To Honor
Page 15
He found Carla at the new house that they were in the process of moving into. Seeing her helped improve his mood.
“Hey.” He swept her up into his arms for a deep kiss. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” She pulled back, searching his gaze. “Are you okay?”
“Just mad about being played for a fool.” He glanced over her shoulder. “Where’s Cass? I thought she was going to help you clean things up here.”
“At Alecia’s with Bucky. You need to know, Daisy pulled me aside and asked if it was okay for her to give Bucky to Cassie as a gift. She said that she underestimated how much time and attention a puppy needed, and it was too much for her to do while running the diner.”
“Really? I’m sure Cassie is thrilled.”
Carla shook her head with a rueful smile. “Jesse, I didn’t tell Cassie yet because that’s a decision we need to make together, before giving our permission.”
“Oh.” He was humbled she’d included him and remembered they’d promised to maintain a united front. “I’m all for it, if you are.”
“I am. And you’re right, Cassie will be ecstatic.” She tilted her head, her expression turning thoughtful. “Jesse, don’t hold on to your anger at Brian. He’s not worth it.”
“Not easy,” he countered, his brow furrowed. There were times he still couldn’t believe the man he’d lived with for their entire four years of college had turned on him.
“I know, but think about how much my mom hated your family, the way my dad did, too. Do you think it’s worth holding on to a grudge for that long?”
He blew out his breath, hating to admit she had a point. “Okay, you’re right. I’m thrilled that your mother doesn’t hate me anymore.” Since Cassie wasn’t around, he took Carla’s hand and pulled her out onto the fancy deck that overlooked Lake Michigan. The house was big enough to add several kids, but still not even close to the price of his downtown Chicago condo, which had sold in record time for more than he’d expected. “Come outside for a minute.”
“All right.” She followed him onto the deck, gazing at the rippling blue water. “I still can’t believe you spent so much money on this place.”
“You’re worth it.” He cleared his throat, pulled the ring box out of his pocket, and then dropped to one knee. He held up the ring. “Carla Templeton, I love you with all my heart and soul. You’ve always been the only woman for me, except that I was too stupid to realize it. Will you please marry me? Soon? So we can live together with Cassie and Bucky as a family?”
He’d tried not to go too overboard with the ring, knowing that something modest yet elegant would be closer to Carla’s taste. It didn’t matter as she barely glanced at it, her gaze locked on his. “Yes, Jesse. I will marry you as soon as you’d like. But I have to warn you, your sister’s gazebo is booked solid with weddings from now through September.”
“Then maybe we can get married here, on the deck, overlooking the water.” He hoped his tone didn’t sound too much like he was begging, even though he was. “I don’t want to wait, Carla. We can have a small ceremony here, without all the fuss. I want Cassie to have a full-time father.”
When she didn’t respond right away, he realized that women liked to fuss, especially about something as important as a wedding. “Never mind, that was a stupid idea. Of course, you’ll want everything to be just right. We’ll wait until October.”
“No, Jesse, I like your idea of getting married right here.” She swept her hand out as if encompassing everything. “A new life in our new home.”
His heart soared. “You pick the date and the time, and I’ll be there.” He rose to his feet and swept her in for another hug, lifting her clear off her feet. “I love you, Carla. Thanks for everything you’ve done for Cassie over the years.”
“No more looking back,” she admonished. “From this point forward, we’re going enjoy today while focusing on our future.”
“Deal.” He set her back on her feet, then cuddled her close as they gazed out over the water.
He couldn’t ask for anything more than what he had right here.
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Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed the fourth book in my McNally Series. Thank you to all of you who have sent me messages about how much you’re enjoying the McNallys. Jesse’s story is one of forgiveness and looking forward, two traits that as a nurse I feel are very important in life.
As always, reviews are critical for authors, so if you enjoyed this story, please take a moment to leave a review. I would be very grateful! Also, I love hearing from my readers. I can be contacted via my website www.laurascottbooks.com, through Facebook at Laura Scott Author, and on Twitter @laurascottbooks.
Also, if you enjoy my books, take a moment to sign up for my newsletter via my website. I offer an exclusive novella that isn’t for sale anywhere, only to each of my newsletter subscribers.
Lastly, I’m hard at work on Jeremy’s story. If you’re curious about the second eldest member of the McNally family, keep reading for a sneak peek at the first chapter of To Believe.
Sincerely,
Laura Scott