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Chapter 30
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The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 31
Gabe Gabe was passing his friends’, Declan and Addie’s, house on his way home and decided to stop by and ask Addie to take the stage at Rusty’s on Friday night. Gabe’s hand wasn’t feeling much better at this point, and he knew it wouldn’t be healed in the next few days. Declan and Addie had spent a week in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains after their wedding, and Gabe hadn’t spoken to them since they’d returned. He wasn’t surprised to find Sissy’s SUV parked in the driveway. Addie and Sissy were almost inseparable. Gabe was sidetracked by Reaper, Declan and Addie’s playful German Shepherd, as soon as he stepped out of the Jeep. Gabe never missed an opportunity to roughhouse with a pup. His own dogs liked to wrestle with him in the backyard most nights. He eventually broke away from Reaper and walked in the front door without knocking. Declan, Addie, Sissy, and Tyler sat in the living room. “Gabe! I missed you!” Addie jumped up from her seat on the couch next to Declan and greeted Ga
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 32
Celina looked out the window of the bedroom she’d commandeered as her office. The sky was as dark as night, but the clock on her computer read three in the afternoon. Thunder shook the hardwood floorboards beneath her feet, and she saved her work just in case the power went out and her laptop battery died before she finished the project she was working on. She always volunteered to pick Emma up from her parents’ house when it rained, but she dreaded that stupid puddle at the front door. It seemed to get worse with each storm. Thankfully, Gabe was coming to fix it tomorrow. The rain should be gone by then, and hopefully he’d know what to do. A distant sound caught her attention, and she turned her head and stilled to listen. Moments passed in silence before she heard the sound again. Someone was at the front door. Celina’s heart was beating frantically by the time she reached the living room. Another wave of thunder rolled through the house, and she turned on the porch lights. It w
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 33
The next day was sunny and bright, and Celina wondered if the visit from Saul she’d had the night before was only a nightmare. Without Emma around to shatter the silence with her playfulness, the house felt cold and empty. Celina would be lost without her daughter. Emma gave her something to fight for, and she’d needed that kick in the butt more than ever after Saul left her. Celina wasn’t sure she’d have picked herself up quite so easily had she been alone. Two days and a night without her daughter was beginning to affect her mood. She spent more time with Emma than anyone else, and their attachment was strong. Celina sent her usual wrap-up e-mail to her boss in Nashville and closed her laptop. She was incredibly lucky her job had offered her a remote position when she’d been forced to move after her divorce. She loved graphic design, and she’d had the same wonderful clients for years. It was Friday afternoon, and she had a whole weekend to look forward to with Emma. If the rain
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 34
She knew it was probably Gabe knocking on the door, but her body couldn’t rationalize. He’d said he’d be back to pick them up at six, after all. With sweaty hands, Celina answered the door to find Gabe standing in a green-and-gray pearl snap shirt. The pale colors were a stark contrast to his dark-brown eyes. His hair was still damp from the shower, and his smile was bright. “You look amazing,” Gabe said in greeting. One day, she’d teach her heart not to waver at his sweet compliments, but she’d taken extra time getting ready. Her dark, curly hair hung loose past her shoulders. She’d actually styled it instead of throwing it into a ponytail. “You ready for some fun? Where’s Emma?” Gabe asked, too excited to contain his curiosity. She hadn’t expected him to be quite so eager. She still thought this might be a pity date. On cue, Emma ran around the corner screaming. “I got her. I’m ready.” She carried her favorite Lucy doll that was wearing a dress. “I couldn’t find the right color
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 35
After the meal, Celina, Gabe, and Emma danced to a few more songs. Emma loved the fast-paced tunes, and Celina had let Gabe whisk her daughter around the dance floor on his own. He wasn’t favoring his injured hand, and she wondered if it was close to healing. Watching Gabe and Emma have fun, Celina forgot her earlier worries about Gabe’s intentions. She didn’t have to make a decision about their relationship tonight. He hadn’t pushed her, and she wouldn’t stress it if he didn’t. On the ride home, Emma recounted her favorite songs of the night. When she grew tired and her monologue ceased, Gabe turned to Celina. “So, do you work on the weekends or is it your off day?” “I work remotely for a graphic design company in Nashville. My work week is Monday through Friday, and my weekends are for Emma.” “Graphic design sounds interesting,” Gabe added. “Yeah.” Celina looked away from him, even though the darkness hid her expression. “I had a lot of loyal clients before I had to leave, and
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 36
Gabe. Gabe had waited at the end of the hallway for Celina to finish putting Emma to bed. The house was small enough that he’d heard Emma’s prayer and their confessions of love after. What he wouldn’t give to be a part of a love like that. The unfailing love between Celina and Emma choked him up. He could see that Celina was struggling with the repairs for the old house and juggling a full-time job and her family. He wanted to give them the world, but he knew Celina was too independent to just take what he wanted to offer without pushing back. Her pride wouldn’t allow a handout. He was leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest when Celina stepped out of Emma’s room and closed the door behind her. The lamp in the living room cast a faint light down the hallway, and he couldn’t take his eyes from her as she turned to him. Her curly, dark hair hung past her shoulders today, and he wondered how it was possible that she could look more beautiful than before. The lig
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 37
Gabe had been working on the bathroom renovation for a week without fail, and Emma was smitten. Celina wasn’t entirely immune to his charm either. Each afternoon, he showed up at her door at three like clockwork with various supplies and tools, plus little extras for her and Emma. He paid attention to everything. He knew Emma’s favorite colors and characters, and she was always grateful for the gifts. Celina would’ve asked him not to spoil her daughter, but she couldn’t afford to buy the things Gabe gave to them, so she stayed quiet and thankful. He’d brought a single red rose for Celina every day, and she’d put them all in a vase together in the dining room. When Emma got home every day, she sat outside the bathroom door where he worked. Gabe sang a new, sweet song to her each day. When he would finish, Emma would order, “Again,” and he’d sing it again with the same passion the tenth time as the first. Every night, Emma would sing the song to Celina, proud of herself for learni
Last Updated : 2024-10-29The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 38
The next morning, Rhonda came over to check on Emma and help Celina. While her mom and Emma cuddled, watched TV, and read books, Celina washed the endless sheets and clothes Emma had vomited on in the last twenty-four hours. No one had gotten any sleep. Emma was restless, and Celina was uncomfortable. It was Sunday, and the pediatrician’s office wouldn’t open until eight Monday morning. They’d have to hydrate and maintain until then. Just before noon, her mom stepped into the kitchen where Celina was tidying up after lunch. “She’s asleep.” Her mom reached for the coffee carafe and emptied its contents into her mug. “You need a nap too. Why don’t you go get in bed?” “I’m all right. I think I’ll run to the store in a little bit, if you’re planning to stick around. We need Pedialyte and medicine.” Rhonda shrugged. “Anything you need me to do while you’re gone?” “Not really. Just check on her and be there in case she wakes up.” “Okay. I brought my book. I’ll catch up on some reading
Last Updated : 2024-10-29
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The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 117
NOAH Camille glanced over both shoulders as if checking to make sure the coast was clear before extending both hands, palms up, toward Sprite. “Take your pick, pretty lady.” One hand offered an apple and the other a sugar cube. Noah wasn’t sure who liked treat time the most, his girlfriend or the horse. Dixie circled Camille’s legs, begging for attention. He’d just watched from the tailgate as Camille rode Sprite through the pasture by the stable. “Sugar. Always a good choice.” Camille waited for the blue roan to finish the treats before nuzzling noses with the big softie. It’d been a week since Noah was released from the hospital, and he was still getting used to needing help completing small tasks. The bandages were cumbersome and needed to be changed often. Not to mention small things like showering and putting on pants had become a chore. Camille spent every moment she could helping him. He didn’t mind it when she helped, but it was an unspoken truth that any “help” from his b
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 116
“There’s a lot you don’t know about Nathan, but none of it excuses what he did,” Bonnie said. Bonnie went with Camille to her house to change clothes and pack a bag of extras, in case Noah stayed at the hospital overnight. She planned on staying there until he came home. She’d called Anita and rounded up some things she needed too. Now, Camille and her mom were back on the road, and they had a lot to talk about. “Nathan was adopted when he was four years old,” Bonnie began. “He was neglected as a child, and he had a handful of health problems that had never been treated. By the time he was taken from his parents, he was malnourished, dehydrated, and had several broken bones and bruises.” Camille turned away from her mother. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever heard this story before, but her heart told her she hadn’t. “Your grandparents didn’t have any children, but they had been in touch with the local foster care system and were contacted when Nathan was still recovering. They adopted
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 115
Her foot rested heavy on the accelerator as she drove from Cody to Blackwater. Anger and betrayal built within her with every mile that passed beneath her tires. Twisting her hands on the steering wheel, she ached for a distraction. Something to calm the storm of her emotions. How could Nathan do something so horrible? She called Jenny and let the ringing in her car speakers drown out the roiling in her ears. “Hey. What’s up?” “Noah is in the hospital in Cody. A bear attacked him this morning.” “What?” Jenny screamed. “Is he okay?” Camille’s voice shook. “He is now. It looked so bad after it happened, though. It clawed his leg up good.” Rustling sounded on Jenny’s end of the line. “Do I need to come?” “No,” Camille assured her. “He’s doing okay. They stitched him up and he’s conscious now, but he lost a lot of blood. He’ll be in quite a bit of pain while it heals.” “I can’t imagine.” “They were cleaning up a dozen cows that were shot last night when the bear attacked.” Camill
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 114
She couldn’t lose him. Not again, and not like this. Camille raked her hands through Noah’s hair while his head lay in her lap. She was trying to be brave. It wouldn’t do either of them any good to break apart right now. Noah needed her to stay alert and strong for him. “I’m glad you’re here.” His words were faint, but she’d heard him. Whatever reason he had for breaking up with her didn’t matter now. A tear slid down her face as she prayed. “Lord, please lay Your hand on Noah. Help us get him to the help he needs in time. Help me to be strong. Help us.” Her words cracked at the end, and she squeezed her eyes closed. “Please, Lord. I don’t want to lose him.” Tears burned her eyes when she opened them. He was lying still—too still. She looked to Lucas. “I think he’s unconscious!” Lucas held the injured leg stationary. “Almost there.” She turned and stretched her neck to see the main house over the next rise. The red-and-white ambulance was parked in front. The paramedics carefu
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 113
NOAH Noah tried to hold his ground, but the bear was running toward him now. He lowered the phone from his ear and yelled, “Micah!” He took two steps backward on instinct. He wasn’t running, but he was pretty sure it was the better option right now. On the third step back, his heel snagged on a fallen branch. He fell backward, arms flailing, and his phone went soaring through the air. “Micah!” Noah couldn’t take his eyes off the advancing predator to see if his brother was coming to help, but he prayed he’d yelled loud enough to be heard over the running tractor. The bear slowed as it approached Noah lying on his back. The fall had knocked the wind out of him, but he wasn’t breathing anyway. The bear’s large paw lifted and swiped down faster than any animal that large should’ve been able to move. Noah cried out once more as the claws sliced across his thigh. “Micah!” A boom filled the air, followed by another, and the bear jerked backward and fell onto its side. Noah could hear
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 112
NOAHNoah drove through the gates at Blackwater Ranch in a daze. His shift at the fire station had started the morning after he’d gone to Camille’s, and it had been a long two days.His shifts were always tiring, but this time he hadn’t been able to sleep or eat like he should to keep his energy up. Losing Camille felt like a constant, nagging hunger. His insides were empty, but he couldn’t get filled.He’d been praying, but no answers had come. Was he supposed to fix this on his own or wait for the Lord to show him how to mend his broken heart?He topped the slight hill before the main house, and a sinking feeling hit him in the chest. There weren’t any trucks parked out front. It was breakfast time. Everyone should’ve been there.Noah hastily parked by the door and ran inside, forgetting to take off his shoes.“Mom. Dad,” Noah hollered into the empty dining room.His mom stepped out of the kitchen and wiped her hands on her apron. “They’re all out,” his mom said in a shaky voice.“W
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 111
NOAHNoah closed Camille’s door behind him, but it didn’t block out her sobs. He couldn’t move his feet to walk away from her just yet. What had he done? He’d made things worse with Nathan tonight, and then… this.Remembering the look on Camille’s face had his gut twisting. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her. He’d been given the chance to be happy again, and it had all been taken away too soon.Anger built in his chest as he sat on the small step on her front porch. There was a roaring in his ears, but he could still hear Camille’s wails behind him.He wanted to go back inside and hold her and tell her they would make it through anything together.But he couldn’t do that when it was probably a lie. How could he save his family and keep Camille in his life? It was too much to hope. He’d been allowed to enjoy the best times of his life with her, and the stretches of time in between were just filler.Sitting alone in the dark night outside her door, he hung his head and prayed.
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 110
Camille leaned closer to the screen of her laptop and squinted. “Those might work,” she mumbled to herself. The boots on her screen resembled the ones Noah and his brothers wore around the ranch, but finding the female equivalent had proven to be a challenge. Plus, ordering shoes online was always hit or miss. She ran the heart pendant of her necklace back and forth along the chain as she added the boots to the shopping cart.She’d wised up with the wide-brimmed cowboy hat already, and good boots were a must at this point if she planned to keep working with Noah around the ranch on her days off.A knock sounded at her door, and Camille jumped in her seat, bumping her knees on the desk. “Oww.” So much for assessing the stranger at her door before revealing she was at home.She pushed away from the desk and padded over to the door in her bare feet. Peering through the peephole, she saw Noah standing on her doorstep with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans.Camille fumbled with t
The Millionaire's Bride Chapter 109
NOAHCamille’s parents’ house was a log and brick monstrosity with wooden columns along the front side thicker than Noah had ever seen. Two stories of walls and windows stretched into a double-decker garage on one side. A twenty-foot-tall statue of angels and cherubs sat imposing in the grassy area along the circular drive.He’d put off coming here for long enough, but it was time to talk. If Nathan wasn’t home, he’d just sit in his truck and wait for him.Noah had always felt small when he came here. The size of the place dwarfed anything around it except the mountains. He knew from days past when he would visit Camille that there was a heated pool in the back along with a fire pit, an outdoor grilling area, and a guest house.The old truck door groaned and creaked as it closed behind him, and Noah threw his cowboy hat back into the cab through the open window. There wasn’t any sense in stirring the pot. His boots thudded loudly against the sturdy boards of the porch as he approached
