by J. L. Drake
Cole is in his full dress military uniform. He stands strong and tall, hands at his sides. His dark eyes lock with mine, his mouth parts, and his gaze slides down my front, stopping at the leg-revealing slit. A devilish grin appears, and my feet move a little faster. Keith pats my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
My face hurts from smiling when we finally reach the altar. Keith shakes Cole’s hand, giving a little bow to me. I grab his hand and step up on my tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you,” I whisper, and he blinks a few times before he turns and takes his seat.
Cole holds my hand and latches his gaze onto mine. I barely hear the minister speak; I’m so fascinated with this amazing man. He turns my life right side up, and everything makes sense when he’s near. He’s my life, and now it’s going to be official.
Cole flinches, pulling me out of my thoughts. He gives a guilty grin, forcing the minister to repeat his commands. I can only imagine what he was thinking. Oh, right, the vows. Focus, Savannah.
Cole lets out a puff of air, outing the fact that he’s had a brandy. I wonder if he’s nervous too. I hear his words.
“I had this recurring dream, where I meet the love of my life, and we spend eternity together. Every day together, we would fall deeper and deeper in love. Problem is, as many times as I’ve dreamed of her, she never had a face.” He pauses to collect himself. “Until one night, when I opened a file and found her. I worked like hell to get you, and I’ll work like hell to keep you. I love you, and I always will, Savannah.”
Jake hands me a tissue, and I dry my cheeks. I shake my head and try to sort my thoughts. Then I find my voice.
“I always wanted to be Cinderella.” I smile shyly. “I wanted to blend in with the colors around me, not be noticed. I certainly never thought I needed a prince. I lost control of my life, I lost hope. Then one day a prince came and took me to his castle. I fell passionately in love. Not only did I become Cinderella, but my prince saved me not once, but three times.” I step closer and let my lips graze over his smooth jawbone. “I love you, Cole Logan, with all my heart…Fall, Cole, because I promise I’ll be there to catch you.”
He reaches out and pulls my head to him, smashing his lips to mine. Everyone breaks into laughter and cheers as he holds me tightly. He reaches deep down in my soul, and any damage left in my heart is finally mended.
“Mrs. Logan.” Cole’s extends a hand and leads me out onto the dance floor, spinning me once and waiting for the music to start. He asked to pick the song for our slow dance, so I’m very eager to hear the song he’s chosen. He tugs me closer when the first note is played. My eyes shoot up to his when I hear it. Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud. It’s perfect. We start moving, everyone blurs, and I almost forget we are not alone. He looks down and mouths a line from the chorus. I laugh thinking how unique our tale is. Maybe I should write my story. He slows the pace toward the end. His hold relaxes, and his chin rests on my head. Figures become bigger and smaller around us. No one matters but us right now.
“I hate your dress,” he whispers as I feel him smile into my hair.
“No, you don’t.”
His laughs, dipping me backward. “Yeah, I don’t. You’re stunning, Mrs. Logan.”
“Mrs. Logan,” I repeat. “I like the sound of that.”
His eyes light up, remembering the first time I said that.
Jake has me laughing as he dances around me to Stolen Dance by Milky Chance. Mark scoops me into his arms and twirls me around in circles. I laugh at his playful face.
“Where’s Melanie?” I shout over the music. He sighs and flinches.
“She has decided to head to Chicago for school.” Oh no. “So, we broke it off.”
“I’m sorry.”
He shrugs. “She’s a great person, but we got to the ‘question part’ of our relationship. Where do I live, why do I leave for days on end…you know the drill.” His eyes soften and show me his true emotion. “You and Cole are very lucky. Sometimes I think the only way I’ll find love is if I change my profession.” He smirks a little, pulling his mask back down. “And we all know that won’t happen.” He clears his throat. “Anyway, it’s for the best. I’ve had someone return to my life that I’m not ready for yet. So, until that gets cleared up, I need to stay focused.”
“Anything bad?” He nods but doesn’t go further, so I leave it be. I think for a moment; I want to choose my words carefully. “This may not count for much, but I know you’ll find someone. Maybe not in this town, but she’s out there waiting for you to find her.”
He leans down and kisses me on the cheek, but before he pulls back his gaze flicks over my shoulder. “Well, that’s interesting.” He turns me around, and my mouth drops open.
I gasp. “Who is that with Keith?”
“I’m not sure, but I would like to know if she has a sister,” Mark mutters, fixing his jacket. I roll my eyes at him then do a quick scan to find Cole.
My heart nearly bursts when I find him dancing with Olivia off to the side. She looks so tiny in his huge arms. He’s singing her the words to Love by Matt White. Her little fingers are over his mouth, and he kisses each one, beaming down at her with so much love. His head lifts, almost as though he can feel me watching. He grins and mouths, “Hi, baby.” I wave at them and put a hand on my chest, feeling incredibly complete.
I point over my shoulder to Keith. Cole shakes his head, just as surprised as I am.
“He’s free. Keith has secrets. I’ve seen one once before.” Mark shifts to move in front of me before I can ask what he meant. “Quick, if he’s going to spill to anyone, it’s you.” He pushes me in Keith’s direction. I laugh, wondering why Mark cares so much.
“Hey.” I tap Keith on the shoulder, and he turns and gives me a look. “Can I have a dance?”
“Mmm-hmm,” he murmurs quietly. I know he’s on to me. Keith’s hold is very tense. I can’t tell if he’s uncomfortable, or if he just doesn’t like to dance. “Spit it out, Savi.”
I fight my grin, but I really am bad at hiding my emotions. “Who’s the pretty woman?”
He drops his gaze to mine. “A date.”
“A date?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
“You never asked.”
“Okay.” I nod, thinking that’s fair. I haven’t, but Keith isn’t someone you talk to about feelings. “What’s her name?”
“Annie.”
“How did you meet?”
He sighs. “She runs the bakery on Mulberry Lane.”
I think for a moment. “Is it serious?”
He actually smiles. “No, Savannah, we’re just having fun.”
“Fun?” I sound like I disapprove, when I really simply find myself feeling protective. I don’t want anyone to hurt Keith.
“Yes.” He nods and takes a step back, pulling me along with him. “She’s just a friend.”
“Okay.”
His eyebrow raises as he peers down at me. “Okay?”
“Yes. As long as she’s good to you, then I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks.” He laughs, but I can see that comment hit him deep. He knows I love him.
Daniel interrupts, asking to cut in.
After an hour of dancing, I take a break. The moon is bright, illuminating the thin fabric of the canopy draped above us. Twinkle lights sparkle from the trees, and the lanterns from Cole’s proposal hang throughout the forest. The stars are out in the cloudless sky, scattered around the mountains. I step off the wooden dance floor Daniel made, removing my shoes and walking to the edge of the lawn. The grass is cool, and I shiver slightly. They have a spectacular view of the valley. Dipping my head back, I stare up and try to feel her. I recall all the things I love about her…her smile, the sound of her laugh, the way she loved to sing. “I’m happy,” I whisper, “really, really happy, Mom.” I take a deep breath and gather myself. Taking one last view, I turn on my heel to find him watching me a few feet away. Hi
s jaw flexes with a twitch of his lips.
“Come home with me?”
The house is surprisingly quiet. Cole takes my hand and leads me downstairs.
“Where are we going?”
He takes our joined hands and gives my diamond wedding band a kiss. “I want to give you my gift.” He walks to the last room on the left. I’ve been in these offices before. He turns to look at me. “This is your room. No one will bother you. It’s so you’ll never forget.” He opens the door and steps out of the way. I grab the doorframe to stabilize myself as I take in the room. “I picked the colors, but June did the rest. If you don’t—”
“No,” I huff, feeling my voice run off. “It’s perfect.” I cup my mouth as I step forward. The red soundproof room is huge, with a wall full of books, a seating area filled with gold pillows, and a fireplace. Gracing the center is a beautiful black grand piano.
He pushes off the wall and strolls up to me with a swagger. “I told you I’d give you the world if you came back to me.” I want to ask what he means by that, but his hand reaches around my neck while the other slides down my leg, stopping at the garter. “What do we have here?” He drops to his knees to get a better look. He begins to slide his finger under it, but I move his hand to the side.
“Ah-ah, baby, with your teeth.”
His eyes turn dark as night. “God, I love you.”
My name is Savannah Miller,
and this is my happily ever after.
The End
Acknowledgments
A huge thank you to Corporal George Myatte and Officer Darcy Wood.
For the rewrite of this book, I want to give a special thanks to the following:
Kim Kelchner
Vanessa Webb
Shauna Casey
Jill Chamness
Steve Chamness
Elizabeth Clark
Shannan Sanders
Katherine Losavio
Melissa Cooke
Tammy Abercromby
Elissa Nelson
Rhiannon Lambert
Donna Latham
and so many others…
Something Special…
Since this book was released back in 2015, I thought I would create this little treat for my beloved readers since so many have asked. These following dishes were some of my favorites growing up. That’s why they made it into this trilogy! I didn’t create these recipes, but I have tweaked them to my liking over the years. I hope you enjoy!
Shadows Recipes
Apple Crisp
Pre-heat oven to 350˚F
2/3 Cup of Flour
3/4 Cup of Oats
1/2 Cup of Brown Sugar
1/4 Cup of Margarine
Use your hands to stir dry ingredients with the butter. Don’t melt the butter. Mark doesn’t like how the cookies come out flat.
In a casserole dish, layer these ingredients:
5 Sliced Apples
1/2 Cup of White Sugar
2 Tablespoons of Water
2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
Cole likes a sprinkle of nutmeg, but that’s optional.
Bake for 30-40 minutes. Best served with vanilla ice cream.
Hunter Chicken
Pre-heat oven to 350˚F
2 Chicken Breasts
1 Can of Spaghetti Sauce
1 Teaspoon of Italian Seasoning
Place chicken breasts in a casserole dish, pour spaghetti sauce over top and sprinkle Italian seasoning on top. Bake for 40 minutes. Serve with your favorite vegetable. Keith loves asparagus with baby potatoes!
Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Pre-heat oven to 350˚F
2 Chicken Breasts
1 Roasted Red Pepper
1/2 Sliced Green Onion
1/2 Cup Feta Cheese
1 Tablespoon Basil
Pinch of Salt and Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon of Lemon Juice
Butterfly the chicken breasts, sprinkled the basil and salt and pepper over the inside.
Cut red pepper and clean out the seeds, then bake upside down on a greased cookie sheet until black spots appear. Remove and place into a brown paper bag. After five to ten minutes, remove the skin of the pepper and chop it into small squares.
In a bowl, add the pepper, chopped green onion, feta cheese, and a dash more basil, and mix well into almost a paste.
Fill each breast with mixture. Fold chicken breasts back over, using a little bit of water on your finger to help seal the chicken together. Again, sprinkle a little basil over top with a splash of lemon juice. Place on a greased baking sheet.
Bake for 40-45 minutes.
Mark’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pre-heat oven to 350˚F
1 Cup of Margarine warmed to room temperature. (I can feel Mark’s glare, so please don’t use the microwave to heat the butter)
1 Cup of White Sugar
1 Cup of Brown Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
Cream together above ingredients, starting with margarine and sugars, then add eggs, then vanilla.
Sift Together:
2 1/2 Cups of Oats (put through a blender first to break them down – Keith is adamant on this.)
2 Cups of White Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
Mix up the dry ingredients and then blend in with the wet, (it’s pretty thick), then stir in two bags of chocolate chips. (You can use M&M’s or nuts instead, but Mark seems to frown upon this idea, so we stay clear of this.)
Drop teaspoon-sized balls of dough on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 8 minutes or until slightly brown.
Keith’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pre-heat oven to 350˚F
1 Cup Unsalted Butter
1 1/2 Cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Cup Brown Sugar, packed
1/2 Cup White Sugar
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Tablespoons Water
1 1/2 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 Cup Chopped Pecans (optional)
1 Cup Sweetened, Shredded Coconut (optional) – John’s favorite!
3 Cups Rolled Oats (quick oats are okay, but not steel cut or instant)
In a medium pot, melt butter until brown, whisk so it melts evenly. Once brown bits start to form, pour into a glass or metal bowl or jar.
Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Make the dough: Place the browned butter (along with the browned bits) in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the brown and white sugar. Beat on medium-high until smooth, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat for 3 more minutes on medium speed until smooth and light.
Stir in flour mixture and some water: Using a wooden spoon, stir the flour mixture into the batter.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of water (note that if you are using jumbo eggs, and not large eggs as the recipe calls for, you will probably not need this much extra liquid.)
Stir in chocolate chips and oats: Stir in the chocolate chips, and the pecans and shredded coconut (if using). Stir in the rolled oats.
Up to this point, you can make the dough up to a day and a half ahead and store in the refrigerator.
Spoon cookie dough onto lined cookie sheets: Spoon out heaping tablespoons of cookie dough and lay them on lined cookie sheets. Make sure you have about 2” of space between each cookie, as they will flatten a little and spread on the cookie sheet as they bake.
Bake for 10 minutes or until they turn brown around the edges. They will firm up as they cool.
Keith would like me to add that you can indeed bake these cookies for 12-14 minutes but they will not be as “gooey” as he likes.
About the Author
J. L. Drake was born and raised in No
va Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she now lives with her husband and two children.
When she is not writing, she loves to spend time with her family, traveling or just enjoying a night at home. One thing you might notice in her books is her love of the four seasons. Growing up on the east coast of Canada, the change in the seasons is in her blood and is often mentioned in her writing.
An avid reader of James Patterson, J.L. Drake has frequently found herself inspired by his many stories of mystery and intrigue. She hopes you will enjoy her books as much as she has enjoyed writing them.
Social Media Links
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Novels by the Author
Broken (Book One, Broken Trilogy)
Shattered (Book Two, Broken Trilogy)
Mended (Book Three, Broken Trilogy)
Honor (Book 1, Blackstone Series)
Escape (Book 2, Blackstone Series)