“She was talking to someone on the phone telling them that Evan told her everyone in your family hoped you would get over me. She said that she and Evan wondered what it was like going to bed with Freddy Krueger’s sister.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. How could she have believed a word that Josie had said?
Chapter Twelve
Aubrey
He looked as distraught as I felt.
Wrinkles creased his forehead, and his shoulders sagged, shrinking him. “If you believe those things, then you can’t possibly believe I love you. You know me, Aubrey. You know Evan. You know Cade. Do you honestly think my brothers, who you've worked with every day, would say stuff like that? As for the rest of my family, my mom and Amelia haven’t met you yet.”
“I don’t know what I believe anymore.”
“Evan said he would have a word with Josie to stop the gossip. She lies to hurt people. Did you ever think that when she saw you go into the restroom that she followed you in? That she said all those things to cause you pain? When I said I’d never hurt you, I meant it. You’re my life.”
My gut urged me to trust him. I wanted to believe him. I wanted to believe every word he uttered, but I couldn't. What Josie said might have been all lies, but it's what everybody was thinking. They thought and wondered how he could be with someone as tragic and as ugly as me.
“Even if your brother didn't say all the things Josie said he did. And even if Josie made everything up, it’s what everyone thinks. They all think you could do much better than me. Find someone prettier, more outgoing like Josie.” I swallowed down a sob.
He briefly tipped his head to the sky and rubbed his temples. “Josie and I dated for a month seven years ago. It didn’t end well, but she still thinks we have something, we don’t. I only want you. We were meant to be together forever.”
He fell on one knee and rummaged around in the front pocket of his jeans. He then produced a breathtaking cushion cut diamond ring.
Lightheaded and dazed, I reached out and pressed my hand against the trailer door.
“I want you to marry me, Aubrey. I would be the happiest man alive to have you by my side for the rest of my life. I don't want to keep what we mean to each other a secret. Everyone has already guessed we’re together. I want to show the world how much I love you.”
My hands flew to my mouth, and tears trickled down my cheeks, but this time they were happy tears.
“I will protect you and love you for the rest of my life. Marry me and give me the honor of being my wife.”
Shaking, I fell on my knees in front of him.
“Don't run away again. Always come to me if something bothers you, and we’ll fix it together. I couldn't wish for a more beautiful or braver wife. You make me want to be a better man.”
“I’m sorry for running.” I reached up and cupped his hand with mine. “I’m sorry for believing Josie’s lies and letting the gossip get to me.” Tears continued to stream down my face. “I don't deserve you. You are the world's most amazing, generous, patient, and giving man.”
“Does that mean you'll marry me?”
The worry in his eyes showed that saying anything other than yes would break him—not that I planned to. Running off to my mom's had been dumb and childish. But that's exactly how I felt when I heard Josie talking about me in the restroom. Her words had taken me back to the cruel taunts of my childhood. But it was time to grow up and show every one of my tormentors they would never win.
“Marrying you would make me the happiest woman in the world. Spending my life with you and raising children with you is more than I could ever have hoped for.”
“Give me your hand.”
I did as he asked, and he slid the ring onto my finger. Not surprisingly, it was a perfect fit. I held it up to the sky, marveling at its beauty.
When I’d finished admiring the sparkle and the shine, my fiancé kissed me hard and deep, soft, and tender.
This wasn’t the beginning of something good or something great. It was the beginning of the rest of our lives.
Epilogue
Six months later
Noah and I married on New Year's Day. His nephew Max stood by Cade and Evan at the altar, and their sister Amelia was my bridesmaid.
My mom, who walked me down the aisle, had brought her shotgun just in case, but I’d convinced her to leave it in the car.
My wedding dress had a sweetheart neckline and long, lacey sleeves. The scars on the left side of my chest were visible, and if someone looked closely, they would have seen the scars on my arm and back, but I was past caring what people thought, and I was past letting words hurt me.
Noah's mom and I hit it off like old friends, and I went to her for advice all the time. She never stopped hinting about grandbabies and had knitted lots of tiny sweaters and cardigans. In four more months, she’d get her wish.
The front door swung open, and Noah came into the house laden down with bags.
“Did they have what I wanted?” I asked, hopefully.
“I got you ten different flavors of ice cream in case you changed your mind. I also found fresh corn on the cob and bought the European butter you like.” He dropped the bags, reached out, and placed a hand on my stomach. “Do you think that’ll keep the baby happy for a while?”
I grinned and rested my hand on top of his. “I think so, but right now, she’s craving salt and vinegar chips. Did you get those?”
He laughed and pressed a kiss to my lips. “I got salt and vinegar, pickle flavor, and cheese and onion.”
“Do you know how much I love you.”
“I think I have an idea.” He pulled me to my feet and wrapped his arms around my expanding waistline. “And in case you didn’t know, I love you, too.”
The End