Page 86 of Forked (Frenched 2)
“I know. I bought it.”
“What?” I stared at him, unable to wrap my brain around this. “You bought it? But Linda said that family that transferred bought it.”
“I know. That’s what I told her to say.”
I gasped and thumped him on the leg. “You didn’t!”
“I did. Are you mad?”
I looked at the house again. “I should be, shouldn’t I? I wanted to buy a house by myself.”
“But that was when you were going to live there by yourself.” He put his arm around me and pulled me close. “Now we’re going to live here, together.”
“Oh my God, Nick. I can’t believe it.” My heart was racing. “You said we should live in your apartment for a while, you big liar.” In fact, I’d already started packing. The sooner I got out of my parents’ house, the better. As expected, they’d been stunned at my engagement, but Nick hadn’t made me face them alone. Together we’d told them how we’d realized after seeing one another again that we were still in love and wanted to be married, having already spent far too long apart. I’m pretty sure they thought we were crazy and foolish, but I didn’t care. I’d never been more excited about my future.
“Had to keep you guessing.” He kissed my head. “But that’s all over with. And don’t worry—I’ll still let you do as much work here as you want to. I’ll even show you how to work a hammer.”
“Haha.” I tipped my head to his shoulder. “God, you’re an asshole. But I love you.”
“I love you, too. And Coco, we’re putting your name on the title as soon as possible. It’s our place. I don’t care who paid for it.”
“Really? You mean it?” I looked up at him.
“Of course I do. It’s you and me, cupcake.”
Happiness bubbled up in me. “Hey, maybe if we get the backyard in shape by next summer, we can get married here!”
Nick dropped a quick kiss on my lips. “Good idea.”
I slipped my arms around his waist, snuggling
into the nook as we looked at the home where we’d build our future. This is where I’ll be every night for the rest of our lives.
It would take a lot of work—both this house and this relationship—but I knew it would be worth it. Everything I needed to be happy was right here in front of me.
THE END
Thank you to my husband and children for allowing me the time and space to write. I love you.
Thanks Tom Barnes for another beautiful cover—you’re seriously the best. Thank you Cait Greer for formatting and dealing with my mistakes and annoying last-minute emails—I couldn’t do this without you!
Thank you to Danielle for being my best friend for the last 25 years—and also for being the Coco to my Mia. (Trapeze lessons? Seriously?)
Thanks to the awesome ladies of The Wr
ahm Society and all offshoots, especially Gennifer Albin, Laura Barnes, Bethany Hagen, Tamara Mataya, & Kayti McGee. You inspire me every day, and because of you I never feel alone in this endeavor. Thanks for letting me sit with you.
Thank you Tamara Mataya for editing and Angie Owens for proof reading. You save my characters from daying the wrong things, frowning in deep waters, and pacing back and froth. I am so grateful.
A million, trillion thanks covered in chocolate cake batter to romance bloggers and readers who spread the word about books. I wish I could name you all because I adore you so much. I am so, so grateful. A special shout out to The Smut Book Club, The Rock Stars of Romance, Aestas Book Blog, Fan Girl Book Blog, True Story Book Blog, Schmexy Girls, and the hilarious ladies of the Dirty Laundry Review.
To my incredibly talented mentors, who are so generous with their time and advice—Lauren Blakely,
M. Pierce, and especially Laurelin Paige—I hope someday to do for another author all the things you’ve done for me. I’m honored to call you my friends.
Finally, thanks to my readers, who have been so lovely to me in reviews, posts, and messages. I adore you.
Keep reading for a free sample of Speak Easy, Melanie Harlow’s sexy historical series set in the Roaring ‘20s!
