Breathless Promises (Alluring Promises Series Book 3) (45 page)
Read Breathless Promises (Alluring Promises Series Book 3) Online
Authors: Josie Bordeaux
“Clark!”
My head snapped in Z’s direction.
“Calm down. You’re starting to talk to yourself again.”
I nodded and walked over to the window. The trees were just blossoming and the air was still cool. The glow of the sun was just starting to set and I knew it was almost time.
Another knock at the door made me whip my head around to stare at the wood rectangle. My dad entered, already wearing his tux. He was smiling.
Shit.
I glanced down to his hand and noticed a small box. He’s here to tell me she left. My eyes went wide and my heart sank.
“What’s wrong? Did she leave? Did she say anything to you before she left?”
My dad’s brows pulled together the same way Flynn’s just had. I looked around the room at all my guys shaking their heads. They all looked at me like I’m an idiot. I swallowed and waited for my Dad to give me the same news he had when I was little.
Instead, he patted my back and smiled. He’s smiling because he told me all these years what women do and I didn’t listen. Now it’s going to get shoved down my throat.
I looked down at the rectangular box he held in his hand. A white box wrapped with a dark blue ribbon. I inhaled deep and tried to take the news like a man. I pulled the box from his hand and slid the ribbon off the box. I pressed my lips together, ready for the bad news as I took the top off. A letter started to sail out off the top and I scrambled to grasp it.
“Clark. Ease up, my boy. She wanted to give you a wedding present.”
I looked back at my dad with wide eyes. “A wedding present? Shit. Was I supposed to give her one? I didn’t give her one. Is that why she’s leaving?”
“Oh God. Seriously, you need to get a grip, man.” Z’s hands grabbed my shoulders hard from behind as he shook me.
I did. I needed to really calm down. I looked down at the letter in my hand and read.
Dear Clark,
If someone had told me that you and I would ever be married, I’d have laughed in their face and thought they were insane. Of course, I’m sure many women (and most of our friends) think that I’m the one that’s insane. Wait. I take that back. Most of the women are more than likely extremely jealous and want to pull my hair out.
It's unfortunate that no one sees the real you, the main reason that I'm marrying you—the one side that you let me see each and every day. I’m more than thankful that you let me in.
You’re not just a lover. You’re not just a friend. You’re not just my fiancé.
You, my love, are my one and only true soul mate.
Before we walk down that aisle together and while we are both panicking in our own rooms, overcome with massive nervousness, I want you to know something. I’m just as scared as you are.
But if you can be at the end of that aisle, if you can meet me down at the alter and if you can say the same vows that I want to say to you, I promise you a lifetime of what we’ve shared since we’ve met.
We’re going to have good times and bad times. I hope more good than bad and I hope all our bad times are behind us. But through it all, I will be there for you. If I leave through a door, I’ll return. I can’t guarantee what the powers that be might put us through, but I hope that together we’ll have many children and grow as old as our bodies will allow.
With that being said, I’m giving you a piece of me. This journal that you gave me after one of the lowest moments in my life has meant more to me than you will ever know. I’ve written down my most personal thoughts and feelings and all because of you. I have you to thank for always being there, even if we were apart.
So…my dear Clark, I am giving you my everything. I’m giving you my journal to safely guard all my thoughts, dreams, hopes and fears because I know deep in my heart you will always be my hero and the one who will always be there for me, regardless of what life sends us.
I love you because you’ve always been the one to gaze up at the stars with and I know you’ll always be there with me, holding my hand every time.
You are my calm.
Love,
Your soon-to-be wife, Aub
“Hey. You okay?” Z asked.
I sniffed and took out my wallet. I nodded as I slipped the small flat key behind my driver’s license and quickly returned my wallet to my pocket. I cleared my throat and looked down at the journal again. The leather seemed more worn than when I bought it for her. I remembered the saleslady telling me that each journal was made to be one of a kind.
Just like Aubrey; she was unique and definitely something to be treasured.
Another knock at the door caused my blood pressure to spike. Benji walked in, grinning like an idiot.
“It’s time, my brother.” I nervously smiled and let out a breath. The guys started filing out of the room, patting me on my back as they went. My dad stood in front of me and placed his hand on my shoulder.
Dammit, another lecture coming on.
My stomach couldn’t take much more of all this stress.
“I know I wasn’t always the right role model for you,” he started.
“Nah, Dad, you…”
“Stop. I said a lot of things only because I was in a lot of pain.” He paused for a moment. “Aubrey. She’s an amazing woman and she has absolutely no doubts about marrying you.” He patted my shoulder and headed for the door.
“You ready, cousin?” Benji asked, still smiling huge.
I smiled back at him, glad to have some confidence back so I could quit acting like a wuss. “Yeah. I’m more than ready.” I straightened my posture as Benji opened the door and waved me through.
It was time to marry a woman so perfect for me, I hadn’t even known to dream of her.
Dear Reader,
Breathless Promises was a really difficult book to write considering the many sensitive issues that were touched upon. Although Clark and his responses helped to alleviate some the severity of these situations, please know that in no way was there any intention of making fun or light of these issues.
Although this book is fiction, I completely understand how difficult it is to read about.
If any of these issues are something that you are dealing with personally, please know that you are not alone and do not have to deal with this by yourself.
Please know that there is help out there for you.
<3 Josie
RAPE
You are NOT alone! No means NO!
National Sexual Assault Hotline
- 1.800.656.HOPE (1.800.656.4673)
It's hard to know what to do, how to feel, or what your options are after a sexual assault. Please know that you're not alone. Below are some things to keep in mind. If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 911.
- Suicide.org's mission is to prevent suicides, support suicide survivors, and educate the public about suicide.
- https://ohl.rainn.org/online/resources/info-for-survivors.cfm
SUICIDE
You are NOT alone!
1.800.SUICIDE (1.800.784.2433)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.8255
Please learn the risk factors and warning signs so that you can help someone. When there are multiple risk factors, the risk of an attempt is much greater.
Suicide.org
- Suicide.org's mission is to prevent suicides, support suicide survivors, and educate the public about suicide.
- http://www.suicide.org/index.html
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
•
AFSP is the nation's leading organization bringing together people across communities and backgrounds to understand and prevent suicide, and to help heal the pain it causes.
•
http://www.afsp.org
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION
You do NOT have to use it to cope!
The main symptom that defines an alcoholic is if the person continues to drink once it’s caused problems with work, relationships, drinking and driving occurring on a continued basis. If you have concerns, there are a number of resources out there that can help.
• Alcoholics Anonymous - www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
• Al-Anon/Alateen - www.al-anon.org
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health
• Substance Abuse and Mental
Whew! Another Alluring Promises book is complete.
I have an amazing support team and this book couldn’t be what it is without them. I am so very grateful for all the help and advice I received in making Clark and Aubrey’s story come to life on paper.
For my readers who were there since the release of Promises, Promises, I know you wanted Clark’s love story much sooner. I tried. This book became more intense than I had intended it to be, but I think it was worth the journey and I hope you agree.
I want to thank all of my readers for their amazing support and patience!
Jenni - I’m so very thankful for your amazing advice and beta changes! Your changes were huge and your suggestions helped shape this book. Thank you for all your sleepless nights and for helping me even when you were sick. You’re an amazing friend. Regardless if it’s only online right now! (wink, wink)
Ang. I cannot thank you enough! You really helped me out and I love all your suggestions and catches. I’d hate to have everyone walking around saying “Arrr!” Unless I wrote a pirate book and didn’t realize it! I love the way you brainstorm, baby! And I love you!
Deanna…What can I say that would be more than a simple “Thank you”? Your “brutal” honesty was so very needed and I love that you were! The way you polish my writing made it shine and I cannot thank you enough. One last thank you, for always being there and always working me in as soon as you can. You have NO idea how much that means to me and I realize how much time and incredible work you put into everything I send to you. Thank you. So VERY much!! And last, but not least, thanks for keeping Aub’s thumb-holes pretty (I’m wiggling my brows!). Love you so hard!!
To my husband and my girls - I love you more than you know. More than any words I could ever write. I thank you for your patience and your ability to now make your own meals for dinner, when needed. Cereal really is a very nutritious meal. Huggas and squggas and a great big huge Obediah hug.
<3 Josie
Are you wondering what ever happened to Blake?
Find out …
Pounding Love
- Coming Soon!
Have you read
Promises, Promises
,
the first book in the Alluring Promises series?
Find out how Izzy and Z fell in love at Allure.
Purchase your copy here:
How about
Romantic Promises
,
The second book in the Alluring Promises series?
Matt and Vanessa’s story continues the series at Allure.
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