Bride and Prejudice

by Bonnie R. Paulson

  JJ looked from her to the statue and then back at Nathan. He swallowed, his expression settling into resolution. “Are you leaving? You got packed that fast? Now, you’re leaving... Again?”

  But Tessa didn't rise to the bait. He had every right to be upset and doubtful. She hadn’t given him any reason to have faith. “No, I'm chasing you. I'm leaving my pride behind.”

  JJ’s eyebrows pulled together. He was confused and Tessa knew it. She didn't really care. Everything would clear up. She’d make sure of that. She had Ellora watching over her.

  “You're not the only one who was hurt that day. It was the hardest thing for me to do. I thought I was doing it for you. I thought... I thought it would be better.” She blinked back tears, and pressed onward. She could do it. She’d already started. “But, not having you in my life has been the worst thing ever. I was scared to come back. If I leave now, I won't survive.”

  Nathan's gaze volleyed between JJ and Tessa. His hope was overwhelming as he waited for adults to decide his future.

  JJ searched Tessa’s face. She almost couldn’t breathe. He had every reason to say no. He had every reason to walk away and not look back. Hopefully, Tessa and Nathan were enough to stay and fight for, but her own insecurities and doubts put an inkling of dread into her stomach.

  After a moment, JJ took Tessa’s hand in his and held it to his chest where the steady thud of his heart beat pulsed against her hand. “Can I tell him?” Without breaking contact with Tessa, JJ drew Nathan into their embrace. He drew Tessa to kneel beside him in front of Nathan and pulled his son into a father-son hug with both arms. He pulled Tessa close until he had them both in his embrace.

  “Ellora’s looking out for us.” JJ pulled back, glancing at the statue. After another second, he stood, pulling them with him. “Let’s do it!” He grabbed both of their arms and tugged them toward the fountain.

  “What?” Tessa laughed, giving into his pull and following him toward the fountain.

  “Ellora. We need her approval. She’s given us luck and now we’re going to do a good luck dance for the whole town. If we can find our happily-ever-after, Tess, the whole town needs to be able to.” He looked back at Tessa with more optimism than she’d ever seen on his face. For a second, she could imagine how he must have looked waiting for her at the altar.

  At the edge of the fountain, JJ picked Nathan up and placed him in the water on the opposite side of the ledge. He followed suit, splashing as he jumped into the knee high depth. Holding out a hand to Tessa, JJ teased her. “If you do this, it's as good as saying ‘I do.’ You're in it for the long haul. I won’t let you quit and I won’t let you leave me. We’re in this... for good.” He searched her face, Nathan splashing and squealing in the background.

  Tessa didn't even hesitate. She took his arm and jumped fully clothed into the cool spring water. Like a baptism of sorts, she let the moment cleanse the pain in her heart. They would be able to move on and find happiness together. The three of them and anymore that came along.

  Everyone holding hands, the trio danced in a circle. Sunlight sparkled on the droplets flinging around them. After a few minutes, they stopped.

  Nathan bent down to grab a penny and twirled in the water.

  JJ didn’t wait any longer. He folded Tessa into his arms, pulling her close in a long needed embrace. He bent his head and pierced her with his gaze. “I can’t lose you again. You’re my everything, Tessa.”

  Lacing her fingers up behind his neck, she shook her head softly. “I’m not going anywhere. I need you. I love you, Jeremiah.”

  Something broke in his gaze and he lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was warm and soft and demanded more.

  The moment was better than coming home.

  Epilogue

  Covered in crepe wedding bells and plastic grooms and brides, the bar hid underneath the wedding paraphernalia. White swatches of various folded origami animals littered the counters and the table. Mints, cupcakes from Two Cups, and small bubble bottles hid amongst other party favors and cups of champagne.

  A large wedding cake at the end of the bar seemed to wink at Tessa. She stood by the front door, gripping her bouquet in her hands as she looked over the gathered single women from town. Her bell skirted dress still fit from her wedding almost eight years before. The material swished back and forth as she perused the crowd and winked playfully at them.

  For whatever reason, Jillian had saved the wedding dress and Tessa was so grateful for her planning.

  Turning away from the group, Tessa tossed the flowers over her shoulder. Spinning back, she smiled and laughed, clapping her hands as JJ approached in his black suit with Nathan in tow.

  “Hello, Mrs. Jackson.” He leaned down and kissed the soft skin of her cheek.

  Heat flooded her face. “Hello, Mr. Jackson.” Glancing down, Tessa nodded at Nathan. “And, hello, Mr. Jackson.”

  He laughed, clutching JJ’s hand with a desperate happiness.

  They faced the group together and JJ whispered into her ear, “I wish Jillian was here. She would have loved this more than anyone.” His voice sent a shiver through her.

  Did she tell him? She leaned over so he could hear her better. “Yeah, she would love this. But I think she’d love the new baby even more.” Pulling back to her spot, she grinned as he tensed beside her.

  “Wait, what?” He spun Tessa to face him, delight and suspicion warring on his face.

  “A baby. Is that okay? Nathan wanted a baby sister or brother.” Tessa arched an eyebrow.

  “Brother. I said brother.” Nathan poked his fork in the air at them. “I’m serious, Mom. No girls allowed.” He stuck another bite of the cake into his mouth and looked off toward his new friends playing pool.

  JJ tilted his head, drawing Tessa’s gaze back to him. “I... Thank you. I can’t wait.”

  Tessa welcomed his hug, reveling in the strength of his arms and the rightness of belonging with him.

  Celebrating their wedding was mutually sweet and sad all at once. She had the man of her dreams and a growing family for her son. But, Jillian was missing out and that was Tessa’s fault.

  A new baby, Tessa, JJ, a thriving company, her grandson, and a happy life was exactly what Jillian would’ve wanted right there in Bride.

  HOPEFULLY YOU LIKED Tessa and JJ's story! Keep reading for an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in the Bride, Texas Series by Sylvia McDaniel. Or skip the sneak peek and run to pick it up here!

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  Bride, Texas books!

  Bride and Prejudice by Bonnie R. Paulson

  The Unlucky Bride by Sylvia McDaniel

  Ticket to Bride by Liz Isaacson

  Bride ‘em Cowboy by Twist Roberts

  Over My Wed Body by Veronica Blade

  Sleigh Bride – by Neve Cottrell

  Bride for Hire – Debra Clopton

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  COPYRIGHT © 2017 BONNIE R. Paulson/Captiva Publishing, LLC

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold.

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Also by Bonnie R. Paulson

  A Date to Die for, Barely Alive, Into the End

  Sample Box Set

  Bride Texas

  Bride and Prejudice

  Clearwater County, Lonely Lace series

  Spurs and Lace

  Secrets and Lace

  Sorrows and Lace

  Lonely Lace Box Set, Books 1 - 3

  Clearwater County, The Montana Trails series

  Montana Trails Series Box Set

  Click and Wed.com Series

  Let US-B Wed (Coming Soon)

  The Right Click (Coming Soon)

  Downshift Series

  Block Pass

  Downshift

  Full Throttle

  Downshift Series: Gears 1 - 3

  Standalone

  Love Notes

  Watch for more at Bonnie R. Paulson’s site.

  About the Author

  Real people, real loss, real love.

  This USA Today Bestselling author, Bonnie focuses on the emotional thrill of the romance, the discovery of self and the dynamic forces at play to both pull and push love growth.

  With 6 children and her own eternal romance at home, Bonnie lives her own dream every day. She's spoiled with blessings and wants to share the joy of ever-after possibilities with others.

  Whether it's a happy-ever-after or a happy-for-now, the emotions will leave you story drunk for days, if not years.

  Feel good romances with sweet twists. Or is it Sweet romances with bold twists? You decide.

  You'll be able to say where you were when you closed the book.

  Surviving all things real and coming out better on the other side.

  Some of her favorite authors are Robyn Carr, Pamela Kelley, and Christine Kingsley!

  Read more at Bonnie R. Paulson’s site.