Her enthusiasm and rapid-fire questions made me laugh. Drake gave me a look that clearly said I told you so.

“Does Mason know?” she asked. “Is he coming back to celebrate?”

“He does, and I’m not sure,” I said with a smile. “We haven’t talked about it yet.”

“I’ll text him later and ask,” Gretchen said, which surprised me. I didn’t know they kept in touch, but was happy they did.

Rick welcomed me to the family, but when his mom hugged me, I felt it down to my toes. Her embrace was motherly, heartfelt, and pure; everything a mom should be.

Tina swiped a tear away and hugged her son. “You made a fantastic choice.”

“There isn’t anyone who I’d rather spend my life with. Lucy is my other half,” Drake said before he kissed his mom on the cheek.

Jack and Josh gave their brother enthusiastic congratulations, and then Dane walked up to Drake. He held out his hand, and Drake shook it. “I’m happy for you, big brother,” he said, and they embraced.

“Lucy, I couldn’t be happier that you’re going to be my sister-in-law,” Gretchen said, and squealed as she gave me another hug.

Rick brought out a bottle of champagne while Tina carried glasses. Once we each had a flute filled with bubbly, he stood at the end of the table and raised his glass.

“To my son, Drake, and my future daughter-in-law, Lucy. May your lives be filled with every happiness, and may your hearts always be filled with love. We all wish nothing more than for all your dreams to come true.”

After we’d all clicked glasses and had taken a sip of the sparkling wine, Josh called out, “Who’s ready to eat?” He went back to the grill to take the steaks and chicken off the heat, and piled them on a large platter he placed in the center of the table.

The food tasted as good as it looked. Josh was an excellent cook, and if he weren’t needed in our wedding party, I’d have him cater the reception.

“Bro, this is fantastic. It’s so much better than the food I’ve had lately.” Dane shoved a piece of bread in his mouth.

Josh smiled. “Thanks, but aren’t you eating at some of the best country clubs?”

Dane shifted in his seat but didn’t answer.

Jack leaned forward and caught his eye. “So, Dane, what’s her name?”

We all stilled and looked at Dane as his tanned face darkened, taking on a red tint. He didn’t say anything at first, but then after more sibling prodding, he finally said, “Which one?” with a chuckle.

When Jack didn’t buy it, Dane’s shoulders slumped a little as he said, “Beverly. I met her at a party I had to attend, and there was just something about her.” He glanced at me as he added, “She’s a teacher too.”

I smiled at him, but Dane shrugged. “But I’m not in the position to have a girlfriend, nor am I looking for forever.”

“Sure you’re not.” Drake chuckled. “I hate to tell you this, buddy, but even when you aren’t looking for it, that doesn’t mean it won’t find you.”

“Well, I don’t want to be found.” Dane ignored his champagne and grabbed a beer instead.

“Sometimes it isn’t up to you. When you meet the one, you’ll understand what I mean.” Drake looked at all his siblings. “You’ll see.”

We had a great time that day with his family . . . my new family. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about one another.

My own mom tried to contact me after the press conference I’d crashed, but I didn’t reply to her message. It was odd hearing her voice, but the word “sorry” was never spoken. She did, however, say that the local media had tried to interview them, and that she was mortified that our personal business had become so public.

I briefly thought about calling her back and giving her a piece of my mind, but I refrained. It wasn’t worth my time or effort. Not once did she say she was happy that I was okay and with a good man; it was always about her . . . about them. Her call only reinforced my conviction that I made the right decision when I left.

Life is nothing more than a series of choices, and I’ve learned the hard way that the decisions we make can impact not only our life, but the lives of others. Through our mistakes and successes, we not only learn right from wrong, but how to cope and how to heal. We may not be able to choose the life we’re born into, but if we make the right choices, we have the chance to create the life we want.

I’m so thankful to those who’ve paved the way before us, the brave men and women who fight the battles that make us stronger as a country. Thanks to them, Drake and I are able to live our dream and create a history together we can be proud of.

Drake Prescott will always have my vote. He will forever be my incumbent, and no other can take his place. He taught me that love is the only vote that counts.

THE END

COMING SOON

Gripped: The Prescott Series (Book 2)

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

Since Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner,” America has been known as the land of the free and the home of the brave. But to me, the brave are our service men and women who fight for our freedom, who put their lives on the line every day to protect our country and our way of life.

Sadly, some return home severely injured, or have difficulty coping with brain trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the loss of a limb, or other issues, both mental and physical. Because of this, many of our veterans find it difficult to transition back into civilian life.

Most of us don’t serve in the military, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help those who have. Below you will find links to just a couple of the organizations that need donations and/or volunteers to assist our veterans who are trying to readjust.

Gary Sinise Foundation

Serving Honor and Need

https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/

Wounded Warrior Project

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This part of the book is always difficult for me. There are so many people who stand behind me and support me while I hole up in my office. I hope I don’t forget anyone, and if I do, please know it wasn’t intentional.

First and foremost, my family. Thank you for putting up with me and my craziness while I’m writing. You three are my world, and I wouldn’t be able to do what I love without your love and support. I love you more than anything.

My brother, thank you for your support and wisdom. I know having your “little” sister write books with sex in them isn’t what you expected I’d be doing, not to mention writing about a politician—go figure! Thanks for everything!

My beta readers Ann Marie, Jamie, Jillian, Lauren, Lisa, Liv, and Yamara, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read for me. Your feedback, comments, suggestions, and more importantly, your honesty, were incredibly helpful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Lisa Paul, thank you for being my sounding board, but more importantly, for being a great friend! I always know I can count on you, and that means the world to me.

My sorella, Ann Marie, thank you for always being there for me and for “the bra.” You truly are one of my favorite people, and I’m so happy to have you in my life!

Erik, what can I say? I’m so very grateful to have you in my corner, and I’m blessed to call you my friend. You always have my back and I know I can count on you, which means so much to me. I think you’re the best. Much love!

My friends who always have my back, thank you for supporting me. You all do so much, and I don’t even think you realize it. Just by telling me you enjoy my writing and my characters makes me happy and keeps me going.