by Tharp, Emma
“Don’t worry. I will,” he says and gives me a wink.
The smell of roasting meat reminds me. “When was the last time you basted the turducken?”
He leans over to give me a kiss and stands up. “Thanks for the reminder.” He makes his way into the kitchen.
Tilting my head back, I close my eyes. Skiing really takes it out of me. I should go and see if Jack needs any help, but he likes to have control of his precious turducken. I have the mashed potatoes, cauliflower, and stuffing in the warmer.
Jack comes back with a huge grin on his face, from ear to ear.
“The bird looks that good?” I ask and sit up.
He takes the seat next to me and clasps my hand in his, winding our fingers together. “It doesn’t look half as good as you.”
I lean in and kiss him, stroking my tongue against his. “Are you sure this is a good idea now? I’d hate to get sidetracked and burn the turducken again.”
“No. That’s not what I had in mind.” His voice is laced with a soft rasp and his expression turns serious.
“Is everything okay?” My heart rate picks up.
His hazel eyes never leave mine. “Everything couldn’t be better.” His hand comes up and he strokes my cheek. “This is our third year together at the cabin. And ever since you crashed my Christmas, I knew you were something special.” He reaches in the pocket of his pajama bottoms and pulls out a teal box.
My breathing speeds up and a crazy fluttering starts in my belly. “Jack.”
Lowering himself in front of me, he kneels on one knee. “Jill, you’re already mine, but I want you to wear this ring and be mine forever.” He opens the box and a massive clear solitaire diamond takes my breath away.
Tears sting my eyes and rush down my cheeks. I kneel on the floor next to him and take his face in my hands. “Yes. Yes,” I say and plant my lips on his.
Jack takes the ring out of the box and places it on my finger. It’s cool as it slides over each knuckle. “Fits like a glove.”
“It’s perfect, Jack. I love it. Thank you.” I can’t stop staring at the ring. It’s elegant, simple, and sparkles and shines in the glow of the fire.
“You want to show me how grateful you are?” He bends down and lifts me up under my knees. He starts walking to the stairs toward the bedroom.
Flailing my arms and legs, I say, “Wait. I don’t want you to burn the bird again.”
Trailing kisses from my cheek down my neck, my resolve starts to slip. He takes the steps two at a time. “Don’t worry. It’s fully cooked and currently resting on the counter.”
“Perfect, now take me to bed, boss.” I wind my arms around his neck, already getting lost in his scent and the anticipation of what’s to come.
He gently lays me on my back onto the bed. “I think we both know who the boss is here.”
We both laugh and he puts his lips on mine in a deep and consuming kiss.
“I love you, Jack.”
“I love you, too, Jill.”
Acknowledgments
This is my first Christmas story. I thought about writing one last year, but the holidays always sneak up on me. Vowing to write one this year, I started it much earlier, so you guys would have it before New Year’s. I hope you enjoy Jack and Jillian’s story as much as I loved writing it.
There are a few people I have to thank. Nicole Andrews Moore, not only are you a mentor to me, but you’ve become a friend and this book wouldn’t be here today without you. All my love. To the woman that always reads my books and gives me her honest opinion, Lisa, you are a godsend. Theresa Schultz, thanks for being the best editor ever. You sure know how to use your magic wand to clean up my stories. And to Julie Deaton at Deaton Author Services. You read my stories last to make sure it’s clean, pretty, and ready for the world to see. And thank you to Megan Parker-Squiers at Emcat Designs, I love the beautiful cover you designed. Jack. Is. Perfect.
To my family and friends. Thank you all for your continued love and support through this crazy writing journey. It’s more work than I ever would have realized and I appreciate the chats, hugs, and kind words of support. I’m one lucky girl to have so many amazing people in my corner.
Last, but certainly not least. My readers. I have endless appreciation for every single one of you. Thank you for picking up my stories and loving my characters as much as I do. When I see your reviews and emails, I get a giddy little feeling in my belly. You guys rock!
About the Author
About the Author
Emma Tharp is the author of The Bluff Harbor Series, Keeping It Casual, Drawn to Dark, the Just Us Series, and the McLoughlin Brother Series. She was raised in upstate New York. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone, dreaming up characters who would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending twelve years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
Contact Emma Tharp at:
www.emmatharp.com
Sign up for her Newsletter: https://my.sendinblue.com/users/subscribe/js_id/300ul/id/1
Other books by Emma Tharp:
What About Her (Book One of the Bluff Harbor Series)
What About Us (Book Two of the Bluff Harbor Series)
Drawn To Dark