Every Dream (Recovery Series Book 3) Excerpt

“Jake, we need to look into hiring another private investigator.” Alyssa said thoughtfully as they drove to the restaurant. “I know the first one said that he couldn’t find anything to help find our son but I can’t believe that it is truly a lost cause.”

“I know what you mean. We can look into hiring another one if you like. But please Alyssa, can we not talk about this tonight? I want tonight to be special for you.”

“Of course Jake. I want it to be special for you too.” Alyssa loved that about her husband. He always wanted her to feel special.

“Anytime I’m with you it is special.” Jake smiled. “I do believe that I hear a stomach growling over there…” He laughed and poked her side. “Let’s go in and have some dinner.”

Alyssa waited as Jake got out and walked around to her side of the car. Opening her door, Jake took her hand and helped her out, slipping her arm around her waist as she stood up. “I love you, baby.” She whispered as they walked into the restaurant.

“I love you too.” Jake whispered back. They were seated before he spoke again. “Alyssa… I have something that I need to tell you. It is really important that you listen to everything I have to say before you respond, okay?”

Alyssa nodded. “Okay, Jake.” She didn’t know what else to say to him. The look on his face told her that what he wanted to tell her was more than really important.

“You are an amazing woman. You have taught me a lot over the years and you have put up with a lot of my issues. I love you so much and the thought of losing you is a physical and emotional pain. I have no idea what I would do without you. Alyssa, you are my other half and no matter what I say or do to you in the coming years, I want you to always remember that I love you more than anything in the world. I regret what happened between us back when we were in college; but, even more than that, I regret neglecting you when you needed me most in the first few years of our life together.” Jake smiled sadly and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for everything. There is something I have to ask you though.”

Jake looked down for a moment then back at Alyssa. As always, when their eyes met, Alyssa only saw the man that she had loved for years. The man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with and raise her children with.

“Alyssa Marie Anderson Bryan…” Jake brought his hands above the table and set down a black velvet box. “Will you marry me?” He opened the box to reveal a diamond engagement ring. The band was white gold engraved with their names.

 “Jake… You are such a wonderful man…” Alyssa smiled. “I love being around you and spending time with you. Of course I will marry you. Again.”

“Thank you baby.” Jake slipped the ring onto her finger; the same one she wore her wedding band and first engagement ring on. He kissed her hand. “I love you.”

“I love you too Jake.”