by Jean Oram
Zoe stood and came around the desk. She hugged Ashton, her embrace including the child in his arms who reached out to pat Zoe’s cheek, making them both smile. “I’m so glad things can go back to normal again for us all.”
“Me, too.”
“I did some thinking in Texas.”
“Yeah? What’s that?” Ashton loved the way a sunbeam filtering through a skylight was giving his Zoe a beautiful glow. Their new rhythm as a couple, as the adults in Jaelyn’s life felt right. More right than he’d ever been able to imagine, and he hoped that soon Zoe would be ready to take the next step in their relationship.
“I’m done moving slowly,” she announced, surprising Ashton. “I’m done needing to know every gritty little thing in your life.”
“What?”
“Ash, your daughter needs a mother.”
He nodded slowly. He had a feeling he knew what was coming, but hesitated to allow his imagination to head off that way.
“I would like to be that person for her, and I would also like to be your loving wife. Will you and your daughter marry me?”
Ashton’s heart felt two sizes too big for his chest all of a sudden, and as though it was going to burst from overflowing with love. And it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.
“I love you, Zoe.” He shifted Jaelyn so he could cup Zoe’s face with his free hand, giving her a sweet kiss that wouldn’t be the last one of the day, week, or year. It was just the beginning of many.
“I love you, too.”
“I thought we were going to try moving slowly? Build up a foundation of trust and sharing?”
“Moving slow is for chumps. I vote we put a ring on this finger.” She wiggled her ring-free left hand in front of them, causing him to laugh. It felt good. Whatever walls they’d erected after the breakup were long gone now, and it was like old times, only better.
“Okay,” he said. “Let’s get engaged.”
“Done.”
“Done?”
“Yes. And I happen to know someone who does wedding ceremony coordinating here at Indigo Bay Cottages, and there’s an opening this weekend.”
Ashton nearly choked. “You’re serious?”
Jaelyn had resisted sleep and was patting his cheek, gurgling softly to herself. She gave a happy little squeal and reached for Zoe, who took her without a second thought, bouncing the girl on her hip.
Ashton loved that Zoe was moving so quickly, but he was worried, too. “I thought you were afraid to move fast this time?” he asked carefully.
“I was scared.”
“And?”
“We’ve been through a lot. I love you. You love me. That fact still remains, and I happen to think it’s the most important one of all.”
She gave him a moment to absorb her logic.
“And,” she added with a twinkle in her eye, “if you’re married to me it’s harder for you to run away and marry someone else.”
He tipped his head back and let out a bark of laughter, making Jaelyn jump in Zoe’s arms.
“Zoe Ward, I would be honored to be your first and last husband.”
“Last husband?” she teased as Dallas approached.
“Definitely.”
“I know a guy who can get you a ring,” Dallas said, leaning against Zoe’s desk. “What? I saw what was happening here. You’re engaged, but you need rings. Congratulations, by the way.”
“We’ll need two rings,” Ashton said to Dallas. “By Friday.”
“Three,” Zoe said decisively. “I think Jaelyn should have some sort of family ring for when she’d older that will show she’s a part of us.” She said to Ashton, “It’s not just the two of us entering a marriage, we’re creating a family.”
“So not wedding bands, but family rings?” Ashton clarified.
“Exactly.” She pulled him closer to give him a kiss. “I knew there was a reason I chose you. We like to hang out on the same wavelength.”
Epilogue
Zoe smiled at Ashton, who was waiting for her on the sunny beach. His dark cummerbund and bow tie brought out the somberness of his hazel eyes, and she wondered how she’d ever been so lucky as to have a second chance with the man of her dreams.
He was holding Jaelyn in his arms and she was so adorable in her fluffy dress it brought tears to Zoe’s eyes.
Family. Despite the pain of the past year, she was going to wind up right where she’d hoped she would be.
Her bare feet flew across the sand as she launched herself at Ashton and Jaelyn. Her parents laughed and cheered, as did her special out-of-town guests, Ginger and Logan, as well as Logan’s associate, Zach.
Ashton and Jaelyn laughed as Zoe danced around them, giving them each a quick kiss.
“Let’s get married!”
Dallas, the master of ceremonies, rolled his eyes good-naturedly at Zoe, looking totally pleased for her. The man was single, but one day he’d find The One, and he’d no longer be rolling his eyes, she knew. He’d be right there in the thick of it. The wonderful, wonderful thick of it.
Jaelyn was handed off to Ashton’s best man, but immediately reached back for her father. He said quickly to Dallas, “You’d better hurry, before she blows.”
The poor child had separation issues that were going to be tough to deal with when Ashton began work in August, leaving her with a sitter they’d not yet chosen. But Dr. Browning had said Jaelyn’s anxiety was normal, and that she’d soon acclimatize to having a stable family. It would just take time.
Dallas zipped through their vows, and they exchanged simple wedding bands, which the local jeweler had created for them, ensuring Jaelyn got one, too, for when she was old enough to wear one.
When Dallas told the newlyweds that they could seal the deal with a kiss, Zoe slipped into Ashton’s waiting arms, her right hand stroking the short, smooth hair at the base of his neck. He felt like everything she had ever wanted. They kissed.
“I now announce you husband and wife!” Dallas called out.
Ashton kissed Zoe again.
“I like being married,” she told him.
Ashton laughed. “So far, so good.”
Zoe prepared to toss her bouquet, not wanting to wait until later. She launched the flowers in an arc high above her, the ribbons trailing through the picture-perfect blue sky.
She turned to see who had caught them and laughed. It was a very surprised looking Zach. His beefy hands seemed out of place clutching the delicate flowers, but he smiled good-naturedly.
He asked, “Can you order a wife online? Because that’s the only way I’m ever going to find someone to marry me.”
“That’s not how it works,” Ginger said, patting his arm. “But don’t worry, we’ll find you someone before you resort to online shopping for the love of your life. Right, Zoe?”
Zoe turned to Ashton. “I think Ginger can definitely be trusted for finding one’s soul mate.”
Amy and Moe have their own story, The Marriage Pledge, and Zach has one, too—Mail Order Soulmate!
There’s also more Indigo Bay from Jean Oram! Turn the page for more…
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Indigo Bay
Have you missed other books in the Indigo Bay series? Here’s the full list… You can read out of order! Jump in anywhere.
Indigo Bay Second Chance Romances
Sweet Troublemaker (Book 1) by Jean Oram
Sweet Do-Over (Book 2) by Melissa McClone
Sweet Horizons (Book 3) by Jean C. Gordon
Sweet Complications (Book 4) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Whispers (Book 5) by Jeanette Lewis
Sweet Adventure (Book 6) by Tamie Dearen
Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series
Sweet Dreams (Book 1) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Matchmaker (Book 2) by Jean Oram
Sweet Sunrise (Book 3) by Kay Correll
Sweet Illusions (Book 4) by Jeanette Lewis
Sweet Regrets (Book 5) by Jennifer Peel
Sweet Rendezvous (Book 6) by Danielle Stewart
Sweet Saturdays (Book 7) by Pamela Kelley
Sweet Beginnings (Book 8) by Melissa McClone
Sweet Starlight (Book 9) by Kay Correll
Sweet Forgiveness (Book 10) by Jean Oram (Zoe’s story!)
Sweet Reunion (Book 11) by Stacy Claflin
Sweet Entanglement (Book 12) by Jean C. Gordon
Bonus holiday short stories:
Sweet Holiday Memories by Kay Correll
Sweet Holiday Surprise by Jean Oram (Alexa’s story!)
Sweet Holiday Wishes by Melissa McClone
Sweet Holiday Traditions by Danielle Stewart
Read more about these heartwarming Indigo Bay books as well as find links to your favorite online stores on my website: https://www.jeanoram.com/indigo-bay-sweet-romance-series/
Curious about where Polly and Nick end up? There’s a new series coming from Jean Oram—sign up for her newsletter to get the latest news from the Wylders and Texas as well as other book news: www.jeanoram.com/signup
Veils and Vows
More irresistible reads tied to the Indigo Bay series! Dive in and get swept away!
These books can be read out of order.
The Promise (Book 0: Devon & Olivia)
The Surprise Wedding (Book 1: Devon & Olivia)
A Pinch of Commitment (Book 2: Ethan & Lily)
The Wedding Plan (Book 3: Luke & Emma)
Accidentally Married (Book 4: Burke & Jill)
The Marriage Pledge (Book 5: Moe & Amy)
Mail Order Soulmate (Book 6: Zach & Catherine)
Companion stories set in the Indigo Bay series:
Sweet Matchmaker (Ginger and Logan)
Sweet Holiday Surprise (Cash & Alexa)
Sweet Forgiveness (Ashton & Zoe)
Sweet Troublemaker (Nick & Polly)
* * * Psst! Are you getting the latest news from Jean Oram, Blueberry Springs AND your free book—The Promise: www.jeanoram.com/FREEBOOK * * *
Blueberry Springs
Have you fallen in love with Blueberry Springs? Catch up with these friends and their adventures…
Book 1: Whiskey and Gumdrops (Mandy & Frankie)
Book 2: Rum and Raindrops (Jen & Rob)
Book 3: Eggnog and Candy Canes (Katie & Nash)
Book 4: Sweet Treats (3 short stories—Mandy, Amber, & Nicola)
Book 5: Vodka and Chocolate Drops (Amber & Scott)
Book 6: Tequila and Candy Drops (Nicola & Todd)
Companion Novel: Champagne and Lemon Drops (Beth & Oz)
Blueberry Springs Series Starter Box Set (Books 1-3)
Blueberry Springs: The Complete Series (Books 1-7)
Click here to stay up all night reading with the funny & sweet Blueberry Springs series!
The Summer Sisters
Taming billionaires has never been so sweet.
* Available in paperback, audio & ebook *
One cottage. Four sisters. And four billionaires who will sweep them off their feet.
Falling for the Movie Star
Falling for the Boss
Falling for the Single Dad
Falling for the Bodyguard
Falling for the Firefighter
Check your favorite online bookstore for box sets, too!
Check out the entire series:
www.jeanoram.com/books/summer-sisters
About the Author
Jean Oram is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. Inspiration for her small town series came from her own upbringing on the Canadian prairies. Although, so far, none of her characters have grown up in an old schoolhouse or worked on a bee farm. Jean still lives on the prairie with her husband, two kids, and big shaggy dog where she can be found out playing in the snow or hiking.
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Thanks for reading.
XO
Jean
The Last Page
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I hope you enjoyed your Indigo Bay adventure are looking forward to diving into more of my books. Happy reading!
XO, Jean