by Susana Mohel
“I am her best friend,” replied my husband. “You may be her adopted brother, but she’s my wife.”
Those two were always squabbling, but I knew it was only friendly banter.
“Calm down, cowboy,” Fermin rolled his eyes at Joel. “I have a new little princess to spoil, so Tara’s lost her crown.”
“Yes, calm down, cowboy, and learn to share.” I smiled as I handed our daughter over to Fermin, and listened to him babbling on about all the things they’d do together. I turned to Joel and tugged on his hand to get his attention. “You do know that you are, and always will be, my best friend, my lover, my husband, my whole world.”
“All of that?” he replied, leaning over me to rub his nose against mine.
“All of that and much more.”
“You’re remembering the day she was born, aren’t you?” My husband murmurs in my ear, as he hugs me from behind, his chin propped on my shoulder.
Our little girl is running around the garden in what seems to be her official uniform these days. A colorful tutu, her princess crown, which, of course, was given to her by her Uncle Fermin, who is also her godfather, a magic wand with which she solves all problems, and her wings, because she wants to fly with the fairies.
“Time goes by so fast,” I sigh, feeling nostalgic. “She’s growing up so quickly.”
“Maybe it’s time to seriously start thinking about giving her a little brother.” The tone of Joel’s voice changes, becomes more serious as he brings up this subject. I know he’s desperate for us to have another baby, but until now I’ve been in no rush, preferring to spend my time appreciating our daughter, and helping him run Redlands. But maybe it’s time I gave him his dearest wish, because he’s such a fantastic father.
“You know, we could always have another girl,” I point out, as I close my eyes and let my head fall on his shoulder, giving him room to kiss my neck. “But either way, I’ll have to see what I can do about providing our daughter with a sibling.”
“Maybe try working a little less?” Joel tentatively suggests. Despite the long hours he puts in, he still worries that I’m the one overdoing things. But I only work around four hours a day—just enough to keep all the paperwork and admin up to date—because I want to spend as much time as possible with Scarlett. To be able to watch her grow up is a privilege and I won’t let someone else raise my daughter as I don’t want to miss out on a single moment. Having said that, I still want to help Joel to run the ranch, to help him out as much as I can. So, it can be a tricky balance at times, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
All of our dreams have come true. We turned down several offers to buy Redlands, we disregarded the option of drilling for oil, and decided instead to keep it as a cattle ranch.
Sure, we could have made a helluva lot of money by venturing into the oil business, but there are far more important things in life than money. Our family has suffered more than enough thanks to greed and ambition and since we have everything we need, we were both adamant that we wouldn’t be exploring that route.
Scarlett is coming toward us, running as fast as her little legs will carry her.
“Daddy!” she screams, throwing herself into his arms. She absolutely adores Joel, and is one hundred percent a daddy’s girl.
Joel picks her up, and spins her around, making her fly above his head. She squeals, excited and happy.
“Give Mommy a kiss,” he tells her, tipping her in my direction, keeping her safely gripped in his hands.
My little princess puckers up her lips and gives me a kiss.
“How come you are so pretty?” I smile, gazing at her exquisite little face.
She’s perfect in my eyes, she couldn’t be more beautiful.
“Because she looks just like her mother,” Joel winks, and I swear I want to eat him with tiny spoon.
Scarlett has my dark hair and blue eyes, but otherwise, she’s just like her father, as I always knew she would be.
They love each other to bits and they’re my whole world.
“So, you definitely want us to have another one?” I whisper to him.
He says nothing, just nods and smiles.
He’s been pushing for this since Scarlett turned two, and now she’s four.
“Is fall okay for you, God willing? What are your plans for November?” I quickly calculate, thinking if we start trying now…
“For real?” He shoots me an incredulous look.
“You know I wouldn’t joke about something as important as this.”
“Tara…” Joel seems lost for words, but happily so.
“You’re really sure? You definitely want this?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“As much as I want you,” he whispers before kissing me hard on the lips.
Scarlett squirms in his arms, protesting that it’s gross her parents are kissing, and we both burst out laughing.
Joel throws her in the air again and I hold my breath. Although I know she’s perfectly safe with Joel, it’s always too high for my liking.
“You’re going to have a baby brother, princess. Do you want to have a baby brother?” he laughs.
He sets her on the ground and our little girl skips away, making plans with her dolls and her tea set. She’s no idea what it’ll mean to have another baby around. Yet.
“So, you wanna get me knocked up, hmm?” I murmur as I hug him, wrapping my arms around his slim waist.
“Let me answer that tonight, after I’ve taken you out to dinner to celebrate. When I have you naked, hot and wet, then you’ll get my answer.”
“I already have your answer, Joel,” I laugh. “It’s shining in your eyes.”
“I know what I want, but are you really sure about this?” he asks, trailing a path of kisses along my jaw.
“I am, but I’ll still take you up on the offer to persuade me,” I grin, feeling his matching smile pressing against my skin.
Remembering that afternoon when I went looking for Joel with some crazy scheme I’d dreamt up, I never thought I’d end up rewarded with the wonderful life we share together now. The dreams I didn’t even know existed have all come true.
And now I believe…no… I know …
Where whispers of love linger, eternal hope remains.
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I have a lot to say and I don’t even know where to start. This has been a bumpy, long, fun ride.
I want to start by thanking God for blessing my life and allowing me to live this new adventure.
To my Grinch and my daughter who are always there when I need them, for their support, unconditional love and, above all, patience. I love you with all my heart.
To my family, without them I would not be doing this, they have always been my inspiration. To my uncle J, because even though it was midnight, you always helped me and cheered me up, Mazel Tov! To my bestie MR, we’ve been through a lot, thanks for joining me on this thorny road; we are on our way to the top.
To Gill, my friend and wonderful editor. Thank you for supporting from the very beginning, helping me to make this dream come true. Whispers wouldn’t be the same without you.
To my friend Sue, thank you again for the gorgeous art for the cover. It was love at first sight.
Mich, my friend and wonderful PA, we did it, girl!
To Laura, you are a blessing in my life, thanks for being in it.
To Elisa, for being my friend, my patient beta reader and my proofreader leader. Thank you.
To Meli, thanks for all your hard work with this book.. Jenn Van Wyk, thanks a lot for your advice.
Thanks to The Next Step PR, to Kiki, Colleen and all the staff, y’all are incredible.
To my friends, because they are the best cheerleaders in the world, thanks for the extra strength, the prayers, the laughter, the patience, and the unconditional support. Jessy,
I couldn’t make it without you, thanks, pal.
Thanks to Katy Evans, you know I’m your #1 fan, but I’m grateful about calling you my friend. Renee Carlino, thanks for the encouragement, you’re great.
Thanks to all the people who support me with their messages, I can’t put into words how much that means to me.
To all the bloggers, who without knowing me answered my message kindly and gave the opportunity to showcase my work. THANK YOU!!!
And always, thank you for reading my books and immersing yourself in this story that has meant so much.
From the bottom of my heart,
Thank you!
S xo
Author, wife, and mother of a girl and a puppy. I love the happily ever after. Believer & dreamer. I live in my own world, sipping Ginger Ale and lime. I’m always plotting my next book, coloring pages and reading.
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