“Hey handsome,” I say.
Hunter chuckles and kisses me.
“Hey yourself,” he says. He grabs my ass as I get in the truck, making me squeal. He closes my door then goes around to his side and gets in.
“Do you mind if we have a detour on the way to the drive-in?” he asks, pulling the truck out onto the road.
“I don’t know,” I tease. “Will there be sex on this detour?”
He glances over at me, smiling.
“We’ll see.”
I sit back contentedly. He drives to our old high school, which I find a little surprising.
“What are we doing here?” I ask.
He puts the truck in park, and leans over to get something out of the glove box. He drops a thick stack of letters in my lap. I remember the stack with the twine ribbon, and my heart stutters.
I look at him. “Are these… are these the letters you wrote me?”
He nods, silent. I look back down at the stack, biting my lip. I pick up the first one and start to read it aloud.
* * *
VI,
* * *
I’M SO sorry that I left like I did. When I imagined leaving, that’s not the way I thought it would go. I always thought…
Nevermind. It doesn’t matter what I thought, does it?
What matters is what I did. I wanted to hold your hand after class and explain to you how wrong it would have been for me to keep you waiting. …I don’t think I did it right. My heart still doesn’t feel alright. I wish I could go back there. With you.
I met some of the guys that will be in my unit, Xander and Chris. They seem pretty alright. At least I hope they are, because we’re supposed to protect each other’s asses in battle.
It’s hot and sandy here, just like I expected. It’s November, but the sun is blazing. No snow, that’s for sure. You like the snow too much. You would hate it here.
Still, I wish I was with you. I guess… I don’t know if you’ll ever see this, but I should say it. Just in case.
I love you.
They’re calling us to assemble now, so I’m going to go. I’ll write again soon.
* * *
H
* * *
BY THE TIME I’m done reading, my eyes are flooded with tears. I set the letter down to swipe at my tears. I look at the date on the letter.
“It’s four years ago, almost to the day,” I say. I raise my eyes to Hunter. “You wrote me from the beginning.”
He nods. “I had to write you. I had all these feelings… and no one to tell them to.”
I don’t have any more words for him. I launch myself into his arms, kissing him hard. He responds gently, kissing me back.
Eventually he pulls back, brushing my tears away with his fingers.
“This might be a stupid question, but do you want to read my letters together? I was thinking we’d read one each day,” he says.
I kiss him again, although the contact is lighter this time. My heart swells in my chest, feeling like it’s going to burst if I get any happier.
“That is a stupid question,” I say, smiling. “Of course I want to read them with you.”
“Yeah?” he asks, grinning. “Is that all?”
“Forever,” I say. “I want forever along with that, too.”
“Hmmm…” he says, pretending to think it over.
I laugh and smack him. He knows he’s lucky to have me, just like I'm lucky to have him.
CHAPTER 28
VIOLET
“ Yes!” I shout. “I mean… yes, I would like the position. When do I start?”
“Probably next week, but let me talk to the substitute art teacher first. I just wanted to be the one to tell you,” Mrs. Brown says.
Thanks to Krissy, I got the job as Hallow Falls’ primary school’s new art teacher! I never thought it would happen.
I hold in my jubilance. “Of course. Just call me.”
“I will. Congratulations, Miss Shaw.”
“Thanks! Thank you so much!”
The second I hang up I let out a squeal of excitement. I can’t believe that I got the job, I really can’t.
I put the phone on the counter in the kitchen and take a deep breath. I look around at the new house Hunter just got. It’s a little rough around the edges, and it could use a coat of paint, but I’m excited about it, too.
I bite my lip and stretch, then head to our bedroom. I step around stacks of boxes, clothes and bedroom knickknacks that have yet to be unpacked.
I throw open the closet and pull out several boxes and bags of new clothes, things I bought the day I got the call about the interview.
I check the time, and figure I have enough time to unpack some of these clothes before Hunter gets home from his brand new garage. I’m not the only one who got a new job this week.
He just signed the paperwork for the garage yesterday, and today he’s there trying to figure out where to go from here.
My lips curve as I pull one bag over to the bed, opening it and spreading the contents out across the bed. I finger a black pencil skirt and a dress with a print of the cosmos.
I always wanted to dress up for work, always eyed women that had fancy jobs with envy. I thought I would be the only one in a tank and jeans every day… forever.
Now, though, I'll be one of those women I’ve been so jealous of. I’m going to spend a few minutes every morning carefully choosing what I will wear — because now I have the choice.
I grab another bag of nothing but cardigans, smiling like a dork. Pink and grey and leopard print, the cardigans will make sure I’m never cold. Plus, they’re awesome.
“Hello?” Hunter calls from the kitchen.
I bite my lip. He’s early, but you won’t catch me complaining. “In here!”
I hear him trudge down the hallway, and then he comes into the room. He’s wearing a tight black tee shirt and jeans, showing off his powerful arms, and he’s barefoot. He gives me the same look, although I’m in sweats and a tank top. He comes over to pull me close, cupping my cheek as he kisses my lips.
“Hey,” I say, pulling back. I look at him, grateful that he’s in my life. I don’t mean to start tearing up, but I do anyway.
He laughs at my obviously over-sentimental reaction, but not in a mean way. He understands. He always understands.
“What’s all this?” he asks, nodding to the bed.
“It’s just…” I start to answer, but he turns me in his arms and sweeps my hair aside, kissing my neck. “Um… clothes…”
“Clothes?” he whispers against my skin, sealing his lips over the most tender spot on my neck.
“I got the teaching job,” I say distractedly. “They just… ummm… they just called.”
“Mmm. I think that means you’d better celebrate,” he husks. I shiver at his breath against my neck.
His hands slip underneath my tank top. When he finds that I’m without a bra, he runs his hands over my bare breasts, and we both groan quietly. I love it when he’s like this, dominant and possessive and silent.
He pushes me over to the bed, leaning over me as I lay on my belly, stripping off my tank top. He pinches my nipples, getting them hard. I gasp, but he’s only just started.
Hunter steps back, pulling off his shirt and unbuttoning his pants, then pulls my sweatpants off.
I bite my lip as he runs his hands over my bare ass, down to my thighs. I’m fucking wet for him, so ready for him it’s ridiculous. His hand slips from my inner thigh, moving forward. He touches my pussy and growls when he finds me drenched.
He urges me onto my hands and knees. Grabbing my thighs, he pushes them apart. He pushes his pants down, then positions himself. I groan as he pushes his cock against my entrance.
“Hunter,” I say and try to push him away gently. “Everyone will be here soon,” I say, my words a plea. Both of our families are coming over tonight. Haley’s bringing dinner so we can celebrate our first night in this house.
Hunter kisses t
he crook of my neck. “We can be quick,” he whispers.
Not a second passes, and a hard knock at the door makes Hunter groan with disappointment. I feel awful for smiling, and a bit pissed that I’m horny as hell now, but people are arriving.
“Go let them in!” I insist, pushing him away.
“Alright, alright,” he grumbles. He gives me a quick kiss. “To be continued.”
He points a finger at me warningly, and I roll my eyes and shoo him away. He spends a second righting his clothes, then leaves to get the door.
I hurry to put on panties and a bra, then slip into my dress with the stars and planets on it. After a quick check in the mirror, I hurry out to the living room.
“Hey!” Haley says in greeting.
“Cookie!” Abbi shouts.
They’re on the couch with Mr. and Mrs. Graves. My dad is here too, sitting on the loveseat alone. A lump forms in my throat at the sight of my dad coping without my mom, but I push it aside.
“Hey!” I say, giving everyone a quick hug. “Thanks for coming, everybody.”
“Lasagna’s ready,” Hunter calls from the kitchen.
“Let’s go sit at the dinner table,” I suggest.
“Cookie! Cookie!” Abbi says, waving her arms at me.
I laugh and pick her up, carrying her into the dining room. There are boxes stacked along the wall, but at least we got the dining room unpacked. The table’s all set for seven people, and I plunk Abbi down in a seat next to Haley.
“Thanks,” Haley says, looking at Abbi fondly.
“Dad, why don’t you sit here?” I say, pulling out a seat for him. “And Mr. and Mrs. Graves, you guys are on the end.”
“Sure thing,” Mrs. Graves says, her eyes sparkling. I think she’s just happy that Hunter found someone.
Hunter comes in with the lasagna a second later, still hot as fire from being in the oven. He sets it down, and makes a big deal out of serving everyone. I like watching him with our families.
“I baked some bread,” I say, offering the loaf to Haley.
“I should hope so,” she says. “Owning the only bakery in town and all.”
I make eye contact with Hunter. He nods encouragingly.
“Actually, I’m going to put the bakery up for sale,” I announce. “I just got an official offer from the elementary school. I’m going to be their newest art teacher.”
My dad pats my hand. “We’re very proud of you.”
“Thanks,” I say.
“Everybody dig in, before it gets cold,” Hunter says, passing the bread to his mom.
There’s silence for a minute while everyone tries the lasagna, followed by murmurs of approval.
“So who are you going to sell the bakery to?” Haley asks curiously.
“I’m not sure. It’s going on the market Monday,” I say. “I’m probably not even going to break even on the sale, but it feels like the right thing to do.”
Haley looks contemplative, but doesn’t press further. She busies herself feeding Abbi, who has somehow gotten the sauce absolutely everywhere.
It’s quiet for a minute. I glance around at everyone as they eat, feeling content. My dad clears his throat, then stands up.
“I’d like to say something,” he says.
“Go right ahead,” Hunter says.
“Thank you. I just want to say that if my beloved wife Evelyn were here, she would approve. And I think she would be glad to see us breaking bread together,” he says, tears gleaming in his eyes.
“Well said,” Mr. Graves says. “Hear, hear!”
I smile. We all raise our glasses to my mama's memory. I think my father was right.
My mama would approve of me and Hunter living together, and of everyone coming together to celebrate. She would approve of it very much.
I smile and eat my pasta, content.
EPILOGUE
VIOLET
“ Krissy, it hurts,” I practically seethe through my teeth as I lean back to try to breathe.
“The little stinker has his foot in your ribs, doesn’t he?”
“Yes,” I groan, waiting for my little man to move. He’s so big, and we still have another month before he’ll be here. So strong, too.
Krissy puts her hand on my belly and I can feel the slight pressure and then his little kicks. Although they hurt some, I can’t help the smile that grows on my face.
Krissy’s wide grin helps put me at ease, too.
“He’ll be here soon, and then you’ll miss this.” Her eyes get a little glassy and she puts her hand on her own belly.
She’s a month behind me. And her emotions are through the roof.
I look at her perfect, beautiful bump and lean back in the porch swing. The summer breeze from the lake hits my face and carries the faint smell of the laundry that’s hanging on the line. It’s a perfect combination that puts me at ease, and little Ryder, too.
He must’ve moved away from my lungs because I can finally breathe.
Krissy kicks off the ground and sends us rocking backward.
I turn to face her and say, “I can’t believe you aren’t going to find out ahead of time.”
“I want it to be a surprise,” she says as her hand rubs soothing circles on her belly.
“You’re crazy.” I turn away from her as the screen door opens and the guys walk out. They both have Krissy’s kids, Cady and Everett, on their shoulders and they’re squealing for them to go faster.
* * *
MY HEART SWELLS WITH HAPPINESS. He’s been wanting a baby for a while now. Ever since he slipped the ring on my finger and made me his wife. Now that I’ve got the teaching job I’ve always wanted and Haley’s taken over the bakery, I had no excuse to tell him no. Haley’s a damn good baker, too. More than that, she’s good with the business side of things.
Everything’s perfect.
Well almost. Everything I can change. Everything I have control over.
I was hoping for a little girl. So I could name her after my mama.
Tears prick my eyes, and I brush them away. She lived a life with love and happiness. I’ll do her proud by doing the same.
“Aww Vi, what’s going on with you?” Hunter slips Cady off his shoulders and she runs off the steps and barrels to the field in our front yard. She’s old enough to know not to go into the lake and we’ve told her enough times, but that little girl is a rebel and Krissy instantly stands to keep an eye on her. Jared follows behind her with Everett laughing on his shoulders and slapping his head.
They’ve been coming over every weekend and now that it’s the summertime and school’s out, it’s been more often.
The swing shifts backward as Hunter sits next to me. I easily lay my head on his shoulder and sniffle.
“You alright?” he asks, rubbing his hand down my shoulder.
“Yeah,” I say weakly. “You’d think after three years, it’d be easier.”
“You’re emotional and having a baby of your own. It’s only natural.” He kisses my hair and holds me as I calm myself down.
I miss my mama all the time now that I’m pregnant. I always thought I’d share this time with her. At least I have Haley and Krissy and Hunter’s mom. I’m surrounded by love, and that would make her happy to know.
We swing gently back and forth and I close my eyes, just enjoying Hunter’s touch. He’s so good to me. We’re practically the town sweethearts now… almost. I think Jared and Krissy will always have that title.
Hunter gets down on his knees and kisses my belly, wrapping his arms around me. Him holding me like this makes me feel so small, even if I am as big as a house now.
His hand rubs back and forth and he waits for Ryder to kick him, but he doesn’t.
“I think he’s sleeping,” I say softly.
Hunter snorts a little laugh and plants another kiss on my belly and I can barely take it.
“I love you, Hunter. I love you so damn much.” I don’t know where my life would have gone without him in it. If he’d just giv
en up on me instead of fighting for me.
He leans up, placing a hand on the back of the swing on either side of my head and kisses me sweetly.
“I love you too, Vi. Always have, and I always will.”
* * *
The End.
* * *
KNOCKING BOOTS
COWRITTEN WITH VIVIAN WOOD
We were never meant to be together.
He’s a bartender with noncommittal tendencies.
I’m looking for … the opposite. Commitment. Period.
* * *
But drinks and a bet led to something it shouldn’t have: a fake relationship. Worse, a first date, a first kiss… and then more.
* * *
He’s addictive and I can’t bring myself to accept the reality.
That it’s all a lie and I’m fooling myself by thinking he could want more. That I could change him.
* * *
He’s mine for as long as I keep on pretending like this is just for fun.
As if I don’t want more…
Like when he whispers my name, I pretend it doesn’t make my heart flip.
Like when he holds me at night, I pretend I don’t want to lay in his bed every night.
* * *
It's just a bet; just a lie... until it isn't.
PROLOGUE
Charlie
* * *
“Charlie...”
Grace’s soft voice beckons me from across the hotel room as I shut the door. I pull at the knot in my necktie, loosening it before tossing it on the floor. I can barely see through the dim light as she scissors her legs under the stark white hotel comforter.
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