Shameless(97)

I tell her she has two daddies, and they both love her with all of their hearts.

Brady scoops her up and bounces her in his arms before whispering something in her ear that makes her giggle. She looks over to me, and he nods.

“Swing? Pweese?” she asks me with the sweetest expression on her face.

“Sure, darlin’.” Here come the smudges, I laugh to myself.

I take her from Brady’s arms, pausing to kiss his cheek. Then I go to put her on the swing when he stops me. “Why don’t you put her on your lap, and I’ll push the two of you?”

“Okay.” I grin back at him.

Man, he looks so handsome this evening in a pair of dark jeans and a green polo that stretches across his broad shoulders.

I swallow the sudden lump in my throat when I see how he’s looking at me. Like we’re the only two people who exist.

His eyes travel down my face, over my bare shoulders and past the fitted white halter top before swinging back up again. A slow smile lifts his lips, and I shiver under his gaze.

I hear the words without him speaking. I love you.

An effervescent feeling that I can only describe as utter happiness rushes over me as I hug Izzy to my chest.

He stands there, watching us, a wide smile on his face.

I sit on the swing with Izzy, and Brady leans one arm on the chain of the swing.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he whispers, brushing my hair back. “But then you always look beautiful.”

Leaning back, I smile at him, my heart so full of love for this man.

I expect him to go behind us to push the swing. But instead—ay Dios mío—he gets down on one knee.

And then he takes out a little box.

Oh my God!

My mouth drops open, and I look around and realize everyone is taking pictures of us.

“Brady.” I’m trembling from head to toe.

“I love you, Katherine. More than I ever thought was possible to love someone. Say yes. Be my wife. Be Izzy’s mom. Let us love you forever.”

I don’t even have to think about my answer.

I'm nodding as Izzy and I go crashing into him. He catches us with a grunt and a laugh, barely keeping us upright when the baby and I squish him in a hug.

Hands reach down, and I realize Tori is scooping up Izzy. She gives me a wink and steps back with the baby in her arms.

My eyes cut back to Brady. “Yes, yes!” I laugh before kissing him again. In front of everyone.

Yes, I kiss him shamelessly. Because I love this man, and I want everyone to know it.

Our families start clapping behind us, and then finally my sister yells, “Get a room for the porno. I’m hungry.”

My fiancé laughs, and we stand up and hug our parents. My heart swells as I take a mental snapshot of our big, loud Texas family.

I don’t know how this all happened. I don’t know what I did to deserve such an amazing man or such a wonderful family. But if Cal and Mel taught me anything, it was to cherish every moment I have with them.

And I plan to. Each and every day for the rest of my life.





To My Readers





Thank you for reading Shameless! I’d love to hear what you thought and hope you’ll consider leaving a quick review on Amazon and Goodreads.

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Want more Shameless? To celebrate this release, I’m giving away gift cards and Lovelace Lavender prizes on my Facebook author page, so check it out for more details!

If Dani’s story piqued your interest, keep flipping for an excerpt of Finding Dandelion, which is FREE on Amazon KU for a limited time as part of the The Dearest Series Boxed Set.





Finding Dandelion Synopsis





When soccer all-star Jax Avery collides with Dani Hart on his twenty-first birthday, their connection is instantaneous and explosive. For the first time in years, Jax isn’t interested in his usual hit-it and quit-it approach.

But Dani knows better. Allowing herself a night to be carefree and feel the intensity of their attraction won’t change anything when it comes to dealing with a player. So when Jax doesn’t recognize Dani the next time he sees her, it shouldn’t be a total shock. The fact that he’s her new roommate's brother? That’s a shock.

Dani doesn’t regret that night with Jax, just the need to lie about it. Since her roommate has made it clear what she thinks about her brother’s “type” of girl, the last thing Dani wants is to admit what happened.

Jax knows he’s walking a fine line on the soccer team. One more misstep and he’s off the roster, his plans to go pro be damned. Except he can’t seem to care. About anything… except for the one girl who keeps invading his dreams.

Despite Jax’s fuzzy memory of his hot hookup with his sister’s friend, he can’t stay away from her, even if that means breaking his own rules. But there are bigger forces at work–realities that can end Dani’s college career and lies that can tear them apart.

Jax realizes what he’s losing if Dani walks away, but will he sacrifice his future to be with her? And will she let him if he does?

Finding Dandelion, the second book in the Dearest series, can be read a standalone novel. This new adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.