Clash

  My husband must’ve felt my eyes on him because our gaze met.

  A moment passed and I mouthed, “Happy?”

  It took Connor a moment to respond. But when he did, a tender smile pulled at my lips.

  “Best birthday ever.”

  The party—I mean “annual pizza night”—came to a close and as all the guys and gals had made their leave, I watched Jim lift up my sleepy daughter and say, “Now that you’re talkin’, my little darlin’, I expect you to call Papaw Jim every now and again.”

  Connor’s crooked grin made an appearance. “Look, she’s the smartest baby in the world but I don’t know if she’s there yet, Jim.”

  Jim handed Faye over to Connor. “Maybe not yet.” Then he smirked. “Give her a week.”

  I walked Jim out and as he stepped towards his car, I couldn’t help myself. I rushed over and hugged him, hard. He let out a surprised chuckle before his arms came around me and hugged me back. It was then I noticed just how frail he was becoming. I wasn’t sure how long I had left with him so I said what I’d been thinking all night. “I don’t know how I would’ve survived this life without you, Jimbo.” I sniffled and my chin quivered. “You’re the best grandfather a girl could ask for.”

  Jim’s throat bobbled as he swallowed hard. His voice rough, he said, “You’re not crying, are you?”

  All I could do was shake my head.

  "Hey, now,” he tried to sound stern but his voice cracked. “No room for sissies at this table.

  I blinked back tears through my watery reply. “No, sir.”

  We hugged once more and I watched him drive away, standing outside alone for much longer than necessary. So, when Connor called out to me from the front door, I made my way over to him.

  He searched my face a long while, rubbing his hands up and down my arms. “Are you okay, baby?”

  I thought about it a moment. I really thought about it. Letting out a slow, drawn out breath, I snaked my arms around his middle and responded, “I am.”

  Connor smiled down at me before lowering his face and pressing his warm lips to mine. As we walked inside, wrapped up in each other, I put my head on Connor’s shoulder.

  “Everything is perfect.”

  The End.

  A note from the author:

  If you have made it to the end of this book, I thank you for reading it.

  Connor Clash is a complicated character. I knew that some people would not make it so far as to read this message because of Connor and the struggles he went through and will continue to go through.

  So, I thank you for giving him a chance and for allowing his happy ending.

  If you could be so kind as to leave a review for this book, I would be grateful.

  Love, Belle x