Goodbye to You
Page 20
When I lament their loss, I recall those breasts could have killed me.
My external sensation is minimal, but my heart swelled at the sight of his dark head resting against my nearly non-existent chest.
He points as the catamaran approaches. “Look, here come Da and the boys.”
I wave and shout as loud as I can, hoping my enthusiasm sways the parade judges sitting on the deck of the waterfront bar.
The boat passes, and more lights flicker on, spelling out words:
THEA.
MARRY.
ME?
What?
I gasp and turn to Shay, and he’s on one knee. A group of people circle us, staring and pointing.
“I…”
“Please stop talking. I know we’re young and life is crazy with me in med school and it’ll be years before we can start a family, but…”
“Oh my God!” I cover my mouth with my hands and start to cry.
“Seriously. Be quiet.” He laughs. “Marry me, and I promise to spend every day of the rest of my life trying to make you happy. Some days I’ll succeed, and heaven knows others I’ll fail miserably.”
“Get up! Just get up! Shut up and kiss me.”
He stands and cups my face in his hands, whispering against my lips, “Does this mean yes?”
“Yes, yes, yes!”
He kisses me quick and hard before pulling back.
“She said yes, everybody!” he shouts to the applauding crowd, and then answers his ringing phone. “Yes, Mom, yes! Tell Mac, too.”
He turns back to me and picks me up, swinging me around till I’m dizzy.
He pulls my left hand into his, and slides a gorgeous three-stone emerald and diamond band on to my ring finger.
It fits like it was made for me.
Like this family.
Like this man.
To think my decision to have a mastectomy is the reason for all of this. The “Farewell to the Boobs Tour” put me in Key West, in Paddy’s Pub, at the moment my soul mate appeared. To think I almost let him go because of the surgery. Because I was afraid.
Nothing scares me anymore. The full road to recovery lies long ahead, but there’s no better companion to have than this man.
“Seamus Edwin Kelly. I love you.” I jump up and lock my legs around his strong hips, raining kisses all over his face.
“I love you, too. Come on,” he says and starts walking with me attached to him. “I have a present for you.”
“Really? ’Cuz I’m thinking it’ll be hard to top this.” I wave my left hand in his face.
“This present is more from the family than me. Consider it a combination engagement-Christmas present.”
He sets me down, and we walk to the pier toward the family’s fleet of boats.
We stop in front of the boat Shay took me out in the night we met. He points to the stern.
I gasp.
“All of the vessels are named after members of the family—a play on names, or nicknames. Since you’re family now, Da had this one changed.”
Stenciled in bold letters on the boat was my name. My nickname, along with his.
GYPSY AND THE SCAMP.
I choke back a sob and sink into him. It’s the most amazing gift. I’m honored to have a boat named after us.
Even more honored they consider me family.
“Thank you. For everything.” My words are lost in the soft folds of his shirt.
Then I whisper, “Thank you Mama.” For sending me a sign at the hospital, for the memories you gave me before you left. For giving me the strength to allow someone to take care of me.
I hold on to Shay tighter.
And never plan on saying goodbye again.
THE END
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A writer’s journey can feel like a lonely one, spent in the white glow of a monitor, sometimes in a darkened office late into the night. However, no book ever comes to be without assistance from many people. To my earliest readers, and those who’ve been with me over the long haul through the years, I owe you an enormous debt of gratitude.
Amy: Thank you for reading my (error-riddled) first draft and for encouraging me to submit my “non-standard” query. You may seriously be the sweetest person I know.
Kristin: When I had no idea what I was doing, and I needed help fast, your keen editor’s eye showed me the way. Your insight helped me build a much better story.
Barb: Your honest and thoughtful critique helped me cut the fluff, make my girls better friends, and write a love scene that still touches my heart, even on the hundredth reading. You changed this book for the better.
Brenda: Dude. How many times have you read this book now? Being word people, I seriously don’t think we can count that high. In addition to your tireless proofreading efforts, thank you for wallowing with me through the rejection, and celebrating loudly with me, albeit long-distance, when I got the e-mail. I can’t wait to see you again and celebrate in person with a giant frozen drink.
Mom: Your encouragement has always meant the world to me. Also, thanks for taking the tiny terrors, I mean darling children, whenever I needed a few hours to write or revise. You’ll never know how valuable that time is, and how much I love you for helping.
I’d also like to give a shout-out to my foxy friends on Facebook, the New Adult Authors Unite group. You encourage, support, and provide a wealth of information on the daily. Oh, and whenever I think I might crack from the stress, you make me laugh. So. Hard. As cliché as it may be, that laughter is truly the best medicine for this weary writer’s soul. You ladies and gents rock!
A.J. Matthews
A.J. Matthews was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, and now resides near Charlotte, North Carolina. A.J. earned her Master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in English, writing, and psychology from Western New Mexico University, and in her day job works as a technical writer for a commercial real estate company. A.J. writes contemporary New Adult romance, as well as historical romance, with special interests in Victorian-era Ireland and Scotland and the early twentieth century through World War II. In her spare time, she enjoys genealogy, planning her trip to Ireland, and decorating her home with ideas inspired by Pinterest. A.J. has three children and a spoiled cat. Her interests include Shakespeare, romantic comedies, and vintage Mustangs.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Acknowledgements
About the Author