Prologue
BROOKS
Fifteen Years Ago
“So they’re delivering the flowers?” I ask Mom while I tap my pocket for the fortieth time in the past five minutes.
The ring’s still there.
“Yes. In thirty minutes. Sweetheart, we have this handled.” She pats my cheek, and her eyes fill with tears.
“Don’t do that.”
“You’re my baby, and you’re about to ask that girl to marry you, so I’m allowed to shed a tear or two. Are you sure this is what you want? You’re both so young, Brooks.”
I’ve never been more positive about anything in my life.
I’ve loved Juliet, my wildfire, since I was sixteen. More than five years. She’s it for me. The beginning and the end, and I want to marry her.
I need to marry her.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“She’s not even out of college yet. You have so much time ahead of you. Let her graduate, come home, and then propose. That’s only a few months away.”
“Mom.” I kiss her on the head, and she wraps her arms around my middle, giving me a hug. “I know you worry. But everything’s fine. We’ll get engaged now, and with everyone’s help, I can get the house fixed up by the time she gets home from college.”
“I’m glad you seem to have it all figured out.” She pats my chest and steps away. “Everything will be ready by the time you get here. Flowers, the food, everything is ready.”
I smile at her. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Of course. You’re my baby.” She winks at me, and I step outside, where my brothers toss around a football and Dad cleans the grill.
After I take Jules to the spot I have planned and propose, we’ll come back here for a celebratory dinner with my family. Her mom can’t come because she’s working the night shift at the hospital, but she said she’d try to get off work early to stop by.
It’ll be a small party for now, and that’s fine. I’ll give her a big wedding later.
“I ordered the lumber for that bathroom,” Dad says. He’s excited to help me renovate the little house I bought.
Thank God. Because no way could I afford to hire it out, and I want it mostly done by the time she comes home for good in a few months. The house isn’tthatbad. Nothing a new bathroom, flooring, paint, and elbow grease can’t fix up.
“Thanks.” I pat Dad on the shoulder, then check the time. “I have to go.”
“Good luck, buddy.” He grins at me, and I saunter down the steps, wave at my siblings, then hop on my Harley after making sure I have her helmet and leathers with me.
My wildfire loves the bike.
When I pull up to Juliet’s mom’s house and cut the engine, I frown when she doesn’t come bounding out of the house with a big smile for me. Shit, I haven’t seen her since Christmas, and even that trip was cut short. I’m anxious to get my hands on her.
I’m going to kiss the fuck out of her.
And if she doesn’t get her fine ass out here, I’ll push her back to her bedroom and fuck her six ways to Sunday, and while that’ll definitely be happening at some point today, I have a plan to execute first.
Shit, I’ve been working my ass off at Old Man Hanson’s garage for the past two years to make today happen. Saved every dime, worked overtime, and took side jobs. I need to get this ring out of my pocket and on her finger.
I pat the pocket again, then knock on the door.
No one answers.
