Until that moment it’d been an unspoken agreement, but it seemed like it was time to make it more formal.
He stepped into her personal space, slowly, because it felt like she might run. And if she ran, it wasn’t because she wanted to, it was because she put herself out there to him and Rachel was not used to making herself vulnerable like this.
Tilting her face up with a fingertip under her chin, he asked, “Marry me, Rach?”
A heavy teardrop fell from her eye. “Yes.”
So that’s what it felt like to hear a yes. His heart squeezed tight and gravity felt lighter. Pretty damn amazing.
He pulled her close for a hug, holding her while she held him.
“What else do you need from me?” Travis asked, holding her tight against his chest.
“Just you,” she said against his shirt, without hesitation.
“Okay.” He closed his eyes a little.
She smiled and looped her arms around his neck, bringing her lips right to his. “What do you need from me?”
“Just you,” he said, just as quickly as she’d said it.
“Okay.” She gave a small laugh and snuggled closer.
“I think I love you a little, Trav,” she said against his collarbone.
He moved his hand to the back of her head, holding her close. “I think I love you a whole lot, Rach.”
Then he kissed her, to illustrate exactly how much.
And it was perfection.
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Acknowledgments
Writing a book about a heroine struggling with perfectionism hit very close to home for me. I am still working to learn the lessons that Rachel uncovered on her own journey. But perfection is in the imperfections. Learning is in the mistakes. I try to embrace that.
I want to thank all of the brilliant readers who submitted motherhood wisdom for me to use in the chapter headings. It is my wish that all of you reading this have your own mom brigade to support you on your journey through motherhood.
Thank you to my fabulous reader Quinn Fforde for naming Dakota when I was stuck on names.
My own mom brigade deserves a shout out here: Karie, Kiele, Sereneti, Victoria, Angela, Jessica, SarahBeth, and Jenn. Life would not be nearly as fun without momtini dinner dates.
And my virtual mom brigade: Courtney, Dallas, Leeann, Lindsay, Sarah, and Shasta. Thank you for always being online with a listening ear.
Thank you to my critique team and beta readers: Serena Bell, A.Y. Chao, Dylann Crush, Patricia Dane, C.R. Grissom, Jody Holford, Diane Holiday, Deb Smolha, Renee Ann Miller, and Becky Wesnidge.
I’m so grateful to the entire production team who worked to make this book possible. Starting with my literary agent, Emily Sylvan Kim, who embraced my idea to write romantic comedy centering around moms. Stacy Abrams who loved the idea and championed it. And Liz Pelletier who made it a reality. Best. Team. Ever.
Thank you to everyone at Entangled Publishing for making this experience so wonderful. Special shout out to Elizabeth who made the most beautiful cover I’ve ever seen. Riki and Jessica, thank you for the amazing promotions. Copy editor Nancy, you are the BEST for figuring out all of my made-up words and helping to make them understandable for readers. (Asshattery should be added to the dictionary. That’s all I have to say about that.) Thank you also to Curtis and the production team for pulling it all together into a cohesive package.
My husband, Steve, and my kids deserve mad props for patiently eating French bread pizza way too many times while I wrote and edited this story.
And, finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my own mom, Shirley. I am able to do what I do because you taught me by example. Thank you for being my mom.
About the Author
Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale—an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, and the sweetest dog around.
Also by Christina Hovland
The Honeymoon Trap
the Mile High Matched series
Going Down on One Knee
Blow Me Away
Take It Off the Menu
Do Me a Favor
the Mile High Rocked series
Played by the Rockstar
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Rachel, Out of Office Page 28