Now we have this family, just the three of us in a new home that he built himself. Our daughter can say that she helped her dad build our home. How absolutely amazing is that? Not too often you hear kids say something like that. I was so concerned with what kind of role model Nate would be with Sashy, and I’m a fool for ever doubting him. This man was made to be a father. I should’ve known already with the way he was raised, that he’d be more than I could ever ask for.
We have extended family around us, and that in itself is a blessing. Natasha is surrounded by people who love and adore her. Now, instead of it only being me—and sometimes my mom—at her games, she has her own small cheering section. Her father is coaching, of course.
Once she’d transferred middle schools, Nate was putting in for the seventh and eighth grade girls track team, basketball, and volleyball. The principal was thrilled to share him with the girls head coach as long as he remains committed to high school football as well. Nate’s a natural mentor, and the school district is beginning to value him a great deal. So much so, they’ve tried to renew his employment contract early.
My dad’s been making sure he’s in town for Sashy’s games as well. My parents travel the few hour drive to watch her, and Nate’s cousin, Dallas, comes to most of them. Clyde and Shyla, along with Shyla’s mom and her dad, the governor, even show up at times. My girl just shines with all the support, and she plays her heart out no matter what sport she’s consumed with at that time. Sashy is determined to be like her uncle Ty and be the second person in the family to go pro. With her batch of uncles and her father to step in and help, I’m confident it’ll happen.
Over the past year, the partners at my father’s law firm have seen the advantages of having me a few hours south of the office. I’ve been able to gain so many new clients being in a different area, that they’ve opened a small business here. It’s close to Shyla’s real estate company, much to my benefit. I love being a few doors down from her during the day, as it’s easy for us to eat lunch together. We’ve become fast friends, which is very fortunate because it doesn’t always work out that way with family.
I’ve met Tyler’s wife, Kadence, several times when they’ve visited. She’s nice, but also much younger than Shyla and me, so I’m not as close to her. Plus they live way up north, so we don’t see them daily like we do with Clyde and Shyla. Their kids are really cute, though, and Kadence has her hands full with them for sure.
Speaking of children, Clyde and Shyla recently shared with the family that they’re expecting their first baby. I couldn’t be more excited for them. Natasha was by far the best thing I’ve ever done with my life. Shyla’s glowing excitement has me wanting to have another with Nate sooner than later.
When we initially got back together, Nathan had told me he was going to knock me up again. He was on a mission to do so, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’ve taken it in stride, and I won’t lie, it turns me on like crazy to hear him say stuff like that. Talking and doing are two completely different things, though, and I wasn’t ready before. However, I am now, and I think it’s time I have a talk with him about it.
We’re about to spend our second Christmas together, and being on the ranch during the holidays has fast become my favorite time. It’s so beautiful here when the leaves change and the frost dots the land. With Natasha around, Nate, Clyde, and Dallas spend hours lining both of the houses with the classic white Christmas lights. They don’t stop there either but line the barn, the sheds, and most of the fence line leading to the road. According to Dallas, the guys hadn’t put up lights since their parents were alive, so it was a huge deal for them. It was to me, too. They’ve done this both years for Natasha, and that speaks volumes.
“Hey love,” Nate greets as I come into the kitchen. He has my coffee waiting for me as he does every day. Once I’m close enough, he scoops me into his arms, warming me instantly. “You sleep well, honey?” His dark sandy-blond locks stick up all over the place, and I can’t get over how freaking adorable he is in the mornings.
“I did. I love when you both are on Christmas break,” I murmur into his neck. The man always smells good, even first thing in the morning. I don’t know how he does it either.
He chuckles when I pepper tender, chaste kisses along his neck. “Now, none of that right now, ma’am. You already had some of this dick last night and about two hours ago. A man needs to eat; he needs sustenance.”
The smell of pancakes hits me once I take my mind off his body, and I giggle. “I guess I could allow you to eat. Only so you can keep up your energy level.”
Leaning back a bit, he meets my gaze wearing a sexy grin. “You’re insatiable.”
I can’t help but return his smile, even if I did just wake up moments prior. “You like me that way.” I wink.
“Mm, darlin, I fucking love you that way. In fact, I have whipped cream and chocolate syrup on the counter behind me. I have other ideas of what I can put it on. I may even break out the sprinkles while I’m at it.”
My smile widens about to retort something just as enticing when our moment’s broken up by a sleepy ‘good morning’ coming from our daughter. “Morning, Sashy,” I reply. Nate pops a kiss on the top of her head as she comes to snoop.
“Yum! You made pancakes?” She grabs the plates and takes them to the decent sized rectangle slab of oak that Dallas sanded, stained, and cleared for us to use as a table. It’s one of my favorite pieces of furniture in here, and it gives the kitchen the farmhouse feel that I love.
“Dad did.” I pull away from the hunk of muscle at my side and take my coffee to my usual chair. “Thanks for the coffee, handsome,” I acknowledge.
He flashes an easy smile. “Of course…anything for my girls.”
“Are we celebrating something specific or is this just to kick off break?”
He shrugs. “A few things. I was going to wait until later, but you know I suck at surprises.”
Our daughter chuckles, scrutinizing, “Yep, no offense, Dad, but you suck at them.”
“Hey, now! I distinctly remember you being ecstatic about that gold chain I got you with your basketball number charm.”
Her hands go up in mock surrender. “No complaints from me, promise. I’m all for early presents.”
I roll my eyes and sip my coffee. These two are too much alike for their own good. “Spill, Owens.”
“All right, all right, you’ve talked me into it.” He grabs a banana and pretends to speak into it like a microphone.
I snort. He thinks he’s hilarious, but I love him for it.
“First of all, not only did the school district want to renew my contract early, but they offered me a raise to go with it. It’s only an additional ten thousand dollars per year, but I’ll happily accept more money.”
“Babe!” I exclaim, “That’s great!”
Natasha nods along. “Good job, Dad. We’re proud of you.”
I mimic her. “We are; we love you.”
He grins, glancing between us. “Secondly, Tyler has agreed to help me host a week long summer football camp for the incoming varsity players. This is going to be a yearly thing as long as I’m coaching there.”
Natasha whoops. “People are going to freak out when they find out!”
Nate nods. “I’m hoping it motivates them to put in some work during the summer months and not just during the school year. I want us to head to state next year. I’m also hoping it’ll help motivate parents to donate.”
Grabbing his hand, I offer, “You’ll get there. I have faith in you.”
“Thanks, Shine baby.”
“Is that everything?” Natasha asks, loading her plate full of food. She put all the pancakes on there that she wants, but she won’t take a bite until her dad says the prayer first.
“Not quite. I also picked up a little something for your momma while I was with Uncle Clyde yesterday.” He sets the unpeeled banana beside his plate.
“Save it for Christmas, cowboy,” I retort with a laugh. Nate
is really bad with showing any patience once he picks out a gift.
He sets a small box on the table and sighs. “If that’s what you really want, then I’ll wait. Let’s bow our heads before all of this delicious food is too cold to eat.”
Nathan begins reciting the prayer, but I’m far too focused on that small, cream-colored box to hear what he says. I nod along, the prayer cemented in me since I was a child. The container at his side is just the right size that only the really good stuff comes in. He plops a hot cake on my plate and then another, but I’m not paying attention. I’m just as bad as he is.
“Never mind,” I burst suddenly. “Hand it over.”
“Oh no,” he teases and Sashy giggles. “You want to wait, so we’ll wait.” He winks, and I huff, taking a bite of the fluffy, buttery goodness.
“Fine,” I manage to say with my mouth full of pancake. “Then I guess I can’t tell you my news either.”
Natasha’s gaze zeros in on me. “Come on, Mom, this isn’t fair to me now!”
“You already know it.” I laugh, and her curiosity quickly morphs into a Cheshire cat smile.
Nate grumbles. “Wait, she knows before I do?” He pouts, and I bob my head, loving that I’ve turned the tables on him.
“I’m not fessing up until you hand over the goods, either.”
He points at me while telling our daughter, “See this? It’s extortion and exactly why your mom’s so good at her job. She finds one little thing and digs in, then holds firm until the other party caves. She’s savage.”
Not really, but I don’t call him out on it. “Your move,” I taunt and take another bite. He’s an excellent cook; I was surprised it extended past steaks and potatoes.
I know there has to be some gorgeous earrings or a bracelet in there, and even if I can’t wear it until Christmas, I want to see it. He peels the lid open, and my mouth gapes.
“I went ahead and spent some of that raise on this,” he murmurs, and I’m speechless. I wasn’t expecting a ring. I mean, of course, every woman wants one. But I’ve been so happy in our relationship that I haven’t been worried about rushing things. “It’s long overdue, darlin’.”
“Wow, you did so well, Dad!” Natasha bursts, lightening the mood a bit.
“Nate!” I gasp, and my hands fly over my mouth in shock. The ring’s so sparkly and absolutely beautiful. “Oh my God,” I whisper, and then I’m blubbering happy tears.
He grabs my hand, leaving his seat to bend down on one knee. “I got the three stone ring because it’s only right the past, present, and future are represented. You were my best friend back then, you’re the mother of my child now, and you’ll be so much more with time. I don’t know how I’ll ever love you any more than I already do, but I know it’ll happen somehow. You’re my whole world, Shine baby, you always have been, and you always will be. Do me the honor and be my wife too?”
I nod, stupidly excited and I may just ramble a bunch of nonsense in return.
“Sunshine Simmons, will you marry me?”
I manage to whisper excitedly, so caught up in love with him. “Yes, and every day of my life. Yes!” His grin blossoms, offering me a full-blown smile, and I launch myself into his arms.
Natasha cheers happily in the background, and it feels like everything is completely right in my world. He kisses me, and I hold him so tightly, I may never let him go at this rate.
“I guess now really is the perfect time to tell you my news as well.”
He squeezes me and then peels me off of him enough to slip the glittering ring on my finger. I smile so happily at it, I feel like my face may break. “Give it to me, woman.” Nate’s not known for patience, and so far, it’s worked in my favor.
“I had no idea you were planning to do this, and it doesn’t have anything to do with my news. I guess it only reinforces it, but I’m ready to try for a baby.”
His brows hike. “I finally wore you down?”
I shake my head and press a tender kiss to his lips. “No big man, I’ve just decided not to ever let you go. I figure that gives us plenty of time to have one or two more kids.”
“Damn honey, I love the way that sounds.”
Biting my lip, I ask, “Yeah?”
“Damn straight,” Nate rasps. Then he kisses me like he did the very first time.
His lips tell me that I’m the air he breathes, the water he drinks, the woman he loves with his whole heart. And all I can think is, ditto babe.
Thank you for reading about these sexy Southern gentlemen. I hope you’ve enjoyed the Dirty Down South series as much as I have. Please leave a review if so; they help me more than you know.
xo- Sapphire
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About the Author
Sapphire Knight is the Internationally Bestselling Author of Secrets, Exposed, Relinquish, Corrupted and Forsaken Control. Her books all reflect on what she loves to read herself. Sapphire is a Texas girl who is crazy about football. She has always had a knack for writing, whether it is poems or stories. She originally studied psychology and that has only added to her passion for writing. She has two boys and has been married for ten years. When she's not busy in her writing cave, she's busy playing with her three Doberman Pinschers. She loves to donate to help animals and watching a good action movie.
Read more at Sapphire Knight’s site.
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