“Oh yeah? Is your pickle all dilled?” I tease.
“You come sit on my lap I’ll show you just how dill my pickle is,” he says.
I swing my leg over his lap and straddle him in the driver’s seat, take his face in my palms, and lean in to kiss him. He wraps both arms around me and holds me tight to him. I expect the kiss to turn heated, but instead it stays soft and full of feeling. I pull my lips from his slowly, he groans at their absence.
“Where ya going?” he asks, sounding a little kiss drunk.
“I love you,” I tell him.
He looks up at me, beautiful brown eyes shining my every feeling right back at me.
“Say it again,” he rasps.
“I love you, Cole Mason. So, so much.”
“I love you,” he says. He pulls me in to kiss me again. And kiss me. Until my head is spinning. He pulls away. “Now buckle up, I’m gonna take you home and show you all night long just how much.” I climb off him and buckle into my seat. Then sit back to admire my rings.
Two rings. Sigh.
I am never taking either off again. These rings are proof that miracles do happen.
Happily ever after does exist.
And if she remembers that she deserves it, behind every princess stands a prince waiting to support, cherish, and love her for all of their days.
* * *
COLE
‘Course I knew she lost the ring. It don’t take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
Cole and Lexie’s Compromise Playlist
Cole’s Selections:
Burnin’ It Down - Jason Aldean
Blue Ain’t Your Color - Keith Urban
Take Your Time - Sam Hunt
Ride - Chase Rice
Pull It Off - Kane Brown
Seein’ Red - Dustin Lynch
Shameless - Garth Brooks
Strip It Down - Luke Bryan
Somebody Else Will - Justin Moore
Broken Halos - Chris Stapleton
Stand By Me - Mickey Gilley
Lookin’ For Love - Johnny Lee
I Cross My Heart - George Strait
Walk With You - Edwin McCain
Lexie’s Selections:
Lady - Little River Band
Love Is In The Air - John Paul Young
Never Been To Spain - Three Dog Night
You’re My Best Friend - Queen
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Everything I Own - Bread
Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John
Kiss You All Over - Exile
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Walk On The Wild Side - Lou Reed
Love Train - the O’Jays
Kiss and Say Goodbye - The Manhattans
Lust For Life - Iggy Pop
Feeling That Way - Journey
Acknowledgments
I struggled with Lexie. Her story was one I thought would pop onto the page with ease and little effort. I was wrong. It took a lot more than just me to bring her to life.
Rachel Radner - Thank you is never enough in return for what you give me and bring to my writing. I only hope I return the favor at least half as well as you do.
Lauren Campbell - You are the best blind date/set-up relationship ever! Thank you! Thank you!
Ellie, My Brother’s Editor - Thank you for still working with me even though I was insanely late and you were crazy busy.
Missy Borucki - You are a gem among gems. Thank you for your patience in working with me. Most of all, thank you for believing in me.
Linda Russell, Foreword PR - There is no one better than you for talking me off a ledge and helping me see what’s right in front of me. Your advice and counsel is invaluable - thank you so much! I don’t know what I would do without you.
Shari Ryan & Julie Monk, Madhat Books - You ladies are fantastic. Thank you for sharing your talent with me.
Gabriella Scavella-Bell - As long as you keep reading it, I’ll keep sending it to you. Thank you for helping me flesh out Cole’s personality and character. And for your support and encouragement. It means more to me than you know.
Stephie Walls - Thank you for being you. For taking the time to share your experiences with me and helping me find my way. You are an inspiration. Truly.
My BETA and ARC readers - Your feedback is so important, thank you for slogging through initial drafts with me to help me find the final story underneath.
To everyone who helped me try to figure out country music and what might resonate with Cole Mason - thank you!! In particular to: Cece Ferell-Krapes, Lori Mitchell, Natalie Johnson, K. Street, Crystal Grizzard Burnette, Colleen Rodriguez, Lorna Batting Luckinbill, DonnaMarie Papin, Karin Wold, Jaie Shelton Smith, Lori Duggan, Amber Will, Mark Baker, Stephen Doman, Cheryl Hampton, my sister, Amanda, and my Dad. Y’all suggested songs that spoke to me and really helped me get into the mindset of my sexy, sensitive cowboy.
My Remi IRL - I needed you and you were there. Just like a cheesy 70’s love song. I love you. Thank you for everything. Can I fly you up before every release?????
BW - Every day you help me carve my path and follow my dreams. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without your support. To simply say thank you does not seem adequate, so until I come up with a better word/sentiment: thank you. I love you. So much.
About the Author
I can't live without nail polish, the darker the better. OPI Black Cherry Chutney is my most recent fave.
I drink a glass of wine every day, but if I could get away with it, I’d drink a bottle. My favorite things to eat are chips with salsa. But Red Vines with popcorn are a close runner-up.
I currently reside with six dogs, two cats, and one husband. Five of my dogs are Siberian Huskies, so my clothes always have fur on them. Always.
Given the opportunity, I would read books all day long. So far my record for a single day is five full-length books.
Hoodies are my favorite item of clothing, bras are my least.
If I’m writing well, I’m barely reading. And vice-versa.
I started an underground literary magazine in college, which I credit for really launching my narcissistic tendencies via writing.
If I couldn’t be a writer, I would be a rockstar. Someone from Journey, preferably the Steve Perry years, when they were awesome.
Also by Denise Wells
Love Undecided - Love in San Soloman, Book One
Love Undiscovered - Love in San Soloman, Book Two
Breaking Dylan - a coming of age story
Love Unforgettable: Love in San Soloman - Book Three Page 28