Making Forever with You: Love That Lasts, #5

By JB Schroeder and Savannah Kade

Miles is stuck under an entire town's expectations. And Adele just stole his escape plan...

At the onset of World War II, Adele Bennes has one goal: save enough money to get to Paris… or maybe Copenhagen. It doesn't matter as long as she saves fast and travels far.

Miles Hoffman has had enough of what True Springs offers: the loss of his father and stepfather, a barely-squeaking-by farm that everyone depends on, and an enlistment ticket he can't punch.

Though Miles and Adele can't deny their love, obligations turn their futures upside down and rip them apart. Can they find their way back to each other? Will their love be strong enough to survive secrets, betrayal, and distance? Is it big enough to spark a legend?

. . . . . .

Making Forever with You is a prequel to the Love That Lasts series. This short historical novella tells the story behind the Legend of True Springs and a love big enough to create magic for the ages!

~Winner of the Short Length category of the 2022 National Excellence in Story Telling

. . . . . .

Love That Lasts is an emotionally-charged contemporary romance series from award-winning author JB Schroeder. If you love stories about well-drawn characters forging new beginnings, fighting for second chances, and risking their hearts for true love—this series is for you!

 

Love That Lasts series:

Faking It Together (#1)
Second Chance Love Affair (#2)
Dreaming of Forever with You (#3)
Starting Over Together (#4)
and
Making Forever with You (Prequel)

. . . . . .

Reviews:

"What a sweet story! She has dreams of traveling. He has a farm to run to support his family. Their story, set during World War II, tests their love through separation, though not in a way that most readers, including me, would have thought. I loved these two! And with all Love That Lasts books, you can count on an HEA - and a very satisfying one at that!" ~ Goodreads Reviewer, Susan H., 5 Star

"I absolutely adored Adele and Miles story!!! To fully learn the history and start of the true love magic and why True Springs is what it is was beautiful. So happy this was written. Loved loved loved their story!" ~ Alyssha B. Goodreads Reviewer, 5 Stars

"This was a wonderful story as you get into the happenings in the town! The storyline will grab you and keep you reading to find out the answers! The characters are great! I really enjoyed this story!" ~ Marilyn Smith, Vine Voice, 5 Stars

"I loved this story!" ~ Laura, Reviewer, 5 Stars

"The beginning of this series of finding love. I have been enjoying each book. Looking forward to reading more books from these wonderful writers." ~SG, 5-star Reviewer

• Language: English
• Publisher: JB Schroeder
• Release date: Jan 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9798215521069

Book preview

1

SEPTEMBER 1943

Adele Bennes tried to keep her eyes on the pastor, but as she smoothed her hands down the skirt of her dress, her mind was on anything but the sermon.

Her gaze darted to the right again, and she almost gasped right there in the middle of Sunday service. Had Miles Hoffman looked her way, too?

Her uncle Wilson’s face pulled into a small frown. Though he didn’t look her way or scold her, Adele knew she’d been caught, and she now kept her gaze and her focus on the preacher.

Okay, she kept her gaze toward the pulpit. Her thoughts ran roughshod on the homily she was supposed to be following. She thought about New York City and the pictures she’d seen. She thought about the cash she’d tucked into the coffee can she’d spirited from the kitchen after using the last of the beans. She thought of Paris and Rome and all the places she didn’t yet have enough money to visit.

But she would.

She also thought of Miles Hoffman.

He was making her stay here in True Springs more than bearable.

The preacher was saying something about Jesus, and by his tone, it was very important.

Blast. She hadn’t kept up well enough to understand why this was important. Maybe it would be okay if she was just a good person, right?

Luckily, the tone of his voice also told her that the sermon was about to come to an end. And thank goodness. She was just a little over-warm in here with all the people. Outside would be cooler, and if she had to sit here another minute, her stomach would start gurgling something fierce. She was sure she’d seen Martha bring a huge tray of fried chicken on the way in.

If he didn’t let them out now, then she was going to eat all that chicken herself and fight anyone who tried to take it from her. Probably not what he’d been preaching about all morning. Not that she would know.

She reached for the hymnbook in the small pocket built into the back of the pew in front of her and turned the pages until she found the right number. Then she was on her feet and singing with the gusto of one about to be released.

Miles Hoffman was looking at her.

Adele smiled as she raised her voice along with the choir. She had plenty to be thankful for.

Miles watched as Adele leaned against a tree, plate balanced on one hand, crispy chicken leg in the other. He couldn’t help but look at her lips and admire the verve with which she attacked everything.

One foot was propped against the tree near the lemonade she’d set down for safekeeping, her knee tilted at a striking angle as she talked casually with his cousin Lisbit Goodman.

Nice gams, Lily Mae! Steven Anders called to Adele from too far away. He was walking toward her in a calculated move so that everyone heard his callout and fewer people would hear Adele’s reply.

Whether Steven was using the term to call Adele loose or to appear cool, Miles didn’t know, but Steven always got Miles’ blood up. The Anders family had money, and Steven liked to rub everyone’s nose in it. He also had made it clear on more than one occasion that Adele’s exuberance for life must also mean she was easy. Despite Miles’ repeated warnings, Steven had brushed him off—like always—and intended to go forward with his quest for the pretty newcomer.

Full of anger and feeling his blood turn to vinegar, Miles strode across the church lawn. He was glad it was Sunday. No heavy farm work, and all that sitting in church meant his leg was rested. His limp wouldn’t show.

My name’s not Lily Mae, and you know it, Adele answered as loud as Steven had called, making sure everyone in earshot knew she wasn’t taking this. She didn’t even set down her chicken leg, but held it aloft as she stared back at Steven in reproach. Suddenly, her mouth formed an O, as if she’d just thought of something. I’m so sorry, Steven. Are you slow? Is that what it is?

She sounded sweet and sincere, her expression managing to pull it off. But Miles knew better. Despite the fact that they’d never said more than two words to each other, he felt as if he knew her… well enough to know that he should have expected she wouldn’t take crap dished up by Steven.

It was a compliment! Steven countered, as red crawled up his neck and