Logan drew her into his arms and held her, just held on. When they finally broke apart, he leaned down and reached over to pluck a flower from her garden. He held the lily in his hand and studied it. It was a stargazer lily, its pink petals as soft as silk. It was their flower.
“Your favorite,” he said quietly. His eyes stayed locked on hers as he carefully tucked it behind her ear. “There.” His words were comforting, and Brooke was touched by his gesture. She smiled and closed her eyes. It reminded her of one magical night so long ago..... Her thoughts trailed off and her heart began to beat just a little bit faster.
“Brooke.” His voice was soft, as if he were soothing a child. It was one single word. Her name. Even before she opened her eyes, she knew. When her eyes fluttered open, Logan stood before her with a ring in his hand, a beautiful ring, its diamonds catching the light and sending brilliant little surges of sparkle everywhere. Her heart thudded as she stared at it. Her eyes filled with unshed tears.
“It's been forever since I last laid eyes on this,” she whispered. He bent down to kiss a tear away, and Brooke nearly came undone. “I can't believe you still have it, after all these years.”
“Someone wise once told me that you hold onto the really good things, because they only come around once in a lifetime, if you're lucky.”
“Well then you must be one of the luckiest guys in the world, because it's come around twice for you,” she said, teasingly.
He smiled then, and the joy reached his eyes. She loved seeing it there again. He took her hand in his, linking their fingers. He loved the way they fit. “Marry me, Brooke. I've waited my entire life for you. For us. And I don't want to waste another minute of it.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I will absolutely marry you.” He watched the emotions cross her face as he slid the ring onto her wedding finger. It fit perfectly. Still. She held up her hand to admire it. “I love you, Logan. I always have.”
“I know,” he replied.
When she raised a brow in question, he simply shrugged. “You're a smart cookie. I knew you'd figure it out sooner or later.” She laughed as he pulled her to him for a hug. She loved being held in his arms. She'd gotten used to being there the past couple of months. She rested her head on his shoulder. He was her rock, she mused, and he always had been. When she fell silent, he asked, “What are you thinking about?”
“Well, mostly about going back to Montana,” she responded. “It will be nice living near my family again. Spending the past couple of months there has made me realize just how much I've missed them.”
“What makes you think we're going to live in Montana?” Logan asked.
Brooke's head shot up to look at him. “I just assumed we would,”' she said. “Your family is there. Your home is there, your ranch. It never occurred to me that you would consider leaving,” she said, slowly.
“You're my family, too, Brooke. You have a home here, friends, a career. I know how much your position at the hospital means to you, what your patients mean to you. I didn't think you would want to leave all of that behind. And honestly, I would be willing to relocate to California if staying here makes you happy.”
The love she felt for him at that moment overwhelmed her. It was intense, powerful. She loved knowing that he understood her so well and that he would make that kind of a sacrifice for her.
“That means so much to me, Logan. But I don't want you to. I think it's time for me to come home. To go back to my roots. And to grow new ones. I'm sure I can find a job in Angel Ridge, or at a nearby hospital. I think it's time,” she said again. She smiled at him, and knew without a doubt that it was the right thing for her. For them. For the future they were going to share.
He nodded. It pleased him that she still felt so connected to their childhood home. He'd felt that connection, too. “What about your house, will you sell it?”
She didn't have to think about her response. “No, I'll keep it. I love it too much to say goodbye to it. A part of my heart is here. This can be our vacation home. When we want to get away and enjoy the sun and the sand. The solitude.” She beamed at him, and he knew that he would give her anything that was within his power to give.
“Promise me one thing,” he said. His voice lost its light-hearted tone of just moments before and he became serious.
“Anything,” she responded.
“Take me to our little girl's resting place.” He watched her intently as she pulled back a little to look into his eyes. “Please, Brooke. I need you to do that for me.”
She linked her fingers with his and squeezed gently. “I would love to take you there. To be there with you. Together.” It was the perfect answer, Logan thought, and he felt a sense of relief that he didn't quite understand.
“Tomorrow,” he murmured. “Right now I'm going to take you upstairs to your bed where I can make love to you until the break of dawn.” The glint in his eye told her that he was totally serious, and since she was well aware that the man had the stamina to sustain an all-night sex marathon, she giggled.
“That sounds wonderful,” she breathed, “but why don't we start with the beach.” She smiled when he raised an eyebrow. “We can add it to our infamous list of places,” she said, and squealed when Logan scooped her up and carried her down the steps toward the sandy white beach, where the gentle waves, capped with white foam, hissed to the shore. A million stars twinkled in the night sky, and one, high and unwavering, shone like a beacon, brighter than all the rest.
Since beginning this endeavor, I have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people along the way, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and encouraging me. It would have been so much more difficult to do this without you.
Thank you to my readers, Facebook followers, and everyone who has shown an interest in my work. I write because I have to write, and I am so happy that you have given me the opportunity to share this story with you. I look forward to writing many more for you to enjoy!
I would also like to thank my Indie Gals, who have been amazing, and who have offered endless support, advice, and much encouragement, and who have taken time out of their own busy lives to assist me in every way possible. You gals are awesome!
There are so many incredibly talented authors out there who have inspired me in different ways, and I will be forever grateful to you for writing beautiful stories that have touched my heart and characters that have swept me away!
I would love to take this opportunity to recognize some very special ladies in my life who have been a huge support system throughout the years, and who always knew that I could do this, even when I didn't. My mother, Ann, who passed on to me her intense love of reading. My sister, Rita, who loves the written word as much as I do and who has helped me in so many ways that it would take me forever to list them all. My (absolute favorite) cousin Dawn, for having faith in me. And to one of my dearest friends, Olga, because she is simply amazing. I love you ladies!!
And I would like to thank my friend, Kairee Budd (aka Kairee Taylor), who I connected with right from the start. I really do believe we were cut from the same cloth! Thank you for your encouragement and valuable advice. I wish you every success on your own writing journey.
I especially want to thank two very special ladies, who are the coolest Indie friends a girl could ask for. Amber Nation (and not because I'm returning the favor LOL), but because you have been so sincere and so supportive. I've enjoyed our long and enlightening conversations so much. And Rachel Mizer, who I just clicked with from the beginning. You're a great friend, and a truly talented writer. I've loved beta reading for you, and laughing so hard sometimes that I nearly fell over. And, of course, chatting with you endlessly, even in the middle of the night. Gotta love the three hour time difference!
Much thanks to Rachel Mizer of Shoutlines Design AGAIN for designing my absolutely beautiful book cover. You went above and beyond my expectations and I truly love it! I can't wait to work with you on the next one! You are so multi-t
alented it's ridiculous!
I really have to thank Tami Norman of Integrity Formatting for the beautiful job formatting my manuscript. You're awesome....and a total lifesaver! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
A great big thanks to all of the bloggers who signed up to participate in the cover reveal, book release blitz, and blog tour for Second Chance at Love. You ladies play a big part in making it possible for we authors to do what we love to do! Thank you so much for all that you do for us each and every day!
And finally, I especially want to thank Ena Burnette of Enticing Journey Book Promotions, who hosted it all. You are so amazing, and you don't miss a beat. Thank you so much for all of your patience, hard work and dedication. I appreciate it more than you know!
Tara Paradise is a wife, mother, lifelong reader, and author of Contemporary Romance fiction. She lives in beautiful Upstate New York in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, on Great Sacandaga Lake.
Tara has been reading romance novels since she first picked up one of her mother's paperbacks at the age of 16, and writing since she could first hold a pencil. She has always had a vivid imagination and loves creating characters and stories that readers can fall in love with.
Second Chance at Love is her debut novel. It is Book One of The MacKenna Born & Bred Trilogy and is the stormy, sexy and sweet story of Logan and Brooke. Book Two of the trilogy is titled Forever In My Dreams, and tells the wonderful story of Karissa and Seth. Book Three, With Every Last Breath, is the final and exciting story of Ashley and Chase.
Read on for an Excerpt from Forever In My Dreams, Book Two of the MacKenna Born & Bred Trilogy ...
Book 2 in the MacKenna Born & Bred Trilogy
He watched them from a distance, noticing the way she leaned into him as they moved, their bodies swaying to the music in what Seth thought was much too seductive a dance. What in the hell did Chase think he was doing, anyway? Seth wondered, becoming increasingly annoyed. He stood there for a minute longer, a scowl crossing his handsome face, before he turned on his heel and walked away. He heard the lead singer of the band announce that they were taking a short break as he crossed the wide expanse of lawn that led away from the reception area. His mood has darkened considerably.
He thought of Karissa, who looked so beautiful that she took his breath away. He hadn't spent much time at all with her during the wedding reception. She'd been mingling all evening, talking to guests and dancing with one man after another. Now it was his brother's turn at bat, and Seth didn't like it one bit. Chase can find his own damn woman, he thought, miserably. Karissa was off limits. And when had his thoughts begun to run along those lines? The implication that Karissa was his woman came through loud and clear, even to his own ears. But Karissa wasn't his, so why in the hell should he care how many guys she danced with and who she chose to flirt shamelessly with? Because he did, that's why.
He headed toward the garden, with its pretty, colorful flowers and enormous fountain. It was late September, the final month of summer in western Montana. It was temperate, a perfect day for an outdoor reception. The sound of water falling in rivulets down the fountain should have been calming. So why did he feel like there was a storm brewing inside him? Where had this jealousy come from? He'd never really been the jealous type. At least, not until recently. He hated this feeling, this gut-twisting feeling that churned in the pit of his stomach. He'd been jealous as Karissa had danced with each and every one of those men tonight. And again when she danced with Chase. He wanted to wring his brother's neck. Instead, he brooded silently, trying to think of anything else that would take his mind off of her.
He considered taking Julia Jameson up on her offer of a night filled with hot, crazy sex. He knew firsthand that she was a sure thing. He'd had her a few times. The girl had a mouth that could drive a man insane and a body that was made for sin. As appealing as the thought was, though, Seth dismissed it. One night stands were a thing of his past. That's not what he was looking for these days. Sure, the hot, crazy sex part sounded great, but he wanted to share it with someone who mattered. He wanted to share it with Karissa. And with this sudden realization came a sinking feeling. What in the hell am I going to do now? The last thing he wanted, or needed, was to be all twisted up over a woman, even if she was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed goddess.
Karissa watched him from the entrance to the garden, wondering what he was thinking. He seemed so angry. Seth was never angry. He just stood there, obviously so lost in thought that he didn't realize she'd been standing there watching him for a full two minutes. She contemplated retreat, but just for a second. Instead, she moved toward him, and the sudden movement caught his eye, bringing him out of his stupor. She stopped in front of him, smiling.
"So, here you are. I was wondering where you'd gone off to."
"Is that so?" he asked, hating that he was going to take his foul mood out on her, but not being able to stop himself. "Somehow I doubt you've had time to give me a second thought. You seem to be as popular tonight as the queen at Homecoming."
The bite of his words took her by surprise. She tilted her head and looked up at him quizically. "Is everything alright, Seth?"
He was trying his best to shake it. "Why wouldn't it be?" he countered.
"I don't know. You just seem...." She took a few seconds to search for the right word. "Off," she finished.
He chuckled. It was an interesting analysis of his mood. She had no idea just how accurate she was.
"So, you were looking for me," he said. "Well, you've found me." He let it hang in the air between them.
Karissa couldn't let go of the feeling that something was bothering him. "Yes, it seems that I have," she returned, her voice low and her eyes questioning. "Did you forget that you were supposed to save me a dance?"
"No, I haven't forgotten. Although, it appears that your dance card is already full."
She laughed, and the sound of it went straight to his loins. It was just the right combination of husky and sexy.
"It's never too full for you." She didn't mention that she couldn't have cared less about dancing with any of those other men; she just didn't want to decline and appear rude. "So, may I have this dance, Mr. MacKenna?" she asked, looking up at him with eyes as blue as sapphires. The pattern in them resembled shattered glass.
His lips turned up into a smile. "Here?" he asked.
She nodded.
"But there's no music. "
"We can make our own," she replied, smiling.
"I suppose we could." Hell, he'd play along.
Still smiling, she walked into his arms. He wrapped one arm around her small waist and took her hand in his as they began to move to the non-existent sound of the music.
They moved together in perfect rhythm, as if they were both in sync with the beat of a music all their own. Seth wrapped his arm more tightly around her and pulled her in closer to him. She rested her head comfortably against his broad shoulder.
She felt so good in his arms. He could smell the sweet scent of her hair, feel the slightly rapid beat of her heart as her body molded itself to his. Wrapped up in each other, the minutes seemed to pass unnoticed. The closeness of their bodies generated a comfortable heat that they lost themselves in completely.
The sudden, piercing shrill of a voice over the microphone announcing the return of the band for their next set, broke through to their consciousness. Instinctively, Karissa stepped back.
She didn't know if it was the champagne, or if it was the closeness to Seth and being folded up in his very strong, very masculine arms, but her head was starting to get a little fuzzy. It was a good fuzzy, Karissa decided.
"Do you remember the first time we danced together?" She watched him from beneath thick, dark lashes.
"How could I forget?" he asked, with a grimace.
"Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty," Karissa said, smiling up at him. "You hated having to dance in a ballet. You carried on about it for a week before you finally gave in and basically sucked it up
," she reminded him, playfully. "And the funny thing was, you weren't half bad."
"Yeah, well, it was a nightmare. No self-respecting guy should ever be forced to jump and twirl around on stage in tights."
An image of the evil Mrs. Samuels, their high school drama teacher, popped into his head. He shook his head in disgust.
She laughed, which caused him to smile. He loved the sound of it. It was all throaty and sexy.
"Was it emasculating for you? Aww...you poor baby," she teased. "Look on the bright side, at least you looked hot in those tights. I swear, I'd never heard such whistles and catcalls from an audience during a ballet performance in my life," she said, giggling.
He eyed her, speculatively. "So you thought I looked hot, huh?" His lips quirked at the corners. He thought it was adorable when she actually blushed. "You were a star that night, Rissa. You captivated the audience with the way you danced. You were beautiful, graceful. Perfect."
His compliment, and his description of her dance, took her by surprise. She didn't know why, but it felt good to hear him say it.
"Thanks," she said, tilting her head and smiling. Then she did something she would most likely regret later, but at that moment it seemed like a fine idea.
She lifted the front of her gown and stepped onto the ledge of the fountain, which brought her eye-level with Seth. She bent her knees and sprung up, spinning in the air as she executed a perfect pirouette. When she overstepped the ledge and began to lose her balance, Seth was there in a second to catch her before she fell. He caught her around the waist with both hands and held her tight. She slid down the length of his body, slowly, until her feet touched the ground.
The contact was electrifying. Seth felt it like a jolt of lightning, and released his hold on her as if he'd literally been zapped. He saw the look of surprise on her face, and thought it could have been due to the fact that she had nearly fallen and was startled. Or it could have been a reaction to the powerful surge of electricity that had sparked between them. Had she felt it, too? She would have to be dead not to have felt it, he thought.
Second Chance at Love (The MacKenna Born & Bred Trilogy) Page 20