him, if he'd put it to good use for his future or, more likely, squander it on gambling, liquor and women.
Caleb still had hold of Luke's arm and Henry grabbed the other one. “Let's go,” he told Luke.
“I can go on my own,” Luke retorted, pulling his arms free. He turned around and walked out of the house, with Caleb, Henry and Gus following him. Murphy, who had been staring, wide-eyed at the whole scene, excused himself to go clean up the mess in the kitchen, leaving Josie and Sam alone.
The sudden quietness blanketed them as Sam took Josie in his arms, embracing her. Josie was in shock, she still couldn't believe what had just happened.
“I'm so sorry,” she told him.
He pulled away to look at her. “Sorry? Oh, Josie, you have nothing to be sorry for. You've done nothing wrong. I'm so sorry he did that to you. I should have come after you right away, but I had to think it out, to make sure I was making the right decision. You must have bee so afraid!”
“I was. I thought I'd have to leave you.”
“You leave? But why?”
“He's your brother. I thought you'd choose him over me.” It was hard to get the words out as Josie remembered back to the conversation with her mother when her mother defended George and wouldn't take action against him.
“Let's get one thing clear, Josephine Dawson. I love you with all my heart and this is your home. I will do whatever I can to make you happy and safe and I don't ever want you to leave.”
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she held him, never wanting to let go. “I'll never leave. I love you Sam.”
Then they walked, hand in hand, outside to sit on the front porch swing that was just for them and count the stars together. Josie had never felt safer or more loved in her entire life. She wished that the moment would last forever. Because of everything she'd been through, she appreciated it that much more and as they sat together, she prayed a silent prayer of thanks to God, that she found the place where she was truly meant to be.
The End
Check out more books by Lisa Page:
Ellie's Song: A Christmas Story
Ellie Morgan was born with stars in her eyes and dreams of life on the stage as a professional singer. Home from college on a winter break, she sits in a little coffee shop, missing the fast-paced life of Chicago, when in walks Luke Williams.
Luke gave up a Broadway career to move back to his hometown, taking a job as a high school music teacher. Ellie is shocked that he would give up a life of fame and fortune to become a teacher.
As a friendly bet, Ellie volunteers to help Luke out at a children's choir program that he runs. She is soon surprised at how quickly the children find a place in her heart and she begins to see Luke in a new light as she discovers that with the magic of Christmas and the power of music, even miracles can happen.
Ellie's Song: A Christmas Story is a heartwarming Christmas novella, perfect to enjoy in front of the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or when you need a break on a busy day of shopping.
A Valentine Surprise
Valentine's Day is approaching and love is in the air. But not for Kendra Hart. The only word on her mind is revenge. She thought she'd found the perfect man, her very own Prince Charming, in Mark Woodward and was devastated when out of the blue he left her for another woman.
Heartbroken, Kendra devises an elaborate plan of revenge that is sure to make Mark sorry for what he'd done and come crawling back to her. The plan involves her friend, Josh, playing the role of her pretend boyfriend on the most romantic night of all, Valentine's Day. But as Josh and Kendra prepare for their roles, she finds herself drawn to him and the line between their act and reality becomes blurred.
When Valentine's Day arrives, things don't go as expected and the night is full of romance and surprises for everyone.
CHRISTMAS ON THE TENTH FLOOR
A story of love, betrayal, and snickerdoodles...
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