by Lea Hart
“I am. Don’t rush me.”
He took the box out of her hand, opened it and held it up. “Merry Christmas, baby.”
She gasped and covered her mouth. “Zach, what have you done?”
He pulled out the Claddagh ring and slid it on her left ring finger with the heart facing toward hers. “This is meant to show my intention and fidelity.”
“Zach, it’s so beautiful. I love emeralds.”
“I know baby, that’s why I chose it.”
“What does this ring mean?”
“The heart symbolizes love, the crown loyalty and the hands friendship.”
“Everything a person could want from their mate.”
“I’m not going to ask you to marry me yet, since we have to build our relationship. But get yourself ready, because in about six months, I’m going to get down on one knee and ask you to pledge your life to me.”
Moving closer, she kissed his cheek. “And what exactly happens when I pledge my life to you?”
“A whole lot of happiness, if we do it right.”
“Do you think it’s possible?”
“I do.”
“Me too, though I imagine it’s not going to be easy.”
“I don’t need easy, just your promise you won’t ever give up on me or us.”
“That I can give, because there’s no way I’m ever going to let my rascal go.”
Sealing their lips together made happiness explode in his chest, because he not only had the woman of his dreams in his arms, but she loved him. And he knew damn well it was more than just a little bit.
EPILOGUE
Cecily walked out to the patio and saw Zach pull himself out of the pool. Admiring him not only for his physique but good character, she walked closer and handed him a towel. “How do you feel about pink gingham?”
He took the towel out of her hand and ran it over his body. “About as good as you’d imagine.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“You said that Easter didn’t require matching pajamas or clothes of any type.”
“We’re not going to match, but merely coordinate.”
“I love you with my whole fucking heart and will do just about anything to make you happy, but I have to draw the line at pink gingham.”
“Fine.” Feeling his gaze crawl over her, she waited. “What?”
“Is that a fine and we move on, or is it a fine that involves my sex life going into the crapper?”
“That’s not even a question worth answering.” Cecily slid her hand on her hip and narrowed her eyes. “And to be clear, your definition of in the crapper is nonsense.”
Laughing, he leaned forward and gave her a sloppy kiss. “You know I like to have you more than once a day.”
She smiled and held up the catalog. “You alone have the power.”
“You should be ashamed of yourself.”
She flipped through the pages slowly and smiled. “Not even a little.”
“I’ll wear a plain pink shirt, but absolutely nothing with those little checks.”
Cecily pulled him down and smacked his cheek with a kiss. “Thank you, and I love you.”
“How much?”
“More than a little.”
He let out a bark of laughter and took her hand, leading her into the house. “I love you a whole fucking bunch in case you were wondering.”
“I don’t wonder because you’ve shown me every day how true those words are. I hope I’ve done the same for you.”
“You have, Cecily, and the way you take care of me blows my mind.”
“Good.” Giving him a slow once over, she licked her lips. “You better go shower, because dinner is going to be ready shortly.”
“Are you my dessert?”
“No, but you’re mine.”
He grabbed her ass and grinned. “I like the sound of that.”
“Thought you would.”
He threw her a wink and then walked down the hall whistling.
“Never boring,” she mumbled as she started pulling things out of the fridge for the salad. Hearing heavy footsteps, she turned and let out a gasp. “Zach…”
“What the fuck, Cecily?”
She walked over and took the box for the pregnancy test out of his hand. “I’m not pregnant, so don’t worry.”
“You think that’s what I’m pissed about?”
Stepping back, she shrugged. “I don’t know.”
He took the box out of her hands and threw it on the counter. “I’m pissed that you didn’t tell me. Shit like this we do together.”
“I’m just a little late and wanted to make sure.”
“We make sure together, and for the record, I would love to have as many kids as you’ll give me.”
“We’ve never talked about it and…”
“Then let’s talk about it now. I want kids with you and we can start trying today, next week or wait a while if you want. But I one hundred percent want them.”
“Oh.”
He lifted her chin and growled. “I want everything with you.”
“Well, I wasn’t sure and…”
Tugging her hand, he pulled her down the hall into his office. “I was going to do something really romantic next month on our six-month anniversary, but we’re taking care of this now.”
“Zach, there’s no need to make a gesture. I thought I might be pregnant and I’m not and we’re fine how we are.” When he didn’t respond and went to the wall safe, she sucked in a breath. “What are you doing?”
Pulling out a small box, he smiled and got down on one knee. “Marry me, Cecily.”
“What?”
“I’m down here on a knee with an engagement ring. That should give you a clue.”
“You want to marry me?”
“Yes, baby. I love you and it’s time.”
Feeling faint, she nodded. “Okay.”
Standing, he slid her Claddagh ring off and replaced it with a beautiful diamond solitaire. “I promise to do right by you and love you with every fiber in my being.”
“Me too.”
He let out a laugh as he slid her Claddagh ring on the ring finger of her right hand. “Never thought I’d see you at a loss for words.”
“I know. It’s just that I’m a little stunned.”
“In a good way?”
“The best way?”
“Want to go make a baby?”
Feeling the shock disappear a little, she looked up. “Now?”
“Yeah, why not?”
Taking his hand, she let out a laugh. “Let’s get married first.”
“We can run down to the strip and do it right now.”
“So romantic.”
“Is that a no?”
“Yes, honey, that’s a no.”
“Are we going to have some sort of elaborate shindig that will take a year to plan?”
“No, but we’re going to have our family and friends there.”
Nodding, he gave her a smile. “I love you, Cecily.”
“I love you more than anything in the world, and you’re the center of my world.”
Scooping her into his arms, he walked out of the office and into their bedroom. “Finally.”
“Finally,” she repeated as they fell against the bed, knowing that loving her rascal was going to make her life extraordinary.
If you would like read Cole and Kelly’s story grab Rogue.
It’s an enemy to lovers’ sexy romp with all the feels.
Curious about Gio and Valentina’s road to romance? Grab Chaos!
Dying to see if Seth McCallan finds his one true love?
Look for Scoundrel in December
Do you love alpha men and sassy women?
If you do then hit the link for Latched and grab a free copy.
INSPIRATION
Every story has a playlist and here is the one for Rascal Playlist
If you would like to see the storyboard for this book: Rascal
STAY IN TOUCH
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CORONADO SERIES
The Coronado Series are fun, sexy contemporary military romances that are set in San Diego, California. These stories are fast-paced, emotionally satisfying, and feature bad-ass SEALs who fall for their girl…almost instantly.
Alpha heroes crash to their knees in love and lust when they finally meet their match.
So…if you enjoy a fast-paced, sexy adventure with hot heroes and sassy heroines then this is the series for you.
Latched
Betrayed by her ex–fiancé, Birdie James decides a sexy fling will give her the excitement she needs without the problems of a relationship. Luckily for her, Mr. Right Now is gorgeous, interested and curls her toes with one look. There’s just one problem.
Lieutenant Commander, Mark Frazier sees Birdie, and he only wants one thing. Her, forever. As a SEAL, he flourishes beneath both trials and adventure. However, changing the mission directive of this woman may be the biggest challenge of his life.
What happens when a woman whose life is based on certainty targets a Navy SEAL who thrives on the unknown? Can Mark find a way to overcome her stubborn mindset and convince her to give them a chance? Or is her heart latched against him?
Snatched
When a stalker targets Rory Basso, she thinks she can handle the situation on her own. Then it escalates. Fearing for her safety, she takes the advice of her best friend and hires a security professional to help her track down and eliminate the threat. But Max is more than she expects.
Max Bishop hasn’t met a target he can’t acquire or a mission he can’t complete. Until Rory. As a retired Navy SEAL and CEO of Security Alliance International, he has spent most of his life in charge. Now his mission is to convince this headstrong woman that he can protect her….and love her.
Can Rory trust Max with her safety and her love? Will he convince her to place her protection and heart in his hands? Or will the person terrorizing her snatch the opportunity away?
Attached
Cary Simmons is a kindergarten teacher. Her boring life leaves her craving a summer of adventure, a kick start into an exciting future. However, when her car breaks down in the middle of the California desert, she decides to make the most of it. After all, a biker bar holds some pretty adventurous men, right?
Travis Mathers can’t believe his eyes when a pretty little thing walks into the roughest bar in Ripley wearing a flowered sundress. Instantly, the retired Navy Seal knows this woman needs his protection, and he’s going to give it whether she wants it or not. Besides, who could possibly have more to show her about adventure?
Can Travis convince Cary that he can turn around her boring life? Can Cary fight the allure of a risk-taking alpha male? How long can they resist becoming attached?
Catch
Rachel Miller made a mistake. A year later she is still paying the price. Too embarrassed to ask for help, she tries to manage it on her own. Until, that no longer is an option.
Retired Navy SEAL, Chris Iceman Ellis has spent his whole like protecting people. When he discovers that the woman he’s had his eye on for a year is being threatened, he steps in immediately. Whether she wants it or not.
Can Chris persuade Rachel to accept his protection and convince her that he will always be there to catch her?
What happens when a mighty warrior falls for a woman and becomes her hero… and she becomes his saving grace.
Match
This is a collection of short stories about the couples, that didn’t get their story told in the first four books.
What happened when Birdie matched Ed up with her friend Amelia?
Also, what about Frank and Cat? Does he win her over and prove that he’s a good man?
And, please let Derick find someone. Maybe Birdie’s friend Gracie would be perfect.
Then of course, there’s Laird and Lexi…can he win the heart of a woman who has so much going on in her life?
And, finally David…sweet lord, please let this man find someone who will make him cookies.
All is revealed in this collection.
CORONADO II SERIES
Bewitched
Paige Bennett finds herself in the hands of terrorists in northern Jordan. Not completely unexpected considering her career in the diplomatic corps, but not welcome, either. She and a fellow diplomat need the cavalry, and they need it now.
Unfortunately, their captors’ talk of executing them is increasing rapidly, so the chances of a rescue are slim to none. Unless Lieutenant Commander Blake Carmichael and his fire team get there in time.
Blake and his team find themselves faced with the usual dangers in the hills of Sakib as ISIS makes a play for the region. The one danger he didn’t see coming was the tiny tornado from Texas.
A routine snatch and grab turns into the mission of his career as he finds himself captivated by a woman who works her magic on him without even trying.
Watch what happens when a SEAL finds himself bewitched by a diplomat. Will he surrender to the spell she’s cast, or will she disappear from his life forever?
Hitched
After six months working in the Dar es Salaam camp, Brooke Foster is ready for McDonalds and downtime. The dangers of war-torn Africa have made her rely on the military to keep her safe. But as the daughter of a rear admiral, she swears she’ll never get involved with anyone from SPEC OPS.
Until…she runs into Frisco.
Navy SEAL, Frisco Jones is on assignment in Chad, and sees a picture of Brooke on a friend’s tablet, and is smitten instantly. With all the tenacity that has insured his success on the Teams, he makes sure he has a chance to meet...the girl of his dreams.
Unfortunately, she’s resistant to his charms and it takes herculean efforts for her to see he’s more than his job.
A night under the African moon changes things for both of them and Frisco is determined that what they’ve started in Africa will continue when they get back home to San Diego.
Will Brooke’s struggle with the appearance of an old threat end things?
Or will they conquer them and find a way to get hitched?
Switched
Daphne Ross is enjoying her career success in Naval Intelligence and doesn’t expect anything to take her off track.
Until a certain Navy SEAL crosses her path and makes her think otherwise.
Lt. Bryce Andrews is on his third deployment with the Teams, and all his focus is on becoming the best SEAL he can be.
Until he meets a CIO in Djibouti that makes him realize there’s more to life.
Will these two find a way to mesh their naval careers when they both end up at NAB in Coronado or will find themselves at cross purposes? Watch what happen when two tenacious people go after what they want.
Will they succeed or will the switch stop them dead in the water?
OCEAN BEACH SERIES
The Ocean Beach books are fun, sexy contemporary military romances that are set in San Diego, California. These stories are fast-paced, emotionally satisfying, and feature bad-ass SEALs who fall for their girl…almost instantly.
If you enjoy a hero who has sh*t together and a sassy, smart heroine, grab one of these and enjoy!
INFATUATED
A recipe for love or disaster?
Mix one fearless journalist and one Navy SEAL, add some near-death experiences and what do you get?
A witty, delicious romp with enough heat to make an icy-cold margarita an excellent idea.
Ace can’t decide if he’s going to throttle Lisa the next time he pulls her ass out of the fire…or kiss the hell out of her.
Lucky for him, she takes the decision out of his hands.
If you’re looking for a military romance with the heat turned all the way up, come see what happens when these two take one another on and dive into the infatuation smoldering between them.
FASCINATED
Coming in 2019
CAPTIVATED
Coming in 2019
SAI SERIES
Are you ready for a sexy adventure?
If you are then the SAI series may be for you.
The books in this collection are about hot alpha heroes and resourceful heroines that end up on a sexy roller coaster ride. The stories are filled with risk, danger and heat, so if you enjoy a bit of intrigue with your romance, then you’ll want to meet the men and women in these stories.
Vortex
Vivi DuMond’s clinic is caught in the crossfire of a turf war that threatens both her life and livelihood. Can the NOPD and Feds handle it or does she need more?
Joel McDade runs the Florida office of SAI and he’s been roped into protecting Vivi as a favor to his old client Ronnie DuMond. As much as he would like to refuse, he knows he can’t.
Can the retired Navy SEAL protect the good doctor and her clinic? Or…will the vortex of events make that impossible?
Watch what happens when two people are caught in a whirling mass of threats outside of their control. Will they be pulled in together or will the mass of conflict pull them apart?
Whirlwind
Sara Montgomery is being targeted by one of the United States’ most feared organized crime groups. What options does she have when the Outfit decides they want to bring her in? Will the FBI provide enough protection or will she need more?
Grady Merrick is a partner in the Florida office of SAI and discovers the threat and knows he has no choice but to protect his neighbor. His sexy, beautiful neighbor. This is one assignment he’s going to enjoy.
Watch what happens when two people find themselves in the throes of a violent and destructive force.
Will they survive the events or be caught in the whirlwind?