Hi everyone! As we’re getting closer to the end of the 12 Days of Christmas, there will be a lot more events happening in the next few days, so I hope you all continue on this wonderful journey with me.
Now, for today’s event (which is Book Day), we will be going back to the beginning with the first book of the Love, Life, & Happiness series, Love Unbroken. This book has such a special place in my heart, as it gives the importance of romance and being happy as it brings two brokenhearted individuals together in finding true love and happiness.
Here is an excerpt from the story as it’s actually the ending of the book where the main characters, Riana and Shawn, enjoy their first Christmas together. This is from Shawn’s POV. Enjoy!
“Can I talk to you outside, Ri?”
Riana looked at me, wondering what was going on. “Why’d you want to talk to me outside?”
“Why are you asking questions? Just come with me.” I said as I extended my hand to her. She took my hand and we ventured towards the backyard.
As soon as we went towards the door, I noticed our friends were watching, waiting for the big surprise to be revealed.
“Why are we going outside? It’s cold out here.” Riana whined as she put on her coat.
“I figured you would like the view.”
“What view? It’s looks horrible outside.”
“Trust me; you will love what’s outside.”
We continued to walk, when suddenly Riana stopped walking. She grabbed my arm, squealing at the sight in front of her. One of the things I know about Riana, besides her love for jambalaya, is that she loves gifts. What woman doesn’t! I wanted to have fun with the big gift I have for her, so I decided to be a little creative with what I’d planned for her.
The backyard was turned into a huge play land of sorts, as clear lights were twinkling throughout the open space. Big red and white candy canes with various themes were encircled around various areas of the backyard, indicating several spots for her “gifts.” I also put out giant red, green, and blue present boxes throughout the backyard for decoration.
“This is cute! It’s like a winter wonderland!”
“I didn’t think you would be that excited over it.”
“You know me, babe. I like to be different. How did you do all this?”
“I had some help.” “Now I see why my mom was trying hard for me not to come outside.”
“Well, don’t just stand there; go get your gifts.”
Riana smiled as she noticed the first spot marked “The Beginning” near an oak tree. She went to it, pick up a medium-sized present nearby and open up the box. She pulled out two teddy bears. The two had shirts that read “Alpha Man” and “Bella Quinn” on each bear. I noticed the look on her face, which made me laugh. “Creative,” she said as she went over to the next area, marked “The First Encounter,” as she ripped open the wrapping paper. She smiled at the frame, which was a copy of our news story we had done for Intro to Journalism.
“You framed it. How cute,”
“Continue,” I said, anxiously waiting for her to continue the journey.
She rolled her eyes as she went over to the area marked “Prom Night.” She looked at the box and opened it to reveal a framed picture of us from that night. Right next to the prom night area marked “Our Valued Talent,” which was set-up on top of one of the giant present boxes.
“I have an idea what this is,” she said. She opened up the package, and pulled out a piece of paper and a plastic microphone.
She looked at the paper, as she began to read the poem I’d written her.
When I hold my arms open
You’re the one I’d chosen
When I close my eyes to sleep
The thought of you makes me complete
When I’m feeling down I carry your picture around
The sweetest touch
Makes me miss you so much
When I have a lot on my mind
I think how you help me shine
When I’m stressed
You help me be my best
I can’t imagine being without you
My special friend
You’re the one I want to hold
And to keep away from the cold
What I’m speaking of Is love.
Riana’s eyes filled with tears as she put the poem into her jean pocket and went over to the next destination labeled “Chocolate Dreams,” A sexy smile played on her lips, as she immediately opened the small box. Inside held coupons for several intimate massages.
“I hope it’s more than just an average massage.”
“You know it,” I said with a wink.
She went over towards the covered patio, where she noticed something silver placed on a stand. She looked at it as she gave a huge smile at the silver heart bracelet she held up. She looked at the inscription, which were our initials, on the front.
“Turn it over,” I said.
She turned the charm over and read the inscription “My Heart” in tiny letters.
She looked over at me and smiled. “What you said at the end of your poem at open mic,”
“When I first said I love you,”
I could tell she wanted to tear up again, but hopefully she’ll wait until the end to do so.
“There’s one more gift on the patio.”
“There’s more,” she said as she saw the small box sitting behind one of the decorated Christmas boxes.
She picked it up and opened it, but noticed nothing was inside. “
There’s nothing here.”
“That’s because I wanted to give it to you myself.” I said.
I walked over to her and pulled out a black ring box that I kept in my apartment for weeks. I was really anxious to see how she would react to this gift, which I hope she would love.
“Riana, we have been through so much these past few months, and I know as time goes by, we will have more memories to share. I know I said it countless times before, but I appreciate you in my life. You’re special to me in ways that no one will ever know. I love you so much and I hope that we can share our lives together forever.”
Riana couldn’t believe her eyes when I opened the box to reveal a beautifully diamond cut ring on a white gold band. Riana’s eyes started to swell with tears as she looked at the ring in awe.
“Before you say anything, it’s not what you think. It’s not an engagement ring.”
“Then what is it?” Riana asked in tears.
“It’s a promise ring. I can definitely see an engagement in the near future, but right now, I want us to be committed to each other in every way possible.”
“But I thought we were?”
“We are, I just want it to be official.”
Riana smiled as I placed the ring on her ring finger.
“So Riana Robertson, do you commit to our relationship and to the love we have for each other?”
Riana nodded her head as the tears flowed relentlessly down her cheeks.
“Yes, Shawn. Yes, I do.” She said as she wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace.
“I love you, Shawn.” Riana said softly.
“I love you too, baby.”
As we stood outside, I noticed something wet hit my shoulder. I thought it was starting to rain, but as I looked up, I saw white patches coming from the sky.
Riana looked up as well, completely floored to what she was seeing. “It’s snowing!”
As patches of snow started to drift from the sky, I pulled Riana closer to me, putting small kisses on the side of her neck. “I guess we really are going to have a white Christmas.” She said as she gave me a kiss.
Our friends came outside, looking at the snow in amazement. “Who knew we would get snow this year!” Cheryl said she looked at the sky.
“Now, it definitely feels like Christmas.” Britney said.
I looked at Riana, realizing I didn’t need snow or even gifts to be happy this Christmas.
Just having her in my arms, knowing she is mine forever is the greatest gift God could have ever given me. That is something I will cherish forever.
Love Unbroken is available now on all media outlets.
Check back tomorrow as we continue with the 12 Days of Christmas with a brand new interview from The Love Interviews with Asia and Bryon from the Reclaiming What Is Mine series.
Until next time, everyone! 🙂
at the inscription, which were our initials, on the front. “Turn it over,” I said. She turned the charm over and read the inscription “My Heart” in tiny letters. She looked over at me and smiled. “What you said at the end of your poem at open mic,” “When I first said I love you,” I could tell she wanted to tear up again, but hopefully she’ll wait until the end to do so. “There’s one more gift on the patio.” “There’s more,” she said as she saw the small box sitting behind one of the decorated Christmas boxes. She picked it up and opened it, but noticed nothing was inside. “There’s nothing here.” “That’s because I wanted to give it to you myself.” I said.
She looked at the paper, as she began to read the poem I’d written her. When I hold my arms open You’re the one I’d chosen When I close my eyes to sleep The thought of you makes me complete When I’m feeling down I carry your picture around The sweetest touch Makes me miss you so much When I have a lot on my mind I think how you help me shine When I’m stressed You help me be my best I can’t imagine being without you My special friend