by Nicole Dykes
“He did?”
Madden nods, “And Landon doesn’t quite understand giving anything up for love, but that’s because he’s never felt it. God willing he will know that someday, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll always have both of them no matter what.”
I wipe a tear off of my cheek that escaped as he pulls me into a kiss. It’s brief and different from any kiss we’ve ever shared. It’s desperate and hopeful at the same time.
“Madden, I’ve made a home here. Casey, Jack, Marlene, hell even Brady and Caleb…they are my family. I just don’t think I could leave.”
“I came here that night you told me you were with Brady, to tell you that I’m in love with you.” I look at him with total shock, but I can’t get any words out and he continues, “I don’t care where we live, Hollis, Dallas, not in Texas… I don’t care as long as we are together. I don’t need Steele Industries or my trust fund. I need you.”
I hold back my smile. “Madden, I can’t ask you to give all that up for me. What are you going to do, work construction?”
He shrugs his shoulder, totally calm. “I don’t know. I’ll figure it out. You did hear that I love you right?”
I can’t hold back the bright smile when he says that, “I did hear that, but can you possibly still love me after what I did? How can you ever forgive me for that?”
He smiles, “I think I already have. I know that you pushed me away because you thought you were protecting me. Just know that any scenario where I’m not with you, isn’t the answer. I need you, Jade. You were so unexpected, but you marked me. You marked my heart and I know I’ll never be the same again.”
I wrap my hands around his neck, pulling him in for a tight hug. His body molded against mine. “I love you too, Madden. With all of my heart, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt. I’m so sorry.”
He kisses me again, this time with more passion and intensity and in this moment I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. The missing part of me is here and I’ll never push him away again. He marked me too.
Epilogue
Madden
Keegan and Landon look at me then back to the hardware store. I can tell they’re interested even though they haven’t said a word. Both of them have their arms crossed and a pensive stare on their faces.
“Hollis will grow on you.” I assure them. “It’s a great business deal. The owner just decided small town life wasn’t for him.”
“It shouldn’t be for anyone.” Landon mumbles.
It’s definitely for me. Jade and I have been back together for three weeks. Since then, I’ve moved into her house and got my job back at King Construction. I stumbled upon this business venture and decided it was an opportunity for me. It’s time for me to start planning my future. Well, mine and Jade’s future.
I called Keegan and Landon and asked them to make the trip to Hollis. I want them to go into business with me. I need partners who are willing to invest and who I can trust, especially since I’ve given up my father’s money.
“So, you want to own a hardware store?” Landon asks.
“Sure, why not? It’s a plan and it can grow.” I answer and Landon nods. “It doesn’t matter to me that I’m starting out small. I just need to start somewhere.”
“I like it.” he states. “Keegan?”
“Me too. Let’s do it.”
Relief courses through me at the knowledge that I have my brothers’ support. I never really doubted that, but to hear them say it makes me feel better. I also know this is an opportunity to have them closer to me. They’ll have to make trips to Hollis every once in a while to help manage the business.
“Let me know when you’re ready to finalize everything. I’d like to get home to my wife now.” Keegan grins.
“Yeah. I’d like to get home to…a redhead who’s waiting for me.” Landon quips.
I shake my head and tell them bye. I may have lost my yearly allowance and trust fund, but I still have them. That will never change.
When I get home, Jade’s getting ready to head to class. I slip my arms around her waist and ignore her protests that she’s running late.
“They said yes.” I whisper against her ear.
“You knew they would! I’m so happy for you!” she says and glides her lips over mine. I ease her back towards the bed, effectively making her forget that she’s running late.
“I’ll be quick. I know class is important to you.” I murmur, while trailing kisses across her neck.
“Class?” she jokes.
“You’re lucky you’re wearing a dress. It makes this so easy for me.” I smile and settle in between her legs. I keep my word on making it quick, but still manage to make her come twice.
When we’re finished, I help her stand and smooth her dress out. She reaches up and cups my face.
“I’m truly happy that Keegan and Landon agreed to your plan. I know you want them to be a part of it.”
“I do, but as long as you’re a part of it, that’s all that matters. You’re my plan, Jade. Always. I love you.”
“You told me before that I was unexpected and I marked you. The last thing I expected when I saw you walking into Jack’s bar was to fall in love with you. I can’t see myself with anyone else and I never want to. I love you. You’ve marked me too, Madden.”
If you enjoyed Marking Madden (Hearts of Hollis: Book One) by Nicole Dykes & J.L. Leslie then please leave a review!! Show your appreciation!!
Look for Besting Brady (Hearts of Hollis: Book Two) coming soon!!
You can show your love for both Nicole Dykes and J.L. Leslie on their Facebook author pages:
https://www.facebook.com/soulmatesauthor
https://www.facebook.com/authorjlleslie/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel