The heat of a blush hit Brooke’s cheeks. Everyone knew her too well.
Brooke’s mom hugged her. “I can’t wait to see what you think of your new attic. Are you ready?”
Levi’s smile disappeared. He looked at the top of the building and closed his eyes.
If Brooke didn’t know better, she’d think he was praying. “Is everything all right?”
He took a deep breath and searched her face. “I hope so. Let’s go.” Levi opened the front door and everyone stepped inside the building.
Brooke gently squeezed his hand. She wanted him to know how thankful she was for everything he’d done. “Don’t worry. I was incredibly impressed by what you did on the first two floors of the building. The attic will be wonderful.”
Virginia and Megan looked at each other. At least their smiles were reassuring.
As she stood in front of the attic door, Brooke took a shaky breath. She’d spent a lot of time imagining what the attic could look like, how it could transform the building into an incredible family home.
The extra bedrooms, an office and, eventually, a fully-functioning master bathroom would create a warm and welcoming retreat for Brooke or anyone else living in the building.
With a trembling hand, she unlocked the door.
The first thing she noticed was the light. Even though they’d created a landing outside the bedrooms and office, sunshine poured through the new skylights, making everything appear larger and more welcoming. It was so much better than the dust-filled space she’d first seen before she bought the building.
“Have a look at your bedroom.” Karl opened the door beside Brooke.
Her eyes widened as she stared at what they’d done. “I feel like I’ve walked into my imagination.”
Virginia smiled at her daughter. “Levi took a photo of your mood board before the fire. We found everything you wanted, right down to the lamp beside your bed.”
Brooke didn’t know what to look at first. The walls were painted a soft shade of green, the trim a bright, clear white. The pink, padded headboard provided a luxurious backdrop for the pillows and cushions arranged on top of the quilt.
“What do you think of the chandelier?” her dad asked.
She looked at the ceiling and sighed. “It’s incredible, but how did you afford it? The budget—”
“We found some more money,” Virginia told her. “I’ll turn it on.”
When Brooke saw a picture of the chandelier, she’d been blown away by its beauty. Twelve delicate arms held light bulbs that looked like real candle flames. Crystals hung from each arm, cascading down the chandelier like a waterfall of light. It was delicate, but didn’t get lost in the high ceiling or the sheer size of her bedroom.
Brooke’s breath caught as the chandelier sparkled into life.
“Oh, wow,” Megan said from behind her. “It’s perfect.”
“That’s what I thought, too,” Virginia said.
Brooke dragged her gaze away from the chandelier and walked across to one of the large, arched windows. “I was worried the fire would have destroyed these windows. I’m glad they were able to be saved.”
Levi stood beside her. “We were lucky. The worst damage was directly above the kitchen in your apartment. We had to replace a few floorboards and one of the joists, but it could have been a lot worse.”
“The water from the fire hoses caused the most damage,” her dad said. “But thankfully, it didn’t take long to replace the drywall and ceilings.”
Brooke ran her hand along the back of a soft, velvet sofa sitting opposite her bed. “This is beautiful. Where did you find it?”
Megan smiled. “I’m glad you like it. I did more in Orlando than visit theme parks. Levi showed me a picture of a sofa you’d seen. He couldn’t find that particular piece of furniture, but he found this one. It was being auctioned in Orlando at the same time William and I were there. As soon as I saw it, I knew you’d love it.”
“That isn’t the only thing Megan did in Orlando,” Virginia said proudly. “Do you remember the large order of strawberry fudge we made while she was away?”
Brooke nodded. It would be difficult to forget the boxes she’d carefully packed and shipped to Orlando.
“Well,” Virginia continued. “While Megan was on her honeymoon, she talked to the general manager of the Madison chain of premium hotels. They were impressed with the samples she gave them and ordered the strawberry fudge for a staff function. Now they want you to supply their hotels with complimentary fudge for all VIP guests.”
“They have more than one hundred hotels across America,” Megan said. “A contract like that could take your business to a whole new level.”
Brooke was happy but confused. “Why did you meet someone from the hotel?”
“My friend, Stacy, became the general manager of customer services a couple of years ago. We met for coffee and one thing led to another. Before I knew it, she was nibbling on some of the fudge you gave Nora. When she got home, Stacy ordered the strawberry dream fudge for her staff. A few weeks later, the hotel was looking for different ways to thank their VIP guests. Stacy suggested giving them a gift-wrapped bag of your fudge. The chief executive liked the idea and now Stacy wants to talk to you.”
“That’s amazing.”
Megan hugged Brooke. “I want your business to be a success. Talking with Stacy may not lead to anything, but it can’t hurt.”
“Thank you. I’ll call her first thing on Monday.”
“Come and have a look at your bathroom,” Levi said.
Brooke smiled. Levi was intent on showing her everything he’d done.
Although the remodeling budget hadn’t extended as far as finishing the bathroom, Brooke wanted to see what it looked like. One day, when she had more time and money, she would have exactly what she wanted. But for now, the master bathroom would make a great storage area.
As soon as Levi opened the door, her mouth dropped open. The walls were the same shade as the bedroom, but everything else was different from what she thought she’d see. Large white and gray marble tiles gleamed under the pendant lights. A dark wood vanity hugged one wall, and a huge, tiled shower filled the far end of the room. And the bath…Brooke sighed. It was enormous. She could soak in it for hours while she listened to her favorite music.
The bathroom was everything she’d imagined, and more.
But, after the excitement of seeing what Levi had done, her heart sank. “This is amazing, but I know I can’t afford this. Who paid for everything?”
Levi cleared his throat. “I might have added something to the budget, but I wasn’t the only person.” He looked at Brooke’s mom and dad.
Karl shrugged. “We know how much this building means to you. It was easier to finish everything now, than wait another few years. Besides, your mom and I have decided to move to Sapphire Bay. We were hoping we’d be able to sleep in the bedroom downstairs while we look for a house.”
Tears filled Brooke’s eyes. Her parents had been talking about moving permanently to Sapphire Bay for a few months, but she’d never thought they’d leave Phoenix. “What made you decide to move here?”
Virginia smiled. “Your dad and I thought we would have to retire once we came to Sapphire Bay. But Megan has offered me a permanent job, and Levi has asked Karl if he would work with him. We couldn’t turn down either opportunity, so we’re moving to Sapphire Bay.”
The happiness on her parents’ faces was wonderful to see. Brooke hugged her mom and dad. “I’m so happy for you. I hope you like living here.”
Karl laughed. “We already feel like part of the community. As soon Pastor John heard that we’re moving here, he asked your mom to run a budgeting class at the church. I’ve got a feeling it won’t be the only class she’ll be tutoring.”
Brooke tried to take everything in, but she was feeling overwhelmed. Her home was beautiful and her parents would be here to share it with her. After spending the first two years in Sapphire Bay without them, sh
e was looking forward to knowing they weren’t far away.
Levi held her hand. “That’s not the only surprise.”
Brooke thought he was going to show her the spare bedroom and office. But instead of opening the other door off the landing, he walked toward the staircase that led onto the roof.
As soon as he opened the door, Sam and Caleb, Natalie and Gabe, William and Nora, and Levi’s parents all yelled, “Surprise!”
For the second time that day, her mouth dropped open. It wasn’t because her family and friends were here. It wasn’t because she was surprised to see Levi’s mom and dad.
It was because of the banner flapping in the breeze. The one that said, “Will you marry me?”
Levi didn’t let go of Brooke’s hand. He needed to know she was close, even if her pale face and clammy hand told him she was in shock.
When she lifted her face to his, he wondered what was going through her mind.
“I thought you were going to show me some deck chairs and potted plants.”
Everyone around them was silent, waiting for what came next.
Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea.
“Your mom chose some colorful outdoor furniture, but that’s not why we’re here.” Levi tried to remember what he wanted to say, the words that would explain how much Brooke had changed his life. “I wanted to propose to you on top of your building because you’ve made me look at the world differently. You made me realize that I’m more than the places I’ve been and better than the things I’ve seen. When you left Phoenix, I thought I’d never love anyone again. But I needed that time to grow, to rebuild the resilience I’d lost.”
Levi took a deep breath and lowered himself to one knee. “I love you, Brooke. I’ve never stopped loving you. The last six months have been a roller coaster of emotions for both of us. I never thought I’d see you again but, after I saw you in Sweet Treats, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. When you needed help to remodel your attic, I couldn’t leave. I know we’ve only spent a few months together, but I love you more than ever—and I’ll love you for the rest of my life. Brooke Johnson, will you marry me?”
Brooke didn’t say anything.
Cold sweat trickled down Levi’s spine. She was going to say no. A memory of what had happened nearly three years ago stuck in his mind, replaying over and over the moment when he realized Brooke didn’t love him.
Something in his face must have told her how he was feeling.
She pulled him to his feet and held his hands. “I love you.”
Levi’s heart pounded. He knew she loved him. What he didn’t know was if she was willing to spend the rest of her life with him.
“I didn’t think… I didn’t realize you were going to propose to me.” Brooke closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Levi knew she was thinking carefully about her answer. He didn’t interrupt or give her more reasons why they were perfect for each other. Because, regardless of how Brooke felt about him, he would always cherish the time they’d spent together. Even if they never saw each other again.
When Brooke opened her eyes, she smiled. “So much has happened since I left Phoenix. I ran away from everyone I loved to work out what was important. It wasn’t until I saw you again that I realized you were, and always will be, one of the most important people in my life.”
Brooke wiped her hands on her jeans, then held his hands again. “I’m nervous,” she whispered.
“You don’t need to be.”
Brooke’s gaze shot to their family and friends.
“Focus on us,” Levi said softly. “Forget about everyone else. It’s just you and me, standing on top of the world.”
Brooke smiled. “When did you become so poetic?”
He brushed a strand of hair off her face. “When I fell in love with you.”
Her smile disappeared and something inside of Levi broke. It was too soon. He shouldn’t have asked Brooke to marry him. She would—
Brooke squeezed his hands. “I’ve loved you for so long that I can’t imagine not spending the rest of my life with you.”
Tears stung his eyes. He breathed deeply, fighting against the emotions crashing through him. “Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
Brooke nodded. “There’s nothing I want more in the world.”
Levi swept her into his arms. Brooke was the reason he woke up smiling. The reason he cried when he was sad and laughed when he was happy.
As everyone clapped and cheered, her hugged her tight. Before today he thought his life was complete. But now, holding Brooke in his arms, he felt whole.
“You forgot the ring,” his dad said from across the roof.
Levi groaned. “I knew there was something else I was supposed to do.”
Brooke smiled as he pulled a small, black box from his pocket. “You remembered the important…” Her eyes widened. “Oh, Levi. It’s beautiful. And it matches my necklace.”
A burst of blue and gold shot across the surface of the opal engagement ring.
“Cassie Harper designed both pieces of jewelry. They’re one of a kind, just like you.” As Levi slid the ring onto her finger, he breathed a sigh of relief. Brooke was the most important person in his life, and soon she would be his wife.
* * *
THE END
Thank you
Thank you for reading Before Today. I hope you enjoyed it! If you did…
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Keep reading for a sneak peak of The Sweetest Thing, Cassie and Noah’s story. Pre-order your copy today!
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And…if you want to walk beside Zac as he finds his happy-ever-after, you can pre-order Sweet Surrender from all retailers except Kindle (coming soon to an Amazon store near you!)
The Sweetest Thing
Sapphire Bay, Book 5
Cassie Harper is determined to make her jewelry business a success—and Sapphire Bay is the perfect place to create beautiful heirloom pieces. With its sparkling lake and towering mountains, she’s finally found somewhere to call home. When Cassie wins a prestigious jewelry competition she’s devastated. For the last three years she has kept away from the media and that won't be changing anytime soon.
* * *
Noah Devlin is the CEO of an exclusive company that caters to the uber-rich. When the winner of their jewelry award ignores his PR team’s emails, he decides to visit them in person. But the reclusive jeweler is nothing like the woman he expects to meet.
* * *
Cassie has secrets she needs to keep and a life she wants to protect. Noah wants to help her, but he doesn't know if he can give her the happily-ever-after she's looking for. Until one of life’s unexpected turns throws them together in a way that no one saw coming.
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The Sweetest Thing is the fifth book in the Sapphire Bay series and can easily be read as a standalone. Each of Leeanna’s series are linked so you can find out what happens to your favorite characters in other books.
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Click here to
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
Enjoy Other Novels By Leeanna Morgan
Montana Brides:
Book 1: Forever Dreams (Gracie and Trent)
Book 2: Forever in Love (Amy and Nathan)
Book 3: Forever After (Nicky and Sam)
Book 4: Forever Wishes (Erin and Jake)
Book 5: Forever Santa (A Montana Brides Christmas Novella)
Book 6: Forever Cowboy (Emily and Alex)
Book 7: Forever Together (Kate and Dan)
Book 8: Forever and a Day (Sarah and Jordan)
Montana Brides Boxed Set: Books 1-3
Montana Brides Boxed Set: Books 4-6
* * *
&nbs
p; The Bridesmaids Club:
Book 1: All of Me (Tess and Logan)
Book 2: Loving You (Annie and Dylan)
Book 3: Head Over Heels (Sally and Todd)
Book 4: Sweet on You (Molly and Jacob)
* * *
Emerald Lake Billionaires:
Book 1: Sealed with a Kiss (Rachel and John)
Book 2: Playing for Keeps (Sophie and Ryan)
Book 3: Crazy Love (Holly and Daniel)
Book 4: One And Only (Elizabeth and Blake)
* * *
The Protectors:
Book 1: Safe Haven (Hayley and Tank)
Book 2: Just Breathe (Kelly and Tanner)
Book 3: Always (Mallory and Grant)
Book 4: The Promise (Ashley and Matthew)
Book 5: Coming Home (Mia and Stan)
Book 6: The Gift (Hannah and Brett)
Book 7: The Wish (Claire and Jason)
The Protectors Boxed Set: Books 1-3
* * *
Sapphire Bay:
Book 1: Falling For You (Natalie and Gabe)
Book 2: Once In A Lifetime (Sam and Caleb)
Book 3: A Christmas Wish (Megan and William)
Book 4: Before Today (Brooke and Levi)
Book 5: The Sweetest Thing (Cassie and Noah)
Book 6: Sweet Surrender (Willow and Zac)
Bonus Recipe - Easy Chocolate Fudge
Try this super easy chocolate fudge recipe. It’s quick and delicious. Make a double batch in a glass baking dish for the whole family to enjoy!
(From allrecipes.com)
Before Today Page 21