Just an Illusion - Encore
Page 33
“Yeah … I get it now. But I’m still a part of you and mom, too.” I didn’t want to be defensive, but Noah couldn’t have credit for all of it—genetics only go so far.
“And we wouldn’t have it any other way. So, tell me, did you find the relationship advice you were seeking?”
I always knew Mom and Dad were rooting for Cadence and me. Hell … so was I.
“I think I found the courage to wait and see. We’re young still, but I have no doubt Cady and I will get married and have a family of our own.”
Dad smirked. “Your mom isn’t going to like that answer.”
“Probably not, but I think Cady is like Belle. She needs to spread her wings and fly a bit. I think I’m like you and Noah. I knew from the first time we kissed, and probably even before, she’s the one for me. But unlike Noah, I’m not willing to sit back and wait for friendship to turn into love. If Cady needs to fly, so do I. If she’s going to date, so will I.”
“Nate, just be sure …”
“Condoms. I know, Dad. The only kids I ever want are the ones I’ll have with her.”
“Fair enough. Are you doing this because you want to experience other people or because you want to make Cady jealous?”
It was my turn to smirk at him. “Would it be wrong of me to say both? I mean, you’re only in college once, right?”
That conversation was six years ago. I’m twenty-five now, and I’m getting married tomorrow. Dad, I know you read these books at least once a year around your birthday, which is coming up soon. In your first book, you mentioned you wanted to have something to read when you got old and your memories failed you.
I thought I’d add to it to show you how much I’ve valued our conversations and our relationship over the years. You’re not just my dad; you’re one of my best friends. I don’t ever want to imagine a time when you won’t be there for me, but I know when that time comes, Noah and Belle will be there to greet you with open arms.
It seems like a lifetime ago that I read the books and learned the truth about my parents. I can’t imagine a better role model, husband, or father than you. I hope my wife and I will share the same kind of love you and Noah were able to find with Mom.
Thank you, Dad, for loving me and raising me. You’ve been my best friend and confidant, you kept Noah’s memory alive, and you made sure I know family and love come first, always. I couldn’t have envisioned a better father or family than the one I have.
There is one other thing I want you to know before anyone else. You’re about to be a grandpa. We’re announcing it at the reception tomorrow, and we couldn’t be happier. I’ll be telling you tonight, and besides us, you’ll be the first to know. Tomorrow, at the wedding, do me a favor and keep Uncle Darren from killing me, okay? I’d like to live to see my first child, and we both know even though he loves me, he’s still sensitive about everything that happened between Cadence and me.
You and Mom are going to be the most amazing grandparents just as you were parents. I only hope we’ll be half the parents you were to us.
All my love,
Nathaniel Noah Weston
P.S. Mom, please don’t be mad I told Dad first. When the next one comes, you’ll have that honor, I promise.
P.P.S. Mom, thank you for giving me the only father who could have ever filled the void Noah left in our lives. The two of you are the greatest people I’ve ever known, and I’m beyond thankful for both of you.
The most important thing you can do for the authors you love is leave a review and tell your friends how much you enjoyed their book. If you wouldn’t mind taking a few moments to rate and review this book, I would greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Dee Kelly
D. Kelly, author of The Acceptance Series, The Illusion Series, and standalone companion novels Chasing Cassidy and Sharing Rylee, was born and raised in Southern California. She’s a wife, mom, dog lover, taxi, problem fixer, and extreme multi-tasker. She married her high school sweetheart and is her kids’ biggest fan.
Kelly has been writing since she was young and took joy in spinning stories to her childhood friends. Margaritas and sarcasm make her smile, she loves the beach but hates the sand, and she believes Starbucks makes any day better.
A contemporary romance writer, D. Kelly’s stories revolve around friendship and the bond it creates, strengthening the love of the people who share it. For all things D. Kelly, you can visit her website: http://www.dkellyauthor.com
The Acceptance Series –
Breaking Kate – Book One
Catching Kate – Book 1.5
Releasing Kate- Book Two
Loving Kate – Book Three
Christmas with the Houstons – Book Four
Stand Alone Novels
Chasing Cassidy
Sharing Rylee
The Evolution of Us
The Last Resort Motel – Room 13
The Illusion Series
Just an Illusion – Side A
Just an Illusion – The B Side
Just an Illusion – EP
Just an Illusion – Unplugged
Just an Illusion – Encore
Illusion Series Spin Off Books
Interlude – (Jordan’s Story) Jan. 29th 2019
Broken Beats – (Darren’s Story) April 2019
Untitled – (Eli’s Story) July 2019
http://www.dkellyauthor.com/all-books
A new adult STANDALONE romance from USA Today bestselling author Siobhan Davis.
A troubled popstar forced into hiding… A sweet small-town girl overcoming tragedy… And the kind of love that only happens once in a lifetime.
Dakota’s dreams of attending Juilliard were shattered the night tragedy struck her family. It’s one year later, and she’s now enrolled at a local university trying to piece her life back together.
Shawn is one of the world’s most famous faces, having lived under a spotlight since his star exploded when he was fourteen. Now jaded by an industry forcing him to perform music he no longer enjoys, he craves normalcy and the opportunity to rediscover his muse. When a crazy stalker gets too close, and death threats start mounting, Shawn’s management team comes up with a plan—one which will allow him to work on his latest album while staying incognito on a college campus.
Romance is the last thing on Dakota’s mind, but after she crosses paths with a hot, prickly cutie with rock-hard abs and smoldering good looks, she can’t shake him from her thoughts.
Shawn can’t afford to bring any girl into his fucked-up life, but the gorgeous blonde with the sad blue eyes captivates him in a way no girl ever has, and he finds himself falling hard and fast.
But outside forces are conspiring against them.
When danger draws closer, and secrets are revealed, will their love survive?
Breaking Kate
By. D. Kelly
Michael Matthews has been in love with Katherine Moore since the second grade. In Michael's mind there is absolutely nothing that will ever be able to keep the two of them apart. The night Michael is set to propose to Katherine the evening is interrupted by an unexpected tragedy that tears the two of them apart for good.
Three years have passed since that fateful night when Katherine, now known as Kate meets Daniel. After an awkward start sparks fly between them. Daniel and Kate fall hard and fast into the most passionate and intense love affair of their lives. In three years a lot can change, Michael knows he made the biggest mistake of his life when he left Katherine and he will do anything to get her back. Asking his best friend Daniel for help is his first step in righting the wrongs he made so many years ago. Unfortunately, neither of them realizes that Michaels long lost love Katherine is Daniel’s true love Kate.
While attending the engagement party of a mutual friend, all of their paths collide. How is Kate supposed to choose between the two men that mean the most to her in the world? Kate has to push past her heartache and put some serious thought into what comes next. One wrong cho
ice and not only could she lose them both but Daniel and Michael may never recover their friendship.
The Evolution of Us
By. D. Kelly
They say most people meet the person they will marry while in high school. Balancing one another perfectly, Holly Ryan and Declan James were together through most of college—until their relationship blew up, leaving Declan with more questions than answers.
For the past two years, Declan has tried everything he can think of to earn Holly’s forgiveness, but even if he manages to help her let go of the past and give them another chance at happiness, she still has a secret. Not to mention, she can’t get over the revolving door of women he seems to have coming in and out of his apartment.
Declan is desperate to prove to Holly she’s the one for him and isn’t above using his celebrity status or enlisting the help of their friends to win her back. All’s fair in love and war, right?
Chasing Cassidy
By. D. Kelly
Zachary Stafford witnessed something horrible when he was a child. Watching a young girl beaten by her father shattered his heart, but it forged a new friendship as well.
Since enduring terrible abuse as a young girl, Cassidy Pope has been shaped into a woman filled with insecurities and self-loathing, regardless of the unconditional love Zack has given her all these years.
Upon the arrival of their wedding day, Cassidy does the one thing she does best—she runs, leaving Zack at the altar.
Zack is nothing if not a man of his word and is determined to bring Cassidy home to him. Will they finally get their happy ending, or will Cassidy allow the demons of her past to keep her from the love she’s always desired?