The Crush by Ward Penelope (best book recommendations txt) 📕

thinking he could make it on time. But of course, he was too late.”

“Poor Nathan.” I covered my face. “I’m sorry I made you tell me. I ruined everything.”

“Don’t feel bad. I don’t think I could’ve held it in another second. The stress nearly killed me.”

We were interrupted by loud banging.

Jace ran to answer the door, and I followed.

When he opened, Nathan stood there with his mouth ajar, looking like he was afraid to say anything.

Jace put him out of his misery. “It’s okay. She knows.”

Nathan’s shoulders fell. “I’m sorry, sis. We fucked this up.”

I shook my head. “What are you apologizing for? Don’t you realize how ridiculously lucky I feel tonight? Not only that my boyfriend tried so hard to make tonight special, but that my brother cared enough to run around like a chicken with his head cut off?” I started crying. “I love you both so much.”

“The jeweler called from the hospital and told me to meet him there.” Nathan handed the ring box to Jace. “Here you go, man. Congratulations.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

“Don’t congratulate me yet. She didn’t say yes.”

Nathan patted Jace on the shoulder. “Before you do it, I have to tell you both something amazing.” He paused. “Guess what they named the baby?”

“What?” Jace asked.

He looked like he might cry. “Elizabeth.”

I whispered, “Mom’s name.”

“Yup.”

Jace wrapped his arm around my waist. “I prayed for their approval and asked for a sign. Maybe that’s it.”

Nathan looked between us and asked, “Should I go now?”

“Nah.” Jace waved his hand. “You might as well stay. Fitting that your ass will be breathing down my neck when I do it, just like always.”

Nathan stepped back a bit and smiled. When I looked over again, Jace was already down on one knee.

“Farrah, this didn’t turn out anything like it was supposed to, but honestly, has anything we’ve ever experienced together gone according to plan? That’s how we do it. I love you so much. You’re gonna be the best damn lawyer there ever was. And I can’t wait to be by your side every step of the way. I’ll be there for you no matter where the road takes us next. I love you more than life itself. Will you be my wife?” He opened the black ring box.

Tears filled my eyes as I looked down at the gorgeous sparkler. A large center stone was adorned on each side by the two diamonds that had belonged to our mothers, who’d be symbolically protecting our union forever.

“I love you so much,” I managed to say through my tears.

“Is that a yes?” He smiled.

“Yes!” I laughed. “Of course!”

Nathan fist-pumped. “Yes!”

Jace turned to him. “That’s a yes from you, too?”

I wiped the tears from my eyes. “I think this proposal worked out exactly the way it was meant to.”

“You know what?” Jace smiled. “I agree.”

Nathan clapped his hands together. “Can we celebrate?”

“I happen to have some sparkling cider in the fridge leftover from Thanksgiving,” I said.

“Pop it open, then!”

Jace kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll get it.”

I couldn’t stop looking down at my ring. Jace returned with three champagne flutes and the bottle. After popping the cork, he poured us each a glass.

Nathan was first to toast. “To my brother from another mother and my sister. May you have a long and happy marriage. And to the lucky woman I’ve yet to meet who will someday become the proud recipient of a fifty-dollar zirconia solitaire. Salud!”

We broke out into laughter.

This night…gosh, it was perfect.

Pulling my fiancé close, I lifted my glass and made a toast of my own. “To family…the one you’re born into and the one you make.”

Dear Readers,

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading The Crush! I’d love to stay in touch and invite you to join my mailing list and receive back a NEW, FREE short story.

For a Good Time Call

Ever see For a good time call scribbled on the bathroom wall of a bar? Sure you have. Ever wonder what would happen if you had a few too many drinks and actually called the number? Well, now you don’t have to wonder anymore, because I’ll tell you… It blows up in your face when you suddenly realize who Mr. Good Time is.

Other Books by Penelope Ward

The Anti-Boyfriend

RoomHate

The Day He Came Back

Just One Year

When August Ends

Love Online

Gentleman Nine

Drunk Dial

Mack Daddy

Stepbrother Dearest

Neighbor Dearest

Jaded and Tyed (A novelette)

Sins of Sevin

Jake Undone (Jake #1)

Jake Understood (Jake #2)

My Skylar

Gemini

Park Avenue Player (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Stuck-Up Suit (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Cocky Bastard (co-written with Vi Keeland)

British Bedmate (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Playboy Pilot (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Mister Moneybags (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Rebel Heir (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Rebel Heart (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Hate Notes (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Dirty Letters (co-written with Vi Keeland)

My Favorite Souvenir (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Happily Letter After (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Acknowledgements

This book was written in 2020 during a really challenging year for all of us. In these unprecedented times, I’m so happy to be able to help provide an escape for you. I consider myself the luckiest gal in the world to have readers all over the world who continue to support and promote my books. Your enthusiasm and hunger for my stories is what motivates me every day. And to all of the book bloggers who work tirelessly to support me, please know how much I appreciate you.

To Vi – Forever my partner in crime. Hopefully you don’t get tired of me singing your praises. Each year our friendship becomes more invaluable to me. I couldn’t do any of this without you. The best part of this career has been our collaborations and getting to work with my friend each and every day.

To Julie – My late-night watch dog. Thank you for your friendship and for always inspiring me with your amazing writing and attitude.

To Luna –Thank you being there day in and day out and especially this