Breaking Braydon (24 page)

The last card confused the crowd. I heard a few random voices questioning, “What the hell?” But I knew.

I leaned into the microphone and said clearly, “Okay.”

Braydon jumped off the table, crossed the room, hopped up on the stage, and announced to the crowd, “Now you’ll see some love and passion.”  He held his hands on both sides of my face and whispered, “I’ll love you forever.” He laid his lips softly on mine and slowly showed me how much he loved me. When we broke apart many minutes later, we were greeted with clapping and cheering.

“I’m taking you home now, and I don’t plan on letting you go.” His smile was dazzling.

“Sure.”

His eyebrow raised.

“I don’t want to be too predictable.”

He laughed, his eyes crinkled, and all was right with the world.

EPILOGUE

Braydon

“This feels a lot like déjà vu,” Jain whispered.

It was Valentine’s Day, exactly one year after our reunion. We were back at the Paramount Hotel attending yet another fundraiser, this time for Breast Cancer Research.

I scanned the table. Everyone who was important to us was in attendance. Dad had brought his date, Jennifer. He told me after the spectacle I’d made of myself last year, the least he could do was follow his own advice. Colin and Charlie had made tiny paper airplanes out of the cocktail napkins and were shooting them around the table. I was glad Colin had someone now. I knew Jain would have worried about him otherwise.

Tiffany sat on Jain’s right, because those two were inseparable. They were polar opposites in some ways, but not in the ones that mattered. They’d started a foundation together to help families that struggled with the financial effects of ALS. They made a great team and were dedicated to change the world, as they would often say.

Todd sat to my left in a bored slouch. He referred to himself as the third wheel, and Jain and Tiffany had spent the better part of six months plotting to change that. They had at least four girls lined up for him this evening alone. He was picky though, so I doubted their machinations would prove successful.

One thing was certain, we wouldn’t run into Angela tonight or anytime soon. After the article we’d planted hit the newsstands, things went downhill for her fast. It was the domino effect. People who were once afraid of her spoke out. She had spent most of her adult life manipulating and conniving to get what she wanted. She played with people’s lives, and hurt many in the process. We had accomplished what we’d set out to do, and with each new article, her true character was exposed. She was shunned, resulting in a hasty move to Russia, or was it Croatia? It didn’t matter, as long as I never had to see her again.

My eyes drifted back to Jain. She was stunning.

“Thank you for tonight. I know these events aren’t your favorite way to spend an evening.” I kissed her hand.

She rested her head on my shoulder. “I don’t mind. I do have to admit, though, our couch and a crackling fire sound good.” She paused. “Do you think Oreo and Nancy are behaving?”

At first, we’d put them in separate rooms, fearing they’d bite and scratch each other to death. But since we’d married nine months earlier, they had completely stopped their behavior. We couldn’t figure it out, but we weren’t going to question it.

They started the auction, so I kept my voice low. “They’ll be fine. Did you see them napping together on the couch this morning?”

The auctioneer announced the next item up for bid.

Jain’s head snapped up, “Oh, look Braydon. A plate of brownies!” Her eyes glossed over.

I had arranged for the brownies to be auctioned off tonight. The money would go to a good cause, so I didn’t care how much they cost. I raised my paddle.

Jain’s eyes flickered with merriment. “You’re going to buy me the brownies?”

“Do you remember our lunch at Angelo’s?” I asked.

A slow smile crossed her lips. “We talked about the men who bought their pregnant wives expensive brownies. Didn’t we both agree that love would never last?”

“That’s the conversation. We sure proved that wrong.” I reached over and smoothed my hand over her stomach. “This little guy…or girl is living proof.” I placed my mouth on her soft, full lips. I’d been kissing her almost constantly for the past year. It never got old.

“I’m so excited. Do you think she or he will be born tonight?” Her striking blue eyes danced with excitement.

“Please hold off until tomorrow. I’m selfish. I want this anniversary to always be about us. We can do the birthday cakes and parties on another day. Yeah? You think you can do that?”

She chuckled. “I’ll send a message, but I can’t give any guarantees.”

She was so beautiful with her rounded curves and radiant smile. She glowed. I would miss touching her stomach, feeling the life within her. But I was more excited to meet our child.

I tried to stay focused on the bidding. I decided to put an end to it so Jain could enjoy the brownies now. “Fifty thousand dollars.”

The room fell silent. The auctioneer asked, “Five thousand dollars?”

“No, fifty thousand. My pregnant wife wants a brownie.”

Everyone in the room laughed and cheered.

Jain got her brownie – and I had her.

We had each other, because Jain made me a believer.

In forever.

DEAR READERS,

Thank you so much for reading Breaking Braydon! I had the best time writing it – I hope you enjoyed it

Next up: I’m still undecided. Should it be Tiffany and Erik (The Socialite and the Scientist)? Or Todd and Tiffany? Or…perhaps a love triangle? (Insert evil laugh)  Email me! [email protected]

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TWITTER: @mk_harkins

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NEWSLETTER

If you’d like to donate to help researchers find treatments or a cure, I’ve heard good things about this particular organization.

ALS Therapy Development Institute

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As always, my family – for it is they who have to put up with me! Especially my husband, Doran, who has made himself veggie hotdogs for months without complaint. I know you don’t like them THAT much

I have to send out a big thanks to my children (Doran, Jean, Becca, Julianne & Mattie) – I know it can be embarrassing having your mom write romance. But, you’ve never let it show. Thanks for your encouragement and support

Mattie – Daughter, and newest beta reader! You helped shape this book. Pink markers for sentences that needed to be changed, yellow for the good stuff. My heart danced with joy every time the yellow marker came out. *This last sentence would be pink, wouldn’t it? Lol

Sister Elore (Laurel) You are the best. Thank you for accepting me for who I am!

My girls – Nancy Thompson, Julie Hartnett and Karen Harper. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you. To say you’ve been my lifeline this past year would be an understatement.

A huge thanks to the beta readers on this one. I didn’t even know what a beta reader was on my first book. Now, I can’t live without them! You’re input and suggestions have been invaluable. Nancy Thompson, Karen Harper, Amy McGlone (Turn the Page), Cyndi Maurer, Julie Blouin, Deanna Lang, Kendra (Lola Kay) Sikorski, Katie Jetton, Angela Plumlee, Jan Hinds,

Victorine Lieske, Francis Vanessa Valladares Duarte, Kristen Geist, Donna Feyen, Chloe Meyer, Jeri Burgess, Sara Marion, Arlene Hewitt, Leanne Hawkes and Mattie Wellnitz.

To the entire Wellnitz Clan – When things go south (not in a good way) you all band together with prayer. You know what? It works! Thank you for all the prayers, kind words and generosity expressed for our family this past year. Life can be tough, but when you have a family that supports you – even the worst of situations are better.

To my editorial team – Nancy Saling Thompson and Karen Harper. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for your expertise and insight. Your encouragement means the world to me!