“And that was that,” his mother says with a smile.
“Well, I’ll tell ya, Aria. We got more details from you than we did from him. That’s why I have to ask these things,” his father says.
Chris shakes his head. “I basically said the same thing.”
Alice waves her hand at him. “Things just progressed from there, I take it.”
I smile, starting to get nervous that this might lead to talk about my marriage and divorce. “Your son is pretty persistent and hard to resist.”
She smiles and looks over at Chris. “He is a good one.”
“So, how’s work going?” James asks Chris, turning the conversation around.
The four of us stay there for a couple hours, eating, talking, laughing, and truly enjoying each other’s company. Chris was right. Everything was fine. His parents are a delight to be around. Plans have already been made for the few days that they’ll be staying here, with Alice making sure that I’ll be around for everything.
When we part for the evening, both of his parents embrace me, and I actually feel welcomed into their family.
While Chris and I are in the car on the way back to my house, I can’t stop smiling.
“Told you,” he says, pulling me from trance.
“What?”
“I told you everything would be fine.”
“You did,” I say with a smile as I grip his hand in mine. “I really like them.”
“I’m glad.”
“You know what’s next, right?” I ask.
“What?”
“Time for you to meet mine.”
“I’m sure I can handle that.”
“I don’t know when my mom will be able to make it up here, but my dad lives five hours away.”
“We’ll figure something out.”
When we get to my house, he walks me over the icy patch near my front door, and wraps me in his arms.
“Thank you for tonight,” I tell him.
“Thank you for being so easy to love. I already know my parents love you.”
I look up into his blue eyes, and the snow begins to fall around us. “I love them for creating you.”
“I believe I was created for you.”
“It wasn’t until I met you, that I believed soulmates existed. I’m so happy you came to Alaska.”
“I’m so happy you never left.”
“I’m never leaving now,” I say with a smile.
“And I’m never leaving you.”
Four Months Later
It isn’t until I’m almost to the entrance of the mall that I see him. He’s holding the door for someone behind him as he exits the same building I’m about to enter. Just two seconds later, he lifts his head and finds me.
His smile is slow, and he lifts his hand to wave. I give him a tight smile as I walk to where he stands. The older lady he’s holding the door for comes through and thanks him before heading to her car.
“Hey,” Aaron says.
“Hey.”
“How’ve you been?”
“I’ve been great,” I answer honestly.
It’s been months since I’ve seen Aaron. The last time we were this close was in court, finalizing our divorce.
“Good. You look great. Happy.”
“I am,” I answer with a smile. “And you? How’s . . . everything?”
He puts his hands in his coat pockets. “Everything is good.”
“The baby?”
He looks away momentarily. “Still not here. Stephany is due in a few weeks.”
I nod my head. “Are you two . . .” I trail off.
“Together? No. We tried, but it just didn’t work. I do plan on helping with the baby, though. I’ve been to some appointments, and we have pretty good communication. We have a plan in place for raising her. I can’t complain.”
“Well, that’s good. I wish you the best with your daughter.”
“Thank you. Are you and Chris still together?”
“We are.”
He nods and gives me a small smile. “It was nice seeing you, Aria.”
“You too.”
He opens the door for me, and after I take a few steps inside, I turn around and watch as the door closes between us. Aaron turns around and smiles one last time before walking to his car. I feel good as I enter the store. Like a huge weight has been lifted. Fearing an interaction with him will no longer be a thought in my head. I thought it would be uncomfortable, perhaps even confrontational. I thought I’d still be angry, but I was wrong.
My phone rings from inside my purse.
“Hello?”
“Hey, baby,” Chris greets.
“Hey. What’s up?”
“Since you hate my shower curtain so much, don’t forget to grab another one.”
I laugh. “I don’t hate it. It’s just not something I’d pick for myself.”
“And since you’re moving in with me, and you’ll be using this bathroom, I want you to like the shower curtain.”
“Well, if I get a new shower curtain, I’ll need to buy some other stuff to match it.”
He chuckles. “Whatever makes you happy.”
“You make me happy.”
“Then hurry home. I’m waiting for you.”
“Home,” I repeat.
“Yes. Home.”
“I love you.”
“I love you more.”
Two Years Later
Chris
“It’s been almost three years since you came into my life. At that time, I was in search of something more, of something different. Little did I know that on my very first day in a new town, in a new state, I’d meet a woman who embodied everything I could ever want. You’re more than I could ever hope for, and I’m extremely grateful for everything that happened in both of our lives that put on us on the path to each other.
“Love stories aren’t always perfect. Not everybody meets someone at the perfect time, under the perfect circumstances. When it comes to relationships, life doesn’t always make it easy. The only thing that was easy was falling in love with you.
“I promise to make sure you know every single day just how much I love you, not just through words, but through my actions. I promise to never make you doubt my love and respect for you. You entrusted me with your heart and I’ll always take care of it.
“You’ve been my best friend and my biggest supporter; the woman I can count on to have my back, comforting me when I need it, and pushing me when you know I need it. From this day forward, you’ll be wife. My other half. My heart and soul. The reason I live. The love of my life. I love you.”
Aria smiles at me through her tears, and I reach over to wipe them with my thumb. She looks astonishing in her wedding gown. The satin hugs her torso, highlighting her beautiful shape, while the bottom flares out, giving her the princess look she wanted. She’s not my princess, though. She’s my queen.
I asked her to marry me a year ago, which was about a year and a half after we began dating. If I knew it wouldn’t have scared her, I’d have asked her sooner. When I met her, I realized why my previous relationship didn’t work out. My soul was waiting for Aria’s. We belong together.
Now, here we are, getting married behind the home we share, right by the lake. Since it’s the middle of July, we’ll get to have our reception out here, and witness the beautiful midnight sun that Alaska has to offer.
“Chris,” she begins, her voice shaky. “When you talked about our paths to each other, you took the words out of my mouth. I wouldn’t change anything about my past, even if it saved me heartache, because every single thing that happened, led me to you. You are my present and you are my future. I knew it when I met you.
“You taught me what love is supposed to feel like. I never truly knew what I was missing in life until I met you. When I’m with you, I feel like I’m capable of anything. You inspire me and give me strength. My heart must have always known you were coming to me, and that’s why my past is exactly that, the past. You
are the true owner of my heart, and I give it to you knowing you’ll never break it.
“I love you more than I thought I could ever love anyone. I promise to always be by your side, holding your hand through the tough times, and laughing with you in the good times. I am yours and you are mine, and nothing makes me happier than knowing we have our whole lives ahead of us.”
The minister begins speaking as I gaze longingly into my soon-to-be wife’s eyes. I see my future playing out before me. The kids we’ll have. The vacations we’ll take. And the love we’ll share. Before I know it, we’re exchanging rings and saying I do.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
I take a step closer to her and wrap one arm around her waist, while my other hand touches the side of her face. Our first kiss as husband and wife takes my breath away.
I take her hand and we walk down the aisle, our friends and family are all standing up and cheering for us. Her mother wipes tears from her cheeks, while her father looks a little choked up himself. My father has his arm wrapped around my mother as she cries and blows me a kiss.
We escape into our home for a private moment alone before getting ready for the reception.
“We did it!” she exclaims, her grin from ear to ear.
I rest my hands on her waist. “You are breathtaking, Mrs. Callahan.”
Her smile gets even wider. “You’re a charmer, Mr. Callahan.”
I shrug. “Just trying to make sure I get lucky tonight.”
Aria giggles and rests her head on my chest. “I’m a sure thing.”
“You are the greatest gift I’ve ever received,” I tell her. “Thank you, for marrying me.”
Her hand comes up to caress my cheek. “Thank you,” she says, kissing me briefly on the lips.
“For what?”
“For giving us a baby.”
My eyes widen and my jaw goes slack as I try to comprehend the words she just spoke. “What?”
She smiles. “I’m pregnant, Chris. I just found out this morning.”
“You’re pregnant?” I exclaim, my heart on the verge of pounding through my chest.
“I am. Now we both are about to receive the greatest gift.”
I lift her into my arms and twirl her around. When I place her back on the floor, I kiss her like I’ll never kiss her again.
We began talking about starting a family a few months ago, and decided to just go with the flow and see what happened. With me nearing thirty-eight, I didn’t want to wait too much longer, and she didn’t either.
“I love you so much,” she says softly in my ear.
“I love you,” I reply, giving her a soft squeeze. “And I love you,” I say, squatting down and touching her stomach.
“Let’s go start our life, Mr. Callahan.”
And that’s what we do. We go outside, hand in hand as husband and wife, and soon-to-be parents. I watch Aria as she greets our guests. She’s stunningly beautiful, capturing my attention at every turn.
My wife.
The mother of my child.
My future.
My everything.
THE END
I want to thank my husband for always listening to me, whether it be me rambling about book ideas, worrying about whether readers will enjoy my stories, stressing over cover ideas, and everything in between. Thank you, baby, for being exactly what I need in any situation. You know when to give me your thoughts, opinions, and support, and when to just listen because you’re aware that I’m only needing to talk and get all of my worries out. You’re the best! I love you so much.
Kizzy, I’m so happy I finally got to meet you this year! I appreciate all of your help and support when it comes to the books that I write. I love knowing I can ask you questions and get your honest opinion. Thanks for always beta reading, sharing my posts, and being there to talk to. I’m thrilled I get to call you a friend.
Robin, thank you for always blowing my mind with your amazing design skills. I love each and every cover you design for me, and look forward to working with you way into the future.
Christine, thank you for making the interior of my books so pretty! I adore your work!
To the ladies who have been around for a long time, always promoting my work, reading my books, talking to me, and being wonderful friends—thank you! Lindsay, Bev, Lupita, Katja, Christina, Kizzy, Tonya, and more!
My beta readers for this book; Kelsey, Lorena, (I’m so happy I met you both this year as well!) Kizzy, Katja, and Christina. Love you ladies! Thanks for everything!
To my readers, I can’t thank you enough. I’m so lucky to have some of the best readers. My genres change, and a lot of you stick by me, willing to read whatever it is that I write, and I truly appreciate that. Thanks for taking a chance on me.
To all the bloggers who share my sales, cover reveals, new releases, and teasers—thank you so much. I’m appreciative of the time you take out of your day to help promote me and other authors.
The Secrets That We Keep
WAR
Resurrecting Phoenix
The Escort Series
Living in Sin (Escort 1)
Unforgivable Sin (Escort 2)
Sins & Mistrust (Escort 3)
The Escort Series Box Set
Isabel Lucero is a multi-genre bestselling author, penning the romantic suspense novel The Secrets That We Keep, the erotic romance books Living in Sin, Unforgivable Sin, and Sins & Mistrust; books one, two, and three in The Escort Series, the crime drama WAR, the contemporary romance novel titled Resurrecting Phoenix, and a forbidden contemporary romance titled Think Again.
She was born in a small town in New Mexico and was lucky enough to escape and travel the world thanks to her husband's career in the Air Force. She's been married for twelve years to the love of her life and Jr. High School sweetheart. Together they have two of the best and most beautiful kids in the world.
She currently lives overseas and is constantly coming up with new book ideas, so keep an eye open for new stories coming your way. Isabel loves connecting with her readers and fans of books in general. You can find her on her personal website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
www.isabellucero.com
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Keep reading for an excerpt of Resurrecting Phoenix.
RESURRECTING PHOENIX
“Hey, baby,” I say when I answer the phone.
“Gordon,” she whines. “When are you coming home? It’s our anniversary.”
I can almost see her standing there with her bottom lip sticking out in a pout. A smile comes to my face as I gaze out the window of the car. “I know, but you know I have to work. Anthony and I got put on this disturbance call and we’re about to check it out now, but as soon as we’re done, I’m coming home to you.”
“Okay. I have dinner staying warm in the oven, and your dessert is all ready to go.”
“What’s for dessert?” I ask.
“Me, of course,” she answers seductively.
“My favorite,” I say with a smile, ignoring Anthony’s looks.
“Hurry home, baby. I miss you, but be safe.”
“Always. I love you.”
“I love you, honey.”
As soon as I hang up the phone, Anthony speaks up. “Aren’t you supposed to be out of the honeymoon phase by year three?”
I hit him in the arm. “Shut up, man. Don’t be mad because you and Marissa have been married for seven years now. What’s that called? The seven-year itch?”
“Ha ha,” he says dryly. “Me and Marissa are fine. I’m just giving you a hard time.”
“I know, man. Let’s hurry and get this over with. I can’t wait to get home.”
He turns the vehicle down a dark road, lit only by one streetlamp in front of an apartment complex.
“This is just a noise complaint. An elderly woman says her neighbors aren’t letting her sleep, so it should be quick and easy.”
“All right, good.�
��
We both exit the vehicle and make our way up the stairs that lead to the upper level apartments. When we get outside the apartment that’s being complained about, it’s eerily quiet.
“Maybe they went to sleep,” Anthony shrugs.
“We’ll see,” I reply, knocking on the door.
We wait several seconds and don’t hear any movement. Anthony tries to look through the window, but it’s closed up pretty well. I rap even louder against the door and wait for movement.
“Breckshire Police,” I announce.
Several seconds later we hear some sort of commotion inside, but nobody comes to answer. I hit the door with another loud series of knocks.
“We know you’re in there, just open the door,” Anthony states firmly.
A few seconds later we hear a woman scream before it’s quickly muffled. Anthony and I make eye contact, and while he puts his hand on his gun, I begin to radio in.
The next few seconds happen so fast. The front door flies open, and a man who looks like he’s strung out on drugs appears in the doorway.
“I didn’t mean to. I didn’t mean to,” he repeats.
Anthony draws his weapon at lightning speed. “Get down on the ground, sir.”
As soon as the man notices the gun pointing at him, he lifts his own gun into view. A gun I didn’t even see before. It must’ve been tucked into the long sleeve of his sweater. In an instant, he shoots Anthony, causing him to stagger against the wall. As I’m pulling the gun from my holster, he whips around and fires.
The pain is immediate.
It burns.
I fall to the ground and hear footsteps running away. The blood pours out of my neck, warm and potent. I can feel it leaving my body with every pump of my heart. I lock eyes with Anthony; he’s still alive and trying to get to his feet.
Think Again Page 23
