by K. L. Jessop
“You mean you’re letting Megan invade your personal beach space? You do know she’ll be here all the time now?”
“There’s always an injunction.” He chuckles.
I couldn’t stop the smile that hit my lips once I got out of the car. The pathway down to the beach was lit by lanterns as the beach glowed with its own light. At the far end of the beach was a camp fire but it was the centre that caught my attention. A huge outline of lanterns in the shape of a heart filled the sand. It was beautiful.
“What is all this?” I look to Marcus who’s smiling.
“Well I still remember the look in your eyes the first time I took you to the beach. Your face was full of awe with the lanterns amongst the dunes and I wanted to experience that again, only this time I brought it to Marbles Cove, with friends.”
God, could he get any more adorable.
We made our way further onto the beach as Megan come bounding up towards us, hair flicking out behind her. “So um, here’s the thing. I brought loads of booze like you told me not to and I also found this guy that won’t stop asking after you. He’s waiting to meet you.”
My eyes darted from hers to scan the sand as I clock eyes on Mr Beautiful himself. I’ve not seen him since I left the hospital and he seems to be spending more time here now than he did in L.A. “What are you doing here?”
“Hey, Ginger Spice.” He beams lifting me into a hug. “Well I had a few days off and I thought rather spend it there checking out women, I’d spend it here checking out woman.”
“Lucas, sweetie I like the sound of that, maybe I could help you out if you get bored. I’m thinking of dating younger men.”
“Mum!” Marcus calls to a flirtatious Rosa.
Drinks and amusement flowed within the group along with the toasted marshmallows dipped in chocolate spread that Lucas and Megan fought over, and burgers that Andrew and Marcus cooked. Like their childish games they always played, Lucas chases Megan around the beach before catching hold of her and running into the water, throwing her in deep as she screamed in enjoyment. I can’t wait till Lucas moves here permanent as then my new family will be complete.
“Can you remember the last time we danced on the beach?” Marcus murmurs as I hold him close and dance to the music from the portable stereo.
“Yeah,” I chuckled. “You told me you loved me and I freaked out and left. I won’t be doing that again.”
“Glad to hear it.” He smiles looking into my eyes, a look that was full of devotion and commitment. A look that went on so long it made me a little uneasy.
“You’re blushing, Miss Weston.”
“You’re staring, Mr Matthews.”
“I’m staring because you’re beautiful.”
My blushing quickly deepened and a rush of heat charged through me. My breath hitched and my hand covered my mouth when he pulled away from me to get down on one knee whilst I heard the gasps a squeals from those around us. In my head I was asking him what the hell he was doing but the words wouldn’t leave my lips.
“Marcus.”
“Amelia Grace Weston, I love you unconditionally and fall in love with you more each day. You’re beautiful, sexy, incredibly strong and I’m nervous as shit right now, but that said...” he stops and opens the small red box to reveal a stunning diamond ring that sparkles in the nightlight. “Amelia, will you marry me?”
Tears flooded my eyes to blur my vision. My heart felt like it was going to explode as it pounded in my chest. I knew my answer the moment he started to speak and I knew that my love for this man was unconditional and that I wanted each and every day spent with him.
“Yes!” I squeal, kneeling down to join him as he slips the ring over my finger.
I kiss him hard forcing him back to lie on the sand as I continued my invasion on his mouth. “I love you, Marcus Matthews.” I smile against his lips. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too and when I said I wanted to spend every minute with you I meant it. I can’t see a future without you and a family.”
“You want kids?” I beamed.
“Why not, I can just see little Ginger Spices running around.”
“Hey, that’s my tagline fucknut, find your own.” Lucas shouts, as Rosa pops open the champagne. Now I know what all the secrecy was between these two the last few days.
“You feeling ok?”
Someone once gave me a box full of darkness and after years of hurt and suffering it’s made me realise-as crazy as it sounds-that it was a gift. Because if I didn’t have that darkness I wouldn’t of found my light. Marcus came into my world when I was at my weakest and he’s the reason why I’m now at my strongest. I didn’t expect to be that girl in the past and I certainly didn’t expect to become the woman I am now, and it’s all thanks to him. He’s changed me for the better and never fails to take my breath away. He has taught me many things I’ve fought for years. He taught me to trust again and to not be afraid. Taught me to open my heart and taught me that I do deserve a second chance and a happy-ever-after. But most of all he has taught me the greatest thing anyone could provide. He has taught me that falling in love isn’t scary after all.
“I’ve never felt more alive.”
The End.
Playlist
Katy Perry - Last Friday Night
Ed Sheeran - Kiss Me
Celtic Woman - Amazing Grace
Leona Lewis - Come Alive
Bruno Mars - Just the way you are
John Legend - You and I
Leona Lewis - Angel
Ne-Yo - Let me love you (Until you learn to love yourself)
Matt Cardle - Amazing
Westlife - The Rose
Christina Aguilera - Bound To You
Pink - Try
Beyonce - Halo
Leona Lewis - Can’t breathe
Rihanna - Cold Case Love
Goo Goo Dolls - Without you here
Jennifer Hudson - Giving myself
Coast - Oceans
Acknowledgments
When I first had the image of two characters in my mind I knew they weren’t going away any time soon. Marcus and Amelia will forever hold a special place in my heart and I hope their story will touch the hearts of many. They took over my life in a way I can’t explain, they literally become my every thought and when I first started writing I had no idea it would lead to this. I have achieved something I never thought I could and I couldn’t have done it without those involved, so thank you!
Mum and Dad. Who would have thought that this was ever possible?
As you know the journey hasn’t been easy but I got there in the end. Words cannot describe how incredible you both are. Thank you for putting up with me, and honestly the endless hours I spent being unsociable was really nothing personal. XX
To the other part of Twitch (You know who you are) Well let’s face it, the stories had to come alive at some point right? I knew our Friday nights would pay off at some point! Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on when I had the meltdowns and there will no doubt be many more to come, just to warn you. Love you long time Xx
Dotty King. I simply cannot thank you enough. Without you, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you for your honesty, your time and putting up with my freak out moments. Your support, guidance and knowledge has helped me bring this book to life. I wouldn’t of known where to start (other than with a blank page) and just by chance and the mention of writing you become my lifeline. You are a mind of information and a joy to work with. Xx
Amanda Wylie. What’s that saying…We’ll be best friends forever because you already know too much?! Thank you for being ridiculously awesome and the number one bestie I’ve ever had. Who would’ve thought that a random comment on social media would develop into the crazy beautiful friendship that we have. Xx
P.S - you still have some blues in my fridge, ha ha!
Sharon. For your input on the naming of Primrose Lodge. I know what a difficult task that was for you whilst on your lunch ho
ur. Xx
Special thanks to-
Najla Qamber Designs.
Lindee Robinson Photography.
Karen, White Hot Ebook Formatting.
You ladies have put up with so many of my questions I even got annoyed with myself at times! That said, all this wouldn’t have been possible without your help, so THANK YOU!!
About the Author
I have lived in the southwest my entire life just on the edge of Dartmoor where the moorland goes on for days. It’s beautiful, breathtaking and occasionally rather wet. I’m a dyslexic author but haven’t let that stand in my way. I have a love/hate relationship with chocolate and the weekends are not the same without a vodka in hand.
I have a loving family that mean the world to me and a hyperactive dog that still thinks she’s a puppy and will sit on your feet if you stand still for more than a second.
Music is my lifeline, writing is my therapy and a mind full of beautiful men are always welcome.
XXX
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
Chapter Twenty Eight
Chapter Twenty Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty One
Chapter Thirty Two
Chapter Thirty Three
Chapter Thirty Four
Chapter Thirty Five
Chapter Thirty Six
Epilogue
Playlist
Acknowledgments
About the Author