The Reluctant Bachelorette (40 page)

Taycee nodded, and he slipped it onto her trembling finger
while she sniffed and laughed simultaneously. She was officially engaged. To
Luke. “I love it,” she said, her eyes finding his once more. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” A hint of a smile touched his lips. Luke
gave her hand a gentle tug, cocking his head toward the exit. “What do you say
we get out of here?”

“Sounds good to me.”

They trotted down the steps and walked hand-in-hand out the
door and back to his beat-up truck. As she sat on the cracked and faded
upholstery, she watched as he jiggled his keys and walked around to the other
side. His easy, confident stride, his broad shoulders, those rich brown eyes.

All hers.

Five months ago if anyone had predicted this day would come,
Taycee would have told them they were bonkers. No way would Luke ever move
back. No way would she be the bachelorette and he the bachelor on some silly
reality dating show. No way would all of her failed attempts to keep her heart
safe culminate into the one thing she never imagined possible: Marrying the guy
who’d stolen her heart all those years before and had never given it back.

Turned out he didn’t have to.

Thank you so much for carving time out of your life to read one
of my books. I hope it took you out of reality for awhile and into a world of
escape and rejuvenation because everyone deserves that once in awhile.

If you enjoyed this book, I can’t tell you how much I’d
appreciate a review from you on Goodreads or Amazon or wherever else you’d be
willing to post one. Word of mouth is the best kind of advertising there is,
and I could really,
really
, use your help to get the word out.

I also love to hear from readers, so if you’re so inclined,
you can find me at
RachaelReneeAnderson.com
.

Thanks again, and happy reading!

I’m really not sure where to start with this, because there
are so many people who have helped me with this book. A big thanks to
Wall-to-Wall Books for giving Shelter Springs its name. Buried in Books, for
inspiring Sterling’s character. Kraig and Nancy, for your hilarious dating
stories. Shaunna, for sharing your clever and creative brain. And Rachel, for
your keen eye and willingness to proofread this book.

To Valorie, Letha, Shelly, Sarah, Lucy, and Cora—the best
sisters in the world—for your listening ears, brilliant imaginations,
willingness to read my earlier manuscripts, and encouragement. I love you all.

To Braden and Rebecca, you guys rock. I couldn’t ask for
better critique partners or friends. Thank you for your honesty, your
invaluable help, and for being so willing to share your talents with me.

Lastly, to my sweet kids for allowing me the time to write and
for wanting to read my books, and to my husband, Jeff, for your love, support,
patience, and for picking up the slack when I fall short. I love you.

Rachael Anderson is the author of four published books:
Divinely
Designed, Luck of the Draw, Minor Adjustments, and The Reluctant Bachelorette.
She’s
the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least
sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and
despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now
make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating. You can find her
online at
RachaelReneeAnderson.com
.