by Emma Tharp
We pull onto a road unfamiliar to her; she scans the landscape, a residential area of newer homes. Green, manicured lawns, rose bushes blooming, gardens immaculate. I’m very accustomed to this road.
Slowing down, I pull onto a cul-de-sac and stop in front of one of the houses.
I get off the bike and take off my helmet. Amelia just sits there and stares at me. “What is this place?” she asks, a smile playing at the corner of her lips.
“Come on.” I give her my hand.
She takes it and I help her stand up. She removes her helmet and sets it on the bike.
Leading her to the house, I watch her expression. Her inquisitive eyes are checking out the un-sided two-story house with an attached garage. Pressing the key into the door, I turn the knob, and lead her into the foyer. The dark hardwoods were just installed yesterday. It smells of wood, drywall, and joint compound. The sheetrock is up, but still needs another coat of mud. I take her into the partially finished kitchen. White cabinets are up, but the appliances and countertops won’t be delivered until next week. But I couldn’t wait anymore.
She’s silent as she takes it all in. One thing that hasn’t changed is the smile on her face that’s broad and open. It’s a good sign.
“What do you think?” I ask, impatient to hear what’s going on in that gorgeous head of hers.
“It’s going to be beautiful. Whose is it?”
That’s my cue. All of the sudden, my head feels light and my guts churn. Running my hands through my hair, I take a deep calming breath, even though I feel anything but. I get down on one knee and riffle through my pocket. I pull out the ring box and open it to show her. “Amelia Stanton, will you marry me?”
Her eyes get wide. In the sun shining through the windows, flecks of gold and hues of emerald in her irises gleam to life. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. I believe that now. Hers are showing me love, joy, and happiness. Her hands fly up to her face. Tears start to form when she says, “Are you serious?”
Nodding, I say, “I’ve never been more serious about anything. And if you’ll have me, this will be our house.”
She starts crying now, her chest heaves with it. “Oh my God, Jackson. Yes.”
I stand up and pull her into my arms, thrilled that she didn’t deny me. “We can do whatever you want with the place. It’s just skin and bones now. You get to choose colors and how you want to decorate.”
“You did all this yourself?”
“Mostly. Of course, I had a crew working with me. Is it okay?”
“No, it’s absolutely perfect. I can’t believe you built us our house.” Her mouth is on mine, kissing me sweetly.
“I told you I wanted to build us a house. I hoped to surprise you and wait until it was finished, but I just couldn’t anymore.” Amelia can’t take her eyes off me. It still amazes me that this woman wants me forever. I don’t know what I did to be so lucky. And what’s even better is my best friend will soon be my brother-in-law.
“You’re amazing. I love you,” she says before her soft lips find mine again.
“I love you too,” I tell her. Through all the struggles we’ve faced, it makes it that much sweeter to be holding her here with me now, in our new home. I can’t wait to see our dreams come true within these walls that I built with my bare hands.
Acknowledgments
A year ago, I started this writing journey. I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my amazing husband. Sam, you are my rock and I appreciate everything you do for me and our family. Thanks for letting me make my dreams come true.
Thank you to my amazing editor, Theresa Shultz. I look forward to getting my edits back from you and going through all of your comments. Who knows where my stories would be without you? I shudder even thinking about it.
My cover designer, Nancy Colbert Hardy at Colbert Creative Design, thank you for making my cover look oh so pretty. I absolutely love it! You rock!
To all of my author friends, to those of you who beta for me, encourage me or offer advice, I love you all and am thankful we are in each other’s lives. My life and stories are so much richer because of you.
I love all of my friends and family for being my cheerleaders. Starting my writing career after having a successful career as a chiropractor was a huge life changing decision for me. I was apprehensive at first, but I’m so happy I did it. I would never have made the leap without you all in my corner.
To the lovely and amazing bloggers! You guys are the BEST! Where would any of us authors be without your support? You guys take care of us and are in our corner. It’s hard work what you do and I want to take the time to let you know that you are appreciated.
My fans. What can I say? There aren’t enough thanks that I can give you or words I can type to let you all know how much I appreciate that you pick up my books and read them. There are millions of books for you to read and you chose mine. Blows me away. Massive hugs and thanks to you all!
About the Author
Emma Tharp is the author of The Bluff Harbor Series, The McLoughlin Brothers Series, Keeping It Casual, and Drawn to Dark. 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:
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https://www.amazon.com/Emma-Tharp/e/B06XDTHG3Z
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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)
Keeping It Casual
Drawn to Dark