by Delisa Lynn
“Yes love, we are. Now, let’s finish what we started earlier.”
“Hmm, I think I can manage that.”
Today we’re celebrating Heaven Abbigail’s second birthday. I never imagined that I would meet someone, fall in love, get married, and pregnant in the same year. It was a rough start, but we made it. Heath was right about so many things, he once told me that he was my missing puzzle piece and that he would complete that puzzle. I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
We just found out yesterday that, I’m expecting again. Little Heath will be one next month. Abby and Brett are working on things. Since her miscarriage, things have been rocky. I love how close she and I have become, we were this close when we were younger, but Seth’s death and college changed me. I’m a better person now, I live every day like it is my last.
Mal and Mark and their son, are flying out to spend the week with us. We’ve tried to stay in touch. Considering that she and Jessika are the only friends I have. So much has happened the last couple years, I haven’t worked. Heath and I both have enough in savings that he could retire and we could live comfortably. He refuses to stop buying and selling houses. Other than the kids and me, that’s his life.
Heaven and Little Heath are taking a nap, I’m setting things up for the party, and my husband went to pick up the cake. I hear a knock on the door and smile, I know exactly who it is. I sprint to the door and fling it open.
“I can’t believe you are pregnant again!” she squeals.
“Hey, Jess, how are you, sweets?” I ask as I hug her. “Shh… I haven’t told Abby yet. She and Brett are still having issues.”
“I’m good, Barry is parking. We couldn’t miss Heavens second birthday, where are my niece and nephew? Oh no, I feel so sorry for her.”
“Thank you, I’m so glad you all could come. They’re napping. Heath went to pick the cake up. When is your ultrasound? I know, she’s been so depressed. I try talking to her, but she drowns me out. She’s been drinking like crazy.”
“Next week, I can’t wait. Barry is pretty adamant about knowing the sex.” She giggles. Jessika and I have become good friends, she has been clean for almost two years now. She and my friend and attorney Barry started dating after the trial, and they come to visit from New York pretty often.
Theresa and Sledge are both in jail for a very long time. Jessika was so lucky that we helped her. She has even paid back her sister and she’s a part of her family again. She’s working at bank in New York and is a manger, she and Barry just purchased a new home together.
Watching my handsome husband with our children, gives me a joy that I never thought I’d have. Heath is my heart, I love him so much that it hurts. I hope I never have to find out what it’s like to live without him. The things I did before I met him is all a part of my past. He never brings it up. He knows everything. And he still loves me for the person I am. I’m who I am today, because he healed me.
As I watch Heaven and L.H. run around laughing, I see Heath staring at me. He winks, then walks over to me. Placing his arms around my stomach, he whispers in my ear, “I can’t wait to get you alone. The way that dress is clinging to you, makes me want to tell everyone party is over.”
“Oh.” I laugh.
“I’m serious, you have me so turned on. Abby is babysitting tonight.” He laughs.
“I think we can arrange that.”
“Good. I love you so much.”
“I know.” I place my hands on his cheek. “Thank you for showing me how my life is supposed to be. If it wasn’t for you walking into my life that hot summer day, I would’ve never known what it was like to be healed.”
“I’ll never stop, I promise you that.”
He has healed me, and if I lost him…I couldn’t be healed again.
Bonus Excerpt from Blake Black’s story
Changed
Coming Spring 2015
“Mom, why do you allow him to do this? Why can’t he just get a job, and work like you do?” I ask my mother, knowing she will tell me the same thing she has told me for years.
“Now you know, your father can’t work. He is sick son. That’s why I work both these jobs, someone has to pay for those hospital bills. They won’t pay for themselves.”
“Yes, ma’am, I understand.” I say as I walk to my room. She was on her way to work, and I knew that he would be drinking all night. I can’t wait until I’m able to get out of here, because I plan on going to college and making a life for myself. No way I’m staying in this shit-hole all of my life.
“Where you at you little son of a bitch? I know you have some money hidden someplace in that room of yours.” I hear him say. Shit…I know this is going to end badly.
“I don’t have any money, sir,” I say, from behind the door.
“Blake,” he warns.
“Sir, I gave you all of it the last time,” I say as I hide the only money that I have down my pants. If he finds it, he will take it. I’m only fourteen but I am more of a man than Robert Blake will ever be.
“I’m going to give you until the count of three to open that goddamn door and give me your money. One. Two…I’m warning you kid. Don’t make me say three.”
“Sir, no money. I gave it to mom last week to buy food,” I lie.
“Three….” is all I hear before it gets completely dark, and I feel a sharp pain shooting through my body.
*****
Five years later
I’ve been working odd jobs since the age of fifteen. I am now almost twenty. My mom passed away when I was sixteen. She had some un-diagnosed health issues that we weren’t aware of. My father, well, Robert. Whatever he is wasn’t much help. The day we buried my mother, he wiped our apartment out. Left nothing. I never told anyone, I made sure the rent was paid every month. I would go to school, then work every hour I could just to survive. My meals consisted of cheese and bread and sometimes just water and bread. The gas was turned off, I had to bathe in cold water every day. Once my boss, at the local grocery store realized that I was basically an orphan, she helped me. That’s how I am here today, I am starting at New York University. I got accepted into the medical program. I know it will be hard work, but I have to do this. I made a promise to my mom, that I would be a doctor someday and help people who couldn’t help themselves.
I never want to feel weak, and alone the way I always felt in that apartment. Starting today, I am a man. A man without a past, I am a man with a future. A man that will work hard for what I want, and will not let anything stop me. I am Blake…Blake Black.
I’m always afraid I’ll leave someone out, so if I do…I’m so sorry, I still love you. First, I have to thank God for blessing me with the life I have today.
To my readers, thank you all so much. It means so much to me knowing that you have opened up your hearts and let my characters in.
My hubby Jay, thank you for standing by me, no matter what I want to do, you have been right there, cheering me on.
Mom, I know, you aren’t a book fan but you’re my fan and I thank you for taking an interest in my books and for always listening to my ideas.
Heather Parsons, I love you so much. You’ve been my best friend for well, we won’t say how long then that’ll give away our age. Thank you so much, for loving my books the way you do. For taking the time to read them. Although we are miles apart, I’m always here for you!
Anna Coy, first of all I love you so effing hard! Thank you for reading whatever I throw at you. Your continued support and brainstorming sessions helps so much. You started as my editor, but have become one of my best friends. I’m looking forward to #SP.
Casey Bond, my twinsie!! Thank you so much for everything. I love you and the fact that although you’re crazy busy, you’ll read whatever I send you. Thank you for being an amazing friend. #Milkshake Mavens for life.
Amber Nation, Thank you so much, for all of your support. It means a lot to me. Our daily chats, crack me up, we start talking about the weather and end up chatt
ing about creepers. Love you lady!
Jessika Harper, No words can express, how much your support means to me. Thank you so much, for reading and loving my stories. Your text and brainstorming help more than you’ll ever know. Hopefully someday we will meet! You know I love you. #wordwhore4life
Giana Racine, Thank you so much for being my PA, you fucking ROCK!! You’ve helped me so much, and I could never thank you enough. I love you lady.
Aunt Nece, Thank you for always being here for me. It means so much to me. I love and miss you and our breakfast dates.
Annalisa Nicole, Cassy Roop and Savannah Stewart - Thank you ladies so much for all of your help, and support. I love you all so much.
My Sprint or Die chicks, I love you all. Our daily chats are hilarious. I love how we start out sprinting and end up talking about the moon. Well, not really the moon, but you know what I mean. Thanks for all the sprints!
My betas, thank you so much for your feedback on Alyssa and Heath.
Marnie and Ebbie, thank you both for all of your support and pimping. I love y’all.
My Embracing ladies, thank you all so much for all that you do.
My IndiePendents, love you ladies hard. #sporksistas
Robin Harper, my fabulous cover designer. Thank you for making all my beautiful covers. You’ve put up with all my questions and last minute ideas. You rock, and I have to say, you make some kick-ass covers. Love you and your wicked skills.
Anna Coy, my amazing editor. Yeah, you get another acknowledgement for your amazing editing skills. I can’t thank you enough for all that you do. Even with all my last minute changes and adding five-thousand plus words, you still work your magic. Thank you so much for all that you do!
Tami Norman, my wonderful formatter, thank you so much for all of your help. I know I’m a pain with all my changes. I’m so glad that we started working together. My books look amazing thanks to you. Can’t wait to finish the others with you.
TwinsieTalk book blog, thank you for putting together my release day and tour.
More Than a Memory by Miranda Lambert
Human by Christina Perri
I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing by Areosmith
If I Didn’t Have You by Thompson Square
Wish You Were Here by Avril Lavigne
Scars by Papa Roach
Rabit Cage by Emily Wolfe
Sorry by BuckCherry
You’ll Think of Me by Keith Urban
She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5
We Belong Together by Gavin DeGraw
Who I Am With You by Chris Young
Stop and Stare by One Republic
Someone Like You by Adele
I Found Someone by Blake Shelton
I Drive Your Truck by Lee Brice
Love Your Memory by Miranda Lambert
One More Night by Maroon 5
My name is Delisa Lynn, I grew up in Columbus, Ohio. I’m currently residing in Western New York, where I work as a Medical Assistant. I love music, all generations, I do have a soft spot for country and 80s hair bands. My favorite season is fall, I love the weather that time of the year, watching the leaves change and most of all being able to watch football. Go Bucks!! I am also a 49ers fan and New York Yankees fan. My favorite color is pink, not baby pink hot pink. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, we’ve been together going on nineteen years, sometimes I can’t stand him but I wouldn’t trade him for the world. I love you Jay. Our baby is a five year old spoiled Yorki named Sophie and yes she thinks she is human.
I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing. I have very vivid imagination and have always felt I should express it in writing. But I took a different career path, I worked in retail photography for sixteen years. Then I chose to work in the medical field. Last year, I decided I was going to follow my dream and write a novel. I never imagined it would turn into a series with eight books. I’m so glad it did, because I love it. When I’m not writing, you can find me snuggled with my hubby watching a movie, or cuddled in the corner of the couch with my fur baby reading.
I hope you all enjoy reading my books as much as I did writing them.
Web: www.authordelisalynn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authordelisalynn
Twitter: www.twitter.com/authordelisalyn (@authordelisalyn)
Email: [email protected]
This is a list of Delisa Lynn’s books and upcoming releases
(Release dates subject to change).
An Embracing Series
Embracing Love - Lila and Liam (11/2013) - http://tinyurl.com/mqxtvgx
Borrowed - Evan’s Story (01/2014) - http://tinyurl.com/ks4zjr8
Embracing Us - Lila and Liam (03/2014) - http://tinyurl.com/lovltuw
Fated - Zander and Audrey (06/2014) - http://tinyurl.com/ldoze5j
Healed - Alyssa and Heath (10/2014)
Destined - Ashton’s Story (12/2014)
Loved - Meg and Kade (Winter 2014/2015)
Embracing Forever - Evan and Tatum’s Journey (Spring 2105)
Other Projects
The Secret Plan: A Chance For Freedom- Co-written with A. Gorman (January 2015)
Until Then- Coming soon
Changed-Blake Blacks Story (Coming Soon)
Invisible - Coming Summer 2015
The Oceans Between Us - Fall 2015
Excerpt from
The Plea of KT
by
A. Gorman
(Please note, this work is currently unpublished, content is subject to change)
Prologue
Years ago…
“Come on, Bella. Kerry is my brother. Please tell me I didn’t see you kissing him down stairs when we came back here after swimming yesterday,” I shout at my best friend.
“But he’s so hot, Elly. I really like him, and he makes me feel special,” Bella whisper yells.
“I will feel betrayed by you, Bella Elaine Russell, if you date my brother. There are other guys out there that are not my brothers!”
“That’s not fair that you would feel that way. What about me being happy or even your brother being happy,” she shouts.
“It’s not fair for you two because he’s in police academy and we are seniors in high school. I don't want to see either of you hurt.”
“We won’t get hurt, Elly. I really like your brother and he really likes me.”
“You promised me a long time ago that you wouldn’t date my brothers because you considered them your brothers.”
“Things changed, people change, feelings change, Elly. I can’t help it. I really like Kerry and I want to see where it goes.” She half-smiles.
“And what am I supposed to do if you end up getting hurt by Kerry? I can’t just stop talking to my brother. What if you end up hurting Kerry? I don’t want to lose you as a friend,” I try to reason with her so she can see my point of view.
“Fine, Elly, I won’t kiss or date Kerry or any of your other brothers. Are you happy, now?” she says as she runs out of my bedroom and out of the house…
Chapter 1
Present
I am utterly exhausted. I don’t know how I made it back to my condo after the eighteen hour day I just put in. The District Attorney wanted to review my case notes and then rehash everything that has happened in the case up to today then go over my notes for tomorrow. It’s like she doesn’t trust me to handle this case. I’ve been working in the DA’s office for almost four years, three of that while I was in law school, actually five if I include the work before law school. So I know how this office works.
It’s almost as she doesn’t trust me to handle a domestic violence case because I am a newer prosecuting attorney and this is my first solo case. As if I would let my emotions come into play before I do my job of protecting the innocent. As soon as I step foot into the courthouse, all my emotions and feelings are checked at the door.
That is what makes me a damn good prosecutor. Even though I graduated at the top of my class from University o
f Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, I decided to stay in Memphis and work for the District Attorney’s office instead of one of the private firms I received offers from. Watching some of the best attorneys in action and learning the laws provided me with the knowhow I needed to excel in law school. Even though I shouldn’t have been mesmerized by someone I knew I couldn’t have, I would sit in the back of the courtroom and watch Mac Coleman in action, Mr. Gorgeous.
I’ll never forget the day that I first laid eyes on Mac Coleman while I was still an undergrad at University of Memphis. I was totally not paying attention to where I was going and I suddenly come to a halt as I walked smack into hardness.
What the hell did I run into? I look up and I see the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. I think he is saying something, but I’m not sure. I can’t hear the words that are coming out of his sexy mouth with the most perfectthin lips, I’m unable to take my eyes off his beautifulness, and his cognac colored eyes look at me questioning. I’m sure I’ve gone stupid because of this man’s features. My arms are on fire, my whole body is starting to feel like I’m melting into a puddle. The smell of his cologne is trapped in my nose. I think it’s Burberry, maybe? My lips part and I start to lick my lips.
“Miss. Are you okay?” Mr. Gorgeous’ words finally connect in my scrambled brain.
“Um. Yeah. I think.” Damn it KT, get control of your brain. “Yes, I’m fine. Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
Finally prying my eyes away from his face, I take in the rest of Mr. Gorgeous’ body. He is wearing a black pin striped suit and he doesn’t look much older than me, but I don’t think he is in college. His hands are still on my arms, and the heat from them is radiating throughout my body.
“Maybe I should sue you for distractive walking.” He raises his eyebrow then smirks at me. Maybe he’s a law student.
