Son of a Preacher Man

chapter Eighteen


J.T. sipped his coffee and watched Nadya sleep the sleep of the dead. She’d had a rough couple of days, and things were going to get rougher now that half the town had found out about her father and the land deal.

Part of him wouldn’t blame her if she wanted to go home and get away from the craziness of Dale. All of him hoped she wouldn’t.

Okay, McBride. Time to lay it on the line. If you don’t tell her how you feel, how can you expect her to do it? She’s been torn down and beat up half her life. The least you can do is spill your guts first.

He crossed the room to his dresser and pulled out the ring he’d bought in Canton when he’d gone down to talk to her brothers. He’d thought about giving her his mother’s ring but decided she deserved something that had only ever been hers. No more hand-me-downs.

A million different scenarios came and were rejected. Should he wait until she woke up and had a cup of coffee? What if she slept until noon? There was no way he’d last that long.

“Good morning, handsome,” she said, her voice still husky with sleep. “Is that coffee for me?” Her eyes were warm and sexy, and the flannel shirt she’d borrowed from him slid off one shoulder, hinting at the full curve of her breast.

“That depends on your answer.” He took the two steps needed to reach the side of the bed and put the mug on the nightstand.

“What’s the question?”

“I love you. Will you marry me?” He flipped open the ring box and held it out to her.



“What?” She scrambled up in bed and reached for the box but didn’t take it. “I haven’t brushed my teeth, I have no makeup on and I’m not wearing any underwear and you want to marry me?” Nadya couldn’t believe what she was hearing, seeing. The ring was gorgeous and glittering in the morning light, and she still had sleep in her eyes.

“Yes, to all the above.”

“Oh my God.”

“Well?”

“Yes! Of course, yes! I love you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him to her.

“I don’t know if it’s the right size. I had to guess. The jeweler said he can resize it if it doesn’t fit.”

“Put it on me, please.”

She held out her left hand and he slid the diamond solitaire over her knuckle.

“It fits. It’s perfect,” she said, holding her hand up to admire it, her heart melting as she watched it twinkle.

“Just like you’re my perfect fit.” He leaned down to kiss her, but she stopped him.

“I really need to brush my teeth. I am not having our first engaged kiss ruined by morning breath. I’ll be right back.” She nearly flew to the bathroom.

She’d never brushed her teeth so fast in her entire life. J.T. loved her and wanted to marry her. They’d be together forever. He’d be hers forever. Her heart felt full to bursting with love and happiness.

As soon as she finished wiping her face, she raced back to the bedroom and dove on J.T. who lay on the bed. Nadya rained kisses over his face until he speared his fingers in her hair and held her head still.

“We still have a boat load of decisions to make,” she said as he trailed kisses to her ear.

“Uh huh.”

“Like where are we going to live?”

“Wherever you want.” He unbuttoned the flannel shirt, exposing her breasts to his gaze.

“I was thinking here. But maybe we could add on to the cabin, you know for the children.”

“Lots of children.”

“We can start with one.” She gasped as his mouth captured a nipple. “In fact, let’s practice right now.” She reached down and unbuttoned his fly.

“It may take lots of practice,” he said as he shucked his jeans.

“Darn.”

As she eased him inside her, she knew as long as he was with her she’d always be home.