Savannah moved in a slow circle, mesmerized and amazed. Zach had turned a small section of Dogwood Lake into a twinkling paradise. Hundreds of strands of lights had been weaved into the surrounding trees; the lake sparkled as if it held a million fallen stars. Rose petals of every color surrounded the large blanket lying on the ground—a blanket that looked a little worn with age and wonderfully, dearly familiar.
“I wanted to make it as special for you as possible.”
Tears blurred her vision and a sob built up in her chest. Swallowing hard, she said huskily, “I can’t imagine anything more beautiful. Thank you so much.”
Drawing her down onto the blanket, he tenderly removed her shoes. “Remember our last night together, when I made a promise to you that I was yours forever?”
“Yes.”
Zach went to one knee and held out a small box. Savannah’s heart was in her throat as she watched him open the box to reveal the most beautiful engagement ring imaginable, an oval emerald surrounded by diamonds.
“I failed you before, Savannah. I swear, with everything that’s in me, I’ll never fail you again. Would you make me the happiest man on earth and give me the extraordinary honor of marrying me?”
Her heart so full she could barely function, Savannah threw herself into Zach’s arms and held him tight. “The honor is all mine, Zach Tanner, and yes, I will marry you.”
As though he had feared her answer, he released a huge breath. And then, pulling away from her, he looked down into her eyes. “You were my first love, my only love, and you’ll be my last. Till the end of time, I’ll be yours forever.”
Lowering his head, Zach covered her mouth, giving her an exquisitely tender kiss. Then his tongue licked the seam of her mouth, asking entrance. With a groan, Savannah opened to him, inviting him inside. Her world tilted again as Zach pushed her gently onto the blanket and with infinite gentleness and reverence began to make love to her.
As heat and need took control, desire consumed them both. Wrapped in the arms of her love, the man who had returned her dreams to her and healed her heart, Savannah knew that whatever the future held for them, they would be together. Hand in hand, heart to heart. Forever.
To Mae Blossom Reece,
my writing companion
and best friend for thirteen years.
Forever in my heart, angel.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Though I grew up in Alabama and felt uniquely qualified to make this book authentically Southern, I needed assistance in certain areas. I am forever grateful to all those who shared their knowledge, advice, and expertise with me. And, as always, the amazing support of loved ones and friends is greatly appreciated.
With special thanks to:
Jim, for his unconditional love and support, gifts of chocolate when he knows I’m struggling, and lots of laughter.
My mom, sisters, and aunts who show me each day that girls raised in the South are something special.
My precious fur creatures, who shower me with unconditional love. And a special loving thank-you to my little four-legged office manager, Blossom. Heaven became even sweeter the day you left this earth.
My fabulous readers who, when I told them I was writing a new series based in the South, had only one question: When can we read it? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following me over to this new adventure as Ella Grace.
Anne, Crystal, Jackie, Kara, Kris, Hope, and Shelly for their help and wonderful words of encouragement.
Heather Leonard, for her assistance on prosecuting attorneys and legalese. And a very special gentleman in South Alabama, for patiently answering my many questions on police chiefs, mayors, and small-town politics. Any mistakes are my own.
My editor, Junessa Viloria, for her insight and lovely words of encouragement. And Kim Whalen and Kate Collins, for steering me in this direction. And the many people at Ballantine who made this book possible, including Gina Wachtel, Beth Pearson, Ted Allen, Deb Dwyer, cover artist Craig White, and cover designer Scott Biel.
Turn the page for a sneak peek
at the second book in the Wildefire series
MIDNIGHT LIES
by Ella Grace
Published by Ballantine Books
CHAPTER
ONE
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
FIVE MONTHS AGO
Charlene Braddock slammed her laptop closed and hurled it across the bedroom. The hard thud as it crashed against the wall gave her no satisfaction or relief. Jealousy and bitterness sizzled and burned like acid inside her. After three years of trying and failing to regain her ex-husband’s affections, she was no closer