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  SOUTHERN DEVOTION

  Copyright © 2018 Kaylee Ryan

  All Rights Reserved.

  This book may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Kaylee Ryan, except for the use of brief quotations in articles and or reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, locations, businesses and plot are products of the author’s imagination and meant to be used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events throughout the story are purely coincidental. The author acknowledges trademark owners and trademarked status of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, sponsored or associated by or with the trademark owners.

  The following story contains sexual situations and strong language. It is intended for adult readers.

  Cover Design: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative Covers

  Cover Photography: Lauren Perry

  Editing: Hot Tree Editing

  Formatting: Integrity Formatting

  1 ~ Olivia

  2 ~ David

  3 ~ Olivia

  4 ~ David

  5 ~ Olivia

  6 ~ David

  7 ~ Olivia

  8 ~ David

  9 ~ Olivia

  10 ~ David

  11 ~ Olivia

  12 ~ David

  13 ~ Olivia

  14 ~ David

  15 ~ Olivia

  16 ~ David

  Epilogue

  Contact Kaylee Ryan

  Other Works by Kaylee Ryan

  Acknolwedgements

  Standing in the corner of the room, I look around at my friends and family. My brother Mike and his new fiancée, Jamie, are smiling so big I fear their faces may crack open. I can’t help but smile too when I think about my conversation with him earlier this week. He was actually worried she might say no. I mean, I get it. Asking someone to marry you is a big deal, but not with the two of them. They have a bond that tethers them together. Anyone who’s near them can see it.

  A year ago, I was worried about my big brother. He spent every spare minute at our family’s bar, Mike’s Tavern. I know he felt the pressure to keep the family business going, but he gave up a lot to do so. He and I took over a few years ago, although since he’s met Jamie, I’ve moved into more than a bartender role. It’s been good for both of us, me stepping up and him taking a few steps back. That first night I saw him with Jamie, it was obvious there was some type of connection. I couldn’t be more thrilled at the way things turned out for them.

  Strong arms wrap around me, and then his deep voice is whispering in my ear. “Hey, Livy,” David says, kissing my cheek.

  David Harris and I have been dating for a while now, a couple of years. He’s good friends with my brother Mike and the rest of the guys in our clan, Aaron and Evan. He’s been hinting that we need to move our relationship forward, but I’ve been hesitant. Not because of him; he’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, and he owns my heart. No, my hesitation is all on me.

  “We’re next,” he says, holding me a little tighter.

  “You think so?” Of course, I already know the answer. If David had it his way, we would already be married and on our way to making our own family.

  “I hope so,” he says. “I want forever with you.”

  I melt against him, relishing the feel of his arms around me. I know one day he’s going to get tired of waiting, and I don’t want that to happen. When I look at my future, I see him in it. Of course I do. There is no one else I would rather have by my side.

  “They’re happy,” I say, looking at our friends and family. I turn to peer at him over my shoulder. “I love you.”

  His face softens. “I love you more. That’s us, Livy.” He motions his head to the room. “Nothing would make me happier than to make you mine.”

  “I’m already yours.” The words are easy to say because they’re true.

  “Mine.” He places a soft kiss just below my ear. “Mrs. David Harris. Olivia Harris,” he whispers.

  I close my eyes and let the idea of being his, taking his last name, wash over me. “I love the sound of that,” I tell him honestly. I’ve been thinking about the future more lately, and without a doubt, he’s the man for me.

  “Then let’s do it, baby. You tell me when and where, and I’m all over it.”

  I can’t help but laugh. “We should go mingle.”

  “I’m wearing you down,” he says with a kiss to the top of my head. He pulls away and laces our fingers together before leading me toward our family and friends. I don’t know how many times in the last year we’ve had this conversation. I think back to the night that I confessed to my now sister-in-law and our friends what my hesitation was. I work at Mike’s, which is our family bar. My dad ran it before my brother, also named Mike, took over, and now it’s just the two of us running things. Since he’s met and fell in love with Jamie, I’ve helped him more than just tending bar.

  I confessed to them that I don’t want to be the mom who works behind the bar. It never bothered me growing up, but kids can be cruel, and I want to do something that my children can be proud of. I’ve thought about it a lot since my slipped confession with the girls. I know what I do for a living shouldn’t matter. I mean, it’s not like I’m a stripper—not that there is anything wrong with that. It’s just not for me.

  I smile and laugh in all the right places, but the rest of the night my mind races with all the reasons why I’ve been putting him off. At first, it was too soon. Not too soon to know I was in love with him, as that was immediate, but too soon for … well I guess society’s standards. We’d only been together a few months when he first told me he wanted to marry me. He didn’t ask that time, but I still blew it off, not trusting his words. Over the time we’ve been together, there have been more moments like that than I can count. I always manage to change the subject, but he’s serious. While he’s never actually bent down on one knee and presented a ring, he would. I know that deep in my soul. If he thought for a second I would say yes, he’d do so in a heartbeat.

  “Look at them,” McKinley says from beside me.

  Turning my head to look at her, I see she’s grinning while watching Mike and Jamie. “I always thought it would have been you and Aaron.”

  “What?” My brows fly high and I laugh.

  “Come on, Liv, you had a crush on Aaron for years.”

  “He was one of my brother’s best friends. It’s like a rite of passage.” I grin widely. “Besides, I ended up with the other best friend.”

  “Maybe so,” she says with a chuckle. “I think you made the right choice.” She motions to where David is standing with her husband, Evan, and her brother, Aaron. “He adores you.”

  “Good thing, because I don’t plan on letting him go,” I say, bumping my shoulder into hers.

  “You know, I thought a lot about what you said that night. About not wanting to be the mom who works behind a bar.”

  I grimace. Is it too much to ask that my friends forget that conversation? “And?” I ask, needing to hear her thoughts on the matter, regardless of the unease I feel.

  “And I get it, but I think you’re wrong. That bar is your legacy. David has no problem with you working there. Let me ask you. Growing up, were you ever embarrassed by your parents working in a bar?”

  “Never,” I say adamantly.

  “There you have it. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks and live for you.” She places her hands over her growing baby bump.

  “How you feeling?” I ask her, deliberately changing the subject.

  “Good. It’s kind of cool that Whit and I are jus
t two months apart. I like that our kids are growing up together. Now if we can get the newlyweds on board and get you and David down the aisle, and get to work on making babies, we’d all be able to say that about you too.” She winks.

  “I do like the sound of that,” I admit.

  “Like the sound of what?” Whitney asks. She also has her hand over her even smaller baby bump.

  “Yeah, we need details,” Jamie chimes in.

  “I was just telling Liv that Jamie and Mike need to get this wedding underway and start working on adding to our clan.” She points to her belly. “And this one”—she points at me—“needs to stop letting fear and worry drive her, and say yes already so she can too.”

  “Did he ask you again?” Jamie asks.

  “Not technically, but it seems as though at least once a week he brings it up. More so since he found out Mike was proposing and these two”—I point to Whit and Kinley—“are expecting.”

  Jamie holds her hand in the air, showing off her engagement ring, her face alight with happiness. “You know you want one of these,” she teases.

  I easily admit, “I do.”

  Whitney reaches over and rests her hand on my arm. “Do you love him?”

  “More than anything.”

  “Does he love you?” she asks.

  “More than anything.” I know where she’s going with this, and my mouth turns into a smile.

  “You have your answer. Stop worrying, and live, be happy,” Kinley says.

  I put my arm around her and Whitney, and they do the same to Jamie, bringing us all into a circle. “I love you, guys.”

  “We love you too,” they say in unison.

  “Your place or mine?” I ask Olivia as we leave the restaurant.

  With her head resting against the back of the seat, she turns to look at me. “Yours.”

  Reaching over, I take her hand and bring it to my lips. “You okay?” She’s been noticeably quiet toward the end of the party.

  “Yeah.” She smiles softly. “Just thinking.”

  “You want to talk about it?” If there’s something bothering her, I want to know about it so I can fix it. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.

  “Nothing’s wrong. Just processing the night, that’s all.”

  “You girls looked like you were in deep conversation at one point.”

  “Just girl talk,” she evades.

  “I see how it is,” I tease. Things with Olivia have always been easy. For years, I watched her, longed for her really, not for the lack of looking like a pussy. I always thought she had a thing for Aaron, but when Aaron and Whitney got together and she was fine with it, happy for them, I moved in. No way was I letting some other schmuck come in and take her from me. She’s all I’ve ever wanted.

  We ride to my place in silence, not uncomfortably so. She has something on her mind, and I want to give her time to work it out. She’ll fill me in when she’s ready. She always does.

  “You ready for bed?” I ask as I pull into the driveway. My house is a two-story farmhouse. It’s been completely remodeled with a small pond out front and a big backyard. Perfect for a new family. It’s why I bought it three months ago, and it is definitely not the house of a bachelor. Olivia’s place is nice too, just smaller and not with much yard space.

  “I am.” She places her hand over her mouth, covering a yawn. “Shopping wore me out.” She laughs, climbing out of the truck.

  She was part of the “keep Jamie away” plan while we set everything up at the restaurant for the engagement party. We all knew Jamie was going to say yes though. All you have to do is look at the two of them together and you can see it.

  I meet up with her as we head up the steps. “What’s holding you back, Liv?” I ask, reaching for her. She turns in my arms so she’s facing me. I don’t have to explain myself with my obscure question either. She knows exactly what I’m referring to. The truth is, I’m ready to start forever with her. Tonight, seeing all of our friends happy and starting families… I want that.

  She lifts her arms and places them around my neck. Looking into her eyes, I see her emotions. She’s been running, evading, delaying… whatever you want to call it. Making excuses. “Surprise me,” she whispers against my lips.

  I pause momentarily in shock. “What?” I manage to ask when my brain reboots, my brows lifting. “I need you to replay that for me.” I hold her a little tighter.

  “Next time, surprise me.” Her smile is soft, and I can see nothing but love in her eyes reflecting back at me.

  “Olivia,” I growl and pull her closer. “Don’t tease me, beautiful.” I need to make sure my mind isn’t playing tricks on me. Is she really saying what I think she is?

  “Surprise me,” she repeats.

  “You’re ready?” I clarify. I’ve been asking her playfully to marry me since the beginning of our relationship. Every single time, she blows me off. I’ve never asked her straight up or on bended knee with a ring, the fear of her rejecting me too real. Something has been keeping her, keeping us from moving forward. I already have the ring. Hell, I’ve had it for close to a year now, waiting for the time I knew she was ready.

  “I love you, David. I want the future we talk about. So next time surprise me.”

  “We’re doing this?” I confirm. I’ve waited for her to be on the same page as me for the majority of our relationship. I know she loves me. She just needed time. Time I was willing to give her. Not having her in my life wasn’t an option.

  “Yes.” She clasps her hands behind my neck. After a few sweet kisses, she mumbles against my lips, “We’re doing this,” before kissing me again.

  I want nothing more than to devour her, but I don’t. I let her have this, let her control the pace while my mind races. I’ve had a lot of time to think about how I want to propose for real, so many different ideas. Now that it’s here, I need to decide. None of them seem worthy of her.

  “I love you,” I say as soon as she pulls away.

  “Mmm.” She snuggles into my chest, too tired to offer more.

  Unlocking the front door, I lead her inside before turning the lock back in place. We don’t bother with lights as I guide her upstairs to the bedroom. We make our way to the attached bathroom and stand before the his-and-hers sinks, brushing our teeth. I love the nights she’s here. When I bought this place, I wanted it to be ours, and it feels empty when she sleeps at her place. I made sure before purchasing it that she loved it. I can still remember the light in her eyes when I showed it to her before I made an offer. Without a doubt, I knew this is where we would live. Now more than ever before, I saw it all play out in my mind—family dinners, playing with the kids in the backyard, sitting on the porch swing after the kids have gone to bed. All of it. In vivid detail, our future came to life, and my girl just informed me she’s finally ready.

  Now all I have to do is decide how and when. Shutting off the bathroom light, we head to bed. I strip down to my boxer briefs and toss my T-shirt to Liv. Then we crawl into bed. I pull her close, kiss her neck, and it seems like she’s instantly asleep. Holding my future in my arms, I map out a plan.

  My girl wants a surprise. She’s going to get it.

  Last night I told him to surprise me. I’m ready for our future. Ready to leave the worries behind and just be happy and live. I can still see his face, his shocked expression mixed with so much love. He truly is an amazing man, and I’m lucky he’s chosen to give his heart to me.

  Rolling over in his big king-size bed, I watch him sleep. His hands are under his pillow as he sleeps peacefully on his belly. His chocolate-brown hair, in need of a trim, is tangled from sleep. As I watch him, I let my mind wander to our future. This is where we’ll be. I love this house, and he knows it. It’s why he bought it. I’m sure of it. We’ll need to put my place up for sale.

  “What are you thinking about, gorgeous?” he asks, his voice laced with sleep.

  “Living here,” I tell him honestly.

  “Yeah?” he a
sks, a little more alert. “You finally ready to move in with me?”

  “As a matter of fact, I am,” I confess.

  This gets his full attention. He lifts his head, and his eyes bore into mine. “Don’t tease me, Liv.”

  “I would never,” I say in a tone hinting that he’s offended me. The smile on my face tells him different.

  “What’s gotten into you? First last night, and now you’re ready to move in? What changed?”

  I don’t even hesitate when it comes to my confession. “I used to think… well, it bothered me that I would be the mom who worked behind the bar. I know kids can be cruel, and I never wanted to be the reason my kids were made fun of or given a hard time. I thought I needed a career, a regular old nine-to-five job before we started the rest of our lives together.”

  His eyes soften. “Livy, you have a career. Mike’s Tavern has been in your family for generations. It’s a good thing you and your brother are doing, keeping the family business alive. You never need to feel less for that.”

  “I know. It’s my own stupid insecurities. I have this vision of the perfect life, with you, our kids, and it all fit everything… except for my job. I can see it all, from the wedding to when we’re old and gray and sitting on the front porch watching our grandkids play in the yard.”

  “Don’t let what you fear others might say or think keep you from living your life, living this life with me.” He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth. “I love you, and your career has not a damn thing to do with it.”

  “I know it was silly. I confessed to the girls a while ago, and they told me the same thing. Then last night, McKinley and I were talking, and it hit me. I’m keeping myself from living, letting fear hold me back.” Reaching over, I brush his shaggy hair out of his eyes. “I love you, David, more than anything, and I’m sorry I’ve put you through this, put us through this. If I didn’t let my fears get in the way, we would already be married and maybe even have a baby by now.”

  “Lots of babies.” He nods.

  “How many are we talking here, Mr. Harris?”