by J. E. Parker
Okay, I thought, as she turned and headed my way, flowers still in hand. I‘m totally confused.
Smiling like the cat who got the cream, she stopped right in front of me. “This,” she said, sliding the bouquet into my right hand, “is for you, Red.”
“What? Hope, what are you—”
I snapped my mouth shut when Brantley headed my way.
Behind me, all four women—Carissa, Ashley, Heidi, and Charlotte—squealed in excitement.
The moment Brantley reached me, he dropped to one knee.
All the air left my lungs in one quick swoosh and I could’ve sworn my heart stopped beating.
“Brantley,” I whispered. “Honey, what are you doing?”
Behind him, Maria clutched her chest with both hands as a torrent of tears fell down her beautiful face. Next to her, Robert looked close to shedding a tear or two as well.
A teary-eyed Hope, who‘d moved to stand by her new husband gave me a knowing smile.
Oh my God, I thought. She was in on this…
Taking my left hand in his, Brantley cleared his throat. “Every day for the past eight months, I’ve thought about the best way to do this," he said. “I’ve written down a million words and constructed a handful of poems. But the truth is, bella dama, none of that is worthy of you.”
I couldn’t breathe.
Could. Not. Breathe!
“So I’m just going to say how I feel and hope like hell you say yes.” Jaw clenched tight, he took a deep breath. “You are my everything, my soulmate, and the love of my life, Clara. From the moment I met you, I knew you were meant to be mine.”
A river of tears slid down my cheeks.
“You’re an amazing friend, a beautiful mother, and the best partner I could ever ask for. You anchor me and it‘s because of you that I become a better man with each day that passes."
One of the ladies behind me cried audibly.
Which one it was, I didn‘t have a clue.
Charlotte, maybe?
“And it‘s because of you,” Brantley continued, “that I have two sons, and another little girl on the way. But it’s also because of you that Bella now has a mother, something she never had until you walked into our lives.”
Pulling a black ring box out of his pants pocket, he flipped it open, showing me what was inside.
I gasped as my mouth fell open.
Rose gold band. Huge princess cut diamond.
Beautiful.
“Oh God,” I mumbled, feeling a tad bit faint.
“Clara, baby, I am begging you—please grant me the honor of being your husband forever. Marry me, baby. ”
“Say no, Red!“ Evan hollered, teasing.
“Shut up, ya big dumb baby!” Grandmama yelled in return. “Else I‘m getting a hickory switch!”
Ignoring them both, I jerked my head down once in quick affirmation. “I’ll marry you,” I replied, my voice alight with happiness.
Wearing a smile bigger than I’d ever seen before, Brantley wasted no time in slipping the ring onto my finger.
It was the perfect fit.
Standing, my fiancé wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close as all three of our kids descended upon us, throwing their arms around our lower halves as they jumped around and laughed in excitement.
Resting his forehead against mine, Brantley let his own tears slip free. It was the first time I‘d ever seen him cry. “Thank you, Firecracker.” He paused, taking a breath. “Thank you for making me the happiest goddamn man to ever walk the face of the earth.”
Around us our family cheered and hollered but I paid them no mind. Because in that moment, it was just him. Just me. Just our us.
“I love you, bella dama,” he said. “Forever, baby.”
Sliding my arms around his lower back, I dug my nails into his skin, anchoring myself.
“I love you too, Pretty Boy. Always.”
Also by J.E. Parker
Redeeming Love Series
Every Moment with You (Hendrix and Maddie’s Story)
Every Breath You Take (Anthony and Shelby’s Story)
Every Promise You Made (Evan and Hope’s Story)
Every Tear You Cry (Brantley and Clara’s Story)
Every Time We Touch (Kyle and Carissa’s Story)*
Every Wrong You Right (Ty and Heidi’s Story)*
*Coming Fall/Winter 2018-2019
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About the Author
J.E. Parker is an American romance author who was born and raised in the great state of North Carolina. A southern belle at heart, she’s addicted to sweet tea, Cheerwine, and peach cobbler.
Not only is J.E. married to the man of her dreams (albeit a total pain in the rear), she’s also the mother of a herd of sweet (sometimes), and angelic (only when they’re sleeping) children. Despite their occasional demonic behavior and bottomless stomachs, J.E. loves her little tribe more than words could ever express.
On the weekends, you can find her sitting on the couch, cheering on (or cursing) her favorite football team, stuffing her face with junk food, and guzzling a bottle of cheap red wine.
When she’s not busy making sure her husband doesn’t burn the house down or acting as a referee for her fighting children, J.E. enjoys reading, writing (obviously), and listening to a wide variety of music.
Acknowledgments
Christina Youngren.
Once again you pulled me through. Thank you for listening while I cried and cursed (and that was a whole lotta cursing) my way through writing this book. Without you, I would’ve been lost.
Sara Miller.
As always, you came through for me when I needed it the most. Thank you for always being there. Knowing that I can count on you to have my back means more than words can describe.
Tempi Lark.
You appeared when I was struggling, and I believe that was fate. You, my amazing friend, have made me laugh until I cried, and you’ve given me confidence when I needed it the most. You are amazing, beautiful, and strong. Don’t you ever forget it either. Thank you for being part of my tribe and for loving Hendrix as much as me.
Molly O’Hare
All hail Lord Waffles! Seriously, Molly, you are one of the sweetest souls I have ever encountered. You never fail to make me laugh and I know I can always count on you to make me smile.
Ena & Amanda (Enticing Journey Book Promotions)
You two ladies have been with me since the beginning. Thank you for bending over backward to help me get this book out into the world. You are both amazing and I’m thankful for everything you do.
Letitia Hasser (RBA Designs)
Four covers and counting. Simply put, you’re amazing.
My reader group. (JE’s Romance Junkies)
Dedicating this book to you wasn’t enough. You ladies have no idea how much of an impact you’ve had on my life—as a person and as an author. Having your support makes me feel like I can accomplish anything in the book world, and coming from someone who doubts herself at every turn, that’s saying something. Seriously, y’all, THANK YOU!
My kids.
Without you five, I would be nothing. I love each of you with every ounce of my heart and I hope that you’re proud of me.
I’m certainly proud of you.
Immensely so.
I can’t wait to see where you go or who you’ll grow to be. Just remember this—Mama has got your back. Always.
John.
You steal my candy, eat my food, and hog the blanket at night. You drink milk from the jug, leave your dirty clothes all over the floor, and forget nearly everything I tell you. You are a complete pain in my ass and I am convinced you’r
e going to drive me to the nuthouse one day. Regardless, I love you with every fiber of my being. You are my soul mate, my rock, and my protector. I can’t imagine life without you nor do I want to. You’ve been my other half for twelve years now and I pray that you’ll give me at least sixty more. I love you, Big Guy. More than all the stars in the sky.