A Boy Worth Choosing (The Worthy Series Book 2) (22 page)

Fortunately, there isn’t any risqué paraphernalia. Instead there is a handmade notebook; sheets of red and fuchsia paper appropriately tied together with strips of black lace. I gingerly flip it open to find the pages have handwritten notes from Daphne, Shelby, Shaina and even Janine.

Daphne’s and Shaina’s notes make me laugh, with their wild speculative antics of what they anticipate Stephen to be like in the bedroom, causing Stephen to look curiously over at me. I just shake my head to let him know he really shouldn’t ask. Shelby’s note is more helpful with advice that sounds legit. Janine’s note makes me cry, as she asks me to take good care of her baby boy while telling me she’s thankful to finally have a daughter too.

All too quickly we pull up to
our
apartment. Stephen comes around the front of the car and opens my door for me, helping me out of the car and to the front door. He unlocks the door and before I can take a step, sweeps me and my ninety pound dress into his arms and carries me over the threshold and all the way back to his, or ours now I should say, bedroom. He sets me on my feet in the middle of the room and holds me close.

“I’m going to go get that bag of goodies and I’ll meet you back in here in five minutes.” Before I can say anything he turns and walks out of the room.

The reality of what is about to happen kicks in and I find myself unable to breathe again.  I find the en suite bathroom and splash cool water on my face and neck. I check my reflection in the mirror, fearful that I’m pale as a ghost. But instead, my skin is pink in all the right places and the color in my eyes is vibrant. Enough hair has fallen from my chignon that it only makes sense to pull out the pins and let the curls cascade down my back.

As I pull the last one out, I see Stephen lean against the doorframe of the bathroom, one arm above his head, in the mirror. I brace myself on the counter and take one last deep breath.

“Hey, where are you right now?” he asks. The familiar question makes me smile.

“Right here. With you.” I turn around and step in front of him. He takes my hand and takes a few steps backward so that we’re standing in the middle of the bedroom again.

“You’re nervous,” he states rather than asks. His tender fingers reach out and skim the lace covering my shoulders, causing a stream of warm goosebumps to snake down my back and arms.

“You’re not?” I hear my voice break, giving my fear away. He kisses my forehead. Then my temple. And the tip of my nose before pulling back just enough to look me in the eyes.

“A little. But,” he cups my face with both hands, “there is absolutely no one in this world that I have wanted this with more than you. I can’t say it is going to be perfect, and I can’t say it isn’t going to be awkward. But it’s with you. We have a lifetime to get it right, and I promise you. We
will
get it right, even if we have to practice. A lot.” He grins a sexy smile and I feel that pull that he has on me.                 

And for the first time ever, I choose to give in.

Also By S. M. Smith

A Girl Worth Waiting For (Worthy Series Book 1)

Also Coming in 2015

A Family Worth Fighting For (Worthy Series Book 3)

Forgiving the Past (In Heels Book 1)

Acknowledgements:

Where to even begin. First, and I know this is extremely cliché but, all honor and glory goes to my Lord Jesus. You are faithful, always.

Next, a huge thank you to my incredible husband, Ian. It still blows me away that you talk about my books as much, if not more than I do. I’m proud to have you on my team, in my life and in my heart. I love you so much.

Next, a big thank you to my dream team of editors, proofreaders and beta readers. Erica, Sarah, Janelle and Felicia, you all have helped make this book better than the last and I am so thankful to have all of you on my team.

Then there’s Christa from Paper and Sage Design; thank you for creating such a beautiful cover. Working with you has been an absolute blast and I’m so thankful that you answered my desperate email. I look forward to working with you again and again on many more cover creations.

Next, Sam, darling….what can I say. Planning two weddings at the same time (even if one is fictional) is no easy feat, but you’ve made it oh-so much fun! I’m so excited you’ve finally found your own Stephen and can’t wait to stand with you on your big day. Thank you for the inspiration, support and constant reminders of how awesome you seem to think I am, even when I’m not feeling it. You’re a peach, and a true asset to have on my team.

Next, my family, who has been the BEST fan club,  support system, and marketing team a girl could ever ask for. Thanks for listening diligently to my constant book ramblings, for your enthusiasm, and your help in promoting my books. You guys are the absolute best!!

Lastly, thank you. Yes, YOU, my readers. Without you, I wouldn’t have an outlet to the crazy storylines that have popped into my head and won’t leave until I type them out. Words cannot express my gratitude for all your love, encouragement and support. May you be blessed from these stories in many, many ways.

About the Author

Sarah M. Smith lives in Missouri with her very lucky husband and beautiful baby girl. When she's not reading, writing, or taking too many pictures of her daughter, she can be found in her overly messy craft room finishing one of her many projects (usually involving ribbon), baking something she most definitely shouldn’t be eating, impatiently awaiting football season, or traveling the world with her hubby.

Sarah accepted Jesus into her heart just after high school, but has always known God has had His hands in her life. Sarah doesn’t claim to be the perfect Christian and hopes that her characters aren’t expected to be either. She just wants more people to know the love, grace and mercy that God shows her each and every day. She writes strictly under His direction and gives Him all the honor and glory.

To learn more about Sarah check out her blog at
http://sarsmith1123.blogspot.com/
or on Facebook as S. M. Smith-Author.