Isa laughed. “I don’t know, I think baking a heart-shaped cake was pretty romantic.”
“It would’ve been better if it had been edible. But at least you know it wasn’t store bought. I’m glad you didn’t get food poisoning.”
“Good thing I didn’t marry you for your cooking,” Isa teased.
Drake leaned over and kissed her gently. “I don’t care why, I’m just glad you did.”
Me too. She’d never allowed herself to dream of her life like this. She carried so many demons deep within her that she had figured she was destined to live a life alone, never able to fully trust another person. But when Drake came into her life, all that changed. He loved and accepted her for who she was without trying to change her. The healing that resulted from his tender love was magical.
That’s why she hated asking for this for their anniversary. “You said I could pick anything between here and the moon.”
“I did. I’ve given up trying to read your mind. I can’t even get it right when you give me little hints.” He pulled her toes playfully and asked, “So what did you decide on?”
“I want a house.”
“You don’t like the penthouse?” Drake asked.
She didn’t want to sound ungrateful, because it was more than she’d ever imagined she’d live in. It had four bedrooms and baths, and even had a large balcony overlooking the property. But it was . . . too much. It was missing something.
“It’s beautiful but it’s not a—”
“Home.”
She smiled at him. Drake said he wasn’t good at reading her, yet somehow he always knew what she wanted. “Yes. I want our child to have his or her own yard to run and play in. Maybe a swing set with a slide. And maybe a neighborhood where we can take the stroller and go for a walk and greet our neighbors.”
“It sounds perfect. Like how I grew up. That’s what I want for my family too. But I’m not sure a house—”
“You don’t want one?” Isa asked half heartbroken but totally understanding that the penthouse was much easier for Drake. It was the same at High View Falls. He could come and go easily. Think about him. He’s already given you everything.
“No I don’t want one. I want two.”
“Two?” Isa asked.
“I know you said you never wanted to move to Tabiq, and I respect that. But I was thinking Charisa might like to have her cousin close by, someone to grow up with. So when we travel here on business, we don’t need to stay at the resort, we can have our . . . home.”
Home. Tabiq and the United States were both her home. “Do you mean—?”
“It’s a lot building one, but yes, I’m suggesting for our anniversary, we build two. Of course I want a horseshoe pit too. I used to play with my father. I think it would be nice to have the Hendersons over and kick their butt at a game or two. Oh, and I want an outside barbecue patio set too. With a smoker and a—”
“I guess you’ve also been thinking about this.”
Drake smiled, cupped her cheek, and said, “Since the moment we met.”
She couldn’t blame this on hormones. Isa had married the sweetest man in the world. “I love you, Drake. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come into my life.”
“Me? Honey, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Drake, you’re powerful, successful, rich, and—”
“Absolutely nothing without you.”
As he claimed her lips, she knew whether it was a house in Tabiq, or one in the US, or even a small apartment on the fourth floor without an elevator, none of that mattered. Home was where your heart dwelled, where you could be true to yourself and others. It was where peace and happiness were the goals and manipulation and cruelty had no place. The Bowens began the slow process of healing—providing safety and hope in their home for Isa. But Drake Fletcher had completed that journey for her. She was whole. She was loved. She loved completely and without reservation. Being with Drake was home and always would be.
Home.
I’m finally home.
* * *
The End
Also by Jeannette Winters
Barrington Billionaires Series:
Book 1: One White Lie (FREE!)
Book 2: Table For Two
Book 3: You & Me Make Three
Book 4: Virgin For The Fourth Time
Book 5: His For Five Nights
Book 5.5: New Beginning Holiday Novella
Book 6: After Six
Book 7: Seven Guilty Pleasures
* * *
One White Lie
Brice Henderson traded everything for power and success. His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.
Lena Razzi had spent years trying to forget Brice Henderson. When offered the opportunity of a lifetime, would she take the risk even if the price would be another broken heart?
Do you love reading from this world? Continue with Always Mine from my sister, Ruth Cardello, Her series will mirror my time line. It isn’t necessary to read hers to enjoy mine, but it sure will enhance the fun!
* * *
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Betting on You Series:
Book 1: The Billionaire’s Secret (FREE!)
Book 2: The Billionaire’s Masquerade
Book 3: The Billionaire’s Longshot
Book 4: The Billionaire’s Jackpot
Book 5: All Bets Off
Book 6: A Rose For The Billionaire
Book 7: The Billionaire’s Treat Novella
* * *
The Billionaire’s Secret
Betting on You Series
Billionaire Jon Vinchi is a man with one passion: work. His friends decide to shake him up by entering him as a prize at a charity event.
Accountant Lizette Burke is dressed to the nines and covering for her boss at a charity event. She’s hoping to land a donor for the struggling non-profit agency that employs her.
She never expected to win a date with a billionaire.
He never thought one night could turn his life upside down.
One lie stands between them and their happily ever after. Too bad it’s a big one!
* * *
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* * *
Southern Desires Series:
Book 1: Southern Spice (FREE!)
Book 2: Southern Exposure
Book 3: Southern Delight
Book 4: Southern Regions
Book 5: Southern Charm
Book 6: Southern Sass
Novella: Southern Hearts
* * *
Southern Spice
Derrick Nash knows the pain of loss. But is he seeking justice or revenge? He doesn’t care as long as someone pays the price.
It is Casey Collin’s duty at FEMA to help those in need when a natural disaster strikes. After a tornado hits Honeywell, she finds there are more problems than just storm damage. Will she follow company procedures or her heart?
Can Derrick move forward without the answers he’s been searching for? Can Casey teach him how to trust again? Or will she need to face the fact that not every story has a happy ending?
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Turchetta’s Promise Series:
Book 1: For Honor (FREE!)
Book 2: For Hope
Book 3: For Justice
Book 4: For Truth
Book 5: For Passion (Coming Nov 2018)
Book 6: For Love (Coming Dec 2018)
* * *
For Honor
Looking for a new Romantic Intrigue? Then you will love the Turchetta’s. You met them in both the Betting On You Series as well as Barrington Billionaires Series. Now it is time for an up close look into their lives.
Rafe Turchetta may have retired from the Air Force, but his life was still dedicated to fighting the inj
ustice of the world. There was one offense that went so wrong, and it will haunt him, as it continues to destroy him on the inside.
Deanna Glenn was being tortured by a tragedy, one that she couldn’t share with anyone. Time was running out and she needed the lies to cease before she started to believe them herself.
Healing meant returning to where it all went horribly wrong years ago. For Deanna she needed to take on a new identity. For Rafe, that meant doing whatever he needed to in order to get her to speak the truth.
When danger rears its ugly head will Rafe follow his heart and protect Deanna even if it means never learning the truth? Or will Deanna sacrifice her happiness and expose it all?
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Books by Ruth Cardello
ruthcardello.com
Books by Danielle Stewart
authordaniellestewart.com
Do you like sweet romance? You might enjoy Lena Lane
www.lenalanenovels.com
By Jeannette Winters & Lena Lane
Muse and Mayhem Series
Book 1: The Write Appeal Pre-Order for October 20, 2018 Release
Book 2: The Write Bride (2019)
Book 3: The Write Connection(2019)
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Other books by Lena Lane
http://lenalanenovels.com/
Seven Guilty Pleasures Page 20