by Devney Perry
“How’s Lee?” I ask, and I feel guilty that I’m not by her side.
He squeezes my shoulder and smiles. “The doctor said she’s ready to push. We gave them some privacy, but we’re going back in a minute.”
Lee and Carlos, Lee’s longtime boyfriend, found out she was pregnant a week after we did. To say the girls were giddy would be a major understatement. The entire family went into baby mode, and it didn’t stop for seven long months. Things will never be the same again. Tiny Brunos are going to be running around the house in no time.
Everything is different. When we walk out of the hospital, life as we knew it will cease to exist anymore, and I’m completely happy about it. I’m beyond blessed and don’t know what I’ve done to deserve so much happiness in my life.
I thought when I fell in love with Callie that there was no room in my heart to love anyone else more than I loved her. But then my son was born and I realized I’m no longer missing a piece of my soul.
I told Callie that the darkness makes the light more profound, and the words ring true. Without the tribulations of the past, I wouldn’t be able to grasp the enormity of my happiness and the peacefulness that overtakes me.
I’ll never let the darkness overshadow my world.
I cherish Callie, treasure our child, and am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world. They’re my Enshrined.
Thank you for reading Enshrine. While the story was emotional, I hope you ended with a smile on your face.
Want to read more about Bruno and Callie? Read about the night they met… Download the extended prologue for FREE at dl.bookfunnel.com/lp3fku7y87
To learn more about Chelle Bliss and download her free books, please visit menofinked.com/free-books
Acknowledgments
There are so many people to thank that it makes my head fuzzy as I sit here writing this page. When creating a book, there are so many moving parts and people involved that it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. So I’ll start at the beginning and pray I don’t miss anyone.
My fabulous editor, Lisa Hollett of Silently Correcting Your Grammar, thank you for EVERYTHING. From the moment I sent you the blurb all the way until I added more chapters when you thought your work was finished, you were patient with me and always funny. I love our little chats and how quick you are to jump in and get yours hands dirty. I can’t imagine not having you around to whip me into shape. Thank you for handling Enshrine when it was a mess with different tenses and helping make it perfect.
Aly Martinez and Mo Mabie… You two bitches are my hardcore loves. Thanks for giving me the thumbs up on the cover and helping with the blurb. I love you two hardcore. I can’t wait to see your faces again soon.
My beta girls—you make me swoon. Renita McKinney, Patti Correa, Stefanie Lewis, Malia Anderson, Maggie Lugo, Kelly Sambor, Kathy Lee-Herbst, Deb Schultz, Ashley Hampton, Wendy Shatwell, and Mandee Magliaccio—I can’t thank you all enough. I know I drive you crazy when I add new pieces, but you still love me. Thanks for your hard work, dedication, and speedy responses.
I don’t even know where to begin thanking Meredith Wild for her emotional support. She lets me vent and always says something that makes me confident in my choices. I don’t even have the right words to express my gratitude to her just for being herself and always being there for me.
Author Terrie Marie, your support and friendship have meant more to me than you’ll ever know. You’re always there, lurking in the background, but not in a completely creepy way. You convinced me to send you Enshrine before it had even been sent to the editor. I was beyond scared to hand it over in its roughest form. Thank you for your kind words and falling in love with Callie and Bruno.
Thank you to my fabulous agent, Kimberly Brower of the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency for your moral support during the writing process. Your support of my indie career and other ventures means the world to me. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. There’s no harder-working agent than you. I don’t think you sleep. Maybe you’re a vampire.
Eric Battershell—this damn photo is the bomb. I hadn’t even typed a word or had the story in my head until I saw the masterpiece you created with one simple snap. It’s stunning and inspired the entire tale on these pages. Your support, encouragement, and friendship are appreciated. I know I call you a weirdo all the time, which is the truth, but I couldn’t imagine Enshrine without your photograph.
Thanks to Ani Saliasi and Anna Medvedeva for helping create an image that took my breath away. You are my Callie and Bruno. Your image gave me the inspiration for the story. The strength and love contained in the photograph jumps off the page and helped create the words I wrote. Thank you for your support and being excited about the project.
My fabulous proofreaders—Rosa Sharon, Fiona Wilson, and Jenny Sims—thank you! Putting out a product that is error-free is so important and your hard work and dedication has made it possible.
I couldn’t do this without my guy. Brian, you have been so patient with me and I’ll never forget it. I know sometimes writing takes over our lives, but you always keep me fed and try to take care of everything else. Your love and support are invaluable.
Mia Michelle—I love you. We may call each other nasty names, but we both know they’re terms of endearment. Thank you for reading Enshrine and always being there for me.
Natasha Gentile—thanks for the best beta read. Your play-by-play was the best ever. You made me happier than I can ever explain. Keep being you and rockin’ those sexy ass shoes.
Krystyn K & Renee Entress—I can’t thank you two enough for reading Enshrine before publishing and falling in love with Callie and Bruno. Your kind words and support mean the world to me.
I can’t thank Cat Mason and Tracy McKay enough. They’re always ready to read whatever madness I write. I love you ladies.
Nita Banks—You rock. I love ya hard and someday we’ll go purse shopping.
For those of you I may have forgotten—I’m sorry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chelle hails from the Ohio, but currently lives near the beach in Florida even though she hates sand.
She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, and ex-history teacher.
She loves spending time with her two cats, sometimes pain in the ass alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.
To learn more about Chelle’s books, please visit menofinked.com.
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Original Men of Inked Series
Join the Gallo siblings as their lives are turned upside down by irresistible chemistry and unexpected love. A sizzling USA Today bestselling series!
Throttle Me - Book 1 (Free Download)
Ambitious Suzy has her life planned out, but everything changes when she meets tattooed bad boy Joseph Gallo. Could their one-night stand ever turn into the real thing?
Hook Me - Book 2
Michael Gallo has been working toward his dream of winning a MMA championship, but when he meets a sexy doctor who loathes violence, his plans may get derailed.
Resist Me - Book 3
After growing up with four older brothers, Izzy Gallo refuses to be ordered around by anyone. So when hot, bossy James Caldo saves her from trouble, will she be able to give up control?
Uncover Me - Book 4
Roxanne has been part of the dangerous Sun Devils motorcycle club all of her life, while Thomas Gallo has been deep undercover for so long, he’s forgotten who he truly is. Can they find redemption and save each other?
Without Me - Book 5
Anthony Gallo never thought he’d fall in love, but when he meets the only woman who doesn’t fall to her knees in front of him, he’s instantly smitten.
Honor Me - Book 6
Joe and Suzy Gallo h
ave everything they ever wanted and are living the American dream. Just when life has evened out, a familiar enemy comes back to haunt them.
Worship Me - Book 7
James Caldo needs to control everything in his life, even his wife. But Izzy Gallo’s stubborn and is constantly testing her husband's limits as much as he pushes hers.
Men of Inked: Heatwave Series
The Gallo’s Next Generation
Flame - Book 1
Gigi Gallo’s childhood was filled with the roar of a motorcycle and the hum of a tattoo gun. Fresh out of college, she never expected to run into someone tall, dark, and totally sexy from her not-so-innocent past.
Burn - Book 2
Gigi Gallo thought she'd never fall in love, but then he rode into her world covered in ink and wrapped in chaos. Pike Moore never expected his past to follow him into his future, but nothing stays hidden for long.
Wildfire - Book 3
Tamara Gallo knew she was missing something in life. Looking for adventure, she takes off, searching for a hot biker who can deliver more than a good time. But once inside the Disciples, she may get more than she bargained for.
Blaze - Book 4
Lily Gallo has never been a wild child, but when she reconnects with an old friend, someone she’s always had a crush on, she’s about to change.
Men of Inked: Southside Series
The Chicago side of the Gallo Family
Maneuver - Book 1
Poor single mother Delilah is suspicious when sexy Lucio Gallo offers her and her baby a place to live. But soon the muscular bar owner is working his way into her heart — and into her bed…
Flow - Book 2
The moment Daphne Gallo looked into his eyes, she knew she was in trouble. Their fathers were enemies--Chicago crime bosses from rival families. But that didn't stop Leo Conti from pursuing her.
Hook - Book 3
Nothing prepared Angelo Gallo for losing his wife. He promised her that he’d love again. Find someone to mend his broken heart. And that seemed impossible, until the day that he walked into Tilly Carter's cupcake shop.
Hustle - Book 4
Vinnie Gallo's the hottest rookie in professional football. He's a smooth-talker, good with his hands, and knows how to score. Nothing will stop Vinnie from getting the girl—not a crazy stalker or the fear he's falling in love.
Love - Book 5
Finding love once is hard, but twice is almost impossible. Angelo Gallo had almost given up, but then Tilly Carter walked into his life and the sweet talkin' Southern girl stole his heart forever.
ALFA Investigations Series
A sexy, suspenseful Men of Inked Spin-off series…
Sinful Intent - Book 1
Out of the army and back to civilian life, Morgan DeLuca takes a job with a private investigation firm. When he meets his first client, one night of passion blurs the line between business and pleasure...
Unlawful Desire - Book 2
Frisco Jones was never lucky in love and had finally given up, diving into his new job at ALFA Investigations. But when a dirty-mouthed temptress crossed his path, he questioned everything.
Wicked Impulse - Book 3
Bear North, ALFA’s resident bad boy, had always lived by the friend’s code of honor—Never sleep with a buddy’s sister, and family was totally off-limits. But that was before Fran DeLuca, his best friend’s mom, seduced him.
Guilty Sin - Book 4
When a mission puts a woman under Ret North’s protection, he and his longtime girlfriend Alese welcome her into their home. What starts out as a friendship rooted in trust ignites into a romance far bigger than any of them expect.
Single Novels
Enshrine
When Callie’s life crumbles around her, can she trust her attraction to ruthless Bruno?
Mend
Before senior year, I was forced to move away, leaving behind the only man I ever loved. He promised he’d love me forever. He vowed nothing would tear us apart. He swore he’d wait for me, but Jack lied.
Rebound
After having his heart broken, Flash heads to New Orleans to lose himself, but ends up finding so much more!
Acquisition - Takeover 1
Rival CEO Antonio Forte is arrogant, controlling, and sexy as hell. He’ll stop at nothing to get control of Lauren’s company.The only problem? He’s also the one-night stand she can’t forget. And Antonio not only wants her company, he wants her as part of the acquisition.
Merger - Takeover 2
Antonio Forte has always put business before pleasure, but ever since he met the gorgeous CEO of Interstellar Corp, he finds himself wanting both. And he's hoping she won't be able to refuse his latest offer.
Top Bottom Switch
Ret North knows exactly who he is—a Dominant male with an insatiable sexual appetite. He’s always been a top, searching for his bottom…until a notorious switch catches his eye.
Love at Last Series
Untangle Me - Book 1
Kayden Michaels is a bad boy that never played by the rules. Sophia has always been the quintessential good girl, living a life filled with disappointment. Everything changes when their lives become intertwined through a chance encounter online.
Kayden the Past - Book 2
Kayden has a past filled with sex, addiction, and heartache. Needing to get his addictions in check and gain control of his life for the sake of his family, Kayden is forced to confront his past and make amends for the path he’s walked.
The Birthday List
By: Devney Perry
Prologue
“Poppy!” Jamie came rushing out of the office and into the kitchen.
The grin on his face made my heart flutter, just like it always did, which meant I’d been a mess of flutters since the day I’d met him five years ago.
We’d run into each other on the first day of our sophomore year at Montana State. Literally. I’d been rushing out of an economics lecture, my arms overloaded with books, notepads and a syllabus. Jamie had been rushing in, too busy looking over his shoulder at a buxom blond to see me in the classroom’s doorway.
After the two of us had recovered from the crash, Jamie had helped me off the floor. The moment my hand had slipped into his, the buxom blond had been all but forgotten.
That was the day I’d met the man of my dreams.
My husband.
James Sawyer Maysen.
“Guess what?”
“What?” I giggled when he picked me up and set me on the counter, fitting himself between my open legs. Excitement radiated from his body and I couldn’t help but smile at the light shining in his eyes.
“I just added a couple things to my birthday list.” He pumped his fist. “Best ideas yet.”
“Oh.” My smile faltered. “Please tell me these ones aren’t illegal.”
“Nope. And I told you, the fire alarm one might not be illegal. I might legitimately need to pull a fire alarm before I turn forty-five.”
“You’d better hope so. I have no desire to bail you out of jail just because you’re determined to mark an item off your crazy list.”
Jamie’s “birthday list” had become his latest obsession. He’d started it a couple of weeks ago after he’d gotten the idea from a sitcom, and ever since, he’d been dreaming up these grand ideas—though some were more ridiculous than grand.
This list was Jamie’s version of a bucket list. Except, rather than one long list to work through in retirement, Jamie had been assigning himself things to do before each of his birthdays. He didn’t want to tackle some daunting list when he had all but lived his life. Instead, he wanted to tick things off the list every year before his birthday. So far, he’d filled in nearly every birthday until he turned fifty.
We had our own “couples” bucket list—places we wanted to travel and things we wanted to do together. This birthday list wasn’t for that. It was just for Jamie. It was filled with things he wanted to do, just for him.
And t
hough I may have grumbled about some of the riskier and crazier items, I supported it wholeheartedly.
“So what did you add today?”
He grinned. “My best idea yet. Here goes.” He raised his arms, drawing them out wide and framing an invisible marquee. “Before I turn thirty-four, I want to swim in a pool of green Jell-O.”
“Okay.” I smiled, far from convinced it was his best idea yet, but it was Jamie. “But why Jell-O? And why green?”
“Don’t you think it would be cool?” He wiggled between my legs, smiling even wider as he dropped his arms. “It’s one of those things every kid wants to do but no parent will let them. Think of how fun it would be. I can squirm around in it. Squish it between my fingers and toes. And I picked green—”
