Vision of Hope
Page 19
We're having a small wedding with close friends and family in a few weeks. I don't care that I'm not going to have a flashy wedding. I found my Prince Charming and he's giving me the fairytale wedding I want. The dress has been picked out and everything is near complete. We've been waiting for this day for so long and soon it'll be here.
"Give. Me. Back. My. Girl," he seethes and Larry hands me over to him without argument. "Why do you wear the smallest bikinis? Can't you wear pants and a sweater?" I playfully hit his chest and give him a kiss.
"It's summer, babe. And I'm having fun enjoying the sun with everyone. Plus, I have abs!" I point at my stomach and he shakes his head, smiling.
"As soon as the priest announces us as Mr. and Mrs. Jensen Toscano, I'm taking you to our room and we're going to practice making babies."
A family with Jensen.
"That sounds like a plan, my soon-to-be husband."
I look down at my three-stone diamond engagement ring, loving how it feels on my finger. When I look at the ring, I smile, not only because I have an amazing man in my life, but I have the strength to be happy.
There are still a lot of times I get quiet and sad, thinking about Brody and hoping he's happy with me. I know he wants me to be happy and that's all I need to know to push away the dark thoughts.
The night Jensen put the ring on my finger, everything became clear. We were at dinner with Julie, Phil, and Isaac, about ready to leave when he took my hand and told me how I've changed his world and, with me, he's a better man. As soon as he got down on one knee, I got up from my chair, jumped in his arms, and said yes over and over again.
Julie and Phil cried while Isaac hugged us both. I felt someone else touching my hand and knew it was Brody. He was giving us the okay and even though I didn't see him or hear his words, feeling his touch was all I needed.
Jensen is exactly what I need in this crazy world. I'll always be sad and feel myself falling back, but I know Jensen is going to be there to help pull me out. He's the anchor I've been looking for, keeping me down and grounded.
"Come on, you guys! Time to eat!" Nicholas yells and we get out of the pool to sit at the table.
Karly and Nicholas get their kids, Emma and Sebastian, ready while Larry and Lexi get Kayden and seat him in between the two. Isaac sits down with his new girlfriend, Elissa, and Stephen helps his pregnant wife, Leslie, down. Lisa and Ian join us at the table and we're all together.
"A toast," Jensen says, raising his beer in the air. We all follow suit. "Family. We aren't friends. We're family. We're each other's rocks and shoulders when needed. We'll be there for one another through thick and thin. The problems we've all experienced together have brought us here today. To family."
"To family," we repeat and clink our drinks with one another.
Family.
The family I've always wanted and needed. I look around at the table and smile. Sure, some of us didn't start on the right foot, but look at us now. It doesn't matter how you start as friends as long as, one day, you're able to look at them and accept them in your life. In life, you're going to experience the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sometimes, you'll fall and, sometimes, you'll be strong enough to fight through. It's okay to ask for help and it's okay to fall as long as you're able to get yourself up.
"What are you thinking about?" he whispers in my ear, touching my thigh.
"You," I tell him. "Who would have thought we'd be here today?"
"Life's funny like that. You came into my life when I needed you and you helped me realize the true meaning of love." He kisses the tip of my nose and takes my hand. "I love you."
"I love you too."
The overwhelming feeling of love from Jensen, pouring his heart to me, never letting me forget his love, is more than I deserve. I didn't feel alone anymore. I don't feel like I am lost. Leaning my head on his shoulder, I feel a breeze through my hair. Lifting my head, I slowly turn and see my parents, sister, and Brody smiling at me.
We love you so much, Fallyn. No matter where you are, we'll be right by your side, sweetheart. Always, we love you and we're so proud.
We love you.
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Acknowledgements
First, thank you to my amazing readers, for believing in me and supporting me. Being an author is the best job and I love connecting with you and hearing how my books made you feel. This wouldn't be possible without you.
Thank you to my family and friends for your constant support. I don’t know where I’d be without your love.
Sandi, thank you for always being there whenever I need you. You mean so much to me and I'm so thankful to have you as my mentor, critique partner, and best friend.
Kaylee, thank you for helping me write and plot this book. I truly appreciate you taking the time to sit and read this story and give me your honest thoughts. You're an incredible friend.
Lexi, I know I tell you this all the time, but thank you for being my PA and friend. You're always there when I need you.
Beth, you're a wonderful editor and friend. Thank you for calming me down and being the eyes I need.
Golden, thank you for your talent and friendship. You make these shoots so fun! It means so much to see my vision come to life and it's thanks to you. Tackle hugs!
Kelsey, thank you for my beautiful cover! Your work is incredible.
To my amazing BETAs, when you take the time, away from your family, to help me, there are no words to every tell you how much that means to me. Thank you for staying by my side and your support.
To Ena and Jennifer with Enticing Journey, thank you so much for all that you do. The both of you are so important to me.
To my PR company, Eye Candy Bookstore, thank you for your hard work and support. A special thanks to Kellie Montgomery for always staying on top of everything.
To my author friends, thank you for everything. I appreciate the shares and love. You make this community better and it means the world to me to have you in my life.
To the bloggers, I don’t know where to start. You’re all so amazing and I wish I could meet you all one day. Thank you for taking the time to help me promote my work. You’re so vital and I hope you know that.
To my babes, thank you for sharing my work and letting me always vent to you. To the moon and back!
Finally, thank you to Ryan Patrick. You amaze me every day. I am so proud of you and thankful that you came into my life. You mean so much to me and you're my best friend. Thank you for your love and support.
About the Author
S. Moose is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, living in Webster, NY with her family, friends, and shorkie, Charlie.
A 2011 St. John Fisher graduate, S.Moose loves to read and write. She enjoys getting lost in the fictional world and creating a place where readers can fall in love and swoon over the cute boys she brings to life.
When she isn't in her room in front of her computer or a book, she is with her family and friends being silly and enjoying life. She’s romantic at heart and loves anything with a happily ever after.
S. Moose loves connecting with her readers! Be sure to visit her at:
Web: smoosewrites.blogspot.com
Email: smoose0609@yahoo.com
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