Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(104)

There he was. This big, sexy bear of a man, down on one knee. His hair was tucked beneath his beanie, and the twinkle lights allowed just enough light to let me see the depth of those sage-green eyes of his.

“What are you doing?” I gasped, dropping to my knees in front of him.

“I don’t think you’re supposed to get down on your knees.” He chuckled, and I scooched forward.

“I go where you go,” I said, my words breaking on a sob.

He smiled, and my stomach fluttered just like it always did around him. He reached up and swiped the single tear rolling down my cheek. “I love you, Lila Mae James. You make me want to be a better man.”

A sob escaped my throat, and he leaned down, pressing his forehead to mine, knowing it would comfort me. “No crying, baby.”

“Okay,” I whispered, as I tried to muffle the sob that was slowly sneaking out.

“You make me want things I never knew I’d want. And I want them all with you. I knew the minute you came into the bar to talk about your schedule that I was a ruined man.” He leaned down and kissed me.

“Will you marry me, Snow?”

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” I shouted, my hands on each side of his handsome face as I tugged him down for a kiss.

“You sure about that? You want to do forever with me?” he asked, when he pulled back.

“I’m positive.”

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a little black box. When he opened it, I shook my head frantically, pushing back the tears because I’d never seen anything more beautiful.

It was a square diamond on a platinum band, with little diamonds surrounding it.

“Yeah?” He took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto my finger.

“It’s absolutely stunning. I love it. I love you.” I shook my head with disbelief, still processing that all of this was happening.

Hugh pushed to his feet and helped me to mine, leading me over to the blanket beside the fire.

“Thanks for saying yes,” he said, one brow raised as we both dropped down to sit.

“Thanks for asking,” I teased. “How did you pull all this off?”

“My brothers and my parents helped set it up while you hung out with Brinks and Georgie. And then Travis and Brax were down here getting the fire going when I texted to say we were on our way. So, it was a group effort.” He chuckled. “And I went by to see your dad a few days ago and asked if he’d be okay with it, and he got all weepy and emotional.”

“Thank you for including him. I can’t believe you did all this.” I glanced around, taking in all the little details. The fire danced in front of us, and the water splashed against the shore in the distance. I couldn’t think of a more romantic setting. “It’s perfectly us.”

He leaned close to me, holding up a white-chocolate strawberry, and I wrapped my lips around it, taking a big bite and groaning.

I thought Hugh would grab one for himself, but instead, he tugged me forward, his mouth covering mine.

He kissed me like it was the first time.

He kissed me like it was the last time.

He kissed me like it was forever.

THE END



Thank you so much for reading Into the Tide!

Do you want to see Hugh’s sweet gift to Lila to prepare for their wedding day? Click HERE:

INTO THE TIDE BONUS SCENE



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acknowledgments


Greg, Chase & Hannah…thank you for being my inspiration for everything that I do and supporting me every, single day. I am forever thankful for YOU. I love you always!

Willow, I am endlessly thankful for the laughs, the love and your amazing friendship. There is no one I’d rather drink a vampire cocktail in the middle of the day with. Love you so much!

Catherine, thank you for being endlessly supportive and such an amazing friend. Love you always!

Nina, thank you for guiding, listening and supporting me through this journey! Cheers to many more years together! Love you!!

Valentine Grinstead, I absolutely adore you! So thankful for YOU! Love you!

Kim Cermak, Thank you for keeping me on track, helping me with endless questions and always being so kind and amazing. I am FOREVER grateful for you!!

Christine Miller, I can’t begin to thank you for all that you do for me EVERY DAY!! I am SO THANKFUL for you!

Sarah Norris, thank you for the gorgeous graphics and always being willing to help even when I remember things at the last minute! LOL! l am incredibly grateful for YOU!

Debra Akins, thank you for the amazing reels and TikToks and for helping to get my books out there! Your support means the world to me!! Thank you so much!!

Kelley Beckham, thank you for setting up all the “lives” with people who have now become forever friends! Thank you so much for all that you do to help me get my books out there! I am truly so grateful!