by Moose, S
“Always, baby.”
The doctor came in, rubbing his hands. “Alright, let’s have a baby.”
I held onto Connor’s hand and looked up at him. We’re about to meet our baby, and I couldn’t be happier. All the pain was worth it. I wanted to savor this moment forever and never forget how I felt.
“Push! Come on, Mrs. Simpson. Keep pushing!” I heard the doctor’s voice and just did what he wanted.
With one last push, our baby girl’s cries filled the room.
Connor wraps his arm around my middle and kisses my cheek. “What’s the smile for?”
“Emily.” I love saying her name and having her in our lives.
“She’s the best but her playing with Nathan needs to stop.”
“Stop worrying! They’re just playing.”
“Yeah, but he’s Adam’s kid,” he starts to say, eating some of the cake. “You remember how Adam got Sophia. The guy never gave up.”
“He’s five years old, Connor. Stop being so dramatic.” He looks at me, and smiles.
“You look beautiful today, you know that?” I start blushing and look away. “Don’t do that.” He places his finger under my chin and tilts it toward him. “I love you, Erin.”
“I love you too, Connor.” We share a kiss, so passionate and earth shattering. Our tongues move along with one another as he grasps my waist and pulls me closer to him. After all of these years, I fall in love with him even more.
Nathan’s birthday party ends and we drive back home. It’s almost ten but Emily’s in the back seat singing her heart out. Connor looks at me and takes my hand to his lips. “Thank you for giving me this fantastic life. I couldn’t ask for more.” I smile and rest my head against the head cushion.
“Daddy, can we get ice cream?”
“Princess, it’s late and you had a lot of cake already. Aren’t you tired?”
“Nope,” she says, giggling in the back seat. “Daddy, I’m your favorite girl, and I want ice cream!”
I watch Connor and wait for his reaction. I know he gives Emily everything she asks for. It’s funny seeing him sweat.
“I have an idea,” Connor whispers.
In a few minutes, he pulls into the parking lot at the beach. Raising my eyebrow to him, he shakes his head and mouths ‘trust me’.
Connor gets Emily out of her booster seat and carries her to the beach. We walk hand in hand and take a seat on the cold sand. All three of us look at the stars and Emily asks a million and one questions about life.
“Daddy, I really like Nathan. Do you think he likes me, too?” Connor’s body tenses and I can’t help but laugh.
“I told you they play too much together,” he snarls at me. “Princess, you’re only four years old. You’re too young to be thinking about boyfriends.”
“Okay, but mommy and Aunt Sophia are always talking about how cute it’ll be if Nathan and I start dating.”
Oh, shit. Maybe we need to be careful what we say around the kids. My face goes bright red and I can’t help but laugh again.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do with all of you. Stop planning her life.”
“Babe, it’s going to happen sooner or later.”
“I hope he likes me, daddy, because I really like him.” Emily snuggles in Connor’s arms and I lean against his side. We sit quietly watching the wave’s crash into the sand. This is my life now and every day I’m thankful to have my husband and beautiful daughter.
They are my… next to forever.
Other Works by S. Moose
The Never Letting Go Series
Reaching Out For You – Book 1
Holding Onto You – Book 2
Teach Me Love
About the Author
Saoching Moose, writing as S. Moose, is a contemporary romance and romance suspense author who lives in Webster, NY with her amazing husband, Kevin Moose.
A 2011 Saint John Fisher College graduate, S.Moose loves to read, write, be with her family and friends, and living her life to the fullest.
S.Moose loves connecting with her fans! Come over and say HI anytime!
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/s.mooseauthor
Twitter:
@S_Moose060912
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7008611.S_Moose
Praise for Next to Forever
“Next To Forever is Connor and Erin's story...you will laugh, cry and fall in love with these two as S Moose takes you on the final adventure for the Never Letting Go series.”
~Alexis, Book Reviews by Lexi
“Its Heartbreaking, heart warming and heartbreakingly beautiful.”
~Lindsey, Read Books and Ramble
"The love story is between Connor and Erin is one that many real life couples can see themselves in place of. True soul mate love never dies no matter the trials and tribulations they face. These two are perfect examples."
~Stephanie, Stephanie's Book Reports
“Blissful and angst filled, S. Moose delivers her best book yet and series fans will be ecstatic with Erin and Connor's journey.”
~Danielle, Just Booked
“From the moment I started Next to Forever, I was sucked right into Erin and Connor's story. I couldn't put it down! You can't help but feel their love for each other and hope that they can accomplish their hurdles together.”
~Micalea Smeltzer, Amazon bestselling author
“S. Moose has written a wonderful love story filled with passion, steam and a big helping of drama. Fantastic conclusion to the series.”
~Evette, Sassy Girl Books
“This story flowed and was paced really well, grabbing you and keeping you glued until the final page. Congratulations S. Moose on rounding out the Never Letting Go Series so wonderfully.”
~Kristine, Rockin the Bookshelf
“A beautifully written story full of love, friendship, and suspense! Fall in love with Erin and Connor as they show that life throws you curve balls and that love is the most powerful healer of all."
~Leslie, For the Love of Books
“Next to Forever had me laughing, crying, smiling, and shouting at my kindle. Any book that can bring out all those emotions in me has done its job.”
~Missy Johnson, Amazon bestselling author
“Kudos to S. Moose for creating a world where we can get lost in a wonderful story with amazing characters who make you feel like you are part of their group!”
~Jennifer, Babu’s Bookshelf
“Striving to find their way, Connor and Erin find solace in one another. Next to Forever is a declaration of growth, forgiveness, and finding faith in love.”
~Brandi, Brandi's Bookshelf
