by S. E. Hall
“May I have this dance, Laney Jo?” Evan asks, bright blue eyes holding a tiny fear, as if he thinks for one second I might say no.
“It’d be my pleasure.” I smile and move into his arms. I try not to think about the words to the song, heart-wrenchingly appropriate, or I know I’ll start crying. Not necessarily sad tears, just those of reminiscence; where we started and all the love, hurt, growing pains and lessons it took to get where we are now. Dancing like two old friends.
He must read my mind, or my expression. “I know.” He smiles, that same boyish one full of charm that he’s always had, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “I know.”
I chance a glimpse at Dane and shockingly, he grins at me and nods... in understanding.
I focus back on Evan. “Who’d have thought? My daughter and your son.” I shake my head. “Funny how things work out, isn’t it?”
“Can’t say that same thought hasn’t crossed my mind a time or two.” He laughs, again, the same one he’s had since the day he came crashing in on my fishin’ trip. “And for a long time I felt guilty, because every once in a while, I’d catch myself wondering... where we went wrong.” He twirls me out and back in, I know to stall and find some strength to inject in his voice. “Then I’d see the way you look at Dane; the very same way I look at Whitley, and starting thinking instead about what went right. Best I can figure, that’s what was missing, those two. ’Cause when you and me added in some Dane and Whitley, look what we got: Skylar and Judd. And that… is perfection.”
I swallow my sob but don’t manage to catch the tear. He does, with his thumb. “Don’t cry, Laneybug. It all worked out exactly how it was supposed to. And now, I get to watch you and Whit fight over grandkids.” This laugh is real, and I join him. “T-ball or pageants. Oughta be interesting.”
“Yeah.” I sigh, watching my beautiful daughter Sky dance with her new husband Judd, the perfect young man who reminds me so much of his father it’s uncanny. “Look at them.” I nudge my head their direction. “They do look pretty darn perfect. Heck, look at all of us.” I say, meeting Evan’s eyes once again. “I’d say we did good, Tod.”
“We sure did, Copper. We sure did.”
First and foremost, I want to thank those who have endured it all with me, the good and bad, without fail: my wonderful husband Jeff, without whom I would literally lie down and give up; my patient, understanding daughters, who support me by accepting me as is; and my family. I’m so thankful for all of you and love you more than anything in the whole world.
Angela Graham, my best friend and CP, I couldn’t do it without you, girl. Every hurdle we ALWAYS jump only makes our asses and thighs look better! So, here’s to the strength of “us.” From day one to the end, you and me. Me and you. I love you very much.
Jill Sava, you’re so damn amazing, a true inspiration! Thank you for knowing when to just ignore how I said to do it and do it the right way. Thank you for being so level-headed and focused on the things that matter. I’d be lost without you, and I love you!
My bangin’ betas: Jill Sava, Ashley Jasper, Linda Cotter, Amber Warne, Alison Evans-Maxwell, Kara Hildebrand, and Angela Doughty, thank you so much ladies for lovin’ the Crew and helping me make Endure the best it could be! I appreciate you all so much!
Elite, you’re the best group of women I’ve ever met all in one place, and that shit usually does not work out, lol… too many women in a group? No, just no. But you guys, well, you’re ELITE. Loving, empathetic, kind, caring, and full of true character. I adore and appreciate every single one of you!
Crew, YOU LADIES ROCK!!!! Thank you for all the fun, love and support!!!!! I’m so lucky to have you!
Hilary Storm, because it’s real; you, me, you and me. I’m blessed by our friendship, and thank you for it!
Erin Noelle, forever and always, Smoops. Love you. xoxox
Jessica Prince, good lookin’ out, Boo! THANK YOU for that idea jamfest!!!!
Monique Hite- I thought about writing out everything you mean to me, and then it hit me… I only have to say one thing and she’ll know exactly what all those few words say to her, thank her for. ROD, Moe. ROD.
Sommer Stein, as always, sis… you amaze me, support me, and make it so easy! I’m so grateful for you and your magic! Xo
Shelby Leah, you pretty girl, thank you so much for my beautiful cover!!!! Love you! xoxoxo
Brenda Wright- Could I BE a bigger pain in your ass? I hope you still love me though, cause I damn sure love the hell out of you!
Kay Springsteen, thank you so much for your friendliness, eye for detail and willingness to put up my disorganized, panicky butt! I appreciate it! xo
Tabby Coots, Kimberly Reynolds and Rachelle Jones, for your fast fingers and willingness to always help me out! Without the three of you, my books would be written in Sharpie on paper and never typed. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help! XOXO
And to all the readers and bloggers who support me and my books, making it possible for me to do what I love for a living, my endless, undying appreciation and thanks! You’re all amazing!
If I forgot you, not only am I sorry, but feel free to come give me the ass kickin’ I’m sure I’m long overdue for!
S.E.Hall, lover of all things anticipation and romance, is the author of The Evolve Series: Emerge, Embrace, Entangled, Entice and Baby Mama Drama, as well as the stand-alone novel Pretty Instinct. Her co-written works included The Provocative Professions Collection: Stirred Up, Packaged and Handled, One Naughty Night and full-length novel Matched with Angela Graham as well as Conspire, a romantic suspense with Erin Noelle.
S.E. resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 3 daughters of the home. When not writing or reading, she can be found "enthusiastically cheering" on one of her girls' softball games.
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EVOLVE SERIES
Emerge
Embrace
Entangled
Entice
Sawyer Beckett's Baby Mama Drama Guide For Dummies
Endure
FINALLY FOUND NOVELS
Pretty Instinct
Pretty Remedy
CO-WRITTEN BESTSELLERS
WITH ANGELA GRAHAM
Matched
Stirred Up
Packaged
Handled
Handled 2
One Naughty Night
WITH ERIN NOELLE
Conspire
Table of Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Table of Contents
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
About the Author
