Sweet Forgiveness
Page 16
“Okay,” he said. “Let’s get engaged.”
“Done.”
“Done?”
“Yes. And I happen to know someone who does wedding ceremony coordinating here at Indigo Bay Cottages, and there’s an opening this weekend.”
Ashton nearly choked. “You’re serious?”
Jaelyn had resisted sleep and was patting his cheek, gurgling softly to herself. She gave a happy little squeal and reached for Zoe, who took her without a second thought, bouncing the girl on her hip.
Ashton loved that Zoe was moving so quickly, but he was worried, too. “I thought you were afraid to move fast this time?” he asked carefully.
“I was scared.”
“And?”
“We’ve been through a lot. I love you. You love me. That fact still remains, and I happen to think it’s the most important one of all.”
She gave him a moment to absorb her logic.
“And,” she added with a twinkle in her eye, “if you’re married to me it’s harder for you to run away and marry someone else.”
He tipped his head back and let out a bark of laughter, making Jaelyn jump in Zoe’s arms.
“Zoe Ward, I would be honored to be your first and last husband.”
“Last husband?” she teased as Dallas approached.
“Definitely.”
“I know a guy who can get you a ring,” Dallas said, leaning against Zoe’s desk. “What? I saw what was happening here. You’re engaged, but you need rings. Congratulations, by the way.”
“We’ll need two rings,” Ashton said to Dallas. “By Friday.”
“Three,” Zoe said decisively. “I think Jaelyn should have some sort of family ring for when she’d older that will show she’s a part of us.” She said to Ashton, “It’s not just the two of us entering a marriage, we’re creating a family.”
“So not wedding bands, but family rings?” Ashton clarified.
“Exactly.” She pulled him closer to give him a kiss. “I knew there was a reason I chose you. We like to hang out on the same wavelength.”
Epilogue
Zoe smiled at Ashton, who was waiting for her on the sunny beach. His dark cummerbund and bow tie brought out the somberness of his hazel eyes, and she wondered how she’d ever been so lucky as to have a second chance with the man of her dreams.
He was holding Jaelyn in his arms and she was so adorable in her fluffy dress it brought tears to Zoe’s eyes.
Family. Despite the pain of the past year, she was going to wind up right where she’d hoped she would be.
Her bare feet flew across the sand as she launched herself at Ashton and Jaelyn. Her parents laughed and cheered, as did her special out-of-town guests, Ginger and Logan, as well as Logan’s associate, Zach.
Ashton and Jaelyn laughed as Zoe danced around them, giving them each a quick kiss.
“Let’s get married!”
Dallas, the master of ceremonies, rolled his eyes good-naturedly at Zoe, looking totally pleased for her. The man was single, but one day he’d find The One, and he’d no longer be rolling his eyes, she knew. He’d be right there in the thick of it. The wonderful, wonderful thick of it.
Jaelyn was handed off to Ashton’s best man, but immediately reached back for her father. He said quickly to Dallas, “You’d better hurry, before she blows.”
The poor child had separation issues that were going to be tough to deal with when Ashton began work in August, leaving her with a sitter they’d not yet chosen. But Dr. Browning had said Jaelyn’s anxiety was normal, and that she’d soon acclimatize to having a stable family. It would just take time.
Dallas zipped through their vows, and they exchanged simple wedding bands, which the local jeweler had created for them, ensuring Jaelyn got one, too, for when she was old enough to wear one.
When Dallas told the newlyweds that they could seal the deal with a kiss, Zoe slipped into Ashton’s waiting arms, her right hand stroking the short, smooth hair at the base of his neck. He felt like everything she had ever wanted. They kissed.
“I now announce you husband and wife!” Dallas called out.
Ashton kissed Zoe again.
“I like being married,” she told him.
Ashton laughed. “So far, so good.”
Zoe prepared to toss her bouquet, not wanting to wait until later. She launched the flowers in an arc high above her, the ribbons trailing through the picture-perfect blue sky.
She turned to see who had caught them and laughed. It was a very surprised looking Zach. His beefy hands seemed out of place clutching the delicate flowers, but he smiled good-naturedly.
He asked, “Can you order a wife online? Because that’s the only way I’m ever going to find someone to marry me.”
“That’s not how it works,” Ginger said, patting his arm. “But don’t worry, we’ll find you someone before you resort to online shopping for the love of your life. Right, Zoe?”
Zoe turned to Ashton. “I think Ginger can definitely be trusted for finding one’s soul mate.”
Thank you for reading SWEET FORGIVENESS. I hope you enjoyed Ashton and Zoe’s love story. Does Ginger really find Zach a mate? And what does he do when a woman shows up on his doorstep claiming to be his wife? Find out in MAIL ORDER SOULMATE!
* * *
Something borrowed, something (baby) blue…
When Catherine arrives on Zach’s step with a baby in her arms and a scared look in her eyes, he's not sure if it's their unorthodox situation or something from her past causing the fear. All he knows is that he's the man who can protect this small family…although possibly not his heart.
Click to start reading Zach’s story, MAIL ORDER SOULMATE, now!
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Stay in Indigo Bay a little longer with another fun read from Jean Oram — SWEET TROUBLEMAKER.
Sometimes falling in love (again) is the best kind of trouble…
Nick hasn’t seen Polly in almost two decades, but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped thinking about her. He’s pretty sure she feels the power of their rekindled love too, and he’s ready to make a move. To his Texas ranch, to her home in Canada—anywhere as long as she’s there. But what will this cowboy do when his fast moves send Polly running? Can these two exes overcome their past and claim their second chance at love all while trying to save their friend’s wedding?
Find out! Click to start reading SWEET TROUBLEMAKER now.
Indigo Bay
Have you missed other books in the Indigo Bay series? Here’s the full list… You can read out of order! Jump in anywhere.
* * *
Indigo Bay Second Chance Romances
Sweet Troublemaker (Book 1) by Jean Oram
Sweet Do-Over (Book 2) by Melissa McClone
Sweet Horizons (Book 3) by Jean C. Gordon
Sweet Complications (Book 4) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Whispers (Book 5) by Jeanette Lewis
Sweet Adventure (Book 6) by Tamie Dearen
Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series
Sweet Dreams (Book 1) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Matchmaker (Book 2) by Jean Oram
Sweet Sunrise (Book 3) by Kay Correll
Sweet Illusions (Book 4) by Jeanette Lewis
Sweet Regrets (Book 5) by Jennifer Peel
Sweet Rendezvous (Book 6) by Danielle Stewart
Sweet Saturdays (Book 7) by Pamela Kelley
Sweet Beginnings (Book 8) by Melissa McClone
Sweet Starlight (Book 9) by Kay Correll
Sweet Forgiveness (Book 10) by Jean Oram (Zoe’s story!)
Sweet Reunion (Book 11) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Entanglement (Book 12) by Jean C. Gordon
* * *
Bonus holiday short stories:
Sweet Holiday Memories by Kay Correll
Sweet Holiday Surprise by Jean Oram (Alexa’s story
!)
Sweet Holiday Wishes by Melissa McClone
Sweet Holiday Traditions by Danielle Stewart
* * *
Read more about these heartwarming Indigo Bay books as well as find links to your favorite online stores on my website: https://www.jeanoram.com/indigo-bay-sweet-romance-series/
Sneak Peek from Sweet Troublemaker
Nick was starting to think that meeting up with Polly for a drink hadn’t been such a smart idea even if she still had a hint of that old spark he’d always adored. She hadn’t recognized him in the lobby earlier, and now she didn’t seem to recall their old games. Sure it had been almost twenty years, but he remembered. Those memories had mattered to him. Then again, maybe this was a blessing and he could finally discard her from the what-if thoughts that followed him across the pastures back in Texas.
“What are you thinking about?” she asked.
“I’m wondering how long you’re going to stick around once that drink is done.” He swiveled on his stool to face her more fully. There was a guy one stool over who kept casting surreptitious glances at Polly’s figure. Nick could tell he wanted to chat her up if given the chance.
Without thinking, Nick found himself subtly scooting his stool closer to Polly’s. They may not be off to a perfect start despite the way she still made his heart race and his mouth go dry, but he wasn’t about to hand his shot at getting reacquainted to some dude in a suit.
“You have a hot date waiting for you?” Polly asked, pulling her small handbag into her lap as she leaned forward to take another swallow of her drink.
“Five, actually. So if you could hurry it up…”
She sat expressionless for a split second before whispering, “Liar.” Her eyes were twinkling with humor. She was trying to act unaffected, but he could see she wanted to laugh, to let her guard down and play.
Why didn’t she?
They sat in silence for a few beats, the ocean washing the shores and filling the air with a soundtrack that made his entire being relax.
“So you’re single?” he asked, immediately wishing he hadn’t.
She was quiet for half a breath, then pushed back her shoulders, saying, “Let’s not talk about the past.”
“Not even about what a good kisser I am?”
“I’m not in the market for a man, and if you’re offering, I’ll bet your skills have likely atrophied.” She lowered her chin, looking at him from beneath her eyelashes with a hint of primness that made his body awaken and want to join the game—any game as long as it was with her. “And if you recall…you’re just not that memorable.”
Her insult was delivered in a playful, low tone that felt far too sensual. Or maybe it was how she’d said the words slowly, her pink lips carefully forming each one in a way that hit him with a powerful twist of longing. Polly was everything he wanted in a woman.
He leaned closer. “And why do you think my abilities may have faded?”
“Your social skills are lacking, as is your charm. So chances are you’re not kissing anyone, and those abilities are similar to second-language skills—use ’em or lose ’em.”
She was sitting up now, her body language as perky as her ponytail. He wanted to reach over and give it an affectionate tug to see if she’d turn his way again. She took another sip of her drink, as though trying to fortify herself. Or maybe shield herself from something. Maybe him.
“Do you want to help me revive those old skills?” he asked, propping his arms on the bar so he could lean closer to her. “See if they can be resuscitated?”
She allowed a flicker of a wry smile, but didn’t change the direction of her gaze.
“How about this?” He leaned even closer, placing a warm kiss on her cheek that lingered a telling second too long.
She inhaled slowly, but didn’t face him, didn’t say a thing.
“Was that passable? Does it need reviving? More practice?” He lowered his voice. “Better aim?”
He was asking for trouble. And despite that knowledge, he couldn’t pull back on the reins. He didn’t want to. Not when he was with Polly.
* * *
Where will this drink take Nick and Polly—especially when they get roped into saving a wedding together! Find out what happens in SWEET TROUBLEMAKER. Click to read it now!
More Books by Jean Oram
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author
Find a full, up-to-date book list at www.jeanoram.com/books
Veils and Vows
Marriage of convenience romances set in one nosy little mountain town—you know things are going to get good!
* * *
The Promise (Bonus prequel: Devon & Olivia)
The Surprise Wedding (Devon & Olivia)
A Pinch of Commitment (Ethan & Lily)
The Wedding Plan (Luke & Emma)
Accidentally Married (Burke & Jill)
The Marriage Pledge (Moe & Amy)
Mail Order Soulmate (Zach & Catherine)
* * *
Indigo Bay
Sweet romances set in a beach town—meet characters new and old in this spinoff series.
Sweet Matchmaker (Ginger and Logan)
Sweet Holiday Surprise (Cash & Alexa)
Sweet Forgiveness (Ashton & Zoe)
Sweet Troublemaker (Nick & Polly)
* * *
Blueberry Springs
Sweet, fun small town romances.
Fall for your best friend. Your enemy. The wrong man… it all happens in Blueberry Springs.
Whiskey and Gumdrops (Mandy & Frankie)
Rum and Raindrops (Jen & Rob)
Eggnog and Candy Canes (Katie & Nash)
Sweet Treats (3 short stories—Mandy, Amber, & Nicola)
Vodka and Chocolate Drops (Amber & Scott)
Tequila and Candy Drops (Nicola & Todd)
Champagne and Lemon Drops (Beth & Oz) Also available in audio.
The Summer Sisters
Taming billionaires has never been so sweet!
One cottage. Four sisters. And four billionaires who sweep them off their feet.
Falling for the Movie Star (Finian & Hailey)
Falling for the Boss (Connor & Maya)
Falling for the Single Dad (Tristen & Melanie)
Falling for the Bodyguard (Evander & Daphne)
Falling for the Firefighter (Josh & Simone)
* Also watch for audiobooks, paperbacks, and special box set anthologies! *
For the Kids
1,001 Boredom Busting Play Ideas
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About the Author
Jean Oram is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. Inspiration for her small town series came from her own upbringing on the Canadian prairies. Although, so far, none of her characters have grown up in an old schoolhouse or worked on a bee farm. Jean still lives on the prairie with her husband, two kids, big shaggy dog and persnickety cat, where she can be found out playing in the snow or hiking.
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Thanks for reading.
XO
Jean
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