Jane craned her neck, looking for her mother, and finally found her smiling face. She’d almost missed her because Beverly was the only one seated. Jane worried about her mother’s health, but she was happy that Beverly was well enough to have flown out to spend time with Raya and, as an unexpected bonus, to attend the wedding.
Finally, she returned her gaze to Ryan. The sight of him, so tall and handsome, holding their beautiful daughter in his arms, left Jane breathless. In all the years she’d been with Nick, she had never known love like the love she shared with Ryan. It was as if he had opened a hidden section of her heart, and a landslide of respect, trust, and pure love had poured out in response.
Ryan passed Raya to his sister and strode to the dock as the gondola approached.
Pascal threw the rope to Ryan. “I have the great honor of delivering two of the most beautiful women on the river to you, Reyo.” Pascal held his hand out to Charlotte. “And I didn’t even tip the boat,” he said with a wink.
Ryan secured the rope to the dock and helped Jane from the gondola. “Querida, my love, you are absolutely stunning,” he said, and held out his hand to her.
“You two are going to make me cry,” Charlotte said, taking Pascal’s arm as she followed behind Ryan and Jane to take her place alongside her boyfriend, Jacques.
Ryan offered Jane his arm, just as he’d done on the first night they’d met, and Jane slipped her hand around it. Her life with Ryan was always a game of opposites. He made her feel brave yet protected, independent yet cared for, an individual yet part of his team. Most of all, he made her feel loved and part of something beautiful.
They stood in front of the cypress tree, just as so many couples had done before them, and spoke their vows in front of their loved ones. Jane couldn’t take her eyes off Ryan until she heard the words, “You may kiss the bride.” As Ryan cupped her face in his palms and brushed his lips against hers, she closed her eyes, savoring the moment, searing it into her brain forever.
Then he drew back slightly, just a breath away from her face. “I feel like my life began the first night we stood in this exact spot together. I will love you for the rest of my life, Querida.”
She smiled at him through her tears. “I thought my life was over, that night, but that wasn’t true at all. You gave me a second chance at love, and together we’ve created a new life, and for both those things I’m eternally grateful. I love you, Reyo Rosales Zeigler. I’ll love you forever and always.”
A cloud of yellow and purple petals fluttered around them as they were surrounded by the love and well wishes of family.
The End
www.sandrareneeappet.com
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Achievements are rarely attained alone and books are no exception. Many people and places, both directly and indirectly, helped shape this story, including...
My agent, Liz, who read, reread and helped fine-tune Jane and Ryan's story.
Judy Myers, whose keen eye on the early version of this story helped the manuscript shine for submission.
Beta readers Leisha, Janis, Liz, Lori, Kathryn, and Hillary. Your insights and perspectives were invaluable.
My Bookalicious Babes book group. I love and appreciate you all more than you know.
My assistant, Tai. Thank you cheering me on and waiting patiently for this book. I promise, the McAvery Brothers are next.
Ravenna Tate, for her expertise on all things in the NICU. You brought Nurse Doreen to life.
Stephanie Evanovich, my partner in crime at our annual writing getaways and random textfests. Your unwavering support and friendship means so much to me.
The incredible team at Evernight Publishing, especially Stacey, Christine, Karyn, and Jay.
The magical city of San Antonio for the inspiration of Vine and Ryan.
Finally, the members of my wonderful family who have been there every step of the way.
EVERNIGHT PUBLISHING ®
www.evernightpublishing.com
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