“Hi Peach,” he whispered.
“Hi.” I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the mouth. “Today’s been filled with amazing surprises. What’s this all about, babe?”
“You.” He smiled down at me. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too,” I breathed.
I gasped as he dropped to one knee in front of me. My hands flew to my mouth when I realized what he was doing.
“I love you more than the number of stars in the sky, Peach. I always have and I always will. You’re it for me. My soul mate . . . my one true love. I’ve never been more complete than when I’m with you. Sam, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
I couldn’t believe my ears. My heart started racing, and happy tears filled my eyes. There was only one answer that felt natural and real.
“Yes, yes, I will marry you, Emmett.” I answered as he slipped the diamond ring onto my finger, holding my hand in his. I dropped to my knees in front of him, his thumb rubbed back and forth over the top of my hand.
He leaned forward and rested his forehead against mine. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you for loving me, for letting me love you. For never giving up on us.”
“I love you so much, Emmett, I need you like I need my next breath, and will love you from this life into the next.”
He pulled me close and glided his lips over mine. I straddled his lap, wrapped in his tender embrace as his fingers ran through my hair, holding my head in place for our heady kiss. As our tongues wove together, his minty breath left a cool trail across my lips.
Our love had survived Fate’s cruel torment, and I couldn’t wait to see what our future held.
To my critique partners Tricia Zoeller, Alison Gaskin Bailey, Lisa Regan Prodrutti, and Dana Mason, your help and feedback was invaluable. When I look back on the versions that you read, I kind of want to cringe.
Thank you to my beta readers, John Holmes, Tamron Davis, Michelle Pace, Kim Anderson Bias and Laura Wilson.
Thank you to AL Jackson, you’ve supported and encouraged me from the beginning.
Kindle Buddies group, thank you for your support and encouragement.
Nellie Tice Bailey Zeis and Cindy Darnell-Fagan, thank you, so very much for listening to me read those dreadful early drafts over the phone.
Nancy S. Thompson, my amazing editor, and cheerleader. There is no amount of thanks enough, to show you how grateful I am.
Robin Harper, of Wicked by Design—Fabulous cover design, thank you.
Tami Norman, of Integrity Formatting—Amazing formatting, thank you.
Heather Davenport, of Book Plug Promotions- Fantastic organization of my promotional events.
Brandy Ezelle—Thank you for the Auburn area kayaking information.
Thank you to the Admissions Office at Auburn University—for taking time to answer my questions regarding the admissions process.
To my family, Mike Darnell, Austin Darnell, Nellie Tice Bailey Zeis, Penny Bailey Adamo, Tom Adamo, Kara Adamo, Erica Adamo, Cindy Darnell-Fagan, Dick Zeis, Paul Zeis, Ron Bendixon and Charity Drumm Hale—Thank you for your endless support and excitement of the pursuit of my dream.
To my dear, sweet neighbor, Kim Marie Rodriguez, thank you so much for your support, encouragement and excitement. You may not have known it, but it meant a lot to me.
Stacy L. Darnell
Stacy is a New Adult/Contemporary Romance author. Her debut novel, “Love’s Secret Torment” releases March 17th, 2015. Her second novel, “Sweet Conundrum” due out later that year.
Stacy lives with her husband Mike, son Austin, and chocolate lab Gage, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. She loves the seasonal weather changes, taking walks with Gage, and spending time with her family and friends.
While happily addicted to Starbucks, writing is her passion, and sharing her stories with the world is a dream come true.
“Love’s Secret Torment” on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22887142-love-s-secret-torment
“Sweet Conundrum” on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23520343-sweet-conundrum
Follow Stacy on social media:
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/StacyLDarnellAuthor
Twitter:
@StacyLDarnell
Instagram:
@StacyLDarnell
Blog:
http://StacyLDarnellAuthor.blogspot.com
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Acknowledgements
About the Author