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“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.