He closed his eyes and gave me a little nod. “You really do love him, don’t you?”
“More than I thought possible.”
“He’s a lucky man.”
“No, honestly, I am the lucky one.”
I watched him wave to Garrett and jog off toward the tree line. I turned and jumped when I saw Seth in the doorway, and he gave me a sexy side smile. He started to say something, but laughed when a familiar voice found us.
“Everyone can relax,” Pete announced as he slapped Seth’s ass and kissed my cheek. “I am here.”
“Aren’t we lucky?” I laughed and thought how great it was to have my life back. My mother was gone, I had my house, and I had my family.
***
Early The Next Morning
The sea lapped against the shore, and the morning breeze kissed my face, leaving a salty reminder that this was my favorite place to be. Two years of hell, and I finally felt at peace. I was stronger than ever now that my nightmare was over. Though I knew it would be a long time before I would be able trust people again, it was nothing compared to what I could have lost. The worst was over. Now it was time for me to move forward and not dwell. I’d cut all ties with my mother and couldn’t be happier with the decision. Shawna and David had started to visit more, and I promised I would visit them more too.
My toes dug into the cool sand, and I closed my eyes and waited for my old friend to arrive.
A pair of warm arms wrapped around me while his legs pressed against mine.
“Good morning.” His raspy voice made me sink further into his hold. There was no way to describe how much I loved this man. He completed me. I needed him in my life as much as the sea air, and I could honestly say I would go through all of that hell again if it meant I could have him. I leaned up and kissed his lips with a happy grin.
“You made it.”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.”
He nuzzled his cold nose into my neck and gave me a little nip.
“I’d meet the sunrise with you any day, McPhee.”
And we did. Every weekend we’d sit in that spot and watch the sun come up over our beach and remember that we made it out the other side together.
The End
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Ana Armstrong
Sergeant Che Chonnolly Heron
XL and Lauren Schöenherr
Adam Treat
About the Author
J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she now lives with her husband and two children.
When she is not writing she loves to spend time with her family, travelling or just enjoying a night at home. One thing you might notice in her books is her love of the four seasons. Growing up on the east coast of Canada the change in the seasons is in her blood and is often mentioned in her writing.
An avid reader of James Patterson, J.L. Drake has often found herself inspired by his many stories of mystery and intrigue. She hopes you will enjoy her books as much as she has enjoyed writing them.
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