Liz's Luck [Appledale 2] (Siren Publishing Classic) (14 page)

Gary was in jail, where he would stay for a long time. Ethan had convinced her to tell her parents, so she finally caved into his wishes and got the surprise of her life. Roger and Claire Daniels dropped their plans for their annual trip to France and rushed to Appledale to make sure Liz was okay and to meet Ethan.

Much to her surprise Ethan got along well with her dad. After hearing the whole story from Ryan and Ethan, her father announced he was proud Elizabeth had found a man capable of protecting his daughter. He hired the best lawyer to make sure Gary would never be a problem to anyone again.

“Unfortunately my business puts me in the spotlight and I have always worried about something like this happening,” Roger told Ethan one night while they were having dinner at Golden House where her parents were staying.

Claire nodded in agreement. “We had Spencer investigate this town and had hoped it would be a safe place for our daughter.” Spencer was the head security man on her parents’ bodyguard team.

This was news to Liz. “Really? I didn’t know that.” She thought they just didn’t care if she moved away. Maybe she was still seeing things through a child’s eyes. If her parents didn’t love her they wouldn’t rush here to see if she was okay.

Her mother patted her hand. “Of course, darling. You didn’t think we’d just let you wander off to some unknown place without knowing if it would be safe.”

Claire looked over at Ethan and explained. “My Elizabeth has always been so independent and wanting to follow her own path.”

Ethan nodded and smiled warmly, winking at Liz. “Yes, she does but I love that about her, Claire. Your daughter is smart, kind, and beautiful. You should be proud of her.”

Her parents beamed at that statement, and Liz could feel her cheeks turning red. The compliment made her feel all gushy inside. All her dreams were coming true and she wanted to pinch herself to see if it was real.

Her parents had even stayed for Lacy and Ryan’s wedding, wanting to meet her two best friends. They wanted to spend Liz’s birthday with her. They would fly out to Paris the day after Christmas to finish their vacation. Liz had a beautiful engagement ring on her own finger. Soon she would be planning her own wedding and someday maybe even have kids of her own. Ethan’s family had been very welcoming toward her, too, and seemed excited that Ethan was finally settling down. Ethan’s mom cried when they announced their engagement and said she hoped to have a new grandbaby soon.

“Geez, Mom, let us get married first,” Ethan griped but his happiness was apparent because he smiled the whole time and everyone laughed. Liz liked his sister, Kari, and knew she had made a new friend. Kari was energetic and outgoing and her kids took after her, but Liz loved all the noise and the laughing. It was just the type of holiday she had always wanted.

Liz smiled as she felt Ethan’s arms wrap around her waist from behind, interrupting her thoughts as he kissed her neck softly. “Hey, sexy lady, you look beautiful in red. Let’s get to the hall for the party. Spencer took your parents already. I’m not sure who he’s protecting them from here, well maybe Mr. Harris’s sharp tongue.”

Liz laughed. Mr. Harris liked to complain, especially to anyone new in town. In reality he was just a lonely old man and very harmless. She took Ethan’s hand as they walked outside to his car. “I can’t wait to dance with you again, Ethan. I’ve dreamed of it for so long and now it’s really happening. If this is a dream I don’t want to wake up.”

Ethan hugged her and whispered in her ear. “I can’t wait to be alone tonight and peel that dress off you. We’ll start celebrating your birthday at midnight, angel, just the two of us naked and alone.” He looked up into the sky. “Look, snowflakes.”

Liz lifted her face and felt the snowflakes fall on her face and melt. She grinned with happiness. “Yes, a white Christmas! Lacy will be so excited.”

Ethan looked at her beautiful face glowing from her happiness that came from inside her. She had a beautiful soul and that’s why he loved her. He felt an ache in his chest but not from pain. He was overwhelmed with joy and love and hope for the future. He felt like a little kid on Christmas morning who couldn’t wait to open his presents. Only, he already knew what his best present was and he was never giving it up. “I love you, Elizabeth Daniels, now and forever.”

Liz’s heart was filled with joy as she looked over at Ethan, who stood there staring at her with his sexy golden eyes. She couldn’t speak she was so touched by his simple words, so she laughed loudly and threw herself in his arms, knowing he would catch her—always. Lady Luck was finally on her side, and if she had anything to say about it, it would stay that way always and forever.

THE END

Siren Publishing, Inc.

www.SirenPublishing.com