Southern Charmed Billionaire (33 page)

"Open it!" The lights flicked on and Atticus sat up in bed with eager eyes as I opened it. Inside was the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen.
 

"I had this made for you. Do you like it?" It was a dainty skeleton key covered in micro diamonds. The chain was rose gold and the oval of the small hole was as vibrant as the colors of the Bali sea. The key matched the same key that unlocked our first fantasy together.
 

It was perfect. So perfect I was without words.
 

“It’s an aquamarine stone. It represents the month of the moment you walked into my life and us—our inception. You’re my special key, Kate. You unlocked my door and opened my heart.”
 

I hugged him dearly and cried, feeling so overwhelmed again by the love he showed me. It has been the best six months of my life and yes, I loved him. Yes – me! I loved Atticus Branch III! I really did with all of my heart. But with everything I had been through in my life, I had to take sure steps. And bless his heart, (as they say in the south) he understood this and patiently waited.
 

But oh, he waited in pleasurable style.
Trust me
.
 

Chapter Thirty-Six
 

Kate
 

It was only 7 am but the line was already formed outside of the bakery.
 

My bakery.
 

 I couldn’t believe it. My nerves were rattled, but I was more excited and thrilled than anything. I smiled at the strangers, whom I’d soon know as friends, some of which I’d soon regard as family. I’d know their names, their children, their ballgames, their pets. Oh! Which reminded me:
 

Mental note, Kate: Start your doggie Paleo treats very, very soon.
 

My heart warmed and swelled as I unlocked the door, seeing the magical bakery in the glory of the morning light.
 

Kate’s Kitchen.
 

Dreams really do come true.
 

On the seventh month of our love affair, one month into the launch of my baby's life, Atticus senior came into my store, informing me I did not owe him a cent back on my business loan.
 

“You've added legacy and heritage here in the community and I'm proud of that.” He smiled as he hugged me, and then placed an order for several dozen cupcakes.
 

His words would forever stay with me, and would his kindness, which I knew I’d remember for eternity wherever the next life took me. That’s the type of impression he had on me and had on my soul.
 

On the twelfth month of our love affair, Atticus proposed and was finally persuasive enough to persuade this Scorpio; I finally said yes.
 

On the twenty-fourth month of our love affair (two full years later, after the night I ran into him in darkly lit hall in the concert venue), I walked down the aisle wearing a dress fit for a queen with the biggest smile on my face.
 

I may have looked like a Queen but inside, I was still just a girl from Brooklyn.
 

I was one lucky woman and my lucky stars finally aligned just right.
 

Fuck
me.
 

Epilogue
 

Kate
 

The lights felt hotter on my skin than I’d imagined them to feel out on the red carpet like this. Being married to Atticus provided a brand new life, an exciting one, and this probably was on my top five coolest things we’d ever done together—attending the opening night of the rumored-to-be number one box office hit on its opening weekend.
 

The young adult dystopia series finally wrapped and we were right there caught in the middle of all the lively action and energy. I tucked my arm tight around my man, showing my love and support. I don’t know who beamed more: him or me.
 

“I’m here with the acclaimed singer/songwriter Atticus Branch and his lovely wife, Kate. His moving melodies heard on this film, are not only the film’s anthem, but you have been nominated for your first Oscar. How does that feel?”
 

Oh, I’d never grow tired of ever hearing that word for my man: Oscar.
 

Chills soared up and down my body as the blanket of buzzing electricity swarmed around my solar plexus. It was pure love and excitement.
 

“Like a dream, honestly. I’m thankful to be here. As an artist, it’s your greatest dream, and personally it’s my greatest achievement to have written something that got picked up in such an epic film series such as this. I’m taking it all in day by day, savoring each moment, that’s for sure.”
 

“Well, I’d do the same thing, too! So tell me, what are you two naming your bundle of joy that’s baking in that oven right now?”
 

I placed my hands over my growing belly, beaming with joy.
 

“We’re naming him Atticus Brooklyn Branch.
Brooklyn,
my first album, which where ‘Scars That Tie’ is on, is significant. It
brought out a new light in me that I lost a long time ago. And this woman right here, she helped me find it again.”
 

He softly kissed my blushing cheek.
 

“I want to remember that for the rest of my life. And I will. Brooklyn made the woman that’s making our baby.”
 

“You never forget where you've come from and what made you who you are today.” I smoothly chimed in, surprising us both.
 

“You’ve heard it from us, E! Atticus and Kate Branch. Any new projects for you two? I mean, you’re so busy! You two are not only a power couple, but you have your hands in many baskets. Kate, your Paleo treats are quite a hit now with Whole Foods and other grocery stores picking up your line. Any plans of slowing down when the little one comes?”
 

“Not one bit. Not one bit.” I laughed as I rubbed my belly.
 

Just because I was married to the most handsome rich man I’d ever known, I would not lose ambition. I was determined to live a life that made my children proud. Determined to live a life that adds value to this world.
 

As I looped my arm through Atticus’ tux, I was glowing. I was on cloud nine. I was so proud of him. He finally got what he’d always wanted: Respect on his own merit. Finally, he wasn’t known for his money. He was known for his talent.
 

And I knew him for his heart.
 

Did you enjoy reading about the mysterious club Kate and Atticus attended? Well then you may enjoy reading Bella Bentley’s—
Caught Up in You
!
 

It brings the same heat, same intrigue with characters you’ll love in this 75k erotic romance novel!
 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
 

Kristin Frasier
is a sucker for the hapilly-ever-after. She longs for her own white knight to come calling, but in the meantime she’s more than happy to bring you swoon worthy hunky males that want nothing more than to please you!
 

Don’t miss out of any of Kristin’s new releases. Sign up to her newsletter here. Visit Kristin on Facebook. Or find her on Twitter.
 

About the authors
 

Kristin Frasier
is a sucker for the happily-ever-after. She longs for her own white knight to come calling, but in the meantime she's more than happy to bring you swoon worthy hunky males that want nothing more than to please you!
 

Don't miss out on any of Kristin's new releases! Sign up to her newsletter
HERE
 

Visit Kristin on
Facebook
 

Or find her on
Twitter
 

♥
♥
♥
 

Bella Bentley
is a YA author during the day, but at night…she loves exploring the world of sweet or spicy billionaire romance.
When she isn't writing, she loves spending time with her hot husband, sweet dog and cat, gardening, cooking, hiking, and making beeswax candles for her candle line. Oh, and drinking wine in her backyard in Napa Valley
 

It’s her hope to bring a smile on your face, and warm feelings of love and hope in more places than one, hopefully all at the same time. Stay in the know with her latest
release by joining her newsletter
here
.
 

Visit Bella on
Facebook
 

Out Now!
 

The Playboy’s Convenient Bride
 

By Kristin Frasier & Haylee Delane