More Than a Memory

by Marie James

  Bryson releases my hand and stands from his chair. I push mine back, thankful he’s finally going to make our excuses so we can leave.

  “One more,” he says loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “One more what?” I turn my head to him, watching in shock as he drops down beside me in clear view of everyone I love.

  “Just one more question.” He grips my hand, looking up at me as he kneels on the floor.

  A tear rolls down my cheek and his fingers twitch in mine, itching to wipe it way like he’s done countless times in the years we’ve been together.

  “Unless you’re tired of questions?” he asks as a playful smirk turns the corners of his mouth up.

  My breathing comes in fast, panting breaths loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. My brain fills with so many chaotic thoughts, I can’t single any one bit of logic out.

  “I love you,” he begins. “I’m absolutely certain I was put on this earth to love you and only you. You’re the part of my heart I didn’t know I was missing. Make me whole, beautiful. Marry me?”

  Tears of turmoil roll down my face. I know I’m his only love, but I can’t regret what I had, even if for a short while, with Duncan.

  I turn my eyes from him, seeing the exact moment the anxiety hits him because I didn’t answer immediately. My eyes fall on Mr. and Mrs. Kelly across the table. A wide smile marks his face, but she has her hands clasped to her mouth, tears also rolling down her cheeks, escaping from her closed eyes. When they open, love and a keen peacefulness stare back at me. A slight nod of her head assures me they are not only okay with this, but just as happy as I am.

  I turn back to Bryson, ready to jump in his arms and accept his proposal when my eyes land on the familiar band of diamonds, now part of a gorgeous ring topped with a magnificent round cut diamond.

  My eyes dart up to his and back down to the ring.

  “He’ll always be a part of you,” he whispers, only loud enough for me to hear. “That means he’s a part of us.”

  I nod my head, meeting his eyes and holding them with mine.

  “I’m dying here, beautiful.”

  “I love you.” Not exactly what he wants to hear, but I feel the need to express it.

  “I love you, too. Do I need to repeat the question?” The same glint of mischievous seduction he had every time he asked me that when we were studying for finals sparkles in his eyes. Stalling while studying meant I knew the answer. Toying with him gave me time to wonder about the reward I was going to get when I answered right. The gleam in his eyes betrays his understanding of the situation.

  He licks his lips, and the rest of the room just fades away. I no longer hear the joyful sobs of my mother, or Emerson gasping. Their loving energy and approval still floats all around us, but Bryson and I are alone in this moment.

  “What’s my prize?” My mouth turns up in a coy smile. The expression on Bryson’s face tells me he’s having the same visceral reaction he’d have alone in our apartment.

  “Me,” he answers. “For eternity. I’m here, beautiful.”

  “You’re here,” I agree. Breathlessly, I ask him, “Can you repeat the question?”

  “Marry me,” he says, only it’s a demand, easier to say the second time around now that he’s sure of my answer.

  “Yes,” I whisper.

  His hands tremble in mine, and I wait for him to drop the small box he’s been holding out this whole time.

  “Final answer?”

  “Only answer,” I assure him.

  A loud whoop echoes around the room. I know it came from my dad, but I don’t turn my eyes away from Bryson as he works the ring from the box. He slips it on my finger as the room fills with cheers and congratulations.

  Wrapping me in a hug, he nearly squeezes the breath out of me.

  Warm air skates over my ear as he says, “I’m going to spank your ass when we get home for making me wait.”

  “Mmmm,” I hum. “My favorite kind of prize.”

  THE END

  Acknowledgments

  Here we are once again. More than a Memory is my 12th book!!! 12 times I’ve written this part and still I cry each time! I’m surrounded by some of the most perfect people. People who are supportive, caring, and not afraid to speak their mind when I jack things up!!

  In no particular order!!!

  Monica Black… you my new friend are absolutely amazing!! MTAM wouldn’t have even come close to where it is now without your keen eye and suggestions! I will recommend you as editor to any and ALL authors who are looking!!

  Brittney Crabtree you are my rock and foundation! I can honestly say I’ve found a best friend in you and wouldn’t change that for anything. We could obvs live closer, but even the states between us don’t keep us apart!!

  Laura Watson! You chick rock your ass off!! You have helped me so much over the last couple of months, I would be completely lost without you! Thanks for taking time out of your day to pimp, analyze, and help any way I needed. Without that support I never would’ve finished this book on time!!

  My BETAS... you women are amazing!! Brit, Sadie, Laura, Tammy, Shannon, Diane, and Brenda have been my support for a very long time now!! I appreciate each and every suggestion, edit, and foul word you send my way! I hope to have you ladies for many more books to come!!

  Give Me Books: You gals rock it each and every time!! Thank you for letting me reschedule my cover reveal when I got wrapped up in The Tudors and completely forgot about it!! Can’t wait to work with you on the next one!!

  JA: what can I even say? You’re my rock, my soul mate, and the man I’m grateful I get to wake up to each and every day! My heart is yours for eternity! You are my Bryson Daniels, Kadin Cole, and any and all other fabulous men I’ll write about in the future. I couldn’t write such a wonderful hero if I didn’t have one at home.

  Readers! You lady devils are amazing! Thank you so much for picking up my books and spending time with my characters! Because of you I can keep writing and get my visions out!

  If you enjoyed this book… leave a review, loan it to a friend, or tell people about it on social media!! Thanks everyone!! Hope to see you around for the next one!!

  ~Marie James

  About the Author

  Marie James: I’m a full-time, working mother of two boys and wife of 12 years. I've spent almost my entire lifetime living in central Texas, with only short stays in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. I've always wanted to write novels and just recently had the gumption to sit down and start one. My passions include reading everything under the sun and plotting out new books to write in the future.

  For more information…

  @AuthrMarieJame

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