Saving Sara (Redemption #1) (24 page)

EPILOGUE

Sara had been back in Redemption a month when the bomb detonated.

Not an actual bomb, but one that would have far-reaching consequences and the potential to cause emotional devastation a
nd fallout.

Just when everything had been going so well.

Jake’s sister Rose had moved into Cilla’s place next door and Jake had stuck around for a while, just to make sure she was doing okay. But because he spent most of his time at Sara’s place, especially the nights, she’d taken the colossal step of asking him to move in with her.

Living with a man again was huge for her. Monumental. Then again, as she stared at the plastic stick with the blue cross on it for the hundredth time, nothing could be as monumental as this.

Pregnant.

The worst scenario she’d contemplated as a result of her relationship with Jake. It had freaked her out enough to think about it possibly happening sometime in the future. But now?

A baby.

She turned the stick around again and again. It didn’t change the result.

Positive.

She was going to have a baby.

She waited for the panic to set in. For her chest to tighten and restrict her breathing. For her hands to shake. For a cold sweat to break out over her body.

It didn’t come.

The longer she stared at the stick, the calmer she felt.

Gran had always said things happened for a reason. Sara had never believed it. She didn’t believe in fate. But this town had healed her. Healed her enough to take a chance on an amazing man lik
e Jake.

Maybe she’d been meant to have this baby?

It wasn’t like they’d been trying. She’d been absolutely sure about not trying, ever. But latex wasn’t foolproof and it looked like what had once been her biggest nightmare could prove to be a go
dsend.

“Hey, you done in the bathroom yet?” Jake stuck his head around the door. “We have to go or we’ll be late and you know how Bryce frets over his barbecues . . .” His gaze landed on the plastic stick as she tried to hide it behind her back. “What’s that?”

“Uh . . . well . . .” She couldn’t think of one rational thing to say so she settled for waving it at him. “We’re going to have a baby. Surprise!”

Jake’s jaw dropped and he flung open the door and barged into the bathroom. “What?”

“I’m pregnant, and before you ask how, condoms aren’t one hundred percent effective,” she said, almost defiantly, as if this was somehow his fault. Which was totally untrue, but now that Jake knew the truth, she was suddenly nervous.

“What the . . .” he shook his head as his lips eased into a grin. “We’re having a
baby
?”

“Uh-huh.”

His grin faded as his concerned gaze flew to hers. “How do you feel about it? Are you okay?”

“Never been better.” She took hold of his hand and placed it on her flat stomach. “This special child is going to have two parents who love and adore it as much as they do each other.”

Jake’s doting gaze radiated delight and she choked up.
“I love you.”

“Right back at you.” Tears of joy trickled down her cheeks and he pulled her close, enveloping her in his strong arms.

He didn’t say anything as she blubbered against his shirt. He didn’t have to. She had never felt so cherished, so protected, as she did in his arms.

When she stopped sniffling, he eased away and stared down at her, the sheen in his beautiful blue eyes alerting her to the fact she wasn’t the only one overwhelmed by elation.

“I never thought I could be this happy,” he said, brushing her lips in a feather-light kiss. “Never thought I was worthy, ’til I m
et you.”

“Stop.” She pressed her lips to his. “You’ll start me blubbering again.”

He traced a tear track with a fingertip. “And I’ll kiss them away.”

She smiled. “Olly’s going to have a cousin. Hopefully that means Rose will stick around for a while.”

Jake’s glance turned sly. “I know another way to make her st
ick around.”

“How?”

“A wedding.” Jake picked her up, spun her around, before coming to a stop so she could slowly slide down his body. “Gorgeous Sara, will you marry me?”

Her heart expanded with love for this incredible man but she shook her hand. “I don’t need a wedding ring to have a baby. We can live together, see how it works out—”

“The ring isn’t for the baby. It’s for me,” he said, so solemn her breath caught. “I love you, Sara. I’ll never stop loving you and I want us to be a family. So what do you say?”

There was only one thing Sara could say.

“Yes,” she said, and he let out a whoop of delight. “I love you and I’d love to be your wife.”

“I’m sure glad I came to Redemption.” Jake kissed her. “Best move I ever made.”

Sara felt the same way.

In this town she’d found healing and compassion and love. So much love.

A new start.

A new beginning.

A new life.

She couldn’t wait to live it.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

After being published for eleven years, I still pinch myself that my job involves taking a smidgeon of an idea from my subconscious, brainstorming it and getting the words down on paper to form a complete story. It’s exciting when my characters come to life on the page and that was especially true for this story, which I couldn’t write fast enough.

But writing is a solitary occupation and once the story magic leaves my fingertips, other people become involved to make the publishing dream a reality.

So my heartfelt gratitude to the following people for making this particular dream come true:

Sammia Hamer, editor extraordinaire, I’m so thrilled you love this story as much as I do. It has been a fast, exciting ride from receiving “The Call” from you to publication, and I look forward to a bright future with the fantastic team at Amazon Publishing.

Katie Green, fab editor, whose insights during the revision
process
really made this shine.

Jennifer McIntyre, for her tight copy edits and for making me giggle in parts.

Soraya Lane, who made this all happen after reading the first three chapters and outline of this story. You’re a star, Soraya. Your generosity and kindness mean so much to me. I can’t thank you enough. And I value our daily chats so much, even when kids demand most of our time!

Natalie Anderson, you’re a great motivator and your pep talk when you were last in Melbourne really kicked me into gear.
Writing
this story in six weeks was the result. Thank you!

My street team, Nic’s Super Novas, for always being there to brainstorm a title or character name or give encouragement.

My amazing boys, you are the loves of my life. Every single book I write is for you (even if you can’t read them yet!). You make every single day brighter with your smiles and hugs. Love you, infinity.

My hubby, for being my number one cheerleader.

My parents, for their unswerving support.

And last but not least, my readers. Thanks for your loyalty, your fan mail and for buying my books. I hope you have as much fun reading my first women’s fiction novel as I did writing it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicola Marsh is a bestselling,
multiaward
-winning author, who has sold more than six million copies worldwide. Her first mainstream romance,
Busted in
Bollywood
, was nominated for
Romantic
Book of the Year 2012. Her first indie romance,
Crazy Love
, was a 2012 ARRA finalist. Her debut young adult novel, the supernatural thriller
Banish
, was released in 2013, and her YA urban fantasy
Scion of the Sun
won the 2014 National Readers’ Choice Award for Best Young Adult Novel. Marsh is a
USA Today
,
Bookscan
, and Barnes & Noble bestseller, and a 2013 RBY (Romantic Book of the Year) and National Readers’ Choice Award winner. She has also won
several
CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and been a finalist for a number of awards, including the Romantic Times
Reviewers
’ Choice Award. A former physiotherapist, she now writes full-time. Her other loves are raising her two little heroes, sharing fine food with family and friends, and her favorite: curling up with a goo
d book!