I smile at him and put my phone in my purse. We walk the grounds and recount several memories of our time there. We round a corner, and I stop. We’re at the cafeteria. There are dozens of arrangements of stargazer lilies and white twinkle lights in the trees. Maroon 5 plays over an audio system that appears to have been set up just for the occasion.
“Luke—” When I turn to look at him, he’s on one knee.
“I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but this is where my story changed. Years ago, in this spot, I met the most captivating girl I would ever meet. The fact that you reciprocated any of those same feelings was astonishing to me. It took us a long time to figure it out, but we finally did.” He opens the small box in his hand, and I place my hand over my mouth, trying to stifle the gasp. “I’m a better version of myself when I’m with you, and I promise to never take that for granted again. I’m not simply asking you to be my wife, I’m asking you to build a life with me.”
“Yes!” I throw my arms around him, and he falls backward. “Oh my gosh! Are you all right?”
“I’m better than all right.” He sits on the concrete and pushes both hands into my hair. His mouth claims mine forcefully.
After several minutes, my lips are numb. I pull away and try to catch my breath. “We better stop.”
“I didn’t plan this part out. Now I have a long, uncomfortable car ride where I try to keep my hands off of you. I should have proposed that night in my apartment, then I could’ve done all the things I’m imagining doing to you.” He briefly kisses me one more time and stands. He extends a hand and pulls me to my feet. “I almost did, you know?”
“Almost did what?”
“Almost proposed to you that night. I knew then I’d never make the mistake of losing you again.”
“Really?” I smile. “I figured the proposal was sped up by the pregnancy.”
“Nope. After I restrained myself from doing it that night, I decided to wait. I didn’t want to scare you, so I told myself I had to wait at least six months. That rule was voided once you told me about the baby.” He grins. “Speaking of, what do you think about the name Jackson for a boy?”
“That’s my mom’s maiden name.”
“I know.”
“I like it,” I say. “Any girl names picked out?”
“I was thinking about Caroline, but we can discuss other names too. I’m sure you have some you’re thinking about.”
“Caroline is a beautiful name.” I place my hands on his cheeks. “I think naming our daughter after your mother is a lovely idea.”
He grabs one hand and kisses my palm. He holds on to it and starts walking.
“We can’t just leave this all here.” I glance back at the beautiful flowers.
“I have someone coming to take care of all this. I need to get you home, so I can take care of you.”
My ultrasound goes smoothly. I’m as in awe as I remember being when I saw Amelia for the first time. Luke stares at the screen the entire time, mesmerized. When the doctor says everything looks perfect, Luke squeezes my hand, but his eyes never leave the black-and-white monitor.
Amelia is as thrilled about being a big sister as I knew she would be. It’s all she’s talked about since we took her out for ice cream and told her. She keeps asking how soon we will leave her to babysit her little brother or sister. I gently remind her she’s only eight and not quite old enough to care for a baby on her own. She brightens up when I tell her I’m going to need her help from time to time feeding and changing the baby.
Christmas arrives in its usual frenzied but welcome fashion. I always run out of time to do everything on my list, and this year is no exception. I stress and worry about fitting it all in until Christmas Eve, when I let it all go and enjoy.
Amelia will spend tomorrow with Grant, so we’re going to my mom’s house tonight to celebrate with her. We pull into the driveway, and I tell Amelia she can head inside. She is a blur of red, her dress swishing as she bolts for the front door.
“You ready?” I ask Luke.
“You really don’t think Amelia will just tell her for us?” he laughs.
“I made her promise not to. I think she likes being included in the surprise. Besides, I told her if she kept the secret until the big reveal, she could have extra dessert.”
“Bribery? I like it.”
“I do not bribe my daughter. I reward her for good behavior.” I push Luke’s arm, and he exits the car.
It takes us three trips to get all the presents into the house. We probably could have done it in two, but Luke is being overly cautious and will only allow me to carry the lightest gift bags.
“Dinner is ready.” My mom calls from the kitchen. We join her, and she hugs us both warmly. “Let me see it.”
I hold out my hand.
“Nice work, Luke. It’s a stunning ring.”
“For a stunning woman,” he says as he grabs the dishes that are ready to take to the table.
Throughout dinner, Amelia wears a large grin and fidgets anxiously in her chair. I put my finger to my lips, reminding her to keep our secret when my mom isn’t looking. My mom assumes Amelia is ready for presents and doesn’t question her obvious excitement.
After dinner, Luke helps with dishes, and I get the dessert out. My mom has made apple pie, her specialty and my favorite.
“We can finish these later. I don’t want to torture Amelia by making her wait too long to open her gifts,” my mom says, setting down the dishtowel.
“Grandma, open this one first.” Amelia bounces over.
“That’s okay, honey. You can go first.”
“I really want you to open this one first. The suspense is killing me,” Amelia says.
My mom laughs. “If you insist.” She tears the paper off and opens the small box. When she folds back the tissue paper, she raises a hand to her mouth. “Is this a joke?”
“I wouldn’t do that to you,” I say.
“I’m going to be a big sister!” Amelia jumps up.
“Oh my goodness! I’m getting another grandchild?” She has tears in her eyes.
“You are,” I say.
She walks to me and embraces me tightly. “Oh, Jessica.”
“I’m a little over seven weeks along.”
She waves Luke to join us. “Come here.” She lets go of me and grabs Luke by the shoulders. “Are you ready for this?”
“Absolutely.” He beams.
My mom hugs him tightly. “You’re going to be a fantastic father. We’re lucky to have you join our family.”
My mom finally releases him and I see his eyes are damp.
“Now everyone is crying?” Amelia sounds annoyed. “This is good news. You’re all ruining my happy moment.”
“They’re happy tears, Amelia,” I say.
“The happiest,” Luke adds as he wraps his arms around me.
Thank you so much for buying this book!
To read more about Jessica and Luke’s story look for
Shattered
To be released this winter
If you would like to receive updates about new releases, contests and other information from this author go to AuthorJenniferKThomas.com to sign up for her newsletter or follow her on Facebook at @authorjenkthomas.
Acknowledgments
This book wouldn’t have been possible without the support, guidance and wisdom of some amazing people.
To my beta-readers, Chelle, Kathi, Lana and Vanessa. Thank you for reading early drafts and helping me tighten up Jessica’s story. Your insight was helpful, but so was your encouragement.
To my editors LS and Holly. As a first time author, I can’t thank you enough for all your help. I considered all your notes to be mini lessons on writing and am grateful for everything I learned.
To Fiona Jayde. Thank you for designing a beautiful c
over that completely exceeded my expectations. You really went above and beyond in creating a wonderful package for my work.
To Tamara Cribley. Thank you for making the inside of my book as pretty as the outside. Your attention to detail is greatly appreciated.
To Esther at Studio Dernbach. Thank you for taking my author pictures. They turned out great and you made the experience comfortable and fun.
Thank you to all of my wonderful teachers, fellow writers and dreamers. I’ve learned more about writing and the publishing industry this year than I imagined and I can’t wait to see where this road takes me. Thank you all for your welcome into this crazy, wonderful writing world.
Thank you to all the readers out there. I set out to write a book that I would enjoy reading and have gotten more out of the process than I thought possible. Reading a good book is an escape into a different world for a brief period of time. I feel honored you chose my book and I sincerely hope I delivered that for you.
Thank you to all my family and friends who have patiently listened to and supported my new adventure. Thank you all for coming on this journey with me. A special thanks to those who have enthusiastically encouraged me to keep going and helped me feel less crazy for following this dream. Thank you for believing in me. The support and love I’ve been given during this process has been such a blessing and means more to me than you can imagine. In case any of you’re wondering…No! That character is not based on you.
To Kaitlyn. Your creativity and sparkly-ness inspire me every day. Thank you for being such a great daughter and an endless source of joy in my life.
To Pete. My amazing husband, who doesn’t ask for a lot and gives more than he realizes. Your support and the security you provide have always allowed me to be myself and try new things. When I said I was going to write a novel, you didn’t even flinch. Instead you encouraged, loved and said you couldn’t wait for the movie to come out. Your optimism and strength hold us together. Thanks for always being here.
To Mom and Dad. You always told me I could do anything I wanted to do. I have to admit I never really believed you, but I’m trying to now. I wish you were both still here to see what I’m going to do next. I can’t wait to tell you all about it someday.
About the Author
Jennifer K. Thomas grew up being told she could accomplish anything she wanted to, but it took her some time to realize she wanted to be a writer. After spending many years exhausting the left side of her brain in the world of corporate finance, the right side of her brain was screaming for more action. After toying with ideas and characters for years, she finally worked up the courage to write her first book.
When she’s not listening to the voices in her head beg to have their story told, you may find her watching The Real Housewives, drinking a proper cup of tea or a great glass of red wine, or eating Mexican food.
Jennifer lives in Temecula, California with her family, including the two cutest dogs in the world.
Visit Jennifer at AuthorJenniferKThomas.com.
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