Finding Solace
Page 19
I place Luke in his crib and he remains motionless and content. I walk over and pull Gracie into my arms.
“That was beautiful and yes, my dreams have come true, because of you. You are an amazing husband and father. I can’t imagine my life without you,” she says.
Amazingly, Luke sleeps until almost nine the next morning. He almost seems like something changed. He’s less fussy and seems more cooperative with us. I continue to remove my shirt and his when I hold him, thinking that maybe that had something to do with it. I have no clue but over time, he begins to cry less and sleep more. I know that babies eventually get a schedule, but inside I think that I have something to do with it. Hey, it’s a guy thing. Just let us have this moment, even if it’s not real.
epilogue
Solace
Zeke
I can’t believe how my life has come full circle. The suffocation that I felt growing up now seems unreal. The past few years have been nothing less than amazing. Seeing my family when I want and experiencing all the little moments of each other lives has meant so much to me.
We ended up taking our honeymoon a year later. It doesn’t seem that we ever do anything in the right order. As expected, we both really enjoyed the resort. Having our families there was a bit awkward in some instances, but overall it was a great experience. I loved seeing Rachel and the old crew again. Dad and I sang a few songs together. I thought that I was going to miss it, but I really don’t. I enjoy singing sometimes at family events, but I’m just as happy strumming the guitar for just Gracie and me.
We welcomed a little girl into the fold nine months later. Rebecca Grace was totally opposite to Luke. She never fussed or cried and slept through the night almost immediately. Luke just loved his baby sister. He was just two, but I saw a change in him like he knew he was responsible for her. Nothing could make a father prouder than to see his son display such values while being so young. When she did cry, we would find Luke in her bedroom, and sometimes even in her crib, holding her hand and humming to her.
Standing with my arms on the top of the fence of the corral, I watch as Gracie leads a horse around with Becca perched on top. Luke is on his own horse, making laps around them. He’s been riding on his own since he was five. He’s told me and Gracie that he’s going to be a champion barrel racer. I have little doubt that he won’t accomplish this one day. The way he handles a horse at seven is pretty amazing.
Becca isn’t as secure as Luke and is, and still insistent on Gracie taking the reins and leading. I’m okay with this as I tend to be a little more protective of my little girl. I mean, she’s only five and still a baby as far as I’m concerned.
Luke is my splitting image but with hair. I see the same fire in his eyes that my dad says I had growing up. Dad always said I wouldn’t understand how he felt until I had a boy. He was right. I know Luke is probably going to want to get out of this town and experience things just like I wanted to. I just hope he doesn’t stay away as long as I did.
I look back on the moment where I felt full of dread to have to come home and am so thankful that I did. I met this beautiful woman who became my wife and mother of my children. Her eyes meet mine and she smiles. It’s a smile that I feel.
Some people question what their purpose is in life. I know mine. It’s right in front of me and it’s simple. To be the best husband and father that I can be.
THE END
Acknowledgements
There are so many people that I want to thank. I have three fantastic women who was there for me through this entire book. Stephanie, Pam, and Brook. They’ve been a part of the whole series and their encouragement and enthusiasm always kept me going.
Of course, you the reader. Thank you for choosing to read my story. I would love to see your reviews and feedback.
A big thank you to Reggie Deanching who was wonderful to work with and has an incredible eye. I was heading in a totally different direction, but seeing that post with that picture, Zeke was born. Reggie actually had a hand in the title, too. The photo caption was solace in solitude. How amazing is that?
Of course, thanks to Matthew Hosea who not only is in the cover photo, but provided me tons of visual inspirations. The only thing I think I left out was the tattoo of the donkey on his ass. But seriously, Matthew has an amazing voice, too.
And lastly to Lee Brice. No, I don’t know him, but his song “Boy” was the other inspiration. The first time I heard the song after I decided to buy the photo, (which was on the same day) the entire story practically unfolded in my head. So, I have to acknowledge him.
Finding solace playlist
Boy……Lee Brice
Marry Me…………….Thomas Rhett
Learn my lesson……Daughtry
Little Things…...One Direction
What Makes You Beautiful……One Direction
You and Me…..Lifehouse
Wanted….Hunter Hayes
Sunday Morning…..Parmalee
Sleeping Beauty……Dylan Scott
She’s Got This Thing About Her……..Chris Young
Woman, Amen ………………Dierks Bentley
You Make It Easy………Jason Aldean
Connect with me
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/C-J-Allison/e/B071WKGCFZ/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Current Series Link: https://goo.gl/m9CX9i Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Author Website: https://cjallisonauthor.wixsite.com/mysite
Author Facebook Fan Page:https://www.facebook.com/cjallisonauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16905737.C_J_Allison
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.j.allisonauthor/
Twitter: @cjallisonauthor