Love, Honor, Respect by Elle Linder

Author:Elle Linder [Linder, Elle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781733172424
Publisher: Ocean Dreams Publishing
Published: 2019-07-16T16:00:00+00:00

seven

Love of My Life

The familiar brisk air, with its mix of pine and woodsmoke, and Luke beside her comforted Julia. They’d arrived at the wooden bench they’d claimed as their own special spot by the lake. Neither had spoken a single word as they walked down the trail hand in hand, weaving in and out of pines and aspens.

Before leaving the resort, Julia had pulled out a scarf and gloves to pair with her navy wool car coat. It wouldn’t be long before Old Man Winter descended upon them, creating a winter wonderland. She couldn’t wait for quiet, cozy nights by the fire with Luke. He’d have a glass of bourbon, and she’d have a mug of cocoa with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon to go along with a brownie or a chocolate chip cookie.

Julia inhaled deeply, clearing her head and sending her angst off into the black night.

Luke wrapped his arm around her back, pulling her snug against him. He was a patient man, waiting on her to be ready to talk. They certainly complemented each other, despite how different they were.

Finally, she felt ready to talk, and in total Julia directness, she went straight for the heart of the matter.

“If I couldn’t have a baby, would you still want to marry me? You only have twenty-four hours to decide. And just so you know, leaving me standing at the altar is a horrible way to call off a wedding. Not to mention embarrassing.” She let her words float into the night air. Her gaze remained fixed on the still water.

Luke stood abruptly, catching her off guard. He took several strides away from her. She held her breath as she watched him stand facing the lake, hands on his hips, legs spread wide in an intimidating stance.

Had she been wrong that he’d still want to marry her? Her stomach coiled into a bundle, pushing acid up into her throat. This wasn’t how she’d seen this discussion going.

Tears blurred her vision, and her chest heaved… This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. She had been certain Luke would want her no matter what. One tear fell, then another. She dropped her head, sniffling her runny nose and dabbing the corners of her eyes with her knit glove.

This can’t be happening.

Before she could look up, Luke was down on his knees in front of her. He cradled her face, his intense eyes absorbing hers as his brows knitted together. She knew the look well; it actually gave her comfort. It was his you’re out of your ever-loving mind expression.

“Why would you ask me that?” The deep timbre of his voice vibrated through her. “After everything we’ve been through, how could you think I’d change my mind about marrying you?”

She shrugged, ashamed of herself for not having more faith in him—in them.

“Because a baby has been the topic of dozens of discussions. And I may not be able to have one.” She dropped her head again as tears dotted her lap.

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