Beautiful Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book 3)

by Lia Fairchild

  “Screw you.”

  “I’m just messing with you, J. You know I’m proud of you, right?”

  “Whatever. Just drive.”

  When we arrive at the graduation ceremony, Turner joins my family as I make my way over to my own seating area. Due to limitations on tickets, I only have my dad, two older brothers, Gramps, Kaylee, and Turner here. But the wives and kids, as well as Curtis, will be joining us later for lunch at an awesome authentic Mexican restaurant, where we reserved a private room.

  As I sit with my group, waiting to be called up on stage to get my diploma, I feel a sense of pride. Yes, my business continues to grow, and I’ve even been networking with the help of my former football coach here to work my way to my real dream: an athletic trainer on a football team. I couldn’t have played football forever anyway, and that’s where I saw myself going eventually. But going back to school, completing my education after quitting and taking my life to an all-time low…feels like one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.

  Crossing the stage to shake hands and get my diploma happens in a blur. My mind is already two steps ahead, onto the next life-altering moment.

  I make my way to my group, where I’m greeted with hugs, pats on the back, and words of encouragement. None of which does anything except spike my anxiety for what’s to come.

  “You did good, son,” Dad says. The look of pride in his eyes is even better than the words.

  “I knew you could do it, kid,” Gramps says. “Even with these two knuckleheads breathing down your neck.” He’s got hands on each of my brothers’ shoulders as if they’re ten-year-olds.

  “I knew he could do it too…I just thought he might want to work with his brothers,” Mason says.

  “You dodged a bullet,” Logan says, raising his brows in Mason’s direction.

  “Bullshit, Lo, you’re the happiest you’ve been working with me.”

  “I could do without the business stuff, but I do love to swing a sledgehammer.”

  “Today’s not about you two, though, is it?”

  The three of us look at Gramps, and then each other before busting out laughing. Some things never change—I hope they won’t.

  As if on cue—or more likely she wanted to give me a moment with my family—Kaylee comes over and wraps her arms around me before planting a quick kiss on my lips. “Congratulations! How do you feel?”

  “Good…I guess.”

  “Well, calm down already.” She giggles.

  “Sorry…I’m excited. But mostly, I’m happy you’re here with me,” I say, then scan around for Turner. When my gaze connects to his, I give him the nod, ready to get this show on the road and get out of here.

  “That’s better.” Kaylee loops her arm through mine.

  “Hey, Bridges clan! Let’s get together for a picture,” Turner says, waving his arms in our direction. He pulls his cell phone out and stands across from Kaylee and me as the rest of the Bridges men file in behind us.

  “I want a copy of that,” Kaylee says.

  As Turner fiddles with his phone camera, I pull my cap off and then lean in to whisper into Kaylee’s ear. “I love you, Kay.”

  “Okay, everyone look this way and don’t move because I’m going to take a few. Ready…”

  My heart pounds a violent staccato as we stand for mere seconds that feel like hours, the fate of my plan in the hands of the men who raised me.

  Turner holds up a hand as he walks toward the group. “Don’t move. I want Kaylee to check it out and make sure it looks good before we go.”

  “Good idea,” Gramps says behind Kaylee. “I wouldn’t want to be the only fool blinking in the photo.”

  Turner hands Kaylee the phone. As she stares down at it, I unzip my graduation gown and quickly slip out of it, revealing black dress slacks, button-up white shirt, and silver-blue tie. I watch Kaylee’s expression change.

  “What…” Her free hand goes to her mouth, her eyes wide as she flips around to confirm the photo she just viewed on the phone—my family behind her, each holding a small sign with a word on it, all adding up to: Will. You. Marry. Me. Kaylee. Of course, Mason had to hold two since Ryder wasn’t here.

  I step up beside her, reaching into my pocket and pulling out the small velvet box. “Kay…from the moment I met you, I knew you were someone special. I guess that’s why I put up with your feisty little attitude.”

  She giggles as her eyes glass over. I take her hand and continue.

  “You’re so incredible, I thought I could never deserve you. But for some crazy reason, you decided to love me, and I’m the luckiest man in the world because of it. Now, all I want to do is be with you and make you happy.” I lean forward and place a soft kiss on her cheek. “Will you let me, Kay? Will you be my wife?”

  A burst of air escapes her as a tear slides down her cheek. “Yes, yes, I will marry you!” Her eyes pan down to the ring because I’m already taking it out of the box. I slip it onto her finger, then hook my gaze onto hers.

  “I love you so much, Justice!”

  I stuff the empty box into my pocket, grab her by the waist, and pull her into me. Cheers erupt around us and when I finally glance around, I notice a small crowd has gathered and is now clapping.

  We separate and one by one, my family gives us each hugs and congratulations. Through it all, my eyes never leave Kaylee’s. That’s where I found myself and that’s where my future lies.

  ~ ~ ~

  Thank you for reading Beautiful Bridges, the third book in the Bridges Brothers series. I hope you enjoyed it and will help spread the word to new readers, or consider posting a short review on Amazon or Goodreads.

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  * * *

  WHAT NEXT?

  If you’ve read all the Bridges Brothers books, how about an emotional forbidden romance filled with angst, tears, and twists?

  Compulsive is a unique, slow-burn romance/women's fiction novel like nothing you've read.

  What readers have said:

  "I cried more than once while reading this. I was fully absorbed in this story..."

  "This is so beautifully written, with deep and complex characters..."

  "Out of the ordinary romance story you must read!"

  Grab your copy from Amazon http://www.smarturl.it/Compulsive

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters that come to life in stories that will touch your heart.

  Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and the taste of a dry red wine. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism, a multiple-subject teaching credential, and is also a professional copy editor and ghostwriter. She is a wife and mother of two young adults.