He waited for it to end abruptly, but when his notes ceased, the piece continued. It started as her emptiness, then his melody of hope now became hers again. She’s finished it.
What he heard—felt—as she played, was her declaration of love. She loved and trusted him.
When the music stopped, she looked up at him with tears in her eyes. He was speechless for the first time in his life.
“You’re incredible.” They were the only two words he could form. How had such talent been hidden for so many years? I don’t think any of her brothers know she can play, especially not this well. She’s incredible.
“Bennett. I . . . I love you.” Her words were soft and gentle like her.
He sat beside her on the bench as many thoughts crossed his mind. They may not know everything about each other, but he knew music was a passion they shared. She’d completed her piece. Our piece. She has so much love to give, and she loves me. She had never looked so beautiful. I want her as mine forever. No one, including her brothers, knew everything she endured, but no one really needed to. He couldn’t erase her past, but the love he felt for her would change their future. She deserves the world. I’d do anything for her. “I want you to do something to make me happy.”
Zoey looked him in the eyes and nodded. “Anything.”
Bennett smiled, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a gold box. He opened it to reveal a heart-shaped diamond nestled above a beautiful band decorated tastefully with more diamonds. Reaching for her left hand, he said, “Then please become my wife, because having you by my side for entirety will still not seem long enough.”
A single tear rolled down her cheek as she smiled and breathlessly said, “Yes. Yes, Bennett. I will be your wife and stay by your side until the end of time.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger before pulling her into his arms. Before kissing her, he said again, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
As his lips claimed hers, he knew he’d spend his life dedicated to making her happy. He wouldn’t be able to remove the pain from her past, but he’d do everything possible to ensure she didn’t face any in her future. Their future.
Chapter Nineteen
Sunday wasn’t the first time they all gathered for brunch at Brice and Lena’s home. But it was different this time. Or maybe I’m just different.
Nicholas came running up to her to be picked up. Until recently, she would’ve patted him on his head and sent him on his way. This time, she scooped him into her arms and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. “Here’s my big boy. Are you going to sit next to me today?”
He nodded then wiggled to get down. Before she knew it, he was off and playing with Tyler. So much for me being his new best friend.
They all took their seats, and once again Lena outdid herself with the spread. There was enough food to feed everyone for a week. Zoey took a few bites, but she couldn’t eat. She’d been struggling with a stomach bug of some kind for the last week.
“What’s wrong, Zoey? You normally fight me for the last cinnamon roll,” Dean teased her from across the table. She didn’t want anyone noticing she wasn’t feeling well. The morning was perfect so far, and she didn’t want anything spoiling that.
“I’m fine. Just not hungry. That’s all.”
Bennett, however, didn’t find the need to keep quiet. “She’s been like this for days. Take a bite and count your blessing if she’s not running to the bathroom. Early mornings are even worse.”
Logan got up from his seat and went right to her side taking her pulse and feeling for a temperature, then checking her glands in her throat. “Open up and let me look at your throat.”
Zoey brushed his hands away. “I’m not sick. No sore throat. No fever. No cough. I’m just queasy. That’s all.”
“Every morning?” Lena asked.
“Every day?” Morgan asked.
Zoey nodded to them both. “It’ll pass. It always does. Must be something I’m eating that’s not agreeing with me.”
“I think you should stop at the pharmacy on the way home,” Lena said, leaning back with her arms folded across her chest smiling.
“Antacids don’t help.”
“I wasn’t suggesting medicine,” Lena added.
Zoey arched her brow, clueless as to why else she’d stop there. She was tired, and the nausea wasn’t helping. “I’m sure I have something at home I can take.”
“Unless it’s something you pee on then you don’t have the right stuff,” Morgan teased.
Pee on? “What are you ladies trying to say I need to get?”
In unison, all three ladies said, “A pregnancy test.”
Startled, Zoey knocked over her glass of orange juice, spilling it all over the table. Pregnant? Me? No way. I can’t be. Can I? Oh, this isn’t good. She wanted children, but she’d never even talked to Bennett about them. They weren’t even married yet. Heck, they only got engaged earlier that week. Breathe. Breathe. Don’t vomit.
She got up from the table and ran to the bathroom. Bennett followed her and was there before she could lock him out. Even though she didn’t have much to eat, she emptied the contents of her stomach. Bennett knelt by her side, holding her hair out of the way. When she finished, he handed her a cool, wet facecloth.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She looked up at him, trying to process the possibility of being pregnant. “I should ask how you’re feeling.”
“I’m not the one with morning sickness,” Bennett said lightheartedly.
“You’re not upset?” Zoey asked and held her breath waiting for his answer. Surely he won’t want this. Surely he won’t want me.
He reached out and took her hand in his. “I love you, and I’m going to marry you. I was hoping we’d have a family together, so if you’re pregnant, I’m thrilled. And if you’re not, then I’m happy to keep working on it.” Bennett gave her a playful wink.
She was going through the dates in her mind. It had been more than a month since they were first together. She’d never been late for her period before. Now she was two weeks late. Placing a hand over her stomach, she looked at Bennett and said, “I think we need to stop at the pharmacy on the way home.”
He kissed her cheek and said, “I can run there now if you’d like?”
Zoey shook her head. “I am not taking a pregnancy test here at my brother’s house.”
“Okay, but I think you’re going to get an argument about that when you leave the bathroom. If I’m correct, I think the women were sending Dean out to get one.”
“He wouldn’t.”
“Hey, a man in love can’t say no. I’m sure he did what Tessa asked.”
Zoey leaned forward and put her head on Bennett’s chest. “Any way you can sneak me out of here before he gets back?”
There was a knock on the bathroom door. “How are you doing in there, Zoey?” Lena asked.
“She’s okay,” Bennett answered.
“Dean should be back in five minutes. Then we’ll know for sure.”
Zoey let out a soft sigh. “Yippee.”
Bennett laughed softly. “You’re surrounded by people who love you. Honestly, is there a better place to get the results?”
He was right. For so long she’d hidden herself away, too afraid to share with her brothers. It was time to stop. Peeing on a stick and waving it in the air may be a bigger step than I’m ready for.
“How about we get out of here before your entire family is standing at the door?”
Zoey nodded, her head still planted on him.
She heard Bennett open the door and only then did she stand up straight. “I love you, Bennett Stone.”
He kissed her forehead. “Good thing, because I don’t know what I’d do if you didn’t.”
Bennett waited at the dining room table while the women were all in the other room reading the directions. Dean had no idea what to get, so he’d returned with five different pregnancy tests. Logan was a doctor, but no one want
ed to hear a word from him. They shut him out just like the rest of the men.
Bennett only had a few minutes to talk to Brice with an update on recruitment. One thing was most definitely true: once a Marine, always a Marine. He had a list of trusted men ready to act whenever they were needed. First, they needed to devise a firm plan. This mission was going to be complex because they were going to need inside help. Going in and removing the corrupt government without innocent people being affected was going to take time. We get one shot at it, so we better make it count.
Alex, sitting across from him, had an odd look on his face. It was as though he had something on his mind that was troubling him. Bennett knew it had nothing to do with what the ladies were doing in the other room. Brice confirmed he hadn’t told anyone in the family. Was it possible Alex had stumbled across something in his own research?
Alex was one brother Brice would have to provide an explanation to eventually. We don’t need him getting in our way. So maybe it’s time we think about bringing Alex in. One thing he understood; it was easier to control a situation when you knew who the players were. A loose cannon like Alex was a liability no one could afford.
The ladies in the other room were all quiet. He wasn’t sure if that was good or not. When they returned to the dining room, Bennett got up and walked over to Zoey. She was holding a white plastic strip that held the results.
She handed it to him. It was the first time he’d ever read one of those, but he couldn’t mistake what he saw. A bold plus sign was in the center. His face lit up.
“We’re pregnant,” Zoey said.
The room erupted in shouts of joy. Bennett didn’t care what they were saying. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. The room only got louder. He wanted to keep her in his arms longer, but they were all pulling at her to hug her as well.
Eventually Bennett let go and stepped back. Zoey never looked more beautiful than she did at that very moment. It wasn’t just the news about the baby, she really was happy, and it showed. She looks as though she is at peace, connected. She has her family back.
Brice came up and put a hand on Bennett’s shoulder. “It’s probably overdue, but welcome to the family.”
Bennett watched Zoey laughing with the other women and talking about stuff he didn’t understand. Two years ago he took a job protecting this family. He’d done his job, kept them safe. Now he was part of them, and his commitment to protect them was permanent.
His heart, though, was held by one very special, very treasured woman. He hadn’t worked through all his demons. She hadn’t confessed all her medical concerns. They hadn’t discussed where they would live when they were married. But it didn’t matter. They had time, they had their music, they had each other—a passion and yearning he never knew possible—and soon their own child to adore and spoil with unconditional love. In other words, they had it all.
The End
Don’t miss book 5, His for Five Nights!
Be the first to hear about my releases
Click here!
Other Books By Jeannette Winters
The Billionaire’s Secret
Billionaire Jon Vinchi is a man with one passion: work. His friends decide to shake him up by entering him as a prize at a charity event.
Accountant Lizette Burke is dressed to the nines and covering for her boss at a charity event. She’s hoping to land a donor for the struggling non-profit agency that employs her.
She never expected to win a date with a billionaire.
He never thought one night could turn his life upside down.
One lie stands between them and their happily ever after. Too bad it’s a big one!
Betting on You Series:
Book 1: The Billionaire’s Secret (FREE!)
Book 2: The Billionaire’s Masquerade
Book 3: The Billionaire’s Longshot
Book 4: The Billionaire’s Jackpot
Book 5: All Bets Off
One White Lie
Brice Henderson traded everything for power and success. His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.
Lena Razzi had spent years trying to forget Brice Henderson. When offered the opportunity of a lifetime, would she take the risk even if the price would be another broken heart?
Do you love reading from this world? Continue with Always Mine from my sister, Ruth Cardello, Her series will mirror my time line. It isn’t necessary to read hers to enjoy mine, but it sure will enhance the fun!
Barrington Billionaires Series:
Book 1: One White Lie
Book 2: Table for Two
Book 3: You and Me Make Three
Book 4: Virgin for the Fourth Time
Book 5: His for Five Nights (Coming 2017)
Book 6: After Six (Coming 2017)
Southern Spice
Derrick Nash knows the pain of loss. But is he seeking justice or revenge? He doesn’t care as long as someone pays the price.
It is Casey Collin’s duty at FEMA to help those in need when a natural disaster strikes. After a tornado hits Honeywell, she finds there are more problems than just storm damage. Will she follow company procedures or her heart?
Can Derrick move forward without the answers he’s been searching for? Can Casey teach him how to trust again? Or will she need to face the fact that not every story has a happy ending?
Southern Desires Series:
Book 1: Southern Spice
Book 2: Southern Exposure
Book 3: Southern Delight
Book 4: Southern Regions (Coming Feb 2017)
Books by Ruth Cardello
ruthcardello.com
Books by Danielle Stewart
authordaniellestewart.com
Do you like sweet romance? You might enjoy Lena Lane
www.lenalanenovels.com
Virgin For The Fourth Time: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book Four Page 19