Like Kyle taught Ann, and Ann taught me, we have to let life in. Open that door and give it a home.
Don’t resist your wants—find a way to make your life a priority. Stop living for others. The secret to life isn’t one specific thing; it differs from person to person. Discover your secret, find your purpose. It’s out there; you just have to be open to finding it.
“Hey, guys,” Aiden says, pulling me into a hug. “Congratulations.”
Liv’s already got Kyle in her arms, cooing. Talking sweetly, she smiles down at him. “Hello, Kyle Conrad Rynard, it’s nice to meet you.” Her eyes shift to me. “It really is wonderful that you named him Kyle, Duane. You’re a great man for honoring him like that.”
I shrug a shoulder, nonchalantly. It was never a question if we were going to name our boy Kyle, it was a given. He deserved the honor.
I look to Ann, her hand clutching her heart as she watches all of the people who love her willingly welcoming this small person into our world.
This is her secret. This is our secret.
Her eyes find mine, and I mouth, ‘I love you.’
She mouths back, ‘always and forever.’
“He’ll wear the name well,” I add to Aiden.
“That he will, brother. That he will.”
THE END
First and foremost, I want to thank my husband. He encouraged me to write this story even before I had the nerve to put it down on paper. He pushed me daily, and continuously told me that I could chase my dream because I was good enough. And who can deny a man like him? He’s funny, compassionate and umm, hi? Gorgeous! He inspired me to write Duane and Ann’s love story. I live this kind of love every day. I’m so thankful for you, baby. I love you, my sweet Yapa. Forever and always.
To my daughter. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Thank you for showing me love that I didn’t know existed. Everything I do, I do in hopes that it’ll make you proud. You make my life better. Mama loves you. PS, you better not read this book until you’re old enough. ☺
Mom. Honestly, what can I say? Jesus, that is so cliché. But, you’re an amazing woman. You’ve had to be both mom and dad, and you never once complained. Thank you for never flat out telling me, I’m a moody bitch—because we all know I am, and maybe even a little crazy. And, I have to admit, even though you read this genre, and love it like I do; I’m going to freak out a little when you read it. If I can’t look you in the eye for a few days after you finish, you’ll know why. I love you, mama. Thank you for encouraging me to chase my dreams. I only hope I can help make your dreams come true one day.
April Hundza Gutierrez. You’ve been my best friend—no, you’ve been my sister since we were thirteen and fighting over hot boys in biology class. You’ve seen me at my lowest and been there for my highest. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’ll forever be my family. You took on this project, not knowing what you got yourself into and I can’t thank you enough for believing in my dream and coming along for the ride. Your editing and advice made this whole experience easier, and so much better. Thank you for being a part of the writing process. Duane sang one hell of a song for Ann, thank you co-writer. I love you.
Kandi Steiner. My Big, my friend. I heart the shit out of you. You are a shining light in my world. In the short amount of time we’ve known each other, you’ve become one of my closest friends. I look up to you. It’s that simple. I don’t know what I would do without you. You’ve helped me navigate this crazy world, and let’s be honest; I’d be a wreck without you. You are my compass, and I’m thankful. <3 I love you. Also, she wrote a badass book, and has another in the works. Tag Chaser is perfection. Buy it, read it, LOVE it.
http://www.amazon.com/Kandi-Steiner/e/B00JDJOINE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KandiSteiner?ref=br_tf
Ashlei Davison and Jess Vogel, you girls seriously rock my world. Your encouragement to read my work is humbling. Knowing I have magnificent women like you two in my corner makes this endeavor seem less daunting. You opened your hearts and your minds to Duane and Ann’s world without a second thought. I thank you, so damn much. I love you! Chop clot, botches! CCBUnite!
Erin. Yes, you, woman. I know you’re looking around, wondering if I’m really calling you out. Yup, Erin Spencer. You came into my life at the last stages of this process, and holy hell, how did I do this without you? You’ve helped me in ways that I can’t begin to thank you for. I wuv you too much.
Janelle Castillo. Woman, if I didn’t have you by my side, listening to me ramble on and on about this story and my characters, I might have gone insane. You took the time to read and give me good advice any time I asked. You were always there for me. Whether I needed to see if you swooned for Duane like I did, or laugh at something silly Ann did. You helped make this story what it is. I love you, sweet BFF.
Holli Buck. Holli, Holli, Holli. What can I say about my “life coach?” You rock. Seriously. You made sure I wrote, even when I didn’t really want to. You inspired me to finish this story. Knowing you were going to read it, made it all the more fun. Thank you so much. I’m totally naming a character after you in the next one. Maybe a possible surfer love interest? I don’t know. *Giggle*
Cassie Graham lives in a perfect little house in Arizona with her husband and their rowdy daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading, she’s spending as much time with her family as possible. You’ll probably find her in the kitchen making food and baking goodies, as she is a lover of all things chocolate and yummy. Oh—and coffee, she definitely loves coffee. Being a native of the state, she still hates the heat, and would rather sit in her air-conditioned house than brave the hundred and twenty degree heat. Someone once told her that she’d be happy living in an igloo, and she’d have to agree.
For more about Cassie and her upcoming work, feel free to visit her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/authorcassiegraham
Or her Goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8119976.Cassie_Graham
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