Part 23 (2/2)

”Sydney Ross-Jackson, will you do me the honor of marrying me and spending the rest of your life with me and our beautiful daughter?”

”Say yes, Mommy!” Faith squealed in excitement as she ran over and wrapped her arms around Sydney's waist, jumping up and down. ”Do it, do it!”

”I love you so much,” Sydney said looking into Wade's eyes which were filled with love and adoration. ”Yes, I'll marry you.”

Wade put the ring on her finger and scooped her up into his arms, pouring all his love and joy into a single kiss. The courtroom erupted into cheers. Everyone from their friends, to the courthouse staff, and even the judge clapped and offered their congratulations as they filed out of the room, giving Wade and Sydney some privacy.

”Are you sure you want to do this?” She already knew the answer, it was written all over his face. He was thrilled with the idea of being a father and a husband.

”You and Faith are the two most precious things in my life. I love you both.”

Sydney threw her arms around his neck and held onto the man she loved. She never would have guessed what fate had in store when she climbed into her car all those years ago, but she made it through the heartache, and along the way, finally found where she belonged. She laced her fingers with Wade's and led him toward the door.

”Let's go home.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

I am beyond thankful for the amazing people in my life who have helped me along the way. Thanks to Patty who takes a peek to tell me if I'm on the right track. To Niki and Heather who both put up with my inability to correctly place a comma to save my life. I thank you both for your editing skills, your ability to help me avoid my nemesis, the semicolon, and above all else, for your honesty.

None of this would be possible without my dear friend Barb who has been with me since the very beginning of it all. She is the voice of reason yet cracks the whip when necessary. She constantly inspires and helps me with the things I stink at like cover design, web layout, and formatting. This wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you, Barb, so I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Last, but never least, to my wonderful family who makes me laugh and continues to inspire me in ways they never even imagined. I love you and our crazy cats more than I can say.

ALSO BY VICTORIA MICHAELS.

Boycotts & Barflies.

Trust in Advertising.

end.

<script>