by Sierra Hill
Peyton was adamant that she didn’t want a big graduation party after her ceremony today. I admit it was hard for me to not want to celebrate her big accomplishment in a lavish way.
Instead, I opted to host a small dinner party at my mother’s house, which she was thrilled to host. My mother loves to throw a party – whether big or small, she loves to play hostess. But more importantly, she loves Peyton as much as I do.
I introduced Peyton to my mom over the holidays when I invited her to spend Thanksgiving with me. We hadn’t been together for long and Peyton was still reticent about making our relationship public, at least for now. She worried about the negative press it would stir up for me if anyone caught wind that I was dating a college student and my former intern.
But I didn’t care about any of that bullshit because I loved her. And I knew I was going to marry her someday. Sooner, rather than later, if I had my way.
I know it’s soon and she’s young, and I made a huge mistake when I was in college and got married to the first person I fell in love with.
But what Peyton and I have is special. It was truly love at first sight, even though it took us a while to work around the obstacles impeding us from sharing that love openly.
Once I finally realized that I didn’t care about how it would look to anyone else, or if I was breaking any of my ethical business practices, I wanted to stake my claim.
Life didn’t make sense without Peyton in it. I had painted myself as a forever single guy, only married to his job until I met Peyton. But then it all clicked, and I realized early on I had to change my strategies in both business and in life in order to get the girl and the life I wanted.
As a business owner, I know there are risks associated with taking action and making decisions without supporting evidence.
But all the evidence I need with Peyton is to know she feels the same way about me as I do about her.
And we’re about to find that out.
I tap on a glass to gain everyone’s attention. I stand in front of the long dining room table and look out over the faces of my family and friends. Peyton sits to my right, next to Brooklyn who holds her newborn in her arms. Peyton leans down and gently places a kiss on the top of Jeremiah’s head and then sits back up, lifting her smiling face to me.
My throat clogs with emotion from watching her fawn over the baby today. She will make such a wonderful mother to my children someday. Not now, but someday.
“I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate with us today, and to recognize Peyton’s achievement and success upon her graduation.” I lift my glass in her direction.
I continue. “Anyone who knows Peyton knows this has been a long and sometimes steep climb to finishing her degree. Her heart and dedication in finalizing this dream are a testament to her strength and fortitude. And my God, the fashion world is getting one fucking amazing designer today.”
Everyone toasts and cheers with ‘congratulations’ and ‘here, here’s’ and then little Caleb’s voice pipes in. “Daddy, he said the bad word!”
Laughter resounds around the table and soon there’s a hush, leaving me the opportunity to continue my speech. My hand trembles as I slide it in my front pocket, extracting the box I’ve had for months now, waiting for the perfect time to bestow it on the recipient.
“Sorry, Caleb,” I chuckle, blushing at being called out by a six-year-old kid. “But there might be a few more tips in the swear jar today because I’m pretty damn excited.”
I turn to Peyton, reaching for her hand as I place the glass down on the table and crouch down on one knee in front of her. Her face blanches and I can see the pulse quicken in her neck, feeling it in her wrist as I smooth my thumb over her skin.
“Peyton Michelle Burke, from the moment you walked into my office and into my life, I knew you would be the one to change it. Change me and make me into a better man. A man deserving of the love of a good woman. I want to be by your side to celebrate all your future accomplishments yet to come. I’m so proud of you and I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Her words are a whisper, barely lifting in the air between us.
“I’m glad to hear that because maybe that will influence your decision to answer yes.” I hold out the box in my hand, gesturing for her to open it.
She takes in from me, leaving my palm damp with sweat, opening it to display the 2-carat engagement ring inside. A collective gasp falls over the room.
“Peyton, will you marry me?”
“Oh my God, Brody…I don’t know what to say…”
Another silence falls across the table that is deafeningly loud, but this one feels like it holds the weight of a thousand tons of brick.
I stare at her unblinking, unable to move.
And then a smile quirks across her mouth and she jumps into my arms.
“I don’t know what to say except yes!”
The End
Game Changer (Book #1 Change of Hearts)
I hope you enjoyed Peyton and Brody’s story in Change in Strategy and the tie-in of the characters from Book #1. If you haven’t read Game Changer, Brooklyn and Garrett’s amazing love story, you should remedy that right now! All the books in this series can be read as standalone.
Here’s a short blurb from the book and the links to find it on Kindle Unlimited or Audible.
Former NBA star, Garrett Parker's life changed in an instant, leaving him a single father and in search of new direction.
Now a college basketball coach, he needs a dependable nanny for the summer to care for his disabled son, Caleb. Brooklyn Hayes is perfect for the job, and Caleb isn't the only one falling for her.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to my editor, Michele Ziemer and proofreader, Debbie from Two Naughty Book Babes Editing, for helping me turn this book onto a polished work of art.
Thank you to my always wonderful beta reader, Cristina, for your insight and helpful suggestion in adding another chapter (I actually added two) to show Peyton and Brody’s first encounter. Hope I did it justice!
To my ARC Team readers - you’re the best! I count on your enthusiasm and support each and every time I release a new book and look forward to your thoughtful reviews of my characters and stories.
Thank you Dani Sanchez and the PR & Marketing team at Wildfire Marketing Solutions for getting the word out about this new release.
And thanks to my Nice & Naughty Author Group and my OG Girls for your moral support and constant companionship through this journey.
About the Author
Sierra writes new adult and sizzling hot contemporary romance. She’s written and published 20 novels, including the award-winning series, Courting Love (college sports) and the erotic ménage serial, Reckless – The Smoky Mountain Trio.
Sierra lives with her husband and dog in the Seattle area. She is a sucker for cheap accessories, loves anything dark chocolate, and enjoys attending live concerts.
Subscribe to her email list here: www.sierrahillbooks.com or find her here:
Also by Sierra Hill
Change of Hearts (A College Campus Series)
Game Changer (Book #1)
The Physical Series
Physical Touch
More Than Physical
Physical Distraction
Physical Connection
Standalones and Flirt Club stories
One More Minute With You
The Reunion
Character Flaws
His Fairytale Princess
Whipped: A Second Helpings Story
Resolution: Road Trip (A Resolution Pact Story)
The Waiting Game (A Friends-to-Lovers Story)
Spring Break Navy Seal (A Spring Breakers story)
Her True Blue (A Fireworks Series)
Cowboy’s Kiss
Finding Her Way boxset
Santa’s Special Delivery (A Sleeping with the Scrooge Short Holiday Romance)
Courting Love (A College Sports Series)
Full Court
Press
The Rebound
Pivot
Fast Break
Jump Shot
Reckless – The Smoky Mountain Trio serial
Reckless Youth
Reckless Abandon
Reckless Hearts
Reckless – The Smoky Mountain trio boxset