by Calia Read
“Hello,” I whisper. My hand is shaking as I reach out and brush my fingers against his cheeks. Very slowly, a smile graces his face. A small dimple appears in his left cheek. I’m looking at a mini-version of Sinclair.
Nothing and no one can prepare me for this moment. Not so long ago, I was convinced that my heart and mind were broken. Thousands of shards. I thought I was unfixable.
But this boy is the staple that puts me back together. Links me with Sinclair.
“He’s beautiful,” I say.
“He is,” Sinclair agrees, an impossibly wide smile on his face.
Hesitantly, I hold my hands out, desperately hoping that he’ll come into my arms but knowing there’s a good chance he won’t. I was forewarned before this meeting that there was a possibility that Peter wouldn’t let me hold him. And I’m okay with that. I know he needs time.
At first he curls close to Sinclair. Some of my hope deflates. But then he whirls back around, as if he’s double-checking to see if I’m still there.
My hands reach out farther and Sinclair hands him over.
I smile and blink rapidly, trying to keep the tears away.
I wrap my arms around Peter and bury my face into his neck. I’m so happy my heart feels like it’s going to burst from my chest. Holding my son, feeling his steady heart beating like mine, is more than I ever imagined.
I’ve missed out on seven months of his life. I’ve missed a lot of memories, but I remind myself that I have thousands of good memories just waiting for our family.
I look over the top of Peter’s head and meet Sinclair’s gaze, tears brimming in my eyes.
I love him for standing by me for all this time. I love him for taking care of our son when I couldn’t.
I love him for so unapologetically loving every part of me. Flaws and all.
I’m allowed to stay in the library for a few hours. Sinclair and I talk the whole time. Wide, brilliant smiles on our faces. I get to feed Peter. And when he needs his diaper changed, Sinclair happily lets me take that job. I tickle his stomach and cradle him close to my chest, the whole time a smile on my face.
I’m not perfect.
Or even considered “recovered.” But I know I’m close.
I know I’m better.
There will always be flaws in my life, but they will be beautiful.
Sinclair reaches out and holds my hand.
“Heartbeat?” he asks.
With my son in my arms, I say, “Heartbeat.”
A huge thanks to my beta readers: Melissa Brown, Christine Estevez, Claire Contreras, Trisha, Rai, Megan Simpson, Tosha Khoury, and Lori Sabin. You are all amazing!
Thank you to Darla—whether I’m just venting or sending you a random chapter in the middle of the night, you’re always there and I’m so grateful for everything.
A big shout-out to the ladies in the Unravel Support Group. All of your passion for the characters at Fairfax is amazing and so encouraging!
Thank you so much to my editor, Linda Marrow. Your enthusiasm and faith in this book has meant so much. “Fairfax is no place for a baby.”
My heartfelt thanks to my agent, Amy Tannenbaum. Thank you for your never-ending patience, reading through the multiple drafts of Victoria’s story, and your amazing suggestions!
As always, thank you to my husband, Joshua, for always taking care of the kids and letting me escape into the world of my characters!
By Calia Read
Unravel
Unhinge
College seemed like too much stress for me. Traveling across the world, getting married, and having four kids seemed much more relaxing.
Yeah, I’m still waiting for the relaxing part to kick in….
I change addresses every other year. It’s not by choice but it is my reality.
While the craziness of life kept me busy, the stories in my head decided to bubble to the surface. They were dying to be told and I was dying to tell them.
I hope you’ll enjoy escaping to the crazy world of these characters with me!
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