by Moose, S.
“Girlfriend, you need a drink or something. Calm down.”
I hiss at Lisa and roll my eyes. “When you throw a party this big and people come early or aren’t listening and you can handle that, then you come and tell me because I’ll need to see it to believe it.”
“I thought you were changing into a less stressed out person.”
I throw my hands up in the air and walk away. As much as I love Lisa, we need a time-out right now.
Rushing to the bathroom, I shut the door and fan myself with my hands. Things are going to be okay. I’m not invisible. I’m going to use my voice to get everyone’s attention and things are going to work out perfectly. I turn on the facet so warm water comes out and grab a washcloth so I can dab my face with the warm water. Instantly I begin to feel better and can take on this party.
“You got this, Mallory. Don’t let me down.” I point to my eyes then the mirror. “Ready? Break.”
When I come out of the bathroom, the house is empty and I’m about to have a nervous breakdown.
“Justin.” I look in the kitchen and notice the curtains are down by the back door. “Odd,” I whisper, walking to the doors and moving the curtains to one side. The sight before my eyes leaves me speechless. “What in the world?”
Before my eyes, Justin’s in the center and to his sides are my parents, then his parents and Lisa and Jerry. People have a glass in their hand and Justin’s sporting the biggest smile.
“Come out here, sweetheart.”
I shake my head. “I don’t know what you’re planning. I don’t like it.”
“Bitch, seriously, get over here, or else I’m kicking your ass.”
An internal groan causes me to almost faint. This isn’t funny. Whatever’s going on needs to stop. When I reach Justin, he leans over to kiss my cheek. I hear him let out a breath before coming back to face me.
“What’s going on?”
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he goes down on one knee, and all breath has left my body.
“You changed my life. The night I saw you, my heart knew it was you. I’ve been waiting for you my whole life. I never knew love the way I love you. Never in my mind would I have thought someone as beautiful as you would look at me and fall in love. I’m stubborn and can get stuck in my head. There were times the darkness nearly swallowed me whole, but you pulled me back and slapped reality back into my life. I never want to go a day without you. I never want you to go a day wondering if I love you. I’m going to love you forever. There’s nothing that will ever change that. I hope you realize what you’ve done for me and I hope to do the same for you.”
Don’t cry.
Stay calm.
You know you’re going to say yes.
Stay calm.
Breathe in and out.
“Mallory Claire will you do me the greatest honor in this world? Will you marry me?”
“Yes! Now and forever.”
Epilogue
Justin
I didn’t think I’d ever do it, but I did.
After all these years, I took a leap of faith, with Carson’s blessing from heaven, I sold The Cure. An up and coming country singer fell in love with the bar. He wanted to expand the brand across the coast and the first location was good ole Nashville, Tennessee. Once I signed that dotted line and shook his hand, I felt pretty damn good.
With our bank account a little nicer, I’m taking a break and spending a few weeks with my beautiful wife.
Damn. My wife.
I’ll never get used to calling her that.
When I step into the bedroom, I lean against the door frame, and watch her rock in the rocking chair in the corner. Her hand is resting on her seven-month belly, carrying our twin boys, Jackson and Carter.
J and C.
Justin and Carson.
Jackson Carson Monroe and Carter Justin Monroe.
It was her idea. I wasn’t a fan, but hey, I wasn’t arguing with her and what she wanted.
Happy wife. Happy life.
She doesn’t see me watching her and I love that she’s into reading to our boys and telling them how much she loves them. I can’t wait to see her bring their lives into this world.
Life’s a blessing and we need to cherish each moment of each day. There are going to be times when the storm is unstoppable, destroying everything in its path. When it’s over, it’s up to us to rebuild and blossom.
“I can’t wait until you’re both here. You’re bringing so much joy into our lives already. Mommy can’t wait to see her boys and hold them in my arms. I love you both. So much. I don’t think there are enough words to tell you that.” She rubs her belly and lets out a sigh. “When you come into the world, you’ll see me and daddy. Oh, boys, your Daddy loves you both so much. He’s going to be the best daddy. I know that because he’s the best husband. Our lives are full of blessings and we count each and every one.”
“Yes we do. I’m looking at my blessings now.”
She smiles warmly. “You’re home.”
“I am. I took time off from coaching and wanted to spend time with you and our boys.”
Since I’m not a bar owner, I’m helping my dad coach high school football. This is my first year as head coach. I’m scared and nervous, but with my family and friends by my side, it’ll be a great season.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better, now that you’re home. We missed you today.”
I lean over and kiss my boys. “I missed you three today too.”
For a moment we sit in silence, holding hands, and listening to nothing. The room’s quiet. It won’t be like this for long. Soon, the rooms and house will be filled with crying, laughing, and above all, happiness.
Happiness.
“I love my life with you, and I love that every day I get to love you.”
Mallory takes my hand into hers and leaves her other hand on her belly. “And every day I get to be your wife and the mother to our boys. Life’s good.”
Life’s amazing. I have my wife and soon to be born sons. There’s nothing more I can ask for.
I have everything.
The Boudreaux Universe
To learn more about The Boudreaux Universe, click here:
https://www.ladybosspress.com//boudreaux
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author S. Moose writes emotional stories about second chances and finding love again. She's a lover of anything and everything romantic, from music to quotes.
When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her sweet little boy.
Contact Stephanie with SBR media for rights information: [email protected]
To keep up with the latest from S. Moose be sure to visit her social media sites:
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Also by S. Moose
Vision of Love
Vision of Destiny
Vision of Hope
Rewriting the Rules
Take Me Away
Beautiful Lessons
Interrupted Vol 1
Interrupted Vol 2
Interrupted Vol 3
Adjusting the Deal
Say It Again
Offbeat
Even Rhythm
Refresh
Breathing You In
Why I’m Yours
Tell Me Now
Show Me How
Wild and Windy in the City Vol 3: New Year’s Eve Edition
A Little Bit of Cupid: A Collection of Short Stories
Acknowledgments
Lucas, thank you for being the best son ever. You’re always inspiring me and teaching me lessons about life. I love you so much and hope one day you’ll understand everything I’ve done.
The readers, thank you for giving me chance. I know it’s been a very long time since I released. I hope you know how much I adore you and am so thankful to be part of the book community.
My team, thank you for everything. I app
reciate you taking the time out of your very busy day to help me create this story. All of your hard work and input has brought this book to today.
Jake, my Marine, this story is for you. I love you so much and I’m so thankful to have you by my side.