Crazy Nights (The Barrington Billionaires Book 3)
Page 19
“I listened to your advice,” Emmitt explained, gesturing excitedly, so glad to finally be able to share all this news. “Addicts don’t keep doing it for fun. Deep down your mom is tired. She was waiting for a way out, and this was worth the risk. When I explained what it was like out here, what she could expect and how you’d be here every step of the way, it seemed to hit her. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but I wanted to give her some time to decide if she wanted to stay here and really give this a shot. So far so good. She’s under the care of a specialist, and they’re doing more than just rehab. It’s a whole body, mind, and soul approach to recovery.”
“It’s a lot to take in,” Charles spoke up, looking unsure anyone wanted to hear from him, but continuing anyway. “I was skeptical at first too. But Emmitt is right; when you come to Botswana it forces you to strip everything you have. You start to understand things you never did before. The clarity is surprising at first. I’m not saying it’s easy, but I’ve had everything I needed to be successful here.”
“She’s here?” Evie asked again, looking around like her mother might pop out from around any corner.
“Like I said, she’s not ready to see everyone,” Emmitt said, coming in close to her and rubbing from her shoulders down to her elbows, holding her up at the same time. “But she’s waiting for you.”
Bursting into tears, Evie flung herself into his arms. “It’s no guarantee. I just want to give her the best shot possible.” He braced her as her knees buckled, and she hugged his neck tightly. “But if she stays, I hope you’ll consider it too. I’m not sure I’ll be able to build this without you. I know without a doubt you have that one thing this place needs.”
“What’s that?” she asked, finally loosening her grip and using the back of her hands to dry off her cheeks.
“Blind, misplaced, unwavering, illogical hope in the face of any evidence that should make you stop believing. I have seen you keep the faith with even the most impossible situations,” he said, dropping suddenly down on one knee. “With the most impossible people.” He smiled and they both knew he was talking about himself. Pulling a ring box from his pocket, he flipped it open and took her hand. “Evie, I have no idea what the rest of my life will bring, but because of you I have hope that it will be worth sticking around for. And with any luck you’ll feel the same way. Will you marry me?”
An eruption of excitement rose up behind them and Evie used her free hand to cover her mouth. She had not seen this coming, which was his plan. All of it. She deserved joyful surprises for the rest of her life.
“Well?” Harlan asked when Evie tried to gather herself. “Don’t leave us hanging here. Are you going to marry him?”
Evie just nodded feverishly as she extended her hand for him to slip the ring on her finger. “Yes,” she gasped out.
Emmitt rose and lifted her off her feet, spinning her around until she begged through a frantic laugh for him to stop.
“Can we really live out here?” she asked, a small worry line forming on her forehead.
“We’ll have everything we need,” Emmitt promised. “As long as we’re together.”
“And there’s coffee,” Jessica cut in. “As long as we’re all together and there’s coffee.”
Everyone circled in around them, congratulating and taking turns complimenting the ring. They passed around champagne glasses and began to clank them together as hugs were exchanged.
Mathew raised his glass, ready to toast. “To hope,” he said, slapping his free hand to his brother’s back.
“You’ll need a better speech if you’re going to be my best man,” Emmitt joked, and Mathew accepted with a simple nod of his head, not seeming to find anything perfect to say.
“To hope,” everyone said in unison, raising their glasses.
“Now let’s go explore this place,” Emmitt said, filled with excitement. His future wife was by his side, his family rallied behind him. “I’ve got a job for all of you. There’s a lot of work to be done.”
Evie had cleared the stinging tears off her cheek as she downed the champagne and giggled. “Watch out everyone, your new boss can be a real hard ass.”
“No,” Emmitt laughed. “Not your boss.” He shook his head as though she were being crazy. “You can call me your supreme leader of everything.”
They followed him down the courtyard to the open and sprawling land that lay before them. This was a fresh start. A new day. And Emmitt finally believed his life was worth living. It was time to pass that belief to anyone willing to follow him here. He could do anything with Evie by his side.
He whispered to her, “I’m always right. I told you if there was ever a chance I could be a good man, it would be with you.”
“You were always a good man, Emmitt. And I told you I’d believe it until you were ready to believe it yourself. You’re a slow learner, but I’m glad you finally caught up.” She rose to her toes and kissed him, and unlike their time leading up to this moment, he didn’t have to worry that kiss would be their last. He knew without a doubt he’d spend the rest of his life kissing her.
The End
Books in the Barrington Billionaire World
By Ruth Cardello:
Always Mine
Stolen Kisses
Trade It All: Pre-Order
By Jeannette Winters:
One White Lie
Table For Two
By Danielle Stewart:
Fierce Love
Fierce Love - Sweet
Wild Eyes
Crazy Nights : Pre-Order
Books by Danielle Stewart
Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores
Book 6: Battling Destiny
Book 7: Chris & Sydney Collection – Choosing Christmas & Saving Love
Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)
Edenville Series – A Piper Anderson Spin Off:
Book 1: Flowers in the Snow
Book 2: Kiss in the Wind
Book 3: Stars in a Bottle
The Clover Series:
Hearts of Clover - Novella & Book 2: (Half My Heart & Change My Heart)
Book 3: All My Heart
Book 4: Facing Home
Midnight Magic Series:
Amelia
Rough Waters Series:
Book 1: The Goodbye Storm
Book 2: The Runaway Storm
Book 3: The Rising Storm
Running From Shadows: Novella
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