“She came to us with a Communication degree from Wellington University in Boston and has dedicated herself to making sure this grand opening is one for the record books. She’s not only smart and clever, but she is also the woman that I’m in love with.”
Gasps sounded around the room and I began to fear that my declaration would leave her running for the hills. Luckily Briella stood by the doors so that Willow couldn’t make a hasty escape.
“See, Willow and I met over a year ago and I knew from the first moment that I laid eyes on her that she was going to own my heart and soul. Fate led her to me and I knew that I wouldn’t let her go a second time.
So, please join me in celebrating the hard work Willow has done in putting together tonight’s event. She single-handedly and painstakingly put together everything you see here tonight, even the man standing before you.”
Willow stood in the center of the crowd slack-jawed. Her eyes wider than a deer’s in the headlights. Dread filled me that I had screwed this all up, that she was going to hop onto the first flight back to Boston.
“Everyone, enjoy the band and the rest of your evening,” I said with finality as I made my way off the stage and slowly approached the woman I wanted everything with. The crowd parted for me again, many congratulating me and patting me on the back. I faced them all with a fake smile and thanked them for their praise.
Then there she was. Standing like a goddess in the middle of the floor under a sky of twinkling lights. I was afraid to approach her, to hear her tell me that I had wasted my time.
“Did you mean it?” she whispered and I could barely hear her over the joyful crowd dancing around us.
“Which part?” I asked, taking a final step closer to her, our bodies only an inch apart.
“The part where you said that you loved me.”
“Yes, I meant every word, but I meant it when I saw you at your graduation. I’ve loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on you.”
“I. . .I love you too. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I didn’t know how.” Reaching out, I grasped her hands in mine, needing that connection with her. “So, what does this mean? What do we do now?”
“Well, first, you’re going to turn down those jobs in Boston.”
“How did you know about those?” she asked, then it must have dawned on her that Briella had told me because she shook her head with a soft smile. “I should have known that Bri would tell you that I needed references. The thing is, I just wanted some sort of backup in case you didn’t feel the same way about me as I felt for you. It seems stupid now and I’m sorry.”
Leaning forward, I pressed my lips against hers in a quick peck to show that she was instantly forgiven despite how much I had fretted over the scenario yesterday.
“Second, you’re going to accept the event and marketing manager job here at the vineyard. And I’m not offering it to you because of our relationship. You did a remarkable job and even impressed Briella, which is nearly impossible to do.”
“And what’s the third thing?”
“Well, that may be the easiest one.”
“Really?”
“Yes, see, you simply need to let yourself believe in our happily ever after.”
She released our hands and then wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing her body fully against mine.
“Well, we can go ahead and check that one off the list because you, Eric Sanford, are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
“Think we can sneak out of here?” I asked in jest, even though I would gladly leave at that moment if she agreed.
“Not sure Luke or Briella will allow us to leave our own event.”
Joining her laughter, I reached up and twisted some of her hair in my fist, tilting her face up toward me.
“You know this means I’m going to marry you someday.”
“Is that a proposal?”
“No, sweetheart, it’s a promise.”
The End
Continue the Ridge Rogues Series in book one, Of Boys And Men.
www.reneeharless.com/ofboysandmen
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About the Author
Renee Harless is a romance writer with an affinity for wine and a passion for telling a good story.
Renee Harless, her husband, and children live in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She studied Communication, specifically Public Relations, at Radford University.
Growing up, Renee always found a way to pursue her creativity. It began by watching endless runs of White Christmas- yes even in the summer – and learning every word and dance from the movie. She could still sing "Sister Sister" if requested. In high school she joined the show choir and a community theatre group, The Troubadours. After marrying the man of her dreams and moving from her hometown she sought out a different artistic outlet – writing.
To say that Renee is a romance addict would be an understatement. When she isn’t chasing her toddler or preschooler around the house, working her day job, or writing, she jumps head first into a romance novel.
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All rights reserved. Lexxi James, LLC.
Edited by the Utterly Extraordinary
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Cover by Book Sprite, LLC
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