All Out of Gratitude: Kismet Bay Book Seven Read online

  “Nonsense, dear,” she said and waved her hand. “Why should you when Roman is more than happy to assist.” She smiled at him. “Aren’t you?”

  “Of course.” His lips tilted upward into a sinful smile. “Anything to make things easier.”

  “There,” Aunt Rosaline stated. “It’s all settled.” Then she shooed them both with her hands. “Now get out of my kitchen. It’s too crowded in there.”

  No one was in the kitchen… Was her aunt trying her hand at matchmaking? Come to think of it… Where were her sisters and cousins? Ophelia blew out a breath and went to the basement with Roman fast on her heels. The faster she got these stupid lanterns done the quicker she could be away from him.

  Chapter 4

  Making paper lanterns with Ophelia had not been something he could have foreseen. He would have to send Rosaline Strange a nice thank you gift for her unintentional matchmaking. Roman had every intention of using the gift she’d given him to his full advantage.

  He stared at the mess of paper, string, and glue on the table. Rosaline really had tried to make the lanterns and failed. Paper littered the floor in piles. He was surprised she had any paper left to try and make the lanterns. Roman picked up what looked like a cutout heart lopsided on one side and held it out to Ophelia. “Well at least I can tell what this was supposed to be.”

  “I’m surprised you can,” she said scathingly. “Considering you don’t actually have one.” She snatched it away from him and tore it to pieces. “That’s pretty much how you left mine. Just in case you needed a reminder.”

  He gulped. Roman hadn’t seen that coming. At all… How was he going to get through to her if she was so angry? Still. That had to mean something didn’t it? If she’d gotten over him then it wouldn’t seem so raw to her now. Roman stared down at the shredded paper heart and considered his next words. He would have to handle everything carefully. “You’re right,” he said softly. “I destroyed what we had. I’m the reason that we broke up. I got drunk and did something stupid.”

  She snorted. “It’s a little more than something stupid. You betrayed what we had. I meant little to you and all you wanted to do was make excuses instead of owning your actions. You didn’t even attempt to apologize.”

  “There was nothing to apologize for.” He shook his head. “At least not what you think I should have been sorry for. There is a lot I regret from that night but I didn’t and wouldn’t betray you. The problem is that you don’t want to admit you might have made a mistake.”

  “Because I didn’t.” She glared at him and picked up a pair of scissors. He took a step back afraid she might actually stab him with them. Instead she picked up a pattern and a pencil and outlined it for one of the lanterns. “I have two eyes.” She spoke as she traced. “I did not mistake what I saw.” After she finished tracing the pattern she expertly cut the paper until an elaborate heart was created from it. She held it up. “A heart, and love, are fragile things. One wrong thing and it could be torn, shattered, beyond recognition. That is what you did to me.”

  “You’re always been prone to dramatics,” Roman said acerbically. “But this is taking things a bit far.” Would she shred this one too in order to make a point?

  “I suppose you’re right, she said. “I am being a little too emotional. I think I am allowed.” Ophelia set her creation down. “I am not the one that cheated on you. That honor belongs solely to you.”

  “And that is where you are wrong.” He swallowed hard. “What you think happened—it didn’t. I’m tired of being your punching bag.” He spun on his heels and headed to the stairs. Roman stopped and turned to her. “Maybe once you get past your anger you’ll see that I am not lying, and when that happens maybe I’ll still be here to explain it all to you. Maybe not. Either way I realize that nothing I do will make a difference.” Roman hoped he wasn’t making a mistake. This could be the last time he had a chance with her. But until she was ready to actually listen to him there was nothing he could do. “For the record… I love you, I always have. I can’t change our past no matter how much I wish I could, but I would like to move forward.”

  He headed up the stairs praying that it would all work out. She was his everything and he’d already messed up so much. That night he’d gone out with his two closest friends. He had drank so much that he blacked out. When he had woken up a woman had fallen asleep next to him—naked. Roman had not know who she was and freaked out. He hadn’t been naked but nearly so. He’d somehow lost his pants, but still had his boxers and t-shirt on. That hadn’t been enough to satisfy Ophelia. She’d taken one look at the naked woman in his bed and ended their relationship.

  It turned out that Vanessa, the perky brunette had stumbled into the wrong bed. She’d had a very acrobatic—his friends words, not his—night with Troy. When she’d gotten up to use the bathroom she’d stumbled into Roman’s room and passed out. Neither one had realized her mistake until they’d been woken up to Ophelia’s screams. Vanessa had been out of it and Roman hadn’t been much better. There was no changing it.

  He’d tried explaining it all to Ophelia before and failed. She refused to entertain the idea that she could be wrong. Roman loved her. He hadn’t lied about that. He did want another chance with her and he would try to make things work. But for that to happen she had to meet him half way. Until she could do that—they didn’t stand a chance.

  Chapter 5

  The entire family and their guests had sat down to dinner twenty minutes ago. Ophelia had finished the paper lanterns without Roman’s help. It had been for the best that he had left. She thought better without him around and well, it gave her time to think. Had she been wrong? Should she have given him a chance to explain? Would it have made a difference? The more she considered the past and how she acted now, she thought she should at least know all the facts. He was right about that. If she was going to continue to judge him based on circumstantial evidence then he had every right to be as equally mad at her.

  And he said he still loved her…

  She wasn’t sure what to believe. Was she a fool for even considering listening to him? She picked at her food not hungry. It was all probably delicious. Her aunt might be a drill sergeant on thanksgiving, but she was also a damn good cook. “Is the food not to your liking?”

  Her cousin Esmeralda sat on her left, and Roman was on her right. Another reason she had no appetite. She was supposed to be gracious and talk to him but she couldn’t find any words that wouldn’t escalate the disagreement between them. How was she supposed to be nice when she wasn’t sure she was capable of such an emotion?

  “It’s fine,” she told Esmeralda. “Just not very hungry.”

  Esmeralda leaned in close and said in a whisper, “Does it have anything to do with Dex’s friend sitting next to you?”

  God. Was she being that obvious? “Of course not.” Her voice came out a little harsher than she meant it to. Ophelia stabbed a piece of turkey on her plate and shoved it in her mouth and forced herself to chew it.

  “You’re not fooling me cuz,” Esmeralda said. “Deny all you want but it’s clear to anyone with eyes you have a thing for him.”

  Roman stiffened beside her. Had he been listening all along? “You don’t know anything.” Ophelia didn’t want to openly admit anything. She wasn’t sure there was anything to confess to at this point. After dinner she’d find some time alone with Roman. Until she had a calm conversation with him she would not make any decisions.

  The rest of dinner went by in a blur. She excused herself from the table and went outside. It wasn’t until she was outside walking amongst the trees in the backyard that she realized she’d forgotten her jacket. She rubbed her shoulders trying to get some warmth on her skin through the gray cotton of her dress. Clearly she had not been thinking when she got this brilliant idea. She folded her hands together and tilted her head to the sky. Ophelia closed her eyes and let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

  “Must be something pressi
ng,” Roman said bringing her out of her own thoughts.

  She turned to face him but didn’t say a word. Ophelia had wanted to talk to him but now that he was in front of her she didn’t know what to say. “I thought you were done with me.”

  “I’ll never be done with you,” he said softly. He held out her jacket to her. “I saw you come outside without this. It’s too cold to stand out here without a coat on.”

  Ophelia stared at the jacket. He’d been thoughtful and brought it to her. Was she wrong? Was he telling her the truth about everything? “It won’t bite you,” he said.

  Still she didn’t move to take it. “Why are you being nice to me?”

  Instead of saying anything he opened up her jacked and placed it over her shoulders. She pulled it tight with one hand and stared into his eyes. “I’m ready to listen.” It was time to hear it all. Even if it was bad… She had to stop hiding and move past the hurt she carried inside of her. “Tell me what I was too afraid to hear before.”

  He did. Every last detail of his stupidity. Drinking too much until he passed out in bed. Waking up next to a naked woman that he didn’t recognize. The fear that he had cheated and the horror of her finding them as she had. Then the intense relief at finding the truth, but it hadn’t helped. Not when she wouldn’t speak to him. He’d done his best to move on, just as she had. No matter what he did or who he dated he couldn’t forget about her.

  “So you see,” he said softly and cupped her cheek. “There is only one woman for me. I had to try one last time before I gave up. When Dexter came to me with this proposal I saw it as a sign. Without that excuse I never would have been brave enough to visit Kismet Bay. I would have remained lonely and forever in love with you.”

  A tear slopped down her cheek. “I lied earlier. I am grateful you’re here. It’s been a lonely couple of years without you and I’ve been miserable. Just going through the emotions. I wish I had listened to you…”

  He wiped the tear from her cheek and then leaned down to press his lips to hers. It was like coming home when she’d been lost in a sea of nothingness. This was where she belonged. With Roman. They still had so much they had to work through, but at least they had a chance now.

  Roman pulled back and brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry that my actions led to our separation. I would change it if I could.”

  “I know,” she said. “And I’m sorry for being a shrew. I promise to at least try to be better. I don’t know if I won’t overreact to anything ever again, but I do promise to do better. If you’ll have me…”

  “There’s nothing I want more.” He kissed her again. Ophelia had far more to be grateful for this Thanksgiving than she thought she would. Her heart felt light for the first time in years. Maybe, just maybe, Kismet Bay’s magic had helped her along too. The legend did say it would lead someone to their true love…

  Afterword

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read my book.

  Your opinion matters!

  Please take a moment to review this book on your favorite review site and share your opinion with fellow readers.

  www.authordawnbrower.com

  About The Author

  USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

  Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

  She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information: www.authordawnbrower.com.

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  Snowflake Kisses

  * * *

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  * * *

  Enduring Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Charming Her Rogue

  * * *

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  If It’s Love (Amanda Mariel)

  Odds of Love (Dawn Brower)

  Coming Soon

  Christmas at Fortuna’s Parlor (Amanda Mariel and Dawn Brower)

  Believe In Love (Amanda Mariel)

  Chance of Love (Dawn Brower)

  * * *

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  When An Earl Turns Wicked

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  Earl In Trouble

  All the Ladies Love Coventry

  One Less Scandalous Earl

  Coming Soon

  Confessions of a Hellion

  The Vixen in Red

  * * *

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  Tempting An American Princess

  Coming Soon

  Loving an America Spy

  How to Kiss a Debutante

  * * *

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  * * *

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Temptation

  * * *

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Seduction of My Rake

  Surrendering to My Spy

  Spellbound by My Charmer

  Stolen by My Knave

  Separated from My Love

  Scheming with My Duke

  Secluded with My Hellion

  * * *

  Heart’s Intent

  One Heart to Give

  Unveiled Hearts

  Heart of the Moment

  Kiss My Heart Goodbye

  Heart in Waiting

  * * *

  Broken Curses

  The Enchanted Princess

  The Bespelled Knight

  The Magical Hunt

  * * *

  Ever Beloved

  Forever My Earl

  Always My Viscount

  Infinitely My Marquess

  EternallyMyDuke

  * * *

  Kismet Bay

  Once Upon a Christmas

  New Year Revelation

  All Things Valentine

  Luck At First Sight

  Endless Summer Days

  A Witch’s Charm

  Coming Soon

  All Out of Gratitude

  Christmas Ever After

  Excerpt: Diamonds Don’t Cry

  Prologue

  Scarlett Oliver raised her face toward the sky. She closed her eyes and basked in the sunshine. Whispers on the wind filled her ears, forming a gentle melody in her mind. She hummed the tune out of habit until it was committed to memory. Later, she’d put it down on paper so she could go back to it whenever the mood happened to strike. Music was how the world spoke to her, and she in turn responded.

  “Don’t you have some place you need to be?”

  Her eyelids fluttered open, and she met her little half-sister Faith Pen’s gaze. Her inky black hair was cut in a pixie style that framed her face, and her olive green eyes nearly twinkled with mischief. Faith had the appearance of a dark Tinkerbell. She was short and tiny in every possible way. Almost everyone towered over her. Even Faith’s fraternal twin sister, Ashlyn, was taller than her. Where Faith had dark hair, Ashlyn’s was light Auburn, but they
had the same shade of eyes.

  Scarlett smiled softly. “Is this your way of telling me I’m keeping everyone waiting?”

  “You’re supposed to be getting ready. You’re going to ruin your makeup and hair sitting out here.” Faith ran her hand lightly over the elaborate hairstyle Scarlett’s strawberry blonde hair had been pinned into. “These gold and diamond pins look so pretty in your hair. Come inside before you regret coming out here. Do you really want to be that type of bride? You know, the one that shows up late to her own wedding.”

  It was her wedding day. She was going to marry the man she’d loved forever. They probably should wait, but it didn’t seem right. When JD had proposed, she’d said yes without taking a moment to think about it. Being his wife was one of her biggest dreams, and in a short time, it would finally happen. Excitement mixed with nervousness filled her. Butterflies danced in her stomach, and her heart beat faster as she thought about the moment they would say their vows.

  “If you insist,” Scarlett said lightly. “I suppose I’ll go stuff myself into that big fluffy dress Mama insisted would be perfect.”

  “You never should have let her browbeat you into that. It’s your day, and you should have picked a dress that is perfect for you.” Faith had said this several times to her already. Scarlett wanted everyone to be happy, and it was just a dress. The important thing was that, at the end of the day, she’d be Mrs. Jensen Drake and JD would always love her.