Series Starter : Firsts in Series Collection

by Kaylee Ryan

  My mom insisted that we all stay at the house. They have the space. Kacen and I will be in my old room, Stacy will be in the spare, and the rest of the guys will sleep downstairs. We have a bedroom down there and two pull-out couches. She wouldn’t have it any other way. I told them they could refuse, but they all seemed to like the idea of the press not knowing they were in town. No airports and no hotels equals a quiet stay in the birthplace of aviation.

  We get to my parents’ and Stacy suggests we unpack later and visit first. The guys readily agree after the five-hour drive. Mom meets us at the door and hugs us all. She tells us she’s going to just order pizza tonight and Kacen volunteers to go pick it up.

  Mom disappears into the kitchen after getting everyone’s topping preference and Jase strikes up a conversation about football. I sit snuggled into Kacen, listening to the banter. I survey the room and realize Stacy didn’t fall all over my brother like she normally does. I make a mental note to question her.

  “You want to ride with me to get the pizza, babe?” Kacen asks me.

  “Sure, that would make it easier for you to find it,” I agree.

  Mom tries to give Kacen money, and he waves her off, telling her that’s the least he can do for her letting everyone crash at the house.

  She protests, but he doesn’t give in.

  Chapter 49

  Kacen

  They’re all in on it. Every one of them has helped me orchestrate this. I couldn’t have done it without them. Her parents found the realtor and went to a dozen different showings. I trusted their judgment. I gave them my requirements and I let them choose. This would be a home we live in just when visiting them, but I still needed to make sure it’s in a safe neighborhood and I wanted a big backyard for the kids to play in. The prospect of being a grandma made her mom very happy. She went as far as to ask how long. I just laughed and told her to let me get her to agree to marry me first. She assured me I had it in the bag.

  Logan and I head out to pick up the pizza when really I’m taking her to our new house. I pull out my phone and tap on the GPS app where the address is already saved.

  “You don’t need that. I know where we’re going. I did grow up here,” she teases.

  “I know, but I have something I want to show you first.”

  “What?”

  I expected this. “Just some property I found online.”

  “Real estate is a good investment,” she agrees.

  I fight like hell to keep the smile from gracing my lips. The drive is only ten minutes, another requirement. I wanted the house to be close to her parents. I pull into the drive and the pictures her dad sent don’t do it justice.

  “Wow,” she breathes. “This place is gorgeous.”

  “You think so?” I act as if I’m not really sure.

  “Yes! Let’s sneak a peek through the windows,” she says, bouncing in her seat.

  I grin. “We don’t have to. The realtor sent me the keys.” I hold them up for her. It’s not a lie. The realtor did mail them to me, once she received my check.

  “Look at you, Mr. Rock Star, getting special privileges,” she jokes.

  “Perks of the job.” I smile back at her. “Let’s look around.”

  We climb out of the car and my nerves start to get the better of me. During this entire process, buying the house, arranging for everyone to be here, buying furniture, I never once let the thought cross my mind that she might say no, not until this instant, just moments before I drop to one knee and ask her for forever.

  I lace her fingers with mine and lead her up the front steps. I stop just outside the front door. “After you,” I say as I twist the key and push open the door.

  She steps in and I’m right behind her. The living room furniture is all set up and a huge bouquet of fresh red roses, three dozen to be exact, sit in the middle of the coffee table.

  “Wow,” she says, taking it all in. “I think someone might be living here,” she says.

  I reach for the rose that is sitting on the table next to the door and pull the ring box out of my pocket. I drop to one knee just in time as she turns around. Confusion crosses her face until she realizes what’s happening.

  Her hand flies over her mouth as tears well up in her eyes.

  This is it.

  “I had this big speech planned, and now I can’t remember a word of it,” I confess.

  She smiles as tears stream down her face.

  “You are an unexpected treasure. You love me for who I am in here.” I place my hand over my heart. “You don’t care about the fame or the money, you’re content with just me, Kacen. I never thought I would find that. Someone who could look past my career and see me, but then I spotted you that day on the beach, and suddenly, my world was turned upside down. I love you, Logan. I want to share my life with you, make memories that we will someday tell our grandchildren about. I want to make babies with you. I want to give you my last name.”

  She drops to her knees before me, tears running unchecked down her face, her smile lighting up the room.

  “Will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?” I choke up on the last words.

  “Yes!” She launches herself into my arms.

  I exhale for the first time in what feels like days and kiss the hell out of her.

  Chapter 50

  Logan

  Kacen pulls away from our kiss and takes my hand. I watch as he slides the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen before in my life onto my left hand. It’s a princess cut surrounded by diamonds on both sides of the band. I’m sure that I’m missing intricate details, but my tears are blurring my vision.

  “Why are we here?” I finally remember to ask.

  He chuckles. “This is our home, our Ohio home. I wanted to have a place of our own when we come to visit the family. I had your dad help me pick it out. Do you like it?”

  Is he crazy? “Yes, if the rest of it looks like this, hell yes!” I say with excitement.

  “It does. The furniture was delivered yesterday and your parents made sure everything was set up,” he explains.

  “Seriously? You, sir, are sneaky.”

  “Yeah and Stacy and the guys are going to be staying here with us. I thought we could start making memories in our new place. I even invited Jase to stay. My parents are here and staying with yours.”

  “Seriously?” I ask again, dumbfounded.

  He goes on to explain that he wanted to drive to prevent having to clean out his pockets at the airport, and he refused to let the ring out of his sight. He also informed me that our families and friends would be here any minute with the pizza that we failed to pick up.

  “I can’t believe you did all this.”

  “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he says, kissing me softly.

  “I love you, Kacen Warren.”

  “I love you, future Mrs. Warren.”

  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being here in this moment with him. What started out as a one-time vacation fling, led to my forever. We’re us. I can’t wait to take his last name.

  Epilogue Kacen

  Kacen

  Today’s the day.

  Our wedding day.

  I thought the day that she agreed to marry me was the happiest day of my life. I was wrong. Today, surrounded by our family and friends, we vowed to love one another. Logan Paige Warren, I fucking love the sound of that.

  “There you are,” she says, coming to stand beside me. “Sorry, I got lost in the crowd.” She grins as I lean down and kiss her.

  “I missed you, Mrs. Warren,” I say against her lips. She giggles and my grin grows. I love seeing my girl happy.

  “I told them I needed to get back to my husband.” She winks as she points over her shoulder to Stacy, Cassidy and her cousin, Lauren.

  “So, wife of mine, when do I get this big gift you’ve been going on about all week?” I ask.

  “Hmmm, not sure when I’ll give you the big reveal. Soon though, you just need to
be patient.”

  Patience I can do. Now that she’s my wife, I can rest easily. She’s all I want; anything else is just icing on the cake. As soon as she said yes, I was insistent that we not have a long engagement. I needed her to have my last name. Luckily, she agreed that she was ready to start our future together. Something about a talk she had with her gran and living life to the fullest. I didn’t question her. She was on board and here we are, three months later, and it’s official.

  “Looks like your girls got my boys by the tail.” I tilt my head to where the wedding party sits. Cole is sitting next to Stacy and is hanging on every word that leaves her lips. Tristan and Lauren are sitting with their heads close together talking between themselves. Gavin and Cassidy are actually holding hands under the table. It’s hard to really tell unless you are standing right where I am.

  “Looks like you were the first to fall but not the last,” Logan tells me.

  “Good things are coming our way. The guys and are I excited about starting the label, and moving on to our next adventure. I’m looking forward to finding new talent and guiding them through the process.” I pull her close. “We get to start our future, our family,” I say softly. I can’t wait to see her carrying our baby. Never thought I would find love and happiness in my career. Logan has given me more than I could have ever dreamed for.

  “I’m so proud of you.” She smiles up at me.

  Leaning down, I whisper, “I love you, Mrs. Warren,” in her ear.

  Epilogue Logan

  Logan

  I’ll never get tired of hearing him say that. I find myself smiling just at the thought of him saying those three little words to me. He’s been asking me about his gift and I want to give it to him. I just can’t figure out the right time. After his little speech, I know that the time is now.

  “Take a walk with me, Mr. Warren.”

  He nods, and turns us toward the terrace. It’s chilly but I only need a minute.

  As soon as he shuts the doors, the noise of the reception filled with family and friends fades away. It’s just the two of us with a mountain view of the sunset.

  Perfect.

  Placing my hands on the railing, I take a deep breath. Kacen steps in behind me and wraps me in his arms.

  It’s now or never.

  Turning in his arms, I place my hand on his cheek. “I want to give you your gift now, is that okay?”

  He looks confused, considering there is no gift in sight. “Whenever you’re ready,” he replies.

  “Close your eyes,” I tell him; my voice is soft. He closes them without question. Leaning up on my tiptoes, I whisper in his ear, “You’re going to be a daddy.”

  His eyes pop open as does his mouth. “Repeat that,” he demands.

  I giggle. I can see the hope behind those ocean blue eyes. “I said you’re going to be a daddy,” I repeat louder this time.

  “WOO HOO!” he yells, picking me up and crashing his lips to mine.

  When we finally come up for air, he asks, “When? How? I’m so fucking stoked!”

  I knew this would be his reaction. He’s always said he wants a family. “In about seven and a half months and apparently, I’m the .01 percent that can get pregnant on birth control,” I explain as my doctor did to me last week.

  He drops to his knees and places a kiss against my belly. Looking up, he has tears in his eyes. “I love you so fucking much, Logan. Both of you,” he says emphatically as his big hands cover where he just placed his lips.

  I smile. I can’t speak for the tears that are threatening to fall.

  Kacen Michael Warren is not who I expected him to be. He’s so much more. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together, see him as a father.

  Live each day to the fullest.

  Thank you

  I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read Emphatic.

  Want more from the Soul Serenade Crew? Cole’s story is next in Assured. Click here to download.

  http://mybook.to/Assured

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  Anywhere with You

  Copyright © 2013 Kaylee Ryan

  All Rights Reserved.

  Second edition.

  This book may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Kaylee Ryan, except for the use of brief quotations in articles and or reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, locations, businesses and plot are products of the author’s imagination and meant to be used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events throughout the story are purely coincidental. The author acknowledges trademark owners and trademarked status of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, sponsored or associated by or with the trademark owners.

  The following story contains sexual situations and strong language. It is intended for adult readers.

  Cover Design: Shanoff Designs

  Photographer: Lindee Robinson Photography

  Editing: Hot Tree Editing

  Proofreading: Deaton Author Services

  Chapter 1

  Allison

  “Gran, this is a bad idea.”

  “Allie girl, how many times do I have to tell you, I’ll be fine? You’re only going to be forty minutes away. You need to go, spread your wings, and live your life. I want that for you more than anything.”

  “But, Gran! We need to stick together, we’re a team, the two of us. I hate the thought of someone else taking care of you. That’s my job,” I counter. I know, I’m being childish, but the thought of leaving Gran alone is breaking my heart. Yes, she’ll have a nurse for eight hours a day, but she’ll be alone at night. This scares me. Gran suffers from heart disease and diabetes, which makes it hard for her to get around and do everyday things, such as cook and clean. Taking care of these tasks had been my responsibility until the day we found out I had to live in the dorms at the University of North Carolina, UNC for short. I tried to use that as an excuse not to go, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

  “My sweet, sweet girl. I love you for that, but you need this. Ace is there, he misses you. I need you to make a way in this world for yourself. Staying in the dorms is the right decision. You have a lifetime of new experiences waiting for you. The Emersons are just next door, and the nurse will be here seven days a week.”

  “But—”

  “That’s enough. Allison, listen to me, you’re going to stay in the dorms and live it up, like all the other kids your age. I’ve watched you give up too many experiences for me, and I won’t stand for it any longer. I love you with all my heart, but you need to do this, for both of us.”

  “Fine, but I’m coming home every weekend to see you,” I grumble. Knowing that further arguing will only upset her more.

  “Oh, no you don’t, missy. You’ll come home no more than one weekend a month, and even that isn’t necessary. Put yourself first, for once, Allison. Take chances, make mistakes, fall in love,” Gran replies at the same time a knock sounds on the door.

  “Come in!” I yell.

  “Hey, guys, it’s just us,” Jennifer Emerson says, as she and her husband, Michael, walk into the living room. The Emersons live next door, and also happen to be my best friend Ace’s parents. They’ve helped fill the void of my parents, who passed away in a tragic car accident when I was ten.

  “Hey, sis, you all set?” Michael asks me as he pulls me in for a hug. Since the day I moved in with Gran after my parents’ death, Michael has called me sis. He said he always wanted a little girl, and since Jennifer was unable to have anymore kids, I would do just fine.

  Before I can answer Gran speaks up, “Yes, we were just discussing that. Allison has those two bags by the door, which still need to b
e loaded, and then she’s all set.”

  “Perfect. Sweetheart, I hope you don’t mind delivering some goodies to that son of mine. I made a care package for each of you. Cookies, fudge, toiletries, and a few gift cards, among other things,” Jennifer tells me.

  “Are you kidding? Seeing Ace is my only motivation for even leaving. I hate that I’m leaving Gran alone at night.” I give Gran a pleading look that doesn’t seem to faze her. “Thank you for the goodies, you really are too good to me,” I tell her, wrapping my arms around her for a hug.

  “We love you, Allison, you’re a part of our family and always will be,” she replies softly. “Michael and I will finish loading your car while you say your goodbyes. Are you sure you don’t want us to come with you and help you get settled in?”

  “No. Thank you, though. I don’t really have all that much, and the dorms have elevators, so I won’t have to worry about stairs. I’ve been in contact with my roommate. Her name is Hailey. She’s getting there this afternoon as well, so we plan on doing it together.” I shrug. “She thought it would help us bond. We met a few weeks ago for pizza, just to get more acquainted.” Luckily we live less than an hour drive of each other so we were able to meet up easily.

  “I think I like this Hailey character.” Gran grins at me.

  I lean down to embrace her in a hug, feeling her fragile body in my arms as she whispers, “Life is a giant canvas, Allie, you should throw as much paint on it as you can. You determine your future. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become, and your parents would be too.”

  I pull away from her, tears running down my face. “I love you, Gran. I’ll call every day, and, please, call me if you need me. I’m just forty minutes away.” I kiss her on the cheek. “I miss you already.”