A Champion's Proposal
Page 18
She wanted to do all of those things. Instead, she settled for one question. “How do you know you love me? Someone told me that before—you know, that they loved me—and they, I mean he, didn’t mean it.”
“I’m not him,” Mordecai responded, “And I’m no fool. I know a good woman when I see one and I knew you were my one the first time I laid eyes on you. When I told you I wanted a nice house for my wife and children, you were the wife in my head. And I could already picture our children. I love you, girl. The question is, do you love me?”
She smiled. “Yes, I—I—”
He placed his hands on her face, hoping to calm her. “Jemisha.”
“Yes,” she said staring helplessly into his eyes.
“Do you love me?”
“Yes. I love you.”
“Then stop playing games and let’s go get this house, girl.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his body then leaned down to kiss her lips. He had intended on making it a brief one but when his tongue touched hers, he delved deeper, pulled her tighter and kissed not just the woman who was his real estate agent, but his wife. The woman he loved. It brought him deep satisfaction that she loved him, too.”
After he’d got his fill, he released her.
“Let’s go before they think we’re backing out,” she told him.
“Yeah, let’s go. If I don’t get this house, I’m going to have to fire my real estate agent.”
She nudged him. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Nah, I wouldn’t. I love her too much.”
She smiled as they walked back into the office, ready to sign the documents that would secure their new home and mark the beginning of a new life as husband and wife.
Epilogue
“This is a first,” Amira said. “Only Mordecai would have a housewarming party and a marriage celebration in one day.”
“I don’t care if he had it in one hour,” Florence said. “I’m just glad he’s married. I didn’t think he had it in him.”
They looked over at Mordecai across the sunroom, standing with Harding, Tennyson, Dante, Desmond and Dimitrius.
The wives, Melanie, Emily, Zoya, Savannah and Sherita along with Jemisha’s mother had all gathered in the kitchen along with the Champion children. There were Desmond and Sherita’s twins, Nolan and Celeste. Dante’s and Emily’s boys, Ezra and baby Nehemiah. Dimitrius and Melanie’s little girl, Grace. Harding and Savannah’s baby boy, Harley. Nolan, Celeste, Ezra and Grace were playing on the floor. Harley and Nehemiah were sound asleep.
“I didn’t think Mordecai would get married either, but I’m happy for him. We already knew Jemisha so it wasn’t so much of a shocker,” Amira said. “I knew he liked her, anyway.”
“I knew he liked somebody,” Florence said. “I didn’t know it was her, but I’m happy for him. He’s staying put right here in Wilmington, too. You make sure that fella you’ve been talking to keeps you right here, too.”
“Really, Ma?” Amira smiled.
“Yes. Really.”
“On that note, let me go see what the women are up to.”
Mordecai was standing with his brothers, but he had a direct view into the kitchen. His eyes were locked on Jemisha. They’d been officially living in the house for a month and had already made it a home. She’d added touches to make the house feel cozy and warm – a haven for her after a long day of showing houses and a refuge for him after managing two gyms.
As of late, most of their time at home was spent in the luxurious bedroom that Jemisha had spent the most time decorating. She wanted to make sure it was a sanctuary. She’d succeeded.
“So, how’s everything been going?” Harding asked, “Because I can recall you telling me you liked your freedom.”
Mordecai grinned. “I did say that, didn’t I?”
Dante said, “Marriage is just one big challenge, but it’s a good challenge when you have the right person on your team.”
“Definitely,” Desmond said. “I didn’t think I wanted marriage, but now I couldn’t imagine my life without Sherita and the twins. They’re my everything.”
“And Melanie and Grace have actually changed me,” Dimitrius said. “Every day they make me want to be a better man.”
Tennyson nodded. “That’s how you know you got a good woman. It’s what I have in Zoya.”
Dante took a sip of beer and asked, “Hey, how’s Florence doing?” He’d observed she hadn’t been doing much interaction. The most he’d seen her talk was when she was conversing with Amira. She hardly looked their way.
Mordecai glanced at Harding and replied, “She’s okay. There’s a lot she’s trying to get used to so if she’s standoffish, don’t get offended.”
“No worries, bruh. I know she’s in a difficult position. She can take all the time she needs to process this.”
Jemisha walked into the sunroom. Mordecai’s eyes were already on her when she came in.
“Hello, fellas,” she said.
“Hey, Jemisha,” they replied back.
“If y’all don’t mind, I need to borrow my husband for a moment.”
“Don’t mind at all,” Dante said. He along with Desmond, Dimitrius and Tennyson left the couple in the sunroom while they retreated to the kitchen.
Jemisha looked at Mordecai and asked, “How’s everything?”
“Good. Everyone’s having a good time. The food is good. The dessert is banging. My mother is a little uncomfortable.”
“I’ve noticed,” she said. “I’ll go sit with her in a moment. How are you?”
“I’m good. What about you, baby?”
“I’m great. I’m so happy that everyone’s here.”
“And how’s your mother? She ain’t giving you a hard time about anything, is she?”
Jemisha turned to glance at her mother who’d made the trip solo since her father couldn’t make it. “No, well, she did tell me that when we had a baby, she would have no choice but to relocate here to Wilmington.”
“No choice, huh?” Mordecai grinned.
“That’s what she said. She was serious, too.”
“In that case, if you don’t want your mom moving here, you need to keep your hands off of me. I know your boy is the shiznit and everything, but—”
“Oh, hush,” Jemisha said laughing. “You talking all that junk when you’re the one who can’t keep your hands off of me.”
He wrapped her in his embrace. “I can’t. I’ve never been married before. I’m liking this new me because of you. I love you, wife.”
She smiled, her heart skipping a beat as she stared into his twinkling eyes. “I love you, husband.”
He angled her head for the lips he’d been anxious to kiss since company had arrived, and now that he had her all to himself, he parted her lips with his tongue and enjoyed a delicious serving of her moans.
“Mmm,” he hummed. “So good. You may as well tell your mother to pack her bags and get ready to relocate, ‘cause tonight, I may give her that grandbaby she so desperately wants.”
“You think so?” she whispered against his lips.
“I do. Go enjoy yourself. When they all leave, you’re all mine.”
“I like the sound of that,” she told him, taking a final quick kiss on the cheek and wrapping her arms around him, squeezing and appreciating the fact that he was indeed all hers.
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*New to The Champion Series? Keep reading for Chapter 1 of Harding and Savannah’s story – The Way Champions Love.
*Discover the full Champion Brothers Series! All books are standalone and can be read in any order. (The books below are listed in release order)
Book #1 - HIS PARADISE WIFE
Widower, Dante Champion, has his eyes and heart set on Emily Mitchell, but she’s not interested. She’s falling for a man she met online. When she discovers her mystery, online man is none other than Dante Champion, will a weekend at Pleasure Island
change her mind about him?
_________
Book #2 - WHEN A CHAMPION WANTS YOU
Melanie Summers is not ready for a relationship, but a possible new job at The Champion Corporation puts her center stage in front of Dimitrius Champion. They’ve exchanged glances before, but hardly anything more. But will a straightforward proposition from Dimitrius interfere with her chances of landing a dream job and real love?
_________
Book #3 - THE BEST THING HE NEVER KNEW HE NEEDED
Bad boy, motorcycle-riding, alpha male, Desmond Champion, is the youngest of the Champion brothers. He’s had his mind on Sherita Wilkins more times than he’d ever admit. A business deal brings them together, but it may be Desmond’s selfish ways that drives them apart.
_________
Book #4 – WIVES AND CHAMPIONS
Dante, Dimitrius and Desmond are back. Dive into their lives to witness all the drama that comes along with millionaire Champion men as they deal with family and married life.
_________
Book #5 – THE WAY CHAMPIONS LOVE
After being married to Savannah for a year while living in different cities and different states, Harding Champion has had enough. He’s in love with a woman who, for one reason or another, refuses to put him first. He’s tired of putting his life on hold while she stalls for more time to tell her parents about them. To be seen in public with him. To merge their lives.
_________
Book #6 – HIS BY SPRING
When Zoya Champion takes a few weeks off work to help her pregnant sister-in-law prepare for the baby’s arrival, she never expects that life would throw her a surprise in the form of a tall, ultra-sexy man, Tennyson Tillman, a lawyer for The Champion Corporation.
Discover other books by Tina Martin:
St. Claire Series
*All books in this series are standalone novels and are full, complete stories. Read them in any order.
Royal
Ramsey
Romulus
Regal
Magnus
Monty
Honeymoon With a St. Claire (A follow-up to Monty)
Seasons of Love Novelettes
Hot Chocolate: A Winter Novelette
Spring Break: A Spring Novelette
The Boardwalk Bakery Romance
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Baked With Love
Baked With Love 2
Baked With Love 3
The Marriage Chronicles
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Life’s A Beach
Falling Out
War, Then Love
The Blackstone Family Series
*All books in this series are standalone novels and are full, complete stories. Read them in any order.
Evenings With Bryson
Leaving Barringer
Forever Us: Barringer and Calista Blackstone (A short story follow-up to Leaving Barringer. You must read Leaving Barringer before reading this short story)
The Things Everson Lost
Candy’s Corporate Crush
A Lennox in Love Series
*All books in this series are standalone novellas and are full, complete stories. Read them in any order.
Claiming You
Making You My Business
Wishing That I Was Yours
Caught in the Storm with a Lennox (A Short Story Prequel to Claiming You)
Before You Say I Do
Mine By Default Mini-Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Been In Love With You, Book 1
When Hearts Cry, Book 2
You Belong To Me, Book 3
When I Call You Mine, Book 4
Who Do You Love?, Book 5
Forever Mine, Book 6
The Champion Brothers Series:
*All books in this series are standalone novels and are full, complete stories. Read them in any order.
His Paradise Wife
When A Champion Wants You
The Best Thing He Never Knew He Needed
Wives And Champions
The Way Champions Love
His By Spring
A Champion’s Proposal
The Accidental Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Accidental Deception, Book 1
Accidental Heartbreak, Book 2
Accidental Lovers, Book 3
What Donovan Wants, Book 4
Dying To Love Her Series:
*This is a continuation series that must be read in order.
Dying To Love Her
Dying To Love Her 2
Dying To Love Her 3
The Alexander Series:
*Books 1-4 must be read in order. Books 5, 6,7 and can be read in any order as a standalone books.
The Millionaire’s Arranged Marriage, Book 1
Watch Me Take Your Girl, Book 2
Her Premarital Ex, Book 3
The Object of His Obsession, Book 4
Dilvan’s Redemption, Book 5
His Charity Challenge, Book 6 (Heshan Alexander and Charity Eason)
Different Tastes, Book 7 (An Alexander Spin-off novel. Tamera Alexander’s Story)
As Long As We Got Love, Book 8 (Family Novel)
Non-Series Titles:
*Individual standalone books that are not part of a series.
Secrets On Lake Drive
Can’t Just Be His Friend
The Baby Daddy Interviews
Just Like New to the Next Man
Falling Again
Vacation Interrupted
The Crush
Wasn’t Supposed To Love Her
What Wifey Wants
Man of Her Dreams
Bae Watch
The Way Champion’s Love
Harding and Savannah’s Story
-Excerpt-
Chapter 1
“Harding, you don’t know how much I’ve missed you,” Savannah said, walking over to him – her irresistibly sexy husband – Harding Champion. With bare feet and French-pedicured toenails, she traversed the sandy brown carpet until she was standing a breath away from him. Her arms struggled to encircle the width of his thick, muscular torso but that didn’t stop her from trying to fully embrace the man she loved. She really did miss him. She’d last seen him three weeks ago, too long as far as she was concerned. And now, like always, they’d make up for lost time.
Squeezing him close to her, she asked, “Did you miss me, love?” Her question was muffled since her lips were pressed against his shirt. The warmness of her breath sent a tingle through the hard bud amidst an iron-like pectoral, making him close his eyes and fight to silence a groan. He wasn’t eager to return her hug, kiss her or do anything else related to a man missing his woman. In fact, while she’d been busy basking in his glorious, manly scent, his arms stayed down by his side. He made no effort to return her affection.
She frowned. Confused. Releasing him, she took a step back, feeling a chill rush through her veins. Something was wrong. She tilted her head upwards to connect their gazes. “Harding?”
Expressionless, Harding looked at her – his hot, brown-skinned, intelligent wife. In her dark chocolate eyes, he saw a little worry and a lot of fire. Typically, when they would meet like this, her clothes would be tossed all over the floor – his strewn over the furniture in the fancy hotel room.
But not this time.
This time was different.
This time, Harding was standoffish. He had it on his mind to leave her standing in the Hilton Head hotel room alone while he floored it back home to Wilmington.
“Okay, you’re scaring me,” Savannah said with her brown gaze producing more signs of worry than before. “Please talk to me, Harding. What’s wrong?”
What’s wrong? Harding looked at her, his eyes darkening by the second. She asked the question so casually and innocen
tly like she had no idea. What’s wrong? Everything was wrong! Was she kidding? He glared at her. His deep voice cut into the sound of the ocean waves hissing tranquility through the opened balcony door when he finally replied, “You know what’s wrong, Savannah, and quite frankly, I’m tired of it.”
Savannah sighed heavily and took a few steps back from him before walking away altogether, staring out the partially opened glass door to the balcony. So much for an evening of love and romance. They were on the verge of the same argument they’d had time and time again over the last few months: they’d been married for a year, but living in different cities. Different states. She lived in Charleston, South Carolina where she practiced family law and civil litigation. Her parents – Alistair and Dorthea Ellsworth – lived there, too, in the ritzy, Daniel Island Park Neighborhood and were well-known, prominent lawyers in the area though her mother was retired. They groomed Savannah, their only daughter, to follow in their footsteps, and like the obedient child she was, she always did what they wanted, even if it wasn’t what she wanted. But her overbearing parents took it a step further. They’d mapped out her whole life, including the man she was to marry – Dudley Carrington – an attorney practicing corporate law in Charleston and had risen to fame in recent years with his handling of some high-profile clients. Before she met Harding two years ago, she’d went out with Dudley. Once. He wasn’t her type. The man’s ego was as big as his ten-million-dollar home, but her parents didn’t seem to mind it. She, however, was searching for a deeper connection – one that she found in Harding.