by Geneva Lee
I was only half joking. I wanted to get him alone—quickly. Then, I glanced around and realized we were already completely alone. “You planned all of this,” I accused him. Now I knew why my friends expected phone calls in the morning. “How did you get everyone out of here?”
He looked down at his shoes like he’d developed a sudden interest in footwear before sheepishly admitting, “I own the place.”
“And I’ve been paying my tab for the last year.” I smacked him on the shoulder playfully.
“So, if you are serious about the Skee-Ball machine,” he said in deadpan tone.
“Too hard.” I took his hand and tugged him toward the door.
“Where to then?” he asked.
“Take me home,” I told him, “to our bed.”
He caught me around the waist and brought me back in for one more kiss. When our lips broke apart, he pressed his forehead to mine and I marveled at how lucky I was. This man who had taught me that I could be loved just the way I was, who had shown me some things were worth fighting for, who I felt like I’d been looking for my whole life—I had finally reached him.
Acknowledgments
It’s hard to believe that this is the last book with these characters. Jillian, Jess, and Cassie have become my friends over the years and I’m so happy to see them off on their happily ever afters!
So many people helped this book into the world. A huge thank you to my agent, Louise Fury, who puts up with me, encourages me, gets me lost in the South of France-you are my spirit animal. Thank you for your patience and support. To the entire team at The Bent Agency, thank you for always being on the ball and keeping me together.
Thank you to my foreign teams who have helped my books reach a worldwide audience. For a girl who loves to travel, it’s a dream come true.
Huge thanks to the team at Blanvalet, especially Wiebke Rossa, editor extraordinaire, and my friend Berit Boehm.
Thank you to Leonie Schoebel at the Meller Agency for your tireless work on behalf of my own.
Thank you to Kristin Gumpert for coming out of ‘retirement’ to edit this book. You’re not only a great editor, you’re a better friend.
To my readers, who’ve waited a really long time for this book, thank you! Your stories have inspired mine. Your photos and messages, meeting you —I couldn’t do this without your support and love.
Thanks to the home team. Elise, for her enthusiasm (kid, this is your book), my kids for accepting mom’s crazy career, my whole big wild family, Olive, our newest cat, who inspired me, and of course to Josh. You’ve taught me what love is. Every love story I’ve ever written is a piece of ours. I’m so thankful I reached you.
About the Author
Geneva Lee is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of over a dozen novels. Her bestselling Royals Saga has sold nearly two million copies worldwide. She travels frequently with her husband and two children but calls Washington state home. When she isn’t traveling or writing, you can find her at Away With Words, the bookshop she owns with her sister.
Learn more at:
www.GenevaLee.com