Lasting Fate

by Charisse Spiers

  As soon as we left the room she stood up and threw her favorite blanket over her crib to the floor and looked around making sure no one would catch her. She then threw one leg over the crib followed by the other, letting herself fall. She was using her diaper as her cushion to break the fall. If it weren’t so damn funny I would've spanked her to keep her from doing it again out of worry of her hurting herself. After she got up she ran to Bryce's room, her diaper keeping her from being quiet, and stopped on the side of his bed. She isn't tall enough to climb up on her own. What she was doing was pulling out her pacifier and swatting him with it at the same was she was saying, "Bubba." It only took her saying it twice and he sat up and helped her in the bed, then they both laid down together and went back to sleep. They had formed a routine obviously.

  Kinzleigh and I haven't had the heart to bring it up, because it's better seeing them that way. I love my kids with all my heart. There isn't a day that goes by that I have any regrets of the path my life has taken. There is nothing that I wish I had done that I didn't, and there is never a day that my love for my wife doesn't grow more than the day before. The two of us defeated the odds and we will continue to do so. We keep each other first, never keep secrets from one another, and if it would hurt each other we don't do it. That has made our relationship stronger than it's ever been.

  We finish singing and I set the cake down. Kinzleigh grabs Kennedi's hands before they grab the flame of the candle. I just shake my head. She tried. "Sure, buddy. You can help her blow it out. On the count of three: one, two, three..."

  He blows the candle, putting out the flame. Everyone claps as I remove the wax candle. "I want a picture before she demolishes the cake. Breyson get in. I want a family picture."

  "If you want to have a permanent photo of my face, Karsyn, all you have to do is ask. Don't volunteer my kids. I'll happily pose for you."

  She rolls her eyes. Karsyn has been around long enough she's family. She's like that lost puppy that shows up at your doorstep and you kind of fall in love with her, even though she's broken and scarred. She's become like an adopted sister over the years. "Don't kid yourself, Breybear. Only Kinzleigh wants that and none of us have any idea why.... Love you," she says in a singsong voice making a cheesy grin. "Besides, I have something much better to look at waiting for me at home. Now, hurry up before she dives face first into the cake and you mess up my photo album for this year."

  I move over to Bryce and grab him in my arms, holding him diagonal in front of me. "Smile for the camera, buddy." She counts to three and snaps the picture.

  "Okay, now you three move. I want to see what the girl has got. Kennedi, remember what Aunt Karsyn told you. It's all or nothing. You only get to do this once. I'm recording it."

  Preston throws a cheese puff and hits her in the back of the head. "Hey! Cut it out, P. What was that for?"

  "She's one. Like she knows what any of that means. She'd probably eat a bowl of dirt if you set it in front of her."

  "You're just jealous because she loves me more than you. Get over it, P. You're no longer the favorite uncle. Girls always stick together, but don't be upset you still have Bryce. For some reason he thinks you're cool."

  This is my family. They are goofy and most of the time they are fucking insane, but they are constant. They are always there when you need them. They would do anything for us and for my kids. Family sticks by your side no matter what and will come running when you need them, blood or not. I'd give my life for any of them.

  Kennedi squeals very loud in a high pitch tone. "Okay, I'm letting her go or you can deal with her wrath," Kinzleigh says. As soon as she does, Kennedi slams her hands in the cake, squishing it between her fingers. She must like the texture, because for a moment she doesn't attempt to eat any. She just sits there squeezing it, letting it mush between her fingers and laughing as if it's the greatest thing in the world. She is the greatest thing in the world; all three of them are.

  She grabs a handful and smashes it against her mouth, covering herself with pink icing and chocolate cake. She is obviously sucking on it based on the dramatic sucking motion her lips are doing. I'm standing in front of her watching her make a massacre out of a perfectly good cake. She slams both hands back down, grabbing cake in both hands. She acts like she is about to eat more when she slings it all over Karsyn and me.

  I swipe my cheek, covering my fingers in the gooey concoction. She is laughing and still shoving cake in her mouth as Karsyn and I look at each other and burst out laughing. Kinzleigh is already bent over out of breath. I suppose that's what you get when you're in the war zone of a one year old with free reign over food.

  There is no telling what I look like, but as long as she is having fun that's all that matters. This is what my life has become. I laugh more now than I ever have in my entire life. It's full of ups and downs, sacrifices and blessings, sometimes it's hard and sometimes it's the easiest thing in the world, but it's a life I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. I don't think a man really starts living until he has kids, because you finally learn what being selfless really is. It's the hardest, but most rewarding job in the world.

  I walk towards my cake-covered angel as Kinzleigh removes the tray. "Okay, beautiful, I think it's time to clean you up. You've had enough messy stuff for one day." I pick her up under the arms and raise her over my head, wiggling her in the air. "You're going to be my little trouble maker, aren't you?" She lays her palms on my face, now fully covering me with cake, smearing it around.

  I put her on my hip, visibly able to see cake on the tip of my nose. I look at Kinzleigh. "Yep. I'd say we have our hands full, Mom."

  I turn and walk in the direction of the bathroom, passing Preston along the way. "That's a good look for you, man."

  "Not a word, Preston, or you're next."

  ***

  I look down at Kennedi asleep in my arms. Karsyn and Preston left about an hour ago. Bryce fell asleep on the couch watching The Lion King, his favorite movie, for now anyway. I stand and walk Kennedi to her crib, laying her inside: one down, one to go.

  I pick Bryce up and take him to his own bed, turning off the lights and television along the way. I lay him down and cover him up as he turns on his side. I kiss his temple. "Goodnight, buddy."

  The house is now quiet. It's time to find my woman. I grab the monitors on the way to the sliding glass doors. Kinzleigh is sitting outside in our swing looking out at the city. For a country boy I have to admit you can't beat this kind of view. It's a totally different world than back home. Having the option for both is a dream come true.

  I stop at the door before opening it. Sometimes I still like to watch her when she doesn't know I'm here. It's one of those calming things that you can't explain, reflecting back on the one that makes your world turn, and the beginning of the amazing life that you were given.

  I grab the remote to the surround sound, turning it on, and slide the door open. She looks back at me as our playlist starts to play, her shoulder length hair blowing in the breeze. She cut it after Kennedi was born because it was easier with two kids. I didn't care as long as it was still in the loose, blonde curls I've always had a weakness for. "Kids asleep," she asks.

  I hold up the monitors. "Yeah."

  "Good. I need you to myself for a little while."

  I walk to the swing and put the monitors on the patio table. She is sitting with her feet laid out across the swing. I pick them up and sit down, laying them across my lap. She shakes her head. "Not close enough."

  She rotates herself in the opposite direction. I open my arm for her to snuggle in her nook. "Are you tired?"

  "A little," I say, "But I'm not too tired for this."

  "You never are. You played a good game."

  I start to swing with her snuggled up beside me, looking out at San Diego all lit up. I kiss her head. “Thanks, baby. As long as you're proud of me that's all that matters."

  "Thanks for helping me with the kids. You do a lot even though you stay b
usy with the team. You're my rock."

  "We're a team. There is no I or U in team. It doesn't matter how tired I am, I should never stop helping you. You're my partner and I'll never leave you alone to do anything."

  She grabs my opposite hand resting in my lap, linking it with the back of hers. "I still feel like I hit the jackpot with you, even after all these years."

  "That's funny, because I feel like I'm the lucky one."

  The song we danced to at our wedding starts to play. “It seems like that night was so long ago, but it also seems like just yesterday.”

  “That’s because every day together is an adventure. It makes the time pass by faster. It’s one of those bittersweet things I guess.”

  She sits up and stands from the swing, turning to face me. I stop swinging, thinking she's ready to go in when she reaches up the bottom of her dress and pulls her panties down her legs. "You want to have a quickie and pass out? They should be out for a while."

  She places her leg on the swing and places my hand on her thigh. It takes no effort. My cock is already hard. Years in and she still has me just as hard as the first time. Sex with a woman you love is like a fine wine. It only gets better with time.

  I rub my hand up her leg and look at her. "Baby, I am ready for sex with you anytime."

  I mean it. I will never tell deny her or decline her offers. She's everything to me, my very reason for breathing. Marriage is give and take; it's compromise. More than that, I still want her every time she asks. I love her and that's still a way I show it. We're in this for the long haul, for the rest of our lives.

  The End.

  Never let anyone tell you that true love doesn’t exist, because it does. The world may be leaving romance behind, but it can still live in our hearts if we let it. To lose romance would be one of the greatest tragedies. Keep it alive. If it dies the world will be a darker place.

  XOXO,

  C

  Note from the author:

  I want to thank each and every single reader for giving this story a chance. I know I've left you twice with a cliffhanger ending, but know that it means so much to me that you waited for it in its entirety. I hope the finale to their story has been worth the wait, because as I write you this message I am saddened that I have to let Breyson and Kinzleigh go, because it's someone else's turn to have their story told. If you liked this story, please take the time to leave a review. It doesn't have to be extravagant or lengthy, just a few words telling readers your thoughts. It helps more than you know. I welcome interaction with my readers on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, or even Google+. I will leave teasers as I write each story and keep you posted on release dates and other information. Each book for the rest of the Fate series can be read as standalone since each book are of different side characters introduced in Fate 1-3. I do listen to your feedback. If you could choose which character's story I wrote next, who's would it be? I have not made a final decision, so opinions are welcome. Here is a lineup of the following books in the Fate series. Each story will back up prior to Breyson and Kinzleigh's epilogue, so they may appear in some of the books in hindsight. None of them have to be in a specific order except for two because of characters not yet introduced. The number is simply in the order they came to me. I look forward to hearing your answers.

  -Fated for you, #4(Konnor and Presley)

  -Fate by Choice, #5(Braxton and Adalynn)

  -Fate Reincarnated, #6(Ryland and Macie)

  -Conflicting Fate, #7(Preston and Madileigh)-Must come after #5

  -Fate by Forgiveness, #8(Riggan and Sayler)-Must come after #4

  -Home Plate by Fate, #9(Briar and Londyn)

  -Fate by Coincidence, #10(Simon and Angelique)

  -Finding Fate, #11(Maddox and Natalie)

  -Chasing Fate, #12(Fisher and Karsyn)

  Other books scheduled and created as standalone:

  Fight For You (Up Next)

  Marked (Shadows in the dark, #1)

  Love and War (Shadows in the dark, #2)

  Southern Spitfire and Speedways

  Salvaged Hearts

  Risen from the ashes

  Some of the Blurbs are already written, especially for Fate books. They can all be found on my Goodreads page. Social Media links are also listed below.

  Goodreads:

  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7443394.Charisse_Spiers

  Facebook:

  https://www.facebook.com/charissespiersauthor

  Twitter:

  @cspiersauthor

  Google Plus:

  http://www.plus.google.com/+CharisseSpiers

  Acknowledgements:

  There are so many people to thank, but that would take up pages. First and foremost I want to thank my amazing boyfriend, Patrick, for being my backbone and such a huge support, and also for understanding when I have to take time out of my schedule to write. I talk about my characters as if they are real people and instead of getting annoyed you sit there and nod, letting me ramble. There are times that I get stressed or strap myself out because I can't say no, but you are always there to keep me going and to keep me sane. I love you more than you will ever know and I am so blessed to have you as a permanent fixture in my life. Your support and encouragement means more to me than you'll ever know.

  Writing was never something I dreamed of like most writers, but a fellow writer and amazing friend, Victoria Ashley, took a leap of faith and told me to give writing a try. I did, and now I feel like it's right where I belong. I still feel like I owe her the moon for introducing me to this amazing life. Victoria, you will always have a special place in my heart that no one can touch. I know you are getting busier with your own writing career and some days we barely say two words to each other, but know that I'm always thinking of you. It is amazing the feeling that I get seeing your writing career take off, knowing I found you with the beginning, Wake Up Call. You are one of my best friends and always will be. You are an amazing person. You really are. There are no words to explain how much of a friend you've been since the very beginning when being a writer was not even a thought. Thank you for being an amazing friend and advisor. I'm so glad that I found you. I love you girlie.

  Books have been important to me for two years now and storytelling for one. I get completely lost in the characters as I transfer the story from mind to manuscript. They have become my babies and I hope it shows in my writing. This has been the greatest journey I could have ever hoped for and I hope it continues for years to come.

  Jessica Grover, my editor, thank you for branching out and contacting me as a reader. Not only did I find my editor, but also a very special friend. I will never be able to put into words the amount of gratitude I have for you. No matter how crazy and hectic your own schedule is you take the time to help me sift through countless words day in and day out to better the story for the readers. I absolutely love your crazy, sporadic personality. You have helped to bring me out of my shell more than you truly know. Never change my dear. You have a beautiful heart and you will be in mine forever. You have a lot to bring to the table in contributing to the creation of what goes on in my mind. I think you know this based on the tears I've shed for book trailers. Thank you for crying right along with me at the close of Breyson and Kinzleigh's story. Not once did you judge or say they aren't real. Instead, you shared my heartbreak as if we both just lost an amazing friend, mourning their end. Thank you for purchasing Accepted and being a creeper on social media to find me. ;) I assure you I gained so much more than you. Know that I love you my amazing friend.

  Elizabeth Thiele, my personal assistant, you are also an amazing friend I found along the way. You keep me motivated by your reactions and responses as the story is being written. I know that you have a busy schedule and yet you continue to spend hours at a time promoting me and helping me in any way that I need. I appreciate everything you do and will do everything in my power to always show you. You are a twinkling star in my sky. Keep being the amazing person that you are. As an author
and as a friend I am very lucky to know you. You do a lot for me.

  Heidi Sturgess, my lovely friend and beta reader, there are no words to place you in a category. You, my lady, are a truly amazing person inside and out. You have no idea how I look while reading those amazing Heidi emails regarding your thoughts for each chapter. You are that lucky penny that one stumbles upon somewhere in their life, not expecting what it will bring at all. Never ever change the person that you are. You are a valuable person. I hold you very close to my heart. Even though I've never met you, you are a treasured friend. I'm very thankful to have you in my corner. I love that we can get lost in a world of fiction with no judgments, no feeling crazy, but completely understanding one another. Thank you for giving my writing a chance.

  Bryttany Currey, I haven't known you all that long, but like some of the others, you and I just clicked. It is still surreal how I met you, but I'm so glad I did. You have become a great friend in such a short time and I look forward to what may blossom along the way. I have a new love for Kansas I never thought I'd have. (Yes Jessica I know you are reading this too, I was referring to both of you.) Thank you for every single compliment and encouraging word that you tossed my way. They are my driving force for continuing in my writing. Also, thank you for helping me beta read. I went out on a whim trusting you and I don't do that often. It completely worked out for the best.

  Stephanie Phillips, my gem, I would never forget my first girl love. One comment thread about copyrighting is the irony to such an amazing friend. You have no idea how thankful I am for you my sweet, amazing person. Watching you grow as a writer has given me a sense of pride I never thought I could have. It’s a beautiful thing. You mean so much to me, and even though you are thousands of miles away I feel like you are so close. One day we will get to see each other in person instead of our amazing Face Time chats, but until then know how important you are to me. You have been with me since I published book one and you will be with me 'til the end.