“Done and done,” she says. My kids wave good-bye to Wesley one at a time, and Sara stops to give him the biggest hug ever; I’m pretty sure that’s the only reason she’s being so good. I’ll take it. In the meantime I take my new fiancé by the hand and lead him out after the kids are down the hallway a bit. When we walk out I’m amazed to see half the staff, including Dr. Fisher, standing in the halls outside of the art room. They all scream “Congratulations” at the same time, and it’s like a scene from a movie.
“You told everyone?” I ask.
“Not everyone—just the important people.” He’s so amazing; he’s made this just about the perfect engagement. From the crowd I hear someone yell.
“Did she say yes? ’Cause if not I will.” Everyone laughs, but I hold up my left hand to the crowd and secretly love the gasps I get. Dr. Fisher is reserved as usual, but I can tell that she’s happy for me, and happy in general thanks to Wesley. My eyes are filled with tears of joy, but I still scan the faces of the crowd that’s gathered near us. I don’t believe my eyes.
“Wesley, is that . . .”
“Annabelle,” he says. “Yes. And Dacia, Kane, and Kevin. I made arrangements for them all to be here for this, it wouldn’t have been the same without them.”
“Oh my God, Wesley, that’s amazing.” I’m about to go to Dacia but she runs over to me first and embraces me as tightly as possible.
“Mia, I’m so happy for you,” she whispers in my ear, and I can feel a tear fall from her face onto my shoulder. “Now,” she says, pulling back and trying to pretend like she’s not getting emotional, “let me see the rock!” I hold out my hand and I swear to God I think her eyes are going to bulge out of her head. “That might be the most impressive ring I’ve ever seen. Good job,” she says, turning to Wesley, who smiles pridefully back at her.
“Congratulations, Mia.” It’s Annabelle, and she looks so good. I get emotional all over again because she looks so happy. To see her there with a huge smile on her face, next to her big brother, and smiling ear to ear makes this moment even more special. It’s my turn to give the bear hug, and I reach out and pull Annabelle in for a tight hug.
“Now we’re going to be sisters,” I say to her, barely able to keep it together. I can’t wait to see her in a bridesmaid dress one day soon. As I’m still holding on to Annabelle, I see Kane walking over. He puts his arms around both of us and squeezes.
“Congratulations, Mia,” he says with a heartfelt tone in his voice. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.” I’m taken aback by his words, and I don’t know what to say. It’s the most real I’ve ever seen him. There’s no pretention or sarcasm, just a sincere sense of gratitude that warms my heart.
“There’s nothing to thank me for,” I say into his ear as he holds on to me and his sister.
“You’re a terrible liar, Mia,” he says, pulling back and smiling. This is all too good to be true. I couldn’t have imagined this day ending up like it has, no matter how many times I fantasized about this moment. I’m going to be Mia Marsden, and I can’t wait to stand next to him on the alter and say, “I do” while looking into his beautiful blue eyes. The last hug is for him. Everything is for him; he’s my alpha and my omega, and as I kiss him in front of everyone it’s all I can think about. You’re my beginning and my ending, Wesley Marsden . . .
We hold onto each other a few more seconds in front of everyone, and I as I look over his shoulder I can see the misty eyes of my colleagues. And then I see something else. It’s Dacia and Kane, and they’re looking at each other instead of at us. It’s hard to tell, and I’m so overwhelmed by emotion that I’m probably not thinking clearly, but I swear I see a look in Dacia’s face that I’ve seen before. She’s looking at Kane . . . in that way. Huh. I’m making a mental note to ask her about that one next time I have a chance. But for now that’s the last thing I’m going to worry about. All that matters is my Wesley, and I never want him to let me go.
After a minute I see Dr. Fisher wave her hands to the crowd. “Ok guys, we need to keep moving now, get back to your classes and get to wherever you’re going. Congratulations, Mia and Wesley, you guys make a great couple.” We really do, despite any doubts I ever had we’re perfect for one another, and now I have my future with him; I have all of my tomorrows. The crowd disperses and I take a minute with Wesley before getting back to finish the day. It’s just the two of us in the hallway now, and I give him a real kiss, the non-PG-13 rated one.
“Wow,” he says. “I should propose to you every day.”
“You should. I could do this every day.”
“I love you, Mia.”
“I love you too, Wes.”
Wes. Yeah, I can get used to that.
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements are the like the Oscar speeches of the literary world, only no one can politely drown me out with that terrible music. Like those speeches, this part of the book may hold little meaning to those not mentioned by name, yet it's a strange irony that without the people listed below, this book wouldn't exist.
First and foremost, I thank my wife, Laura. What started as a whim turned into a novel, and soon that novel will become a series of novels. None of that would be the case without your tireless critique, your careful edits, or your attention to detail. You saw the first draft, and the second, and all the rest, and with each read you helped to make a simple idea into a published manuscript.
To my editor, Marla, for teaching me that I have no idea how to format dialogue, and getting my manuscripts back to me quickly, with all of my commas changed into periods, and vice versa. I still have no idea how to format dialogue, but I guess that’s good news for you on the next few books.
To my Facebook ‘pimps’, who have selflessly promoted me with no particular reason to do so, except for their inherent generosity and love of these books: Robyne, Harlow, Leona, Tracy, Christina, Deborra, and everyone else who’s shared any of my posts.
To #teamkruse! First and foremost, Shauna Kruse, who was a pleasure to work with, and who not only provides great images to her authors, but creates a supportive environment to help support those she works with. And, speaking of that cover everyone loves, a thank you to Lance Jones and Faith Godard for that amazing shoot, and to Kari Ayasha for making the image into a spectacular cover.
To all those bloggers and betas who read ARC’s of my book and offered feedback or reviews: Tanaka, Leona, Julie, Amanda, Beth, Harlow, Corrie, Debbie, and Dakota.
Finally, and most importantly, to my readers, who make a lifelong dream into a tangible reality.
There’s so much more to come…
About the Author
I was born and raised in Queens, New York, and I currently live on Long Island with my wife and our two small children.
The love of a good story was instilled in me at an early age, from the time that such stories could be read to me as I lay in bed. Now, many years later, I get the rare opportunity to tell some of those stories to those willing to listen. I have no accolades to list here; no resume to transcribe; only the sincerest of thanks that you're reading these words now. To get the stories and characters that live in my head out on paper is a gift, and I don't know what I would do if I couldn't write.
Enjoy the stories...
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Impressions of You (The Impressions Series Book 1) Page 23