Christmas was just as depressing as Christmas Eve. Cortland tried to cheer Scarlet up with jokes but she only chuckled. I rubbed her back and lathered her with kisses, but nothing I did could take her pain away. I finally accepted the loss of Ryan. If he wasn’t coming back knowing she was pregnant, he was never coming back.
We sat down in front of the tree and exchanged gifts. Ryan’s pile remained untouched.
A knock on the door made us all flinch. I immediately assumed it was my parents.
Scarlet did too. “I’m not in the mood to deal with your mother.”
Neither was I. “I’ll tell her to leave.”
“Thank you,” Scarlet said.
I walked to the door and opened it, immediately feeling the chilly wind. Our lawn was covered in snow. Even our grand fireplace couldn’t keep the cold away.
When I saw Ryan standing in front of me, holding a bag of gifts, I froze. Janice stood beside him, smiling.
Ryan and I didn’t speak for several seconds. I didn’t expect him to show up here, becoming a Christmas miracle.
“Can we come in?” he asked.
“Of course.” I opened the door and let them walk inside.
When Scarlet saw Ryan, her eyes immediately poured with tears. She jumped off the couch then ran to him, hugging him like she would never let go. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m sorry too.”
“I love you. I would never hurt you on purpose.”
“I know,” he whispered.
She cried into his shoulder, holding him tightly. “Thank you for coming.”
He kissed her forehead then held her close. The rest of us backed off so they would have some privacy.
Ryan placed his hand on her stomach. “I heard you got knocked up.” A smirk was on his lips.
She chuckled and cried at the same time. “I did. I’m a slut.”
“I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
Ryan and Scarlet sat on the couch, directly next to each other. She held his hand and laid her head on his shoulder. It made my night to see how happy my wife was. Now we were back to the way we used to be.
“So, I’m going to be an uncle?” Ryan asked.
“The best one in the world,” she said.
“You’re pregnant?” Cortland asked.
She nodded. “I’m not just fat.”
Monnique clapped her hands excitedly. “I’m so happy for your guys.”
Everyone moved in and hugged Scarlet, making it into a group hug.
She started to cry again. “I’m so happy. My emotions make me all over the place, but I know I’m happy right now.”
Ryan stared at her fondly. “Do happy people always cry?”
“Shut up.” She squeezed him tightly.
“Still a brat, I see.”
“God, I miss hearing you call me that.”
He smiled. “Now I’m going to tease you like crazy since you love it so much.”
“Please do.”
His eyes softened. “I’m sorry about everything.”
“Let’s just forget about it,” she said with a sigh. “I’m happy.”
“I am too.”
I watched Scarlet stick to Ryan like the moon to the Earth. I wanted her in my arms but I was content watching the happiness on her face. Perhaps I wasn’t a piece of shit husband after all. She was happy, and now I was happy.
The Next Installment of the Forever and Always Series
Come What May
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Personal Autobiography
I’ve never considered myself to be an interesting or fascinating person. When I was growing up, I was constantly told I was unique, weird, or different. To this day, I still don’t know if those words were meant as a compliment.
I was a bit of a nerd. Instead of going to the party on Friday night, I locked myself in my room and wrote stories about dwarves and elves. Of course, I never told anyone this…that would be social suicide. I was a closet writer for a long time. But when my friends discovered my work, they pushed me to share it with the world. I’ve always been an introverted person, so bearing myself to ridicule, criticism, and judgment was difficult. But in the end, I’m so glad I found the confidence to pursue this dream. I can’t explain how thankful I am by all the support my fans have showed me. When I receive emails and messages through my website, I’m unbelievably flattered and touched by the unrelenting praise and love. Without the wonderful audience I have, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my love for the written word. So, my novels and work are always dedicated to my fans, whom without I would be nothing. So thank you so much for going above and beyond. Every novel purchased, every subscription to my website, and every like on Facebook goes a long way.
I will continue to write loveable characters and intriguing stories as long as my fans wish me to. I just hope I can always deliver.
If you want to know more about me personally, you can visit my website:
www.eltoddbooks.com
Thank you so much. If I haven’t said it before, I’ll say it now:
You totally rule!
E. L. Todd
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Also by E. L. Todd
Southern Love Series
Then Came Alexandra
Then Came Indecision
Then Came Absolution
Then Came Abby
Abby’s Plight
Forever and Always Series
Only For You
Forever and Always
Edge of Love
Force of Love
Fight for Love
Lover’s Roulette
Happily Ever After
Hawaiian Crush Series
Connected by the Sea
Breaking Through the Waves
Connected by the Tide
Taking the Plunge
Riding the Surf
Caught in the Undertow
Alpha Series
Sadie
Elisa
Layla
Janet
Cassie
Soul Saga Series
Soul Catcher
Soul Binder
Soul Relenter
Essence Series
Flight of Life
Tale of Life