by Jill Patten
My life with Phoebe can’t be any better than what it is. We bought a house on the beach, and I finally convinced her parents to move to Florida just like all the other old folks do after retiring. Her mom quit her job to move down here, but her dad refused until I offered him a job at the company. It’s nothing much, but I make sure the pay is well.
As for my contribution to the children’s home, I still deliver a monthly check. Only difference now is it’s my own hard-earned money, and it feels great. Marcus has always held a special place in my heart. I know I shouldn’t show favoritism but there has always been something about him that’s tugged at my heartstrings. Since I had experience with the kids at the children’s home, and with my father’s resources and lawyers, I was able to get my arrest dropped from my record. So, after Marcus’ mother died from an overdose, we were able to bring him into our home. His teenage years are some of the most important years of his life, and because of that, I felt it was up to me to be the positive influence in his life. Phoebe and I can be the permanent fixture he needs. We’ve had some bumpy roads in the beginning, but things are slowly looking up for us all.
Today marks the anniversary of when Phoebe and I gave our relationship a fresh new start. I plan on surprising her by donating money to the hospital for the new rehabilitation wing they’re building. I want to do it in her name because I know how special her patients are to her. As a physical therapist and a transplant survivor, she’s committed to do anything and everything possible for her patients.
Phoebe has just stepped out of the shower, and we have a dinner date in less than an hour. I was hoping to relieve some stress before leaving, but I’m worried we won’t have time to even work a quickie in.
“Hey, babe, do you think you can hurry it up? Mr. Dick and I need some lovin’ before we go.” I’m laid back naked on the bed with my arms folded behind my head.
She saunters out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her and one arm behind her back. Hmm, she must be hiding a present from me. “I think Mr. Dick needs to take a break. He’s been working too much overtime,” she says as she brings her hand forth and sets a white stick on my naked thigh. “Happy anniversary, love.”
I know what that stick is.
I know what those two pink lines mean.
I know she’s just made me the happiest man on earth.
“Holy shit,” I whisper. My heart is pounding in my chest. “I’m going to be a dad?”
She smiles and nods with big tears in her eyes. “We’re going to be parents, Blue! I’m actually going to be a mommy.”
I jump off the bed, wrap my arms around her still tiny waist, and kiss her until we’re both breathless. “Fuck our dinner plans,” I growl. “I’m having you for dinner.”
Life is a beautiful journey. I’ve gone through some hell before I was able to get my head above the clouds, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Phoebe has taught me more about love than I ever imagined possible, and I love her more every day than the day before. She’s my ocean in this small world. She guides me to the shore when angry waves crash against me. She keeps me floating above the surface when storms threaten to take me under.
She’s my life preserver.
She’s the air in my lungs.
She’s my everything.
My biggest thanks goes to my beta reader, copy editor, sounding board, therapist, and most loyal friend, Terri Thomas. This book would be nothing without you. I will never be able to show or tell you how much I appreciate you and everything you’ve done for me over the last four years. Love you, girl! Muah!
If you’ve read this far, thank you! For anyone to get lost in the story of Lance and Phoebe instead of spending time with family or doing other important things is like winning a gold medal. It truly warms my heart when someone takes the times to read the words I’ve put so many hours and tears into. All you readers are a blessing!
I want to thank my beta readers, Terri Thomas, Annie Hargrove, Adriane Leigh, and Miss Hardcore, Robin Bateman. Your “tough love” feedback challenged me to make this story the best it could be.
Thousands and hundreds of thanks go to my Smut Sisters - Amy, Alexis, Adriane, Dympna, Joan, Kadene, and Terri. You ladies have stood by me through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Your support never wanes. Y’all are simply the best, and I love you guys! I’m ready to reunite in Berlin!
Thank you Neda Amini and the Ardent Prose crew for taking a chance on me. I hope I don’t disappoint!
Big thanks to Drew Leighty for capturing “the look” I was going for and sharing some surfing tips. If any info is wrong I’m blaming you.
Hang Le!! You’re magical. I’m still amazed.
And to my BFF Kristy, and my work bestie, Tiffanny, thank you ladies for lending me your names. I love you!
Jill Patten was born a Yankee, but raised a southerner. She lives in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina which was made famous by a popular TV show back in the sixties. (Maybe there will one day be a statue of her at the end of Main Street. Ha! A girl can dream, right?)
Jill has always loved to read. Her taste is very eclectic and she loves almost all genres. When she's not captivated by her fictional characters, she spends time with her sweet husband and two beautiful children.
Music is her muse. Jill also loves elephants, sarcasm, and anything made with sugar, especially sweet tea. She enjoys all things rude and crude and laughs at stuff she probably shouldn't. She has been accused of being bossy a time or two, but doesn't really see it herself.
All in all, Jill is just a small town girl in this great big world trying to enable your book addiction.
Oh, and if you read her book, please leave her a review - good or bad, she'll love you forever.
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