“Let’s go get it,” Tate said, pushing himself away from the table.
Renee heard giggling, then a warning from Tate. The snick of something and then a sizzling.
What on earth?
The door of the bedroom creaked open, and then Addison appeared with a cake with a blazing sparkler in its middle.
She had a solemn look on her face as she walked toward the table, Tate behind her, guiding her.
“Is it your birthday?” Arlan asked, obviously as mystified as Renee was.
Renee shook her head as Addison set the cake on the table in front of her. Then Addison looked up at her father, who nodded.
Addison cleared her throat, then held her hand out to her father. Together they both dropped down on one knee, each holding their other hand out to Renee.
She took Addison’s hand in one hand and Tate’s in the other, completing the circle.
Then Tate and Addison said together, “Renee, will you marry us?”
Renee could only stare, as the five simple words registered in her brain.
Then her eyes tingled, and her happiness burst out in a flood of tears.
“Yes. Oh, yes,” she choked out through the tears.
“I thought she would be happy,” Addison whispered to Tate.
“She is,” Tate whispered back.
Then Renee leaned forward and gathered them in a three-way hug.
“I love you. Love you so much,” she said.
“We love you, too,” Addison said, flinging her arms around Renee’s neck. Renee closed her eyes, holding the little girl close.
Tate managed to drop a kiss on Renee’s mouth.
Then he reached over and lifted the sparkler from the cake. At its base lay a gold ring with a sparkling diamond.
“It still has frosting on it,” he grumbled with a frown, but Renee held out her hand, and he slipped it on, leaving a trail of white icing.
The diamond sparkled on her hand, and Renee felt tears threaten again.
“This calls for a toast and a blessing,” Arlan said in a choked voice. He stood smiling down at the three of them, raising a glass with one hand, his other clinging to Brenda’s, who was watching the scene, her own eyes shining with tears.
“May God bless you and keep you,” he said. “May His light shine on you, and may you live your life as a family that serves and loves Him.”
A family.
Renee looked over at Tate, then at her daughter, and leaned into Tate’s embrace.
“We’re a family,” she whispered in awe.
“I love the sound of that,” Tate replied. Then he kissed her again.
A family, together at last.
Other Series
I have many other books for you to enjoy. Check them out here.
FAMILY BONDS
#1 SEEKING HOME
A rancher who suffered a tragic loss. A single mother on the edge. Can these two find the courage to face a romantic new beginning?
#2 CHOOSING HOME
If you like emergency room drama, second chances, and quaint small-town settings, then you’ll adore this romance.
#3 COMING HOME
He thought she chose a hotel over him. She thought he loved money more than her. Years later, can they fill the emptiness in their hearts?
#4 FINDING HOME
She’s hiding a terrible truth. He’s trying to overcome his scandalous history. Together, forgiveness might give them a second chance.
FAMILY TIES
Four siblings trying to finding their way back to family and faith
A COWBOY’S REUNION
He’s still reeling from the breakup. She’s ashamed of what she did. Can a chance reunion mend the fence, or are some hearts forever broken? If you like second chance stories, buried passions, and big country settings, then you’ll love this emotional novel.
“I enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down and had to finish it. If the rest of this series is this great, I look forward to reading more books by Carolyne Aarsen.” Karen Semones - Amazon Review
THE COWBOY’S FAMILY
She's desperate. He's loyal. Will a dark lie hold them back from finding love on the ranch? If you like determined heroines, charming cowboys, and family dramas, then you’ll love this heartfelt novel.
“What a wonderful series! The first book is Cowboy's Reunion. Tricia's story begins in that book. Emotional stories with wonderful characters. Looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.” Jutzie - Amazon reviewer
TAMING THE COWBOY
A saddle bronc trying to prove himself worthy to a father who never loved him. A wedding planner whose ex-fiancee was too busy chasing his own dreams to think of hers. Two people, completely wrong for each other who yet need each other in ways they never realized. Can they let go of their own plans to find a way to heal together?
“This is the third book in the series and I have loved them all. . . . can't wait to see what happens with the last sibling.” - Amazon reviewer
THE COWBOY’S RETURN
The final book in the Family Ties Series:
He enlisted in the military, leaving his one true love behind.
She gave herself to a lesser man and paid a terrible price.
In their hometown of Rockyview, they can choose to come together or say a final goodbye...
'This author did an amazing job of turning heartache into happiness with realism and inspirational feeling.” Marlene - Amazon Reviewer
SWEETHEARTS OF SWEET CREEK
Come back to faith and love
#1 HOMECOMING
Be swept away by this sweet romance of a woman's search for belonging and second chances and the rugged rancher who helps her heal.
#2 - HER HEARTS PROMISE
When the man she once loved reveals a hidden truth about the past, Nadine has to choose between justice and love.
#3 - CLOSE TO HIS HEART
Can love triumph over tragedy?
#4 - DIVIDED HEARTS
To embrace a second chance at love, they'll need to discover the truths of the past and the possibilities of the future…
#5 - A HERO AT HEART
If you like rekindled chemistry, family drama, and small, beautiful towns, then you’ll love this story of heart and heroism.
#6 - A MOTHER’S HEART
If you like matchmaking daughters, heartfelt stories of mending broken homes, and fixer-upper romance, then this story of second chances is just right for you.
HOLMES CROSSING SERIES
The Only Best Place is the first book in the Holmes Crossing Series.
#1 THE ONLY BEST PLACE
One mistake jeopardized their relationship. Will surrendering her dreams to save their marriage destroy her?
#2 ALL IN ONE PLACE
She has sass, spunk and a haunting secret.
#3 THIS PLACE
Her secret could destroy their second chance at love
#4 A SILENCE IN THE HEART
Can a little boy, an injured kitten and a concerned vet with his own past pain, break down the walls of Tracy’s heart?
#5 ANY MAN OF MINE
Living with three brothers has made Danielle tired of guys and cowboys. She wants a man. But is she making the right choice?
#6 A PLACE IN HER HEART
Her new boss shattered her dreams and now she has to work with him. But his vision for the magazine she loves puts them at odds. Can they find a way to work together or will his past bitterness blind him to future love.
Reader Group
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SIGN UP FOR MY READER GROUP
Contents
Reader Group
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
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br /> Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Other Series
Reader Group
Ever Caring Page 18