Ashes and Memories (36 page)

He lowered his lips to hers, kissing her tenderly. She came into his embrace with a sigh, wrapping her arms around him, clinging to him, afraid she would wake up and find that he was only a dream. But the warmth she drew from his body and the sense of completeness she found in his arms were real.

“Come back with me, Emma,” he pleaded. “Marry me. I don’t know how much I can change, but I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you.”

“That’s all I ever wanted,” she told him, looking into his eyes. He was so close she could see directly into his soul, and it was no longer a dark, empty place. It was wide open, waiting for love.

Emma pulled his head down and kissed him, knowing he wouldn’t change quickly or completely, knowing he wouldn’t easily accept that he was a good, caring man. But she knew that given enough time, she could convince him.

And she had the time.

THE END

Author's Note:  
The Confederate Medal of Honor was commissioned by the Confederate States of America in October 1862, but because of shortages of metals and more pressing financial needs, very few were awarded. Many designees never received the medal at all but their names were added the an Honor Roll which has been preserved for posterity.
 

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FROM THIS DAY FORWARD
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The year is 1885. After building a coffee empire in the Amazon Valley, Jason Sinclair asks his cousin in New Orleans to find a bride for him and marry her by proxy. What he wants is a young, innocent bride who will give him the heir he desires and otherwise stay out of his way. What he gets is Caroline Marshall Sinclair, a young widow who wants to be more a part of Jason's life than he ever imagined. When this irresistible force meets this immovable object, nothing will ever be the same from this day forward.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deborah Cox is a multi-published, best-selling author who has returned to her first love, New Orleans, and her second love, writing, after a lengthy hiatus. When she's not writing, she can be found pursuing her other passions: roaming the streets with her camera, spending quality time with her friends – canine and human – and embracing the spirit of
le bon temps roule
that is New Orleans.
 

PRAISE FOR DEBORAH COX

DESERT DREAMS

“A powerfully wrought hero, a valiant heroine and an action-packed plot.” – Romantic Times

“... a dynamite adventure with an ending too good to miss.” – Rendezvous Magazine

“... a fast-paced, well-executed novel peopled with a fascinating palette of characters who far transcent their assigned roles.” – GEnie Romex Reviews

“... a promising debut historical romance... fast paced, strongly emotional.” – The Paperback Forum

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD

"Deborah Cox... writes with the three 'E's,' Elegance, Emotion and Eloquence! This one will take your breath away!"  – The Literary Times  

"heart-stopping...exciting, romantic and adventurous. It supports my belief that love can overcome anything."  – Rendezvous Magazine  

"...a well written historical romance that emphasizes that the love of a brave, strong woman can exorcise the ghosts destroying a good man."  – Harriet Klausner, Affair de Coure 4+   

"...a fantastic book."  – Bell, Book and Candle 41/2  

"Consistently strong author, Ms. Cox does not disappoint this reviewer."  – Heartland Critiques  

"...a beautiful story with strong, compelling characters... I recommend this to all who believe in true love winning out."  – The Time Machine  

"... a rich, insightful account of one man's search for redemption and the woman whose unconditional love guides him toward his goal. A fine and moving story sure to touch your heart." – GEnie Romex Reviews