by Connie Mann
He held it up, and her eyes widened as she saw the addition.
“I know the mariner’s cross symbolizes faith and the anchor, hope. So as a wedding gift, I added a small heart, for love. I hope that’s OK with you.”
When he leaned in to fasten it around her neck, she blinked rapidly. “Don’t you make me cry and ruin my makeup. Eve will never forgive you.”
As if on cue, Eve stuck her head in the door. “Time to go, Romeo. The natives are getting restless.”
Jesse placed a kiss on her forehead and winked. “Steady as she goes, Captain.”
When the familiar strains of Pachelbel’s Canon in D emerged from a hidden speaker, Sasha stepped out onto the porch with her arms linked through Pop’s on one side and Nick’s on the other. She blinked, surprised by the number of people gathered in the yard. It looked like the whole town had shown up.
She smiled at Eve and stopped to whisper, “You look beautiful, Bethany,” in Blaze’s ear as she went by. In deference to Mama’s health, the ceremony would take place right there on the porch, with Mama presiding over the proceedings from her rocker, Bella at her feet.
As Jesse slipped a gold band designed to look like rope on Sasha’s finger, he said, “You’ve made me the happiest guy in the world, Sasha.”
She looked up, and everything faded but the love in his eyes. Even so, the familiar wings of panic started beating against her heart. She whispered, “But what if—”
He put a gentle finger over her lips.
“If you need to run, go. But know I’ll catch you. Every time.”
Just like that, the panic eased, and she smiled. “I love you, Money-boy.”
He winked. “I know.”
She threw her head back and laughed.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Manuscripts may be written in solitude, but it takes a whole team to turn a story into a book. For their invaluable help in bringing Sasha and Jesse’s story to life, my heartfelt thanks go to:
My agent, Susan Brower, for all her hard work and encouragement.
Leslie Santamaria, whose friendship, calm, last-minute plotting help, and invaluable feedback keep me writing—and relatively sane.
My editor, Erin Calligan Mooney, and the whole Amazon Waterfall team for their hard work in making this story a reality.
My fabulous family—who handle my creative distraction with incredible grace. Harry, Ben and Maria, Michele and Matt—you all make the journey worthwhile.
Thanks to God, the Great Creator, who gives the gift of stories and who always, always offers second chances.
Last, but not least, to all of you who’ve encouraged me and welcomed my stories into your lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2015 Michele Klopfenstein
Connie Mann is a licensed boat captain and the author of the romantic suspense novels Angel Falls and Trapped! as well as various works of shorter fiction. She has lived in seven different states but has happily called warm, sunny Florida home for more than twenty years. When she’s not dreaming up plotlines, you’ll find “Captain Connie” on Central Florida’s waterways, introducing boats full of schoolchildren to their first alligator. She is also passionate about helping women and children in developing countries follow their dreams and break the poverty cycle. In addition to boating, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their grown children and extended family and planning their next travel adventures. You can visit Connie online at www.conniemann.com.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR