Next to Me (34 page)

“You talked to Oz, too?”

“After Spring called I was determined to do everything I could to make this moment happen.” Landon brushes my cheek with his thumb and that warm feeling that I’ve missed comes rushing through me again.

“I can’t believe you arranged all this for me. I really can’t believe what you did with the coin.” I can’t stop smiling.

“I love you, and I was just trying to protect something that was important to you. If you needed the coin to deal with Dellinger, of course I would have given it to you earlier. But, you kicked ass without it and now…now you can use it for whatever you want. You can keep it for posterity…sell it and put the money away as a guaranteed nest egg…buy your dream house.” Landon sighs and smiles. “So…I look kind of dumb standing here holding a ring box with what everyone thinks is just a nickel. If you wait any longer, this is going to end up online as the worst proposal ever.” he smirks.

I look at Landon looking at me and I feel warm. It’s the first time I think I’ve really realized that I can do and say whatever I want. I can let people in and share my life with them. Before Landon crashed into my life I had come to terms with the fact that, no matter how close I got to anyone, the closest they would ever get to me would be arm’s length. All that has changed now. Something inside me has opened like a book.

I look at Landon through blurry, tear filled eyes and somehow all I can see is that sexy smirk of his. Yeah…I could look at that smirk every day for the rest of my life.

“Jenna…marry me,” he whispers.

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes.”             

La Fin

Acknowledgements

A huge thank you to my friends and family for their continued support, encouragement, and excitement for this unexpected and wonderful journey I am on. I am constantly humbled and honored by you.

Thank you to my medical professional friends and family (AJ, Mallory, MaryKay, and Will). You gave me great insight to your world and I hope that I was able to reflect even just a little bit here in Jenna’s world.

Thanks, again, to LB! Your input continues to be more valuable than you may ever know. I’m grateful for how you challenged me in the beginning of this project to keep a clear focus. You’re a true friend.

Finally, to the team of people who have helped make this book what it is today: my editor, Lisa, and my cover designer, Kari. You make me look good!

Also by AnnaLisa Grant

The Lake Trilogy: The Lake, Troubled Waters, Safe Harbor
 

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
 

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

For more information, visit:

AnnaLisaGrant.com

Facebook.com/AuthorAnnalisaGrant

Cover art by Cover to Cover Designs