Their families sat in camp chairs around the fire pit. The little ones finished roasting marshmallows on long sticks and moved to a small table where his mother had set up graham crackers and chocolate to make s’mores, while the men sipped on beer and the women nursed spiked and virgin iced teas. The trashcan full of beer bottles didn’t even phase him. Thanks to one little lady, he’d realized his life was worth something, and it would be worth a whole hell of a lot more if Sam would be there with him every minute of every day.
Cole Tucker had serious plans for his evenings. Plans that included golden curls, soft, pliant skin, and eyes that turned fiery hot when filled with passion. Evette and Samuel cast him knowing glances all night. It was now or never, and never was not an option.
The conversation had moved from loud and taunting throughout the day, to a low murmur of tired adults and children. But things would stir up again when Cole put his plan into action. Sam sat too close. He needed some space or he’d get tongue-tied and make a fool of himself. He stood, stretched his arms, cracked his back, and then casually walked to the other side of the fire where Meg and Connor sat cuddled up as close as their separate camp chairs would allow. Emma sat comfortably next to Mason, her legs resting on his lap.
He turned his back to them and stared at the stunning blonde across the fire. Deep in conversation with her mother—who sat to her left—Sam must have sensed his gaze and turned to look at him.
“When I look into your eyes, it’s like a gateway into the world of which I want to be a part.” The conversation around them stopped, but he stood oblivious to everyone but Sam. “Do you remember the song we danced to at Mason’s wedding?” He shoved his hands deep in his pockets to keep them from reaching out to her.
She nodded her head and he continued. “It’s true. You’re my whole life. You’re my whole world. I thought I loved you six months ago when you walked into my life. Well…” He tapped the rock fire pit with his toe. “It might have been lust back then.” Swinging his leg back, he kicked Connor in the shin, stifling his laugh.
Sam covered her lips with her fingers and tilted her head adoringly. Her mother gently nudged her to her feet and she stepped forward, the fire still separating them.
“When I'm older, I'll look back at all of my crowning memories, and I'll think of the day my children were born, the day I got married, and the day that I met you, Sam.” He wanted to smile, but nerves made him feel like a cat in a room full of rockers. He held out his shaking hand, hoping she’d accept it and his proposal. “Samantha Eve Chase,” he said as she reached out and held tight onto his hand. He pulled her around the fire and into his space and clasped her other hand, bringing both to his mouth. Cole kissed her knuckles and lingered over her ring finger on her left hand.
Letting go of her right hand, he pulled out a ring from his pocket. She rarely wore jewelry but he wanted her to wear a token of his love. He rolled the band between his thumb and forefinger; twenty small diamonds recessed deep in the platinum so they wouldn’t snag when she worked. “I love you so damn much my heart aches when you’re not near.”
“That’s not the only thing that aches,” Connor mumbled, earning him a loud smack from Meg.
Sam didn’t seem to hear, or if she did, she did a good job of ignoring Connor.
“I want to be a part of your and Levi’s life. I’ll be a devoted stepfather, a faithful and doting husband. I want to make more babies with you. Lots and lots of babies,” he whispered.
Getting down on one knee, he held her left hand in his and waited to slip the ring on her finger. “Will you marry me, Sam?”
“Ahh, she’s his honeybee,” Connor teased, quoting one of his favorite Blake Shelton songs; but the sniffles, applause, and cheers drowned him out. That and the pounding of Cole’s heart as Sam jumped into his arms and kissed the country right out of him.
Epilogue
“Mom! Dad! Wake up. Lily smells like the barn.”
Sam lifted her head from her husband’s chest and smiled at Levi. “What were you doing in her room, sweetie?”
“Just checkin’ on her. She was saying dada.”
Cole reached out his arm and stroked Sam’s head. “Guess it’s my turn. I’ll make breakfast while I’m up.”
Levi raced off to his baby sister’s room while Cole pulled on a pair of jeans.
“Mmm…” Sam moaned and stretched. “I’m tuckered out. Pun intended,” she teased.
Cole jumped back on the bed smothering his wife. “Am I too much of a man for you, Mrs. Tucker?”
“Mmm…” she moaned again. “You’re a lot to handle. I think it’s going to take me years to get used to all you have to offer.” She kissed his chest as he lowered his mouth to nibble on her ear.
“Years and years and years. You’ll be fighting me off with your little old lady cane.”
“Oh, no. I won’t be fighting you off. I’ll be luring you in.”
“You’ve already done that, Mrs. Samantha Tucker. You already have.”
The End
Publisher’s Note
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About Marianne Rice
Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always, always, find everlasting love. When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books. Connect with her on Facebook or visit her website at www.mariannerice.weebly.com
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