulders. I hugged her back and took in her scent.
“I saw the news report and recognized your truck. I was so scared that I had lost you,” She said against my shoulder.
I rubbed her back as she spoke, wishing I could pull her completely against me and comfort her properly. “I’m not going anywhere,” I promised in a whisper before kissing the side of her head.
She pulled her head back just enough so we could look into each other’s eyes and then her lips were on mine.
“I missed you so much,” She whispered against my lips.
“I missed you too,” I said just as softly, brushing some of her hair from her face before kissing her again.
“I love you,” I confessed between kisses.
Anna kissed me again, letting it grow deep before she pulled away. “I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you.”
Epilogue
Anna
It’s been nearly three months since I’ve met Paul and I’ve never been happier. After they discharged him from the hospital, I went home with him. He needed someone there to help him do chores around the house, make sure he was eating and taking his medicine and he couldn’t make it to the bathroom on his own.
He tried his best but always ended up frustrated. I think he felt like a failure in my eyes but I reassured him that we take care of the ones we love. He would do the same for me. I know he would.
And really, the trips to the bathroom weren’t all bad. I got to strip him down and make him sit in the shower while I washed every part of his body. I always ended up making him forget about his casts.
His father and brothers were recovering. The whole accident had rocked the entire community and everyone had been stopping by with different casseroles, condolences and offering up different ways to help. I was really surprised, pleasantly so, by how tight the community was even though it was a smaller number than any apartment building in the city. Somehow, it made them closer together being way out here.
I fell in love with it and unofficially moved in with Paul. I couldn’t stand to be away from him.
We’ve been living off of his savings, mostly. I had a little in the bank, but he didn’t want me to worry about it. He insisted that his job was to take care of me. I appreciated everything he’s done, but I didn’t like not contributing.
So we came up with a plan.
It shocked me to discover that there weren’t many options for people this far out of the city when it came to daycare. Most of the time, the kids were left with anyone willing to look after them. I mentioned my idea to a few people and before I knew it, everyone was calling to reserve a spot for their kids.
Paul did an amazing job coming up with the design for the new daycare center. He knew exactly what I wanted.
I’ve been busy hiring people because of all the interest. I also have to brush up on all the state rules and regulations I need to follow. It’s been a whirlwind but I love it. I’m really excited and Paul is too.
Paul had laughed at my first rule when trying to figure out where we would build it. I wouldn't have it at our home. The cabin was our sanctuary. He agreed.
He had his brothers break ground on the piece of family property we'll be using. I’m very happy that it’s along the highway. Easy access for dropping off and picking up the kids.
I had spent all morning looking at different strawberry plants online. There was so much to know about soil and the perfect temperature. I feared I might have bitten off more than I could chew. I was just about to read another article when I heard Paul call out my name. I closed my laptop and got up. He had left earlier that morning with one of his brothers and I had no idea when he was getting back.
Excited to see him, I rushed down the hall and stopped suddenly when I reached the great room. He was standing there, on his own two feet.
“Your casts…” I looked at his legs before looking at his face.
“I wanted to surprise you,” He explained.
There was a smile growing on his face and I rushed to him before jumping into his arms. He caught me easily and held me close. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to him carrying me but I loved how much he enjoyed it.
I gave him a kiss and then smiled as our eyes met.
“I bet you feel a lot better,” I commented with a chuckle.
“I do but I will miss the pampering I got whenever you would wash me,” He joked.
“Well, if you play your cards right, I might play nurse again,” I teased.
He caught my lips, and we shared another sweet kiss.
“I love you so much and appreciate all that you’ve done for me these last few months.” Paul was speaking from the heart, I could tell by the emotion in his voice.
I cupped his face and lightly scratched as his beard just how he enjoyed it. “I love you more than anything.”
Paul nodded before he carried me over to the couch. He sat down with me in his lap and I watched him reach into the pocket of his shirt.
He pulled out a small black box and my heart skipped a few beats. I had an idea what it was, but I wasn’t sure.
“Anna Michaels, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you more every single day and I often wonder how in the heck I got a woman like you to give me a second look. You make me a better man. You make me want to do right by you every day of my life. I would love to be the one that showers with you in the morning and cherishes you every night. Your hand is the one I want to hold for the rest of my life. Would you do me the honors of being my wife?” When Paul stopped speaking, he opened up the box and presented a simple diamond engagement ring. It was beautiful.
Tears sprung to my eyes, and I looked from the ring to his face.
“Of course, I’ll marry you,” I told him with a big smile on my face.
Relief washed over him before he removed the ring from the box and gently slid it on my finger. We both smiled before hugging each other tight. His lips were on mine and everything was perfect.
I didn’t get a big grand gesture like you would see on a movie, but I didn’t need that. I just needed him. My handsome, strong King.
♦ ♦ ♦
Aren’t they cute? Oh my gosh, I had so much fun writing their story. If you loved them as much as I did, please consider leaving a review on Amazon! You can also send me an email with your thoughts.
Want some more Paul & Anna sweetness? I’m talking about the kitchen table sex they had, their wedding and even the opening of Anna’s daycare!
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About The Author
Kori Hart loooves OTT/insta-love romance! Her stories feature sexy Alpha males who meet the women destined to be their Queens. Happily Ever Afters are a must!
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