The Night That Changed Rachel (The Randalls Book 2)

by Gail Haris

  “Trent?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’d rather you show me your wooing skills at home. We could even get dinner to go and go back to a quiet house.”

  He grips the steering wheel with both hands, and I feel the car accelerate. “Let’s go to the park and then home?”

  The park? “Okay?”

  We pull up to Lumberton Park. Trent shuts off the truck and turns to me. “Go ahead and I’ll meet you.”

  I look around the empty park. It’s sunset, so there’re no kids or anybody around. The lamp posts and streetlights are already on. I frown at Trent. “Go where? You just want me to go swing? Trent?” He raises his eyebrows and makes a hmm sound. “What’s going on?”

  “I just want to call Mom real quick and check on Ella. I’m as guilty as you about worrying too much. I was just trying to be tough. I’m sorry.”

  “Awe. Babe, it’s okay. Call her. I want to know, too.”

  “I need a moment.”

  I tilt my head. “What?”

  “I’ll bring the phone to you? Go swing and enjoy the peace. It’s a nice evening.”

  He is being so weird. Reluctantly, I nod and get out of the truck. The grass is a little tall and tickles my ankles. I step over the wooden edge of the playground, and my shoes sink in the loose tiny rocks. Ow! Tiny rocks fill my slip-ons, so I bend down and take them off. I hop over to the swings, so at least I can sit down and get my feet out of these tiny rocks.

  I haven’t sat in a swing in I don’t know when. Smiling, I push back and lift my legs. The cool air tosses my short hair around my face. I look up to the clear sky and relish this feeling of…happiness. Wanting to enjoy this moment with Trent, I look over toward the parking lot, but the truck is too far away to make out his face. Oh well. I hold my legs out and then propel myself higher.

  The slamming of the truck door has me turning my head back to the parking lot. Trent comes walking toward me with…

  A pizza box.

  I drop my legs to stop swinging. He comes to stand in front of me. As he opens the box, he drops to one knee in front of me.

  “Marry me?”

  “Oh my gosh, Trent!”

  “I love you, Rachel. I tried to throw you a more romantic proposal, and I was going to wait and try again…but I can’t wait any longer. This is the best I could come up with.”

  I look at the pizza, and the first thing I notice is—it’s all sausage and pineapple toppings. Then, in the center, is an open velvet box with a stunning princess cut diamond ring.

  “Rachel Abernathy, I love you. I’ll eat sausage and pineapple pizza for the rest of my life as long as it’s with you. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes,” I whisper. I blink away my happy tears and then raise my voice. “Yes.”

  He slowly places the pizza box down and removes the ring. He leans over, takes my hand, and places the ring on my finger, never taking his eyes off mine. Then he stands and grips the chains on either side of the swing. Smiling, he slowly leans in and places his lips against mine.

  He pulls back, and I smile so hard my face hurts. I barely get the words out, “Let’s go home.”

  Trent places his hands under my arms and lifts me out of the swing. I squeal and wrap my legs around him. I laugh. “Trent, the pizza!”

  “I’ll order you a gross pineapple and sausage pizza every night, but right now, I’ve got to get you home.”

  We go into the bedroom, and I spin around to face him. I throw him a seductive grin. I turn my back to him and slowly unzip my dress. As I lower one strap, I look over my shoulder to find his eyes fixated on me. I blush but push forward.

  His voice comes out lower than usual. “I love you so much. There’s nothing I want more in this world. I can’t believe you’re mine.”

  “You’ve always had me.” I allow the dress to fall to the floor. At first, Trent remains staring into my eyes. Then I watch as his eyes slowly drift down. I know, instantly, when he zeroes in on the tattoo.

  He takes a step toward me and hesitantly traces the tattoo on my side. His touch is feather light and leaves goosebumps on my skin. He brings his face closer to the tattoo of the dragonfly that has intricate swirls mixed with a few scattered stars, leading toward a heart. All the outlines are black with pastel watercolors filling in the lines. Some of the colors appear to be melting within the design. I watch as Trent stares intently, and then frowns. His eyes shoot to mine in surprise. “My name?”

  “Yes. I love you, Trent. You’ve always had my heart.” I stress my words when I say, “You own my heart.”

  He throws his arms around me, and I wrap my entire body around him. We spend the rest of the night that way. This is the start of a new love story. One where Trent and Rachel are the main characters, and they live a life full of love and happiness.

  Four years later

  As I’m leaving the administrative building on the campus that I’m now a proud alumnus of, a woman carrying a box almost runs into me.

  “Excuse me.” I smile, even though she was the one not paying attention. I look into the brown eyes of Maggie Tyson. “Maggie?”

  “Rachel?” She readjusts her grip on her box, and I notice it’s full of office supplies and what looks like a framed diploma. She raises her chin and asks, “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to see about possibly taking a few more courses and getting my Master’s degree.”

  Her features soften, and she gives me a genuine smile. “Good for you.”

  I look down at the box in her hand. “How have you been?”

  “Wonderful!” She looks down at her box and smiles back at me. “I’m transferring. I received a better offer, so I’m moving on. Are you still living around here?”

  “I moved back to Lumberton. I teach first grade and I love it. I want to get my Master’s, so I can possibly teach college courses in the future. Plus, I’ll get a nice little salary increase. I like to keep my options open.”

  “Darn right. Don’t ever stop. How’s Trent?”

  “Trent opened his own clinic next to the hospital. He loves it.”

  “That’s wonderful, Rachel. You take care, and tell Trent I’m happy for him.”

  “You too, Maggie.”

  When I arrive back in the city limits of Lumberton, instead of going straight home, I turn on to the old gravel road. I need to make one more stop.

  The cold damp grass bleeds through the knees of my pants as I trace the name on the black marble headstone and smile.

  “I’m twenty-two today. We were supposed to get married, remember? Only if we weren’t married by now, of course. I guess it’s a good thing I married Trent.” I give a humorless chuckle to my lame joke. I know Landon is watching over me and appreciates it nonetheless.

  “Oh, and Noah told Trent he’s planning to propose to Alice. He’s been wanting to for a while, but he’s been away in the military. They’re going out for a guys’ night this Saturday. Remember Noah’s friends, Jeff and Keaton? They’re going, too. It’s their new thing. Keaton is working at Randall Construction now.” I sigh and look up to the skies. “I wish you were here to meet your niece and nephew. I was surprised this one really was a boy.” I look around, while letting the tears silently trail down my cheeks.

  “Well, my best friend, I can’t stay long. Alice is coming by to review her illustrative drafts for our third book. Can you believe we’ve had two books published? I should thank you for some of the stuff you’ve done to Trent. It’s been gold for my books.” I check the time on my phone. “Plus, I’m sure little Elias is going to wake up from his nap soon.” I lean forward to kiss the headstone. “I love you,” I whisper.

  It’s amazing how much people’s lives are shaped and changed based on who comes into and who leaves as well as the major milestones experienced. Sometimes, one night can set a whole domino effect of changes. It can be the beginning of a whole new journey. I started my journey as a scared girl named Rachel Abernathy, but I’m continuing it as a proud woman. I�
��m growing into a stronger person who can love, admit when she wrongs, accept help, grieve, forgive, is confident and knows her value. I am Rachel Randall.

  Find out what’s next for the Randalls in…

  THE BLACKMAIL

  Of Denise Randall

  Did you miss Book One in the Randalls?

  WHO IS

  Sarah Randall

  Read Now

  Worth a Shot

  Romance with a twist of suspense!

  One simple run-in got me more than I bargained for…and now I can’t go back. It might be dangerous, but it might just be worth a shot.

  Victoria Angel…

  It was just a cup of coffee…that’s all I was after.

  Some much-needed caffeine to get me through wedding dress shopping. That’s it. But I guess the universe had other plans. How do I go from getting coffee to waking up in the hospital after being involved in a drive-by?

  And how does my mysterious hero go from taking a bullet for me to getting arrested and put in prison?

  His last name is Goodman, but according to the police, he’s not at all a good man. However, it feels as though fate brought us together. The police don’t agree…and my fiancé definitely doesn’t either.

  Tristan Goodman…

  She thinks I’m her hero, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Because of the business that I’m in and the people I surround myself with, there’s always a target on my back, and anyone associated with me is in the line of fire, including the quirky yet gorgeous Victoria Angel.

  I’ve brought nothing but danger to her life the minute she bumped into me in that coffee shop. I know she’s not mine, but that certainly doesn’t stop me from going after what I want. And what I want is an angel.

  She’d be wise to end all contact with me, exactly like her fiancé wishes, but I can’t leave her alone…especially after I have a taste of heaven.

  Read now

  Thank you so much for reading The Night That Changed Rachel! I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to every single reader that continues to take a chance on me. There’s so many amazing and incredible books out there, and your time is so precious, so THANK YOU! I really hoped you connected with these characters. I love them so much. Rachel’s journey into adulthood is one very dear to my heart. I went through Postpartum Depression myself and wish it had been an issue that was discussed more often. I was clueless about it when I was going through it. It’s always been painted so negatively, almost like something women should be ashamed of, when I came to learn it’s very common. In all areas of your life, please don’t ever be afraid to speak out about your feelings and seek help. You’re not alone, and you can do this.

  Special thank you to Gail’s Book Belles. I can’t thank you all enough for all the amazing support. I appreciate all the shares and you helping spread the word about my books. You’re excitement and love mean the world to me. Thank you for connecting with my stories and being with me on this journey!

  To all the incredibly talented bloggers and bookstagrammers—WOW—your reviews and skills with capturing the beauty of covers blows me away. Thank you! You all really make the book community such an amazing place.

  The two women who helped me whip this story into shape, Holly and Rebecca. I appreciate all your valuable input and sharp eyes! I owe you two so much for helping me bring this story to life.

  Jade and George Anderson—I appreciate you two so much! You’re both extremely talented and amazing people. Thank you for all your help in helping me on this journey!

  Becky, I am so glad Kiki brought you into my life! I’m not sure if you feel the same way, but you’re stuck with me. Lol.

  Speaking of… Kiki and the incredible women at The Next Step PR. Y’all are the real deal! I’m so honored to be a part of this team! The guidance and positivity y’all bring into my world—I have no words! I’m so grateful to every single one of you ladies: Kiki, Colleen, Nicole, Kristina, Jill, Darlene, and Athena. Love you all!

  Nicole, my lovely PA! Thank you for loving and believing so much in these stories!! You’ve taken on the challenge of trying to help me get organized, and I can’t thank you enough.

  Stacey, thank you for another gorgeous job formatting my book and helping with the spread. You’re so talented, and I appreciate your art so much!

  Rocio and Germán, my sweet and talented friends! Your love and beautiful spirits shine so much in your work. Another gorgeous cover!

  Paraskevi, “Vickie,” You had no idea what this story was even going to be about, but agreed to do whatever in order to help me. You’re as kind as you are gorgeous! Even though Rachel is in no way based on you, I’m so in love with this cover because you bring out her strength and beauty. Thank you! Love you!

  Thank you A.M. Brooks, Ashton, for befriending me and being by my side on this journey! I’m so excited for both of our novels!! I wish you all the success, because you deserve it! XOXO

  Author Jessy Lin for being with me since the beginning and, by some miracle, still here! Still sane and putting up with me. Love you bestie!

  Greatest group of friends and Book Bitches—I’m so blessed to have y’all in my corner. Love you!

  My husband and two girls. You all sacrifice the most for me to pursue this dream. You don’t complain…that much, but you more than makeup for it with how much you believe in me. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I can write 80k words but can’t find the correct words to tell you how much I love and appreciate you three. So, I’ll keep it simple. Boo, Bunny, and Vivi—I love you. Thank you for always making me feel loved and supported.

  Thank you to all my friends and family, who never stop believing in me and tolerate my craziness.

  My readers, I hope all your dreams come true. I hope you find all the happiness in the world and know you’re loved. I love you and wish you the best. XOXO ~ Gail

  Gail Haris believes in fairytales, love, and laughter as the best medicine.

  She was born and raised in a small town in the Southeast Missouri. After graduating with a degree in Mass Communications, Gail married her high school sweetheart and moved back to her home town.

  She’s been on many adventures traveling across America and Europe. But her favorite adventures are the ones where she gets lost in a book.

  Her love for reading and traveling led her to attend book conventions. Those conventions gave her the encouragement she needed to combine her passion for creativity and storytelling. Using coffee and her imagination, she loves writing contemporary romances that blend laughter and true love out of every day chaos.

  When Gail isn’t day dreaming in front of her computer, she’s busy raising her two daughters with the man of her dreams. She loves traveling with her family, binge watching television series with her husband, singing Disney songs with her daughters, and having huge family and friends get-togethers that involve lots of food and usually a cake.

  She hopes by following her own dream of becoming an author, she can set an example to her daughters that dreams can become a reality. Maybe she can encourage you too.

  Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…don’t give up on coffee and books.

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