I turn to find him on one knee, gazing up at me with a ring box in his hand.
I gasp as my wildest dreams crash into reality, the heat of the moment moving through me like a tidal wave of lava.
“I love you, Kelly Jones,” he says, his voice husky. “I loved you the second I walked into the studio and you gave me a fake name. I loved you when we first kissed. I can never stop loving you. You’re the only person I ever want.”
“I love you too,” I gasp, as tears try to strangle me, as emotion tries to overwhelm me. “So much. I wanted to say it…”
“Me too.” He smiles, truly smiles. “I’m so happy you feel the same.”
“Of course I do,” I tell him firmly.
“Good, because I always thought I’d find a woman. I always thought I’d lay eyes on her and just know. But it never happened. Maybe I was crazy, maybe I was deluded… but then I saw you. You changed my life forever. You change it, for the better, each and every second we’re together. So Kelly Jones…”
He opens the ring box and the whole room blurs with tears, a sob rising up and making my throat tight. I bring my hands up to cover my mouth, as though any second I’m going to melt into fully-fledged tears.
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” I cry, wiping my eyes to take in the sight of the ring.
It’s a glittering diamond, big enough to be proud but delicate enough to be elegant, a wonderful mixture I would’ve chosen for myself. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.
“Yes, yes, yes.”
He takes my hand and slips the ring onto my finger, tucking the box into his inside jacket pocket as he rises to his feet. He moves toward me, holding me pinned by his gaze, his heat enveloping me as he moves closer and closer.
“I love you so much.”
He leans down and claims my lips with his, as hot and fresh and exciting and new as the first time he did it, and yet we clash as naturally as though we were made to kiss each other. It’s an intoxicating combination, one that will never stop fascinating me.
He lifts me off my feet and I giggle through the kiss, savoring the feel of his hands on my hips. And I also savor the feeling of the ring on my finger, the metal kissing me coolly, reassuringly, telling me this is my forever man.
The fantasy we created in the photographs has come true.
“I love you,” I gasp when the kiss breaks off. “I can’t wait to be your wife.”
“I can’t wait to be your husband,” he growls, his breath shivering over me.
“Forever.”
He grabs me harder. “Forever.”
Epilogue
Kaleb
I drive down the alleyway toward the private garage, remembering what it was like when I brought Kelly here three weeks ago to propose to her. She probably had no idea about the nerves swirling through me as we made the walk I’m making now… toward her office door, hidden in this secret nook in the city.
My mind was full of scenarios where she narrowed her eyes at me when I flung the L-word at her, tilting her head as though I’d gone insane, as though she had no clue what I was talking about.
But then her features flooded with joy and I felt like a fool for ever doubting she felt the same.
These past three weeks have been like heaven, Kelly quitting her job and working full-time at the office, dedicating herself to her freelance work while working on her own ideas. I’ve been taking meetings all over the city, keen to get a charity cause started on my home turf.
I don’t need to run anymore. I have my woman.
I’m right where I need to be.
I use my key to open the office and I walk inside.
My heart swells when I see that she’s covered the empty sections of the wall with photos from our first photography session, the one that got this all started. I wander around the office, a big smile on my face as I take in the sight of us.
My favorite is the one where I’m holding her as she leans against my chest her eyes closed as if she trusts me to protect her from the world. The photographer did an amazing job making us appear naked in an intimate moment.
I study it for a long moment, wondering where my woman is.
Her sketching materials are on the desk, but she’s not here. I begin to walk over to the opposite corner, where the door to the bathroom is.
But then she calls out from the garden. “Out here, Kaleb.”
I stroll over to the window to find her on her knees at the flowerbeds, gardening gloves on, a happy look on her face. She’s wearing a summer dress that casts a spell on me, flooding my manhood with tension at the sight of the fabric dappling her curvy form.
“You know I can pay somebody to do that,” I say as I push the glass door open and join her.
I stand over her, staring down as she looks up, getting a perfect view of her cleavage. We’ve had sex most days since the proposal, but I’ll never get tired of the sight of her heaving breasts, of the way they seem to beckon me, round and tempting and made for palming and feeding our children.
She stands and takes off her gloves, letting them drop.
I magnetize to her, wrapping my arms around her and holding her close to me. I feel a chord moving through her, thrumming, and the beast inside of me senses there’s something… not wrong, precisely, but different.
It’s in her scent. It’s in the way she holds me.
I don’t know how to explain how I can read my woman.
I just know I can.
And I’ll always be able to.
“What is it?” I ask, taking a step back so I can look her fully in the face.
She tries for a laugh, tilting her head playfully. “Who said there’s anything?”
“You don’t need to say,” I growl. “Has something happened?”
I know it’s nothing to do with her and Natalie.
They’ve become even closer friends since the revelation. Natalie meant it when she said she supports us, and when she found out we were engaged that support exploded. We’ve had several dinners with the four of us – me, Kelly, Natalie, and Angela – since that first sit-down.
I know it’s not Lennie, either. He’s currently in custody awaiting trial on several charges, many of which are outstanding.
He’s going to be in prison for a long time.
I move my hand over her face, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear in that way that makes her tilt her head in the way I love.
Love.
Like I love my woman.
“Tell me,” I say. “Whatever it is.”
She moves close to me again, wrapping her arms around my shoulders and looking up at me. There’s so much in the softness of her expression, hope and longing, and even a glint of fear.
“I did lots of tests today.”
My chest starts to pound with the mounting glee of this moment.
But I have to be cautious.
“What sorts of tests?”
She giggles. “You know what sorts of tests. I can tell. You just don’t want to get your hopes up. Fine… pregnancy tests.”
“And?” I say, my voice trembling in excitement.
“Four tests, in total. All different brands.”
“Sassy, the suspense is killing me…”
“They were positive,” she yells, squeezing down on my shoulders. “I’m pregnant, Kaleb. We’re going to have a family.”
“Yes,” I roar, scooping her into my arms and spinning her around.
She laughs and our lips find each other, fused together in passion, as she giggles through the tight press of our mouths. I laugh as it breaks off, putting her down and pulling her to my chest.
“You’re what I always dreamed of.” I kiss the top of her head. “This is what I’ve always wanted. I love you, Kelly. I love you so much. I can’t wait to see what an incredible mother you’re going to be.”
“I’m so happy,” she whimpers against my chest, burying her face against my pecs. “I got myself all worked up. What we have right now
is so perfect.”
“It is,” I say passionately. “But having a family together is going to be even better.”
She looks up at me, her smile tugging parts on of me that were dormant before my woman came along, parts of me I never thought would awaken.
But she did it, my Sassy, my Kelly.
“Forever,” I whisper, leaning down and kissing the tears of joy from her cheeks.
Extended Epilogue
One Year Later…
Kelly
Janie, the woman who photographed me and Kaleb back when our romance started, smiles broadly when we walk over to her. She’s standing next to the refreshments table, the same way she was the first time we came here.
Kaleb walks beside me, my husband looking strong in his shirt, the sleeves rolled up. Love sweeps over me when I take in the sight of him cradling Isabella to his chest, his powerful hand cradling her.
She sleeps like an angel in his arms, her face rested against his chest.
Our meet eyes, smiling the way we always do when we’re with our daughter.
It’s a I can’t believe how lucky we are smile, the same one we aimed at each other on our wedding day when I walked down the aisle toward him.
I feel frumpy after the pregnancy, in my flowing dress meant to hide my pregnancy weight, but every time Kaleb looks at me I can read how badly he wants to claim me. It’s in the volcanic glint in his eyes, always smoldering, but my animal has learned to keep it in check…
Except when we’re alone, and then he falls upon me, greedily taking my body.
“I’ll never stop wanting you,” he growled in my ear last night. “Never.”
I believe him.
And it feels so freaking good.
Janie walks over. “Look at this little angel. What’s her name?”
“Isabella,” I murmur. “I want to give her the nickname Izzy, but my husband prefers Bella.”
“Why not both?” Janie says with a smile. “That way, it’s doubly special.”
“Hear that, Bella?” my husband says with a warm smile on his lips.
A smile.
It’s hard to remember the time he was only smirks and wolfish flashes of his teeth.
Now he smiles as though he’s the happiest man on the planet.
“I’m so happy you two ended up together,” Janie says. “I could tell there was chemistry between you two, real chemistry. That whole business with the fake name threw me, I won’t lie. But look at the three of you. You might be the happiest family I’ve ever seen. Shall we get started?”
“Sure,” I say. “And thank you for agreeing to do a family portrait. It felt right, you know?”
She waves a hand. “You’re a success story. Love at first sight. It warms my heart. Really.”
“Thank you,” Kaleb says, smiling. He whispers close to our daughter. “And it gave us the best gift we’ve ever had.”
“Our family,” I whisper, realizing I’m getting emotional.
I blink back a tear, and my man smiles softly and reaches across our daughter, wiping it for me.
There’s a click.
We turn to find Janie with a small digital camera.
“I’m sorry,” she says, laughing. “That moment was too perfect to miss.”
“Don’t be sorry,” Kaleb says, his eyes fixed on me. “I agree.”
Extended Epilogue
Ten Years Later…
Kaleb
“These are so good,” Bella says, aiming her new camera at me as I cradle Zack in my arms. Our youngest child – our fifth – is sleeping peacefully, his chest rising and falling in tiny movements that melt my heart.
I never knew what that phrase was before I met my wife.
Melt my heart.
But now I do.
It’s like all the happiness is melting through me, moving and burning and telling me I’m right where I belong.
I’m sitting on the porch, rocking Zack softly, while Bella tosses her hair from her face and looks once again into the lens of her camera. She’s become obsessed with photography, showing a passion for it far beyond a girl her age, so I wanted to treat her for her birthday.
I’m glad to know the gift was well-received.
Beyond her, Lily and Trent splash together in the pool, the twin six year olds now competing to see who can stand on the inflatable for the longest.
People say Trent looks like me, and he’s certainly small like I was at his age. He has the same mop of black hair too. Lily has long black hair, tied into a braid, and she’s giving her twin brother one hell of a contest.
“Nah uh, I didn’t fall,” Trent yells as he splashes around in the water.
“I can see you in the water, silly,” Lily giggles, balancing deftly.
“But I jumped. I didn’t fall.”
“Look how cute he is, Daddy,” Bella murmurs, moving close to her little brother.
I smile at her. “He’s perfect.”
My whole life is perfect.
My wife sits on the other side of the pool, where our nine year old, Henrietta, is lying back on the sun lounger with a sketchpad on her knees.
She has the perfect teacher in Kelly.
She’s grown her freelancing business commanding high fees and deals with celebrity clients, but her true success is her series of children’s stories – still ongoing – which are read to children all around the world. I’m so proud of her, each and every day.
She looks up at me, still as beautiful as the moment I first saw her. Her hair is tied up, a long ponytail down her back.
In fact, she’s even more beautiful, because her maternal instinct radiates from every part of her.
She glows with it.
I love you, I mouth.
She smiles widely, captivatingly.
I’ll never stop being obsessed with her.
I love you too, she mouths back.
Trent climbs back onto the inflatable, arms at his side for balance. Lily laughs and leaps into the pool.
Bella leans back and tilts her head, studying the frame, as my wife and Henrietta share in their passion for drawing across from me.
My son is sleeping soundly in my arms.
My family is happy and safe and here, with us, where they belong.
I can’t believe I ever lived without my Kelly.
I’m the luckiest, happiest man alive with the picture perfect family.
NEWSLETTER
Get a free, new, original story NOW by joining my mailing list and staying subscribed.
CLICK HERE >> Get a FREE book now
A MAN WHO KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS
Book 1: Baby Lust
Book 2: Veteran
Book 3: Built
Book 4: Bambino
Book 5: Rescued
Book 6: Leader
Book 7: Professor
Book 8: Burned
Book 9: Worldly
Book 10: Pistol
Book 11: Policed
Book 12: Driven
Book 13: Lucky 13
Book 14: Lumberjacked
Book 15: Protector
Book 16: Carpenter
Book 17: Italian Stallion
Book 18: Gardener
Book 19: Budapest Billionaire’s Virgin
Book 20: Billionaire’s Babysitter
Book 21: Cocky CFO
Book 22: Fireman’s Filthy 4th
Book 23: Mechanic
Book 24: SEAL’s Secret
Book 25: Police, Pooch, and Smooch
Book 26: Fireman’s Fake Fiancée
Book 27: Billionaire’s Virgin Ballerina
Book 28: Bitcoin Billionaire’s Babysitter
Book 29: Veterans Day Daddy
Book 30: Cowboy’s Christmas Carol
Book 31: Police Officer’s Princess
Book 32: Statham
Book 33: Bodyguard
Book 34: Greek God
Book 35: Billionaire Single Dad's Babysitter
Book 36: Mountain Man
B
ook 37: SEAL’s Justice
Book 38: Royal Romance
Book 39: Doctor Mountain Man’s Special Delivery
Book 40: Crocodile Dan D
Book 41: Mountain Man’s Secret Baby
Book 42: Doctor Bad Boy’s Secret Baby
Book 43: Cop’s Babysitter
Book 44: Nanny for the Cop Next Door
Book 45: Small Town SEAL’s Saving Grace
Book 46: Cop’s Fake Fiancée
Book 47: Billionaire’s Nanny
Book 48: Cowboy’s Babysitter
Book 49: Steamy
Book 50: Brother’s Best Friend
Book 51: Possessive Professor
Book 52: Firefighter’s Babysitter
Book 53: Soldier’s Secret Baby
Book 54: Ward’s Independence Day
Book 55: Doctor Next Door
Book 56: Possessive Policeman
Book 57: Coached by the MMA Fighter
Book 58: Boss’s Babysitter
Book 59: Virgin in New York
Book 60: Rock Star’s Baby
Book 61: Possessive Protector
Book 62: Possessive Australian
Book 63: Best Friend’s Brother
Book 64: Possessive Cowboy
Book 65: Summer Romanced
Book 66: Possessive Prince
Book 67: Lovers’s Enemy
Book 68: Cop’s Best Friend
Book 69: Possessive Firefighter
Book 70: Football Next Door
Book 71: Doctor December
Book 72: Possessive Canadian
Book 73: Blue Collar Billionaire
Book 74: Possessive K-9 Cop
Book 75: Possessive Brazilian
Book 76: Hockey Obsession
Book 77: Possessive Boston Irish American MMA Fighter
Book 78: Halloween Next Door
Book 79: Possessive Russian
Book 80: Baseball Mine
Book 81: Cop’s Caribbean Captive
Book 82: Instalove Island
Book 83: Dad’s Best Friend
Book 84: Thanksgiving with Dad’s Boss
Picture Perfect Love: A Steamy Standalone Instalove Romance Page 13