She walked to the center of the room and bent down to the pile of boxes. Slowly she opened the lid, a squeal of delight escaping from her lips. Jumping from the floor, she spun toward Henry. Then she froze, her mouth agape.
On bended knee, Henry looked nervous as he smiled up at her.
Fingers trembling, she placed them over her mouth. “Henry—”
“Victoria Hathaway, before I met you, I was a hopeless shell of a man. Your love has brought me to life.”
A tear fell from the corner of his eye.
“In your presence, I feel closer to God. You’re my guiding light. My hope. My future. Please,” he said, his voice breaking, “do me the honor of becoming my wife.”
Tears streamed down her face. Unable to speak, she nodded.
Hesitantly, Henry rose from his knees and caressed his palms over her trembling shoulders. “Is that a yes?”
Victoria’s head bobbed up and down again. Overcome with happiness, she was too overwhelmed to speak.
His blue eyes stared at her incredulously. “Yes?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Thank God,” he breathed out. Taking her hand in his, Henry was all thumbs as he fumbled with the ring that he’d had specially commissioned for her. In the center a two-carat flawless diamond glistened brightly while surrounded by two equally lovely semi-precious emeralds on each side. “Our birthstones together symbolize that our lives will forever be entwined.” Fingers trembling, he slid the ring onto her left finger. “I love you, Victoria Hathaway.”
Her palms splayed across his chest, Victoria balanced on her tiptoes and craned her neck to gaze up at him. “I love you more,” she breathed, brushing her lips against his.
THE END
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you so much for reading The Prodigal’s Desire. Writing this novel never would have been possible without the support and encouragement of my friends and family. A special shoutout to Diana Rock, my dear friend and amazing critique partner, for the many laughs and naughty shenanigans we’ve dreamt up over countless cups of coffee. Thank you to Angela Keown-McNeil, Julie Huelsbeck, Brittany Beverly, Jessica Green, and The Indie Hub. I appreciate all of you for beta reading. Your awesome feedback allowed me to bring out the very best in Victoria and Henrique’s love story. Erica Russikoff, thank goodness for you. How fortunate am I to have found the kindest and most patient editor on the planet? I’d be remiss not to mention the “Great I Am” who made it all possible. I’m humbled by your eternal brilliance and thankful that you gifted me with the courage and ability to create. Mom, I love you beyond words and Dad, I’ll carry your love in my heart forever. Without either of you, I’d be nothing. Your guidance has grounded me. I hope to make you proud of the woman I’ve become.
Want to be notified when my next book releases? Please visit my website at www.valerielynne.com.
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Again, thank you so much for purchasing this book. If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a review or recommending it to a friend.
Love & hugs,
Valerie
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Valerie Lynne
Valerie is a self-confessed word junkie obsessed with romance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and is a proud member of Romance Writers of America. As a woman who describes herself as having eclectic tastes, Valerie adores stimulating conversations, watching New England sports, collecting dolls, amassing more books for her ever-growing TBR pile, and spending time with friends and family. A life-time Rhode Islander, she resides with one very spoiled Chihuahua. Valerie’s always happy to connect with fellow book lovers on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
BOOKS
THE SEASIDE DESIRE SERIES
The Prodigal’s Desire, Book 1
Forever His Desire, Book 2
COMING SOON
FOREVER HIS DESIRE
A Man Bound by Duty.
Since the age of twelve, Andre Jenkins has had two desires—to uphold the law and to marry Jennifer Jordan. Compassionate, conscientious, and committed, honor means everything. Now, a Newport Police Officer, Andre’s on the cusp of having it all.
A Woman Imprisoned by Her Past.
Abandoned at an early age, Jennifer Jordan is a master at guarding her heart. Sharp-tongued, street-smart, and self-sufficient, vulnerability isn’t an option. The co-owner of the Literary Ladies Book Nook and Café in Newport, Rhode Island, Jennifer believed she’d overcome her tragic past.
Each Struggling to Make a Life-Altering Decision.
Faced with an unthinkable ultimatum, Andre gambles with his future. Forced to acknowledge her demons, Jennifer fights a destructive addiction.
Will Jennifer Remain Forever His Desire?
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