by Anne Welch
"So, all these years, you've blamed yourself for their death? Jay, that's not on you. It was an awful accident."
"I guess a part of me died then. I was afraid to let anyone too close." He took her hands in his.
"I know I will screw up, over and over, Rach, but I want you to be the one who gets too close. That part of me started living again because of you."
Rachel began to cry and he knew she was going to tell him to leave but, to his surprise, she crawled in his lap and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. The tears in her eyes matched his own.
"We both have a lot to work on, Jay. But I know I love you, and I want to be with you, and I'm willing to try."
"That's all I can ask for, baby. I promise you won't regret it."
Epilogue
Jay navigated his SUV through the crowded streets in downtown Nashville. He was going to be late and this was an appointment he could not miss. He turned right at the red light, his destination in sight. Jackpot! A parking spot opened just as he pulled in the parking lot. He jumped out of the vehicle and ran through the glass doors. He stopped at the desk and asked for directions and was pointed in the right direction. Running down the hall, he reached the white curtain and stood in front of it. He pulled it back and saw the most beautiful sight lying on the table.
"Please tell me I didn't miss it."
"No, you didn't miss it, babe."
Rachel reached out her hand to him and he gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Today was the day they were finding out the sex of their baby. She was now twenty weeks, and he hadn't missed an appointment yet. He and Rach had spent the last few weeks working on the two of them. It was not easy but they both were dealing with the past and planning for their future. He was so excited and scared about becoming a dad. But, now, there was no doubt in his mind how much he wanted this baby and a future with Rachel.
She didn't know it yet but he had bought her an engagement ring. He planned to pop the question on her birthday, next month. With her growing belly, she'd been placed on modified duty until after the baby was born. She hated working a desk. The fire station was repaired and Blake was officially back on duty. Things were going great.
"All right, let's see this little one, shall we?" the doctor said when she came in the room.
Jay held Rachel's hand and they watched the screen. It still amazed him every time he heard the little heartbeat. He was amazed he had a part in creating this miracle.
"Congratulations; it's a girl!"
"We're having a girl, Jay!" Rachel began sobbing.
"A daughter."
Jay didn't think his heart could hold any more. He kissed Rachel on the lips and began to sob with her. The doctor left the room and gave them some privacy.
"Thank you, baby, for giving me another chance. I love you and our daughter so much, Rach."
"I love you both so much, Jay."
He intended on waiting until next month but he couldn't wait. He got down beside the table on one knee and pulled the ring out of his pocket.
"Rachel, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, building our family. I love you more than I ever thought I could. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, oh, yes."
Jay kissed her hard on the lips and placed his hand on their growing child. He didn't know what he did to deserve Rachel, but he would spend the rest of his life making her happy.
The End
Acknowledgements
Thank you so much, Paige Tyler, for letting me be a part of your Dallas Fire and Rescue World. I am humbled to be included with these other talented authors.
Thank you to Dreams2media for my amazing cover. Rebecca Poole, you rock, as always.
Thank you to my amazing editor, Marla Williams.
Thank you, Lacy Almon, for everything you do. I appreciate you!
A few words about the author…
Anne grew up in a very small town in South Carolina, where, as a kid, she always loved to read books, make people laugh and write songs. After having success in her home state, she decided to pursue dreams of becoming a writer and moved to Nashville, TN. When she's not writing, you can find her reading or searching for a husband. She loves spending time with her friends, nieces, nephews and her two fur babies. She enjoys making people laugh, so if you would like, please feel free to follow her on Twitter @merri_aw or on Facebook.com/itsanannething. Or visit my website at http://www.annewelchauthor.com. She loves hearing from her readers.
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http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/BooksDallasFireAndRescueKindleWorld.html