Heart on Fire

by Brandy L Rivers

  Kyle stood off to the side with Gavin and Cadence while they watched their girls play. Mila sat on a park bench trying to decide what to tell her mother when her phone rang. She groaned, because she didn’t recognize the number. There was only one person it could be.

  “Yes?” was all she offered by way of greeting, when she wanted to yell at him to go to hell.

  Paul’s voice was fueled with rage. “Congratulations, you’re a slut.”

  Mila managed a calm tone. “Whatever I am, I’m happy I never have to deal with you again. You have no tie to me or my daughter. My lawyer put in a no contact order which is already approved. So don’t call again.”

  She hung up and decided on calling her mother before she talked herself out of it.

  Kyle joined her as the phone rang. He was obviously concerned, but didn’t say anything.

  It only rang twice, “Mila, I’m so glad you called. How did the results come out? Were you right?” her mother asked, sounding awfully upset.

  She tried to keep the bitterness out of her voice, but failed. “Of course I was right. I told you she couldn’t be Paul’s, but I’m mainly calling to tell you my amazing news. At least for me. I’m sure you’ll find some fault, but it’s not your decision to make.”

  “You won’t disappoint me. You never have.”

  If only that were true. “I found Cherish’s father, like I told you, and we’re together. It’s serious, we love each other.”

  “Mila, if I could go back, I would never have told Paul about Cherish. I was desperate to have you home.”

  “Mom, I am at home now. Your place hasn’t been home in a long time.”

  “It could have been,” she argued weakly.

  “No. I needed you to stop interfering with my life. I didn’t need to have a man pushed at me every time I turned around.”

  There was a note of confusion in her voice. “But you love a man now?”

  Mila rubbed her temples. “That’s not the point. Kyle and I developed naturally. It wasn’t forced or coerced. It’s real, and yes, I’m in love.” She closed her eyes to hold back the tears. “Can you be happy for me?”

  She heard her mother sniffle. “Yes, of course. I just want you well cared for.”

  “I am, Mama. Very.”

  “Can I meet him?”

  “Mason’s coming out in a few weeks. Maybe you can come around that time?”

  “Sounds good. I miss my babies.”

  Mila couldn’t repress the laugh. “Mom, we haven’t been babies in ages.”

  “You’ll always be my baby, Mila. I’m sorry I caused such a mess. I didn’t realize my mistake until it was too late.” Her mother sniffled.

  “I appreciate the intent, but Mom, my path might not have been the one you would choose, but that doesn’t matter because I wound up where I need to be. I have a great life, wonderful friends, and now an incredible man. Sure, I did a few things out of order, but I couldn’t ask for better, so please, accept my decisions.”

  “Okay, I won’t doubt you anymore, you always do so well for yourself. I shouldn’t have called Paul. I didn’t realize he was still married, and he let me think he wasn’t. That he might want you back.”

  “Yeah, well that’s cleared up. Here’s the thing though, Paul and I were never going to work out. We wanted completely different things. I didn’t love him, and we always fought. So this is better. A million times better. Trust me on that, please.”

  “I do, I love you, honey.”

  “Love you too. Call me when you figure out your travel plans. I can’t wait for you to meet Kyle.”

  “Bye, baby.” Her mom hung up and she leaned into Kyle’s embrace.

  “You okay?” he asked sincerely.

  “Yeah, uh, you’re okay with meeting my mother too, right?”

  “Of course. My dad can’t stop asking about you. He’s excited to meet you both.”

  She fought back tears, determined not to fall apart at how sweet he was, not here, not in public. “I can’t wait.” He filled her full of love. “How about staying the night with us? And if you want, we can talk about the future after she goes to sleep.”

  “You’ve got yourself a deal, little devil.” He kissed her neck, squeezing her tight. “You’ve filled in all the empty spaces in my life, Mila.”

  “You do the same for me,” she whispered back.

  Gavin and Cadence came to sit down with them.

  Cadence grinned. “You two are perfect together. We’re thrilled for you both.”

  “Yeah, Kyle always wondered what happened to his little devil. I’m glad he finally found you again.”

  “How do you think we should tell people? I mean, I don’t want to keep it a secret, but Mila is worried about her reputation and her job.”

  “Please, it’s not that scandalous. The fact that she didn’t know who the father was might have raised questions when she took the job, but it didn’t. I say you tell people next week at the barbeque. Joe is throwing it this time. He wanted to make certain you were invited.” Gavin nudged Mila. “I told him Kyle would make sure you came.”

  “All right.” She no longer felt like an outsider.

  Chapter 28

  “Time for bed, princess,” Kyle instructed Cherish. “I already told your mother I would read you a bedtime story, but do you want her up here too?” Cherish grinned over his shoulder, and he looked. Mila was standing in the doorway, with a big smile.

  “I want both of you,” Cherish bubbled.

  “All right then.” He scooped Ash off the floor and settled the kitten next to his daughter with a grin. “Which story do you want?”

  She pointed to the book on her table and he read the first story. Cherish fell asleep before he was halfway done. He kissed her forehead, gave Ash a brief pat on the head, and followed Mila into her room.

  Mila turned to face him with an expression full of love. She took his hands. “I know your house is full of work you did with your own hands. I hate not having you here, but are you sure you want us there all the time?”

  “I am.” He pulled her into his arms. “I want you with me always, and you can’t be when you’re at school, or when I’m at work, but the rest of the time, I want to be with you. Here, there, anywhere. Though, I do have more room in my house. Enough for you to have an office, Cherish to have her own room, our bedroom, and a guest room.”

  “Okay, we’ll talk to Cherish about it in the morning. She’ll want to paint her room pink.” Mila sighed, her nose wrinkling.

  “Yes, well, red is more your color,” he teased, loving the way she blushed. “Though I bet you look tempting in pink too, but it suits Cherish better.”

  She nodded with a crooked grin. “Come Halloween, are you going to be the Phantom again?”

  “Do you still have your devil costume?”

  She nodded. “In a box in the attic. I won’t swear it still fits though.”

  He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her tight. “It’ll fit. You feel exactly the same.” He leaned back and grinned. “We have our costumes covered. Maybe you’ll marry me Halloween night?”

  “What?” she whispered, breathless.

  He pulled out a small black velvet box. “If it’s too fast, I’ll understand, but I’ve been thinking about how to ask since before I found out about Cherish. I was toying with the idea, knowing I would have to wait, but then everything fell into place.”

  “Oh, Kyle.” She smiled. “Really?”

  He nodded.

  “Yes.”

  Grinning he opened the box, and she looked down.

  Her mouth fell open. “Kyle, it’s gorgeous.”

  Taking her hand, he slid the platinum ring with a princess cut diamond on her finger. “This was why I didn’t call. I wanted to find the perfect ring, and surprise you.”

  “You have, Kyle. I love you.”

  He kissed her softly, and caressed her face. “We can announce it at the barbeque. Have a small wedding on Halloween, and then the receptio
n can be a costume party.”

  “Oh god, you are too perfect, yes. Okay, yes.”

  He kissed her, loving the way she melded into him, even as he pulled her clothes off, and she managed to get rid of his. “I love you, Mila Day.”

  “I love you, too, Kyle.” She pushed him onto the bed and climbed into his lap.

  “Make love to me.”

  She took him, slow and steady. He splayed his hand across her ass with one hand, fisted her hair with the other, much like they did that first night together. It was so right, and he never wanted to let her go. She made his dreams come true.

  Epilogue

  Halloween day

  “Mommy, you’re so beautiful.” Cherish beamed up at her. “Like a fairytale princess.”

  “Hold still, Mila.” Barb giggled. “I almost have the veil in place.”

  Mila couldn’t stop smiling. “Thank you, Cherish, but you’re the princess. Look at you in your dress. It’s so pretty.”

  “I wish it were pink.” She pouted.

  Mila laughed. “Yes, well, it’s a wedding and you’re the flower girl. You have pink roses in your bouquet. That will have to be enough.”

  “All right.” She batted her lashes, twirling a dark curl around her finger. “At least I get to wear pink for the party.”

  “Yes, you do.” Mila took her daughter’s hand.

  Mom walked in, and picked Cherish up. “Are you excited?”

  “Yes, I can’t wait to sprinkle the petals,” she answered.

  Mila was going to get weepy, everything was so far beyond her best fantasies.

  Her mother smiled at her. “I’m so pleased for you. Everything worked out.”

  “It did. My own fairytale come true.”

  “And Kyle is a wonderful man. I like his family. I’ll miss you being close, but I understand.”

  “It was time for me to move on, and I’m glad I did. I wouldn’t have found him if I hadn’t.”

  Barb cleared her throat. “You’re ready. We better hurry, so we don’t keep everyone waiting.”

  * * * *

  “You ready, Kyle?” his father asked before he went to stand at the altar.

  “Never been more ready for anything in my life. I love her, Dad, so much, and Cherish.”

  “I know, son, I’m happy for you. She is a wonderful woman, though I still find it amusing you fell for the devil when she is such an angel.”

  “My angel.”

  “And that little girl of yours has stolen my heart. I may have to move back to spoil my granddaughter rotten.”

  “You should. We went off birth control. We want another baby.” Kyle couldn’t contain his grin.

  Gavin signaled it was time. Kyle was so excited he could hardly breathe. He had the woman of his dreams, an amazing daughter, and he felt whole.

  His mother-in-law turned out to be a sweetheart. Misguided, perhaps, but now that Mila was happy, she was too.

  She spent the whole trip from the airport apologizing for calling Paul. Kyle could do nothing but forgive her.

  The bridal party consisted of Barb as her maid of honor, and Gavin as his best man. They were keeping it simple. Cherish was acting as flower girl and ring bearer. Gavin and Barb walked in first. Then Cherish. And finally Mila and her mother came down the aisle.

  He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the woman who held his heart. Her smile was radiant, dark curls spilled around her, and her big, pale blue eyes were bright and shiny. Simply breathtaking.

  Never had he seen a more beautiful sight as she walked down the aisle. He was entranced. Once she took his hands, the ceremony commenced. His father was ordained and the one heading it. The service passed so quickly, he hardly noticed because he was so full of love. Mila and her smile brightened his entire life. Cherish never stopped beaming at them.

  “You may now kiss the bride,” his father said, and he did, slow and sweet, until he had to pull away or risk embarrassing her.

  “I love you, Mila Blake,” he told her and then scooped Cherish up. “I love you, Cherish Blake.”

  “I love you too, Daddy.” She hugged him back.

  * * * *

  They were up in their room, changing. “You sure this isn’t too risqué for a wedding reception?” Mila asked as she came out of the closet, feeling slightly self-conscious in the little red outfit.

  It still fit like a glove.

  “You look great, and you are covered. And you do make one sexy devil.” He pulled her against him, and she grinned.

  “I always loved The Phantom of the Opera. In fact, it was the first musical I took Cherish to.”

  “Those better be happy tears.” He wiped them away with a smile. “Because you have me forever, now and always.”

  “They are, and you look so damned sexy in that costume. Let’s go though, before they wonder where we went. We have the whole weekend to ourselves.”

  “I’m going to miss Cherish.”

  “Me too, but she’ll have fun with Aunt Dee and Mom, and we’ll have our own entertainment.”

  “We can work on making her a brother or sister,” Kyle teased.

  “Mmm, perfect plan. I can’t wait.”

  About Brandy L Rivers

  Brandy L Rivers is the author of the Others of Edenton and Others of Seattle paranormal romance series. There are more Others of Edenton and Others of Seattle books in the works.

  As an avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. She has a file full of manuscripts she plans to edit and put out there eventually.

  She lives in Western Washington with her husband and three kids, where she is already working on future stories in each of the series and several other projects.

  If you are interested in receiving emails about future book releases, please sign up for her email distribution list by visiting her site at:

  http://www.brandylrivers.com

  You can also find her on Facebook at:

  https://www.facebook.com/brandylrivers

  And at Twitter: https://twitter.com/brandylrivers

  Also by Brandy L Rivers

  Others of Edenton

  New Beginnings

  In Too Deep

  Shadows Fall

  Shadows of the Past

  Falling Into Place

  Fated Love

  Breaking Free

  Others of Seattle

  Nights Embrace

  Storm Mistress

  Coming Soon

  Others of Edenton

  Mending Scars

  Winter 2014

  Others of Seattle

  Accepting Fate

  Spring 2015

  To keep up with upcoming releases and news visit me at

  www.brandylrivers.com

  www.facebook.com/brandylrivers

  www.twitter.com/brandylrivers

  Acknowledgments

  Mom, you’re a rock star, and I love you.

  Kristin Mayer, you know I love my favorite Slater stalker. You’ve always been one of the best beta readers.

  Rebecca Brooke, you are amazing, and I appreciate all your suggestions. You helped make this book so much better.

  Felicia Tatum, thank you for convincing me to publish a contemporary. I had the story, but you talked me into putting it out there.

  To my Dauntless Indies ladies, you rock. Sarah, we’ve already hung out, but we’ll have a blast. Felicia, Shawn, Michelle, and Michele, I can’t wait to meet you face-to-face.

  Shirley Williamson, thank you a million times over for beta reading, giving me something to think about, and for encouraging me to do a contemporary romance in the midst of my paranormal.

  To my extra beta readers, thank you again, Melinda, Diane, Wendy, and Jenni.

  To my street team, Rivers Others, you all are incredible, I can’t thank you enough.

  Tara Shaner, you rock. I think I may have told you that a time or two, but there it is again. Even when we butt heads and it seems I’m being a P.I.T.A, I’
m taking in everything you’ve said, possibly asking more questions, and then figuring out a way to improve the story even more, thanks to your brilliance.

  And to my readers, I love you all. I am overwhelmed by your support. You are the best readers.

  Preview: Healed

  By Rebecca Brooke

  Book 3 in the Forgiven series

  Emily Halliday and Andrew Bentley spent the last few years doing what every couple does. Meet, date, fall in love, and finally getting engaged. Life seemed pretty perfect. So what happens when the unthinkable unfolds testing their relationship and everything they built together?

  The fighter that she is, Emily does everything in her power to save what they once shared, but will it be enough? Can Andrew overcome his fear to love Emily the way he always has?

  Can love heal everything?

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  Prologue

  Andrew

  The first time I asked Emily out, over a year ago, I did it simply because of her looks. Almost every guy on the team was trying to get her to go out with them. Damn, were they pissed when I finally got a “yes” to take her out on a date. That night was a wake-up call for me. I wasn’t the manwhore like other guys on campus were, but that didn’t mean I was looking to fall in love either. For me, was college a time to hang out with my frat brothers and my teammates. A time to drink and party, and not worry about girls. Not that I was immune, there were just so many other things I wanted to get out of college, and screwing a different girl every night wasn’t one of them.

  Then I had that date with Emily and there was something so different about her. She wasn’t shy or overly girly, and she had no problem telling it how it was. It was a date unlike any other, and I knew I had to see more of her.

  At first it wasn’t about love. We had fun together and that’s what I’d come to college for. But over time that connection developed into something else entirely. It took me a while to figure it out . . . and even longer to tell her. For a while there things got a little rough. I was so freaked out by my feelings for her that I acted like an ass a lot of the time. Eventually, a friend of mine, Josh, set me straight and I decided to tell Emily how I felt. Turned out, she loved me as much as I loved her. It was time to take our relationship to the next level. Everything about her called to me and I wanted to make her mine.