“Profits are up fifteen percent this quarter, and Jeremy is predicting a really strong holiday season. I owe it all to you, my loyal and wonderful team. Which is why we’re changing the company slogan to…” Trent did a little drum roll against the mike, then he pulled a small cord and a banner unfurled across the stone wall. True to Our Nature was written beneath the company logo. “We’re changing the your to our because it’s only because of all of us, working together, building on each other’s successes and strengths, that we are here today.”
There was a large swell of applause and cheers. The photographers Sarah had invited snapped some pictures. Trent didn’t pay attention to any of that. He had one more important thing to do tonight, something that had waited far too long.
“The most important member of my team, the one who made all of this possible because of her wisdom and patience and amazingness, is Kate.” He crossed the patio and took her hand, hauling her up to the front of the group with him. “She is the rock I stand on, the one I can count on to always be honest and true. Because she loves me, and I love her.”
There were more whoops and applause. Kate blushed and whispered, “I do love you.”
Every time she said those words, his heart filled so much, he was sure it would burst with joy. “And because I want you to always be prepared for anything, Kate, I’ve filled this backpack with everything you need for survival.” He handed her a branded bright-pink bag he’d special-ordered just for Kate. “In there, you’ll find granola bars and water bottles and flashlight.”
She laughed. “I don’t plan on taking off to parts unknown by myself. I’ve gotten more adventurous, but not that adventurous.”
“We’re going to have lots of adventures together in our future too.” He gave her a quick, sweet kiss. “There’s no custom backpack for me, because I have everything I need for my survival right here.” Then Trent pulled a velvet box out of his pocket, dropped to one knee and flipped the lid back. “That’s you, Kate. Will you marry me?”
Kate gasped. Tears sprung to her eyes, and she nodded. “Yes, Trent, yes.”
“Those are the only words I wanted to hear.” He slipped the round-cut diamond on her left hand, then pulled her to him. As Trent kissed his wife-to-be, there were champagne bottles being uncorked and congratulations being shouted, but the only thing he could see was the woman he loved and the long, happy life that lay on the trail ahead of them.
The End
Guacamole Grilled Chicken Club
Kate, the heroine of In Other Words, Love, has to work long hours to finish ghostwriting Trent’s memoir. To show his appreciation and support, he promises to bring her unlimited takeout from their favorite restaurant, Chick and Cheese. She especially loves their Guacamole Grilled Chicken Club sandwich. Our version is perfect for a busy day. Make it for yourself, or someone you love!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast filets (about 1 pound total)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 Ciabatta rolls, sliced horizontally, buttered and toasted
1/4 cup Chipotle mayonnaise, recipe below
4 green leaf lettuce leaves
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp
1 cup guacamole
1/4 cup Cojita Mexican cheese, crumbled
CHIPOTLE MAYONNAISE
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon peppers in adobo, pureed
Preparation
Preheat grill.
Season chicken with salt and pepper and grill over medium for 5 to 8 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Spread chipotle mayonnaise on bottom half of each roll and top with lettuce, chicken breast, bacon, guacamole and crumbled cheese.
Close each sandwich with top half of roll and serve.
Thanks so much for reading
In Other Words, Love. We hope you enjoyed it!
You might like these other books
from Hallmark Publishing:
Country Hearts
The Story of Us
Love By Chance
The Secret Ingredient
Beach Wedding Weekend
Love on Location
Sunrise Cabin
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About The Author
When she’s not writing books, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump competes in triathlons, mostly because all that training lets her justify mid-day naps and a second slice of chocolate cake. She’s published more than sixty books in twenty-four languages, although she’s too geographically challenged to find any of those countries on a map.
You might also enjoy Wrapped Up in Christmas
Chapter One
After months of sweat, grit, and sheer determination to get to the picturesque Kentucky town he’d only recently heard of, Bodie Lewis had finally arrived in Pine Hill.
He turned off his pickup’s engine, ruffled his dog Harry’s scruffy black and white fur, and let out a long breath. Put him on a dangerous overseas mission, and he was in his element. Searching out a little elderly lady in the civilian world to express his gratitude? Not so much.
“We made it,” he told the dog who had been at his side nonstop for the past few months.
A dog and a quilt.
Not exactly things he’d expected to call his own, nor to have made such an impact on his life.
If he added the just-purchased truck he was sitting in and a rarely touched bank account, he’d be listing all his worldly possessions. Until recently, he hadn’t been in one place long enough to justify his own transportation and had always driven government-issued vehicles when the need arose.
He ran his hand over his dark hair. Although an average length by most standards, the strands felt out of place. He’d worn a crew cut most of his adult life—a cut he was no longer required to maintain, thanks to his honorable discharge.