Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
“How are you here? It doesn’t feel real.” I want to read him like a book, but he keeps distracting me with the damn sexy cover. “I missed you so much.”
His hands cover my sides and lower to my hips. Smirking like the hottie he is, he says, “I had a little help from my friends.” All I have to do is raise an eyebrow for him to continue. “Johnny Outlaw called in a few favors. All these guys are fans. We’re hooking them up with tickets next time we’re in town.”
“Next time?”
“I’m allowed back next year.”
“So you bribed the police to let you into Nashville?” I bite my bottom lip in worry, though I can admit it’s pretty dang clever.
“No bribery. Nothing illegal. We got the judge to sign off on it, but I only have two hours.”
This man. I will never get enough of him. “Why did you go to all this trouble?”
“No trouble. I came for you. I came to back you up. I’ll clear dishes or wash them, pack up food, or whatever you need. I’m at your disposal.”
“For the next two hours?”
“Yep. I came for that and to tell you I don’t want to be without you anymore. What do you think about taking the next step together?”
“Do you have a new tattoo in mind?” I smirk because I can with the best of them. Them being Laird, the sexy giant.
Taking me into his arms, he kisses me and then says, “Yes. Permanent like that.”
With my arms around his neck, I ask, “What did you have in mind?”
“Something more circular and metallic.”
This man will literally tell me I hung the moon if I let him. I’ll let him, but not after I tell him how he made the stars shine brighter in my universe just by being in it. “Sounds like an amazing design.”
“Couldn’t have designed it better myself.”
Recalling a conversation we once had, I say, “So tell me, babe. That’s what you came all this way to say?”
“It’s not that far. I traveled all day to get here from Seattle.”
My heart thunders in my chest as I smile at the man I was always destined to be with. “You still bothered to go the distance for me.”
“I always will.”
Trevor runs out with his hands on his head. “What the hell is going on?”
My mom joins his side and then finds me in the center of it all. Maybe that’s been the issue all along. She couldn’t share the spotlight. Not even with her daughter. “Why are you not in the kitchen, Poppy? Invisible, remember? This is not invisible.”
“You’re right. It’s not. And I’ll never go back into the shadows again. Not for you. Not for clients. Not for anyone.” I take a few steps closer but then stop.
It’s best for me to put my boundaries in place, starting now. Referring to Laird, I ask, “Have you met my . . .” I look up at him. “Are we engaged?”
“We are. We’re very much engaged.” Wrapping his arm around my waist, he stands by my side.
“My fiancé. You won’t be invited to the wedding or into any part of my life. I love you, Mom. I just can’t be less for you anymore.” Slipping my hand into Laird’s, I turn but quickly realize all the police are gone. “How do we get out of here?” I whisper out of the side of my mouth.
He laughs between us. “I’ll order a car.”
Well, this is awkward . . .
Since I’m stuck here, I pull my phone from my pocket while Laird is busy, and call Marina. She answers immediately. “Is everything okay? How was the wedding?”
“A wedding is what I’m calling about. Will you help me?”
“When and where? I’ll be there.”
EPILOGUE
Laird
I made this trek once before.
Not the same route. I took a lot of detours to get here this time. But you know what they say—it’s about the journey, not the destination. For me, it’s about both.
Poppy got her memories, but I got her, so it all worked out how it was supposed to in the end. Though, I believe this is just our beginning.
The car pulls into the parking lot, and I get out, taking my duffel bag from the trunk before tapping the back to send them on their way. It’s hotter in July than the last time I was in Austin.
I could have spent my time flying here wondering why she insisted I meet her here since the place doesn’t hold a spot in my fondest memories. No fault of theirs. Only my own. Knowing Poppy was coming here and that she would marry me that day in October doesn’t mess with my head like it used to. That’s what closure gives you.
That’s the gift she gave me.
Peace with the past.
I look around and can’t lie. I’m starting to feel a little nervous. Only a few cars are in the parking lot, and no one is walking in or out. The last time I was here it was packed, so I’m sure what’s going on but I head to the front door on the side building.