by Anne, Melody
Though Joseph loved all his family, there was a special bond between him and his oldest grandchild. From the moment he’d held her, she had owned him. When she smiled sweetly at her grandpa, the love in his eyes was clear to see.
“That’s not so bad,” Jasmine said before she looked at Lance. “Why are you so worried about that?”
Only an innocent child — even a teenager — wouldn’t understand how much Joseph was putting Lance on the spot. But, of course he couldn’t be upset with his niece.
“Your grandpa is meddling,” Lance said with a smile to Jasmine.
“He says he doesn’t meddle,” Jasmine told Lance. “He says he just has to step up and help his stubborn family out.”
“Well if that isn’t a direct quote from the desk of the one and only Joseph Anderson, I don’t know what is,” Mark said with a laugh.
“My granddaughter understands me, that’s all,” Joseph assured the group. “And she appreciates her dear old grandfather.”
“We all understand you, Joseph,” Brielle said before she looked at her husband and winked.
“You know I don’t have much time left on this earth,” Joseph said, making his voice surprisingly quiet. The room suddenly hushed to where a pin could have been heard dropping.
“Is there something you aren’t telling us?” Crew asked in shock. Though Lance and his siblings hadn’t found their extended family until they were adults, they deeply loved Joseph and Katherine and their uncle George and Esther. They were as much family as Richard was.
“I’m old,” Joseph said. “And I don’t like wasting time.” He punctuated this as he hit his palm against the table.
There were relieved sighs and then a few eye rolls. Joseph loved to pull out the age card when he was trying to get his way, but the man was healthy and would probably outlive them all. Why did they fall for his sick routine every single time? Probably because they feared that one of these times he’d be telling the truth. The thought of him no longer being around wasn’t something easily swallowed. Joseph was larger than life, and he was the one to bring the family together.
“I should be upset with you, Uncle Joseph, because I had plans for a romantic night beneath the Christmas tree with only its light shining around us. I had plans to open a bottle of champagne and reminisce about good times together. I have played many scenarios in my head. But not once did this one come to mind,” Lance said before he sent an apologetic glance to Lexie, who seemed confused.
Much to Lance’s surprise, his palms were sweaty as he reached into his coat pocket and clutched the ring box that rested there before releasing it. He was going to do it, right then and there. He just wasn’t sure he was going to get the words out that needed to be said.
“What in the world are you going off about?” Joseph grumbled.
But everyone went quiet when Lance stood up and turned Lexie’s chair away from the table before he dropped down on one knee and reached for her hand. His eyes were for her only, unable to even think about his family members who were sitting around them and for once in their lives not saying a word.
“I have been planning the perfect moment to tell you how much you mean to me, to tell you that the thought of living without you creates a crater-sized hole in my chest. From the very first moment I stumbled upon you, and you gave me that sassy look that said you wouldn’t give me the time of day, I’ve been chasing you. At first it was because you took my breath away, you were so gorgeous. But now I’ve gotten to know you. You’re generous and kind, and you give the gift of your smile to every person you pass. You’re afraid of marriage because you grew up with the worst possible example, but I’m here to tell you that you have no reason to be scared. Your heart is open and full of love, and I just pray that you will allow me inside, allow me to be the lucky man to win you. I love you, Lexie Mills; I love you with all my heart, and I don’t want only one Christmas with you, or one trip. I want forever and that still won’t be long enough.”
Her eyes were wide as she gazed at him, and they gleamed with tears before spilling over and sliding down her cheeks. His own hand shook as he reached into his jacket and pulled out the velvet box that had been scorching him for days. Opening the box, he held it out to her, but her eyes never left his.
The two of them were caught in each other’s gazes as they had a conversation for several moments without a single word being spoken. Someone passed Lexie a napkin, and she pressed it to her face, still without breaking eye contact.
“I didn’t want to admit to myself how much I’ve fallen in love with you. I thought if I accepted this dream as a reality, I would somehow get lost and never be able to find my way back home,” she said before she had to stop and take a few deep breaths. “But you make me so happy when I allow myself to let down the wall I’ve built around my heart. The thought of leaving in two days and never being with you again has been tearing me apart. I love you, too, Lance. I love you so much it scares me. It frightens me, the power you have over me,” she told him.
He stood and pulled her into his arms, the ring forgotten for a moment. “I promise you, Lexie, that I will never take advantage of you or hurt you. I will mess up sometimes, and I will yell when I shouldn’t, and then I will crawl on my hands and knees back to you and beg for forgiveness. I will get tired once in a while and forget to take out the garbage or forget a holiday. But I will never forget you, and I will never forget how I feel right here, right now. I will never give you a reason not to trust me,” he said. He leaned back so he could look into her eyes. “I will be yours forever, and I will never abuse the honor of you accepting me.”
Lexie shook in his arms as she gazed at him. And then her lips turned up in a watery smile as he saw the surety of how she felt about him.
“Then my answer is yes, Lance. Yes, a thousand times. I want to be your wife.”
Lance’s heart swelled to the point that he didn’t know how it still fit in his chest. He had never in his life experienced such joy as hearing those words.
He grabbed the ring box and took her delicate hand in his before slipping on the ring. Yes, he would admit, the diamond was a bit big for her small hand, but he wanted the world to know she was taken, and people from rooftops could look down and see the sparkle on her hand, so he’d accomplished that.
His family cheered as they jumped up to congratulate them. Lance was ripped away from Lexie as the women hugged her and admired her ring. He was okay with that because he’d soon have her to himself, and now he knew he never had to be without her again. He could share her for a few minutes.
“Here you go, boy,” Joseph said as he stepped up beside Lance and handed him an expensive cigar. “These only come out when you do something exactly right.”
“I was getting there,” Lance said.
“Sometimes we all need a little prodding,” Joseph told him.
“Whatever are you going to do now, Joseph?” Lance asked with a gleam in his eyes.
“What do you mean?” Joseph asked, not liking the look when it was turned on him.
“Your last nephew has popped the question,” Lance pointed out.
Joseph’s eyes looked panicked for a minute, but he turned and looked at his teenager grandkids who were sitting back, thinking the adults were out of their minds.
“I don’t have too long before they grow up,” Joseph said with a sly grin.
Lance laughed and hoped Lucas hadn’t just seen that look Joseph had sent his oldest daughter’s way. If so, the old man might be in serious trouble.
Unable to stay away from his future bride any longer, Lance cut through the crowd and quickly wrapped his arms behind her legs and back and scooped her up. She laughed as she looked at him in surprised delight.
“What are you doing?” she asked as his family backed up.
“It’s time we shake on our promise to each other,” he said with evil delight.
/> “Oooh, I agree,” she said.
Lance’s body heated quickly, and he didn’t bother saying goodnight to his family. It was time for him to be alone with his fiancée.
Epilogue
Joseph looked across the living room, his heart swelling with so much love he wasn’t sure how any man deserved all he had. The room was loud, and happy laughter could be heard from every corner as gifts were ripped open and children squealed in delight.
Yes, the presents were great, and yes, he enjoyed giving gifts, but the greatest gift of all was that they had each other, and, at night when they closed their eyes, there was someone beside each one of them who loved them unconditionally. That was what it was all about. That was why this holiday was so special to him.
It was unbelievable to think back almost twenty years earlier, to when he and George hadn’t seen each other much, and he hadn’t yet learned of his brother Richard’s existence. So much had changed since then.
He’d gained three daughters-in-law, who he loved as much as his boys, and so many grandchildren. And now he had nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and his life was complete. Of course he had Katherine at his side, right where she would always be. He could lose every dime he’d ever earned, and he’d still be a rich man.
George was sitting beside Esther and had found not only one great love, but two. They still acted like children when they gazed in each other’s eyes, and Joseph couldn’t be happier for his brother. He looked over to Richard and felt a pinch of sadness that he hadn’t found someone to live the rest of his days with. But there was plenty of time left, and Joseph had a feeling Richard wouldn’t be without a bride at his side forever.
Lucas and Amy had been together for seventeen years. Time passed too quickly. They both looked so young still, much too young to be parents to a seventeen-year-old child. Jasmine would soon go to college, and then his son would feel that pinch as his home began to empty.
But Jasmine was the first of the next generation, and she and her cousins would bring so much joy to the family as they became adults and discovered the paths they wanted to take in life. Joseph looked forward to every stepping stone they’d travel.
Alex and Jessica had been through a lot, but their love had continued to grow, and Jessica and her sisters-in-law had a bond that couldn’t be broken. Joseph felt blessed that all of his children lived close to home where he was able to be with them often.
Jacob wasn’t far behind Jasmine in age, and he was a fine young man. He would make a great husband when the time came. Joseph could hardly wait to get his hands on the next generation. He knew his brothers were chomping at the bit as well.
Mark and Emily were the quietest of his children. They loved their life on the ranch and had open arms any time Joseph and Katherine came to stay with them. Out of all his kids, Mark was the most like Joseph’s grandfather, and it always gave Joseph a pang to see similarities between his boy and the old man. It made him miss those easy days way back when.
Trenton was his oldest nephew, and he and his wife, Jennifer, were a true blessing to Joseph and Katherine. They were more than just family. They were friends, and there wasn’t anything the two of them wouldn’t do for the people they loved. Trenton had grown so much after meeting his bride, and had become the man his father had always known he would be. Joseph loved how Trenton would sneak kisses with his wife at every opportunity. The two of them often snuck off to be alone. That hadn’t changed in the many years since they’d said their vows.
Max had fought getting married, but from the moment Cassandra had stepped into his life, the man had been a goner. She was his perfect equal, and the two of them still shared exciting adventures every chance they got.
His poor niece Bree had been the only female in the family for a long time. She’d been happy when her cousins and brothers had wed and brought women into her life. And Joseph couldn’t be happier with her choice in a husband. Chad was strong enough to handle his spitfire wife and gentle enough to deserve her.
Austin and Kinsey had fallen in love while Joseph had been fighting for his life after he’d been foolish enough to drive a car too fast with his brother George at his side. When he’d seen how devastated his beautiful Katherine had been, he’d made a vow to never be so foolish again. He’d kept that promise to her, just as he’d always keep all of his promises. He didn’t want to leave his wife or his children. There was too much to live for.
The day Joseph and George had found out about their brother Richard and his five wonderful children had been the day Joseph had known the blessings would keep coming in his life. He looked over at Crew who loved to travel to exotic places with his bride, Haley, but who also always came home. He couldn’t imagine never knowing his nephew.
Joseph’s only other niece, Brielle, had been a spoiled girl with a heart of gold. When her father had given her the ranch, Joseph had thought for sure there’d be more fighting. But from the moment she’d met Colt, all the fight had left her, and she’d been his as much as he was hers. And now they had so much more in each other than either of them had ever thought they’d find.
Tanner’s inheritance had been that apartment complex that he’d refused to do anything with until their family friend, who happened to be a judge, had sentenced him to live there and play Santa Clause at the mall. That had been entertaining for Joseph, George, and Richard to watch.
But of course Tanner had found love in his neighbor, Kyla, and community service was incredibly important to both of them now. When he’d been under house arrest, Tanner had threatened to disown the whole family. It wasn’t until much later that he’d realized his blessings and had thanked his meddling family.
Ashton had been blessed to meet Savvy, and the two of them had fought their attraction, but in the end, fate was destined and all Joseph and his brothers had to do was give the kids a little push to find the way they were meant to go.
Finally, Joseph’s eyes rested on his nephew Lance, who’d just proposed to Lexie. Joseph had known from the moment he’d heard about Lexie that he would be bringing her into the family. She was Savvy’s little sister, and she was so filled with love. She’d just needed a safe place to be able to express it. He couldn’t wait to see the children the two of them would make.
His family was truly complete now. All of his children were married, all of his nephews and nieces had spouses of their own, and so many children were running about he feared he might need a list in his office so he didn’t forget anyone.
Joseph chuckled to himself. There truly would be no fear of that happening. He loved each and every one of them and appreciated their unique personalities and what they did for each other. They were family — in good times and bad.
“Ah, Katherine, our lives are so blessed,” Joseph said as he grasped her hand.
“Yes, they are, darling,” she said before leaning over and kissing his cheek. “But that is in spite of your meddling, not because of it,” she pointed out.
“Like I’ve told you before, my beautiful bride, I don’t know what you are talking about. I’ve never meddled in my life,” he said, crossing his toes in his thick socks. It wasn’t exactly a lie, he’d just prodded the kids along; he hadn’t exactly meddled.
“And because I love you, I won’t rant and rave,” she said with a chuckle.
Fifty plus years of marriage and Joseph still had his breath taken away by the woman at his side. He gave her a sweet kiss before leaning back and smiling. They always forgave one another because there was nothing that could separate them.
The gifts were all opened and parents were sorting through the mess, making sure toys didn’t get thrown out with the wrapping paper. Joseph sent a look to his brothers and they nodded, the three of them standing and sneaking off to the den where they had cigars and bourbon waiting for them.
They closed the door before Richard looked at Joseph and George with almost sad eye
s.
“We’ve accomplished our goals. All the kids are married, or soon to be married. I don’t know what we’re going to do now,” Richard said as he poured himself a double.
“I know, and my friends in Montana, and here in Seattle, have also married off their kids. We’re running out of things to do,” Joseph said with a sigh.
“The grandkids are getting older,” George said with a smile.
“But that’s still years away,” Joseph told him.
“We do have our friend Walter Grayson in California who called the other day complaining about his ungrateful children,” George said.
Both Richard and Joseph perked up. “I forgot all about that with all that’s been going on,” Joseph said.
“Maybe we need to go down and visit him,” Richard suggested.
“I think that’s a mighty fine idea,” George said.
The three men clinked their glasses together as they toasted to love, happiness, and a blessed future.
If you've enjoyed all 12 books in the Anderson Series please also see the other places Joseph Anderson has managed to visit and bring chaos.
The Billionaire Wins the Game
The Billionaire’s Dance
The Billionaire Falls
The Billionaire’s Marriage Proposal
Blackmailing the Billionaire
Run Away Heiress
The Billionaire’s Final Stand
Unexpected Treasure
Hidden Treasure
Holiday Treasure
Priceless Treasure
The Ultimate Treasure
Continue reading for an excerpt from "Turbulent Intentions."
PROLOGUE
Tires squealed as a sleek, silver Jaguar shot out onto the highway. An unsuspecting car cruising along slammed on its brakes just in time to avoid a wreck with the Jag. The four brothers sitting in the Jaguar didn’t give a damn about the commotion they were causing.