Night Shift (Nightshade Book 2)
Page 18
“I can’t wait to be your wife, Mr. Peters,” she whispered on a smile.
“Let’s not wait to get married,” I said, rolling her onto her back, leaning over her. “I have the urge to see you round with my child.”
Emberlyn giggled. “I’m pretty sure we don’t need to be married to have a baby, Shane.” She gave me a meaningful look, lifting her head to kiss my lips. “But you’re right…I don’t want to wait either.”
“Merry Christmas, my beautiful Em,” I whispered.
“Merry Christmas, Shane.”
Epilogue
Emberlyn
The sun was shining, the breeze was light as I wandered around the grounds. Beautiful weeping willows surrounded the plot where my feet came to a halt. It couldn’t have been a more perfect place to be laid to rest.
Crouching down, I handled the precious package in my arms with care, reading the inscription before me.
Eva Peters – Loving mother, wife, and best friend. You will always live in our hearts. 1979-2007.
I’d been here numerous times before. I’m not sure as to why I felt the need to come back, aside from the fact that I felt like I owed it to Shane’s first wife to show her that I was taking care of those she loved most when she couldn’t.
“Hi, Eva,” I whispered, “I know it’s been a little while since I’ve last stopped by, but I came as soon as I could.” Looking down at the bundle in my arms, I couldn’t help the prideful smile. “I’d like you to meet Asher Peters. He was born last week on your birthday, of all days. He’s got Shane’s eyes and temper.” I laughed. “I’m not sure where he gets the black hair from, but I like to think that it was your way to stay in our family.” I sighed. “I know I’ve said it so many times before, but thank you for allowing me to care for Rosie and Shane. Next time, I promise I’ll bring the entire family with me.”
Fifteen minutes went by before Asher cued for his next feeding. Regaining my feet, I bent down, kissed my fingers and pressed them to Eva’s name.
“Happy belated birthday, beautiful angel.”
Shane
Over the last year, I’d wondered where Emberlyn would sometimes disappear to. It was never for a lengthy period of time—usually an hour at the most—but she’d always come back to me, looking for cuddles.
I always sensed her sadness beneath the joy she seemed to always radiate.
Today, something told me to follow her—call it intuition, or a gut feeling—so I did; all the way to the cemetery I’d taken her to once after our engagement. It’s where we’d buried Eva ten years ago.
I watched from a distance as Emberlyn cuddled Asher while she talked to Eva. Like night and day both women were, despite the devastation I’d felt at losing Eva, losing her had brought me to Emberlyn and a life I could have only dreamed of living once upon a time.
As soon as my wife had set our son in the stroller and turned to leave, her eyes met mine, then her steps halted. That’s when I made my approach.
“Busted, huh?” she mumbled shyly, tilting her head downward to avoid my scrutinizing. I smiled. “Are you mad?”
Tilting her face up so she could look into my eyes, I leaned in and kissed her forehead.
“Mad?” I shook my head. “No, I’m not mad. I’m in awe of you, Em.”
“I’ve been coming here at least once a month since you first brought me here with Rosie,” she confessed.
“It all makes sense now,” I told her, and wrapped my arm around Emberlyn’s shoulders. “Need a cuddle?”
She shrugged. “I’ll never refuse your cuddles.”
“Come on.” I ushered her toward the car as she pushed the stroller along. “We have a date to get ready for, and a daughter who’s chomping at the bit to feed her baby brother, in order to help her grams. And don’t get me started on Grams; she says we’ve been keeping him to ourselves far too much.” That gained me one of those giggles I loved so much.
Having buckled Asher into his seat, I folded and stored the stroller into the back of the car, then headed to open up Emberlyn’s door. She paused before getting in, cupping my face in her hands, and brushed my nose with hers.
“I love you, Shane Peters,” she whispered over my lips before depositing a sweet kiss.
“And I love you, Emberlyn Peters.”
Forever.
Always.
Until the end of time.
THE END
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, where would I be without the unconditional support of my family. This one was a tough one to get through with all the hurdles we had to jump over. Thank you for understanding the times I’ve had to hole myself in some quiet corner to get things done, for cheering me on, and being as excited as I was that I finally typed those two little words.
Eric David Battershell—your impeccable talent and undying friendship went a long way in capturing Shane for this amazing cover.
Burton Hughes—my Shane, my friend, my brother from another mother. Your friendship and support means the world to me.
Karen Hrdlicka—girl, we’ve had our fair share of getting this one just right and on time. Thank you for the laughs and your amazing insight to make Shane’s story a reality.
Joanne Thompson—you’re a friend first and foremost, but your support and recommendations have deemed you indispensable in my little book world. You are my proofreader extraordinaire.
My dearest Betas—without you, I wouldn’t be able to put this or any of my books out. Your insight, opinions and dedication are immeasurable and I will forever appreciate having you all in my corner.
Bloggers, readers & fellow authors—the book community is one that can sometimes be easy to get lost into. Thank you for your support, your continued readership, and most of all, providing me with the kick in the ass I’ve most definitely needed. I try my best to support and share everything out there, and it definitely doesn’t go unnoticed that you pay it forward.
About the Author
Born and raised in small town Northern Ontario, Canada, Carey Decevito has always had a penchant for reading and writing.
More than a decade later, with weeks of sleepless nights, she finally gave in and put pen to paper (more like fingers to keyboard!) She submitted to the dreams that plagued her. And the rest, as they say, is history!
A member of the RWA, Carey enjoys spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, travelling, and playing tourist in Canada's National Capital region. When life gets crazy, this contemporary erotic romance author seeks respite through her writing and reading. If all else fails, she knows there’s never a dull moment with her two daughters, her goofy husband, and cat and dog who she swears are out to get her.
She is the author of both The Broken Men Chronicles and Nightshade series.
Find Carey at:
www.careydecevito.com
carey.decevito@gmail.com
Also by Carey Decevito
Nightshade Series
Night Break
The Broken Men Chronicles Series
Once Written, Twice Shy
Almost Forgotten
Play Me to Infinity
To Forgive & Hold Safe
A Heart’s War