We found an apartment close to the campus, where Jackson and Riley would live with two other roommates. Jackson’s best friends, Brandon and Clay, would be sharing the place with them. I no longer laid the law down with Jackson. I trusted him emphatically, and Riley too. They were ready, beyond ready to begin their life together, and away from our watchful eyes. Just thinking about that makes me laugh because I didn’t think I would ever stop being overprotective when it came to my son, and now I’d get to do it all over again with my daughter. When you are a father, you are a father forever. The worry never stops, but knowing the man he had become had made me so proud. He was still hurting over the loss of his grandparents, but Riley was forever his support system. I would never truly understand what drove Henry to the brink of madness, but that door to that story was closed a long time ago, and I would never re-open it again.
Lila explained it best. You never know what drives a person to commit any act of selfishness. He acted cowardly and hurt many people. She said it was no longer my responsibility to seek out the answers to why? That was reserved for God himself. My job was to be happy and make Reese happy. I can do that. It would be my life’s mission for the rest of my life.
“Do you realize this is our first New Year’s Eve we’ve spent together in nineteen years?” I asked Reese, as we clinked our glasses filled with sparkling apple cider.
“You’re right, it is. At least this time around, we will ring in the New Year together.” She giggled and then winced in pain.
“Reese, are you okay?” I took her glass, as she held her back.
“Wow! That was a powerful kick your daughter just delivered to me. Ow, there she goes again.”
“I guess ballerina lessons are out of the question, and onto soccer.” I said, as I rubbed her belly. She’ll be here soon, baby.”
“You got that right, babe, because soon is right now.”
“What?”
“My water just broke. Looks like our daughter is trying to be a New Year’s Baby.”
“Oh my god! You’re in labor? We have to get to the hospital.”
“Sounds good to me.”
I crushed my lips down onto hers, and held her to my chest, kissing her once more before releasing her.
“We’re going to meet our daughter tonight. I love you baby. Stay right here. I’ll be right back.”
“Love you too! I’m not going anywhere.”
I called for Stephen, who had our car packed and ready to go. Lila and Thomas were waiting and so ready to meet their newest great-grandchild. I helped Reese change her clothes, and got her into the car. Her contractions were coming quickly, too quickly for me to handle. She said her labor with Riley only took a few hours. Dr. Lemay told us every baby and birth was different. Reese had been uncomfortable the past few days, but who knew she would go into labor on New Year’s Eve of all days. She wasn’t due until the 26th, but the women in my life made their own rules, and I was only to follow.
Dr. Lemay met us on the Labor & Delivery floor with our room already ready. Jackson and Riley were up in Big Sur ringing in the New Year with friends. I would wait to call and share our news. What a New Year’s Day gift. The newest member of our family crashed our party, and came early.
It was nearing midnight, and Reese had been in labor for several hours already. Lila was holding her hand, as Thomas paced outside of her room. Even with the epidural, Reese was in pain and discomfort. She was doing great and concentrating on her breathing. Talks of a C-Section were discussed early on, but Reese wouldn’t hear it. She was in good health, and strong enough to deliver our daughter naturally, but I also said I would make the decision for her, if it came down to it. Luckily I never had to, because Reese was ready to push. She gripped my hand tighter with every push, as the contractions became stronger. Falling back onto the pillow, she was exhausted.
Dr. Lemay kept encouraging her on. “Come on Reese, I know you’re tired, but we are almost there. Work for your baby and push as hard as you can. Her head is crowning, I think one big one should do it.”
I couldn’t help, but look. Her head was full with dark hair that matched mine.
“Oh babe, you are doing so well. I love you so much. Hold my hand, break it if you have to, and let’s meet our daughter.” I kissed her and prayed that Reese had the strength for one last push.
“I’m tired Walker, so tired,” she cried.
“I know baby, but she’s almost here. You can do this. You are the strongest person I know. I love you so fucking much.”
“Language!” Lila scolded me.
“I’m sorry, Lila, slipped out.”
“Come on, sweet girl, you can do this. I ain’t getting any younger.”
“Gee thanks Nana for the support.” Reese had let out a deep breath, and then sucked one in deeply preparing to push once again.
Dr. Lemay commanded Reese to push. “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and hold it, Reese. Come on princess, mommy and daddy want to meet you. Her shoulders are stuck. I need to turn her. Bear down and when I say to push, you push with all your might.”
“Walker! Oh my god, I can’t do it,” she cried.
“Yes you can, Reese. Yes you can.”
I wrapped my arms across her back and helped her as she waited for Dr. Lemay to call out her commands.
“Okay, Reese, here we go. 1, 2, and 3!”
Reese gripped the side bars of the bed and with all of her strength, she pushed and pushed hard, as our daughter screamed her way out. Dr. Lemay quickly suctioned her airway, and tied off the umbilical cord. She was holding a little piece of heaven in her arms, our daughter.
“Do you want to do the honors, daddy?” Dr. Lemay asked me. Without hesitation, I cut the cord and our daughter was freed from Reese. She was handed off to me, and I kissed her little forehead. The nurse covered her with a pink hat that had a princess crown on it. Perfect for our daughter. Lila was crying, as was Thomas who was hugging Reese. I handed our daughter to Reese, and folded them both in my protective arms. I wasn’t going to let them out of my sight.
“Thank you, Reese. I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“Impossible.” I replied back, as I continued to hug and love them both.
“Have you decided a name for this little one?” Thomas asked with curiosity.
Reese and I both looked at our daughter, and then to Lila. Lila never gave up faith on us being together. She always believed that true love would find its way back and bring two souls together. Reese was wearing her great-grandmother’s ring, the same that had been passed down to her father for her mother. We had several names in mind, all with strong Irish meanings, which made Thomas very happy. I kissed my daughter and proudly announced her name. “Lila, Thomas, we would like you to wish a very Happy Birthday to our daughter, Fallon Ryann Reed.”
Lila and Thomas were beyond happy. Fallon was Lila’s mother’s name, which means, “grand-child of the ruler” it was so fitting because Lila was the strength behind the Mitchell Family. And which was even more perfect was the meaning of our daughter’s middle name, it meant “little ruler,” so perfect for a Reed. She would be the ruler of my heart, along with her amazing mother who stole my heart many years ago.
Our miracle…our daughter.
Three months later
THIS WASN’T JUST another ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of just some building I had designed. It was a project that took nearly three years to complete, The Reinhart Building in Frankfurt, Germany. It towered to fifty eight floors, bypassing Main Tower, which was currently the fourth tallest building in Germany.
The Reinhart’s, never to be outdone, wanted their new building to outshine the rest in Frankfurt. They had not two, but three public viewing platforms, and an observatory that overlooked the river. I was the only architect that was commissioned to bring their dream to reality. It was shining in all of its glory as the sun’s reflection bounced off the glass panels.
The foyer of the building housed sever
al living art installations that were open to the public. Every building I designed, including Samuel’s wing at Johns Hopkins, carried a special piece of my mark, my personal legacy that would carry on for years to come. Donovan and Tom relentlessly asked me how I would mark this building. The Reinhart’s left it to me. With their blessing, I included a children’s park, which I fully funded on my own. Being a new father, I wanted to give back something for the community to know children were rejoicing and playing happily. The park included state of the art equipment. For the summer months, a splash play area would be utilized for the smaller children, and a rock climbing wall was available for ages ten and up.
We couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was sunny with a temperature of sixty six degrees. I was introduced by Sebastian and Viktor Reinhart. They aptly named their building “Hart.”
As I made my way up to the podium to say a few words, I looked out to the crowd below. My family was here. Reese was holding Fallon securely in her arms. She was cocooned in pink blankets. Jackson and Riley, along with my mother were proudly smiling at me. And for a brief moment, I almost felt as if my father was here too. I vowed never to question the universe again and prayed he would find peace…Today is that day where I feel his presence most. He took pride in our work and our company. It was just beginning to go global at the time I had joined my father. It was my vision to take our company to reach new innovative heights. Now a year after his death, here I am celebrating yet another accomplishment in my career. Surrounded by all the reasons I do what I do. My heart warmed as they cheered me on, as I took my place.
“Hello. I’m Walker Phillip Reed, CEO of Reed Global. I am profoundly honored to be standing here today, as we officially cut the ribbon to this extraordinary building, a vision by my friends here, Sebastian and Viktor Reinhart. Collectors of art, who commission artists from all over the world to bring their fruits of their labors to the public. As you have already seen, Hart currently houses three remarkable living art installations. It is a sight to see, and I truly hope you take in of all its wonderment and beauty.”
“And now to another work of art I would like you all to visit and be familiar with. A gift for the children. I know many of you are working parents who put in many long hours to provide for your families. Time is so precious when your children are young. You want to spend every minute you can with them and hold close to your heart every memory you create. Let this playground be a new memory for you and your children of all ages to enjoy.”
“I’ve recently become a new father again. After nineteen years raising my son, I begin this amazing journey all over again. I look forward to the day where I am able to push my little girl in a swing and hear her squeals of laughter, as she urges me to push her higher. I will promise to bring my ‘Fallon’ back here one day and play with her until she tires me out. Thank you again for sharing this wonderful day with us. Now if you’re ready, please follow me as we open and celebrate ‘The Thomas Mitchell Walker Reed Playground’ for the young at heart.”
As soon as I said his name, Reese hugged our daughter closer, and let go of the balloon she was holding. We watched it soar through the bright sky and through the clouds. We would never forget the son we lost. Now, in his honor, children would always have a place to play, laugh, and dream.
OUR STORY BEGAN on a college campus, where two strangers met and fell in love. While their love was tested beyond measure, it was the kind of love that was precious and rare to find. Two souls patiently waited until they were reunited by fate. New promises of forever were made, even when they were constantly being tested and pushed beyond any reasonable limits. Their love never wavered, and hope was never lost. It was celebrated and cherished through the eyes of their daughter. They would count their blessings and create new memories to share.
Our story already had the greatest ending.
Three hearts…One love
Our love…Forever
…And they lived happily ever after
The End
For my amazing husband, Henry:
You know I can write all the book boyfriends I want, but you, my love, were my first. Life truly does imitate art. With every book I write, there’s a piece of you and me in it. You are my Forever love.
For my sisters:
“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you, no matter what.” I chose this quote for you. I love each and every one of you. Thank you for your friendships and filling my heart with your love.
For Mindy Guerreiros:
If I had to sum up one word that defines you, I would have to go with “Everything.” That’s what you are to me. Your friendship has taken up a space in my heart, and I am forever thankful for you. You are incredibly talented with amazing mad skills. You bring my characters to life with your unique way of making the perfect teaser. Thank you for your love and support. I value you as a critique partner. Your creative feedback is welcomed and appreciated.
For Wendy Ferraro:
We’re not sisters by blood, but the universe brought us together to be connected as sisters, forever in each other’s hearts. Always remember, my friend, if you fall, I will pick you up. We not only share the laughter, but the tears too. The best friendships happen when you don’t see them coming. Thank you for steamrolling right into my heart. That’s where you will forever remain.
Special Thanks to…
Julie Titus of JT Formatting: Words are one thing, but your creative style makes them sparkle on every page. Thank you so much for all you do to bring my book to life.
Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations: Thank you for another beautiful cover. You captured exactly what I wanted.
Natalie Catalano of Love Between the Sheets: Thank you for your continued support for my work. From organizing my cover reveals to blog tours, you have been in my corner from day one, and all your efforts are so appreciated.
To the many blogs who have shown me much love and support, I am so thankful for you. I respect each and every one of you for taking the time to promote me. Your hard work and dedication is so appreciated, and I respect you so much. Thank you for loving Walker and Reese and believing in their story.
To Kathleen Vaughan Candelario: With all you have going on in your life, you still took time to read my book. I value your feedback and trust your opinions. You have been cheering my couple on from the beginning. Thank you for seeing it through with me and believing I can do it. I had days where I doubted myself, and you were right there to tell me to shut up and write my story. Sometimes a friend knows you better than you know yourself. I love you for that. Thank you, my sister.
To Joe Marron: Thank you for all of your time and energy spent on making Our Forever Promise perfect. You have such a talent at wielding words and have a keen eye for errors. I loved our editing sessions where we laughed the entire time. You made this arduous task seem effortless and constantly made me smile. You were there for me on the tougher days when I just wanted to give up. Your humor and words of encouragement got me through it, and for that, my friend, I am forever thankful.
To my readers and fans: Thank you so much for loving Walker and Reese. I know at times I put you through the ringer with their story, and you probably wanted to throw your e-reader once or twice. You have shown me unconditional love and support. Words cannot express how much I appreciate you loving my couple as much as I do. Thank you to Nancy Gennes Metsch. We finally got to meet in person! I thought I gave amazing hugs, but you knocked it out of the park with your Sparkle! Thank you to Florence Richards. Not a day goes by that I don’t wake to a post from you supporting my work. I am Forever thankful to you ladies for your friendships and support.
I AM A dreamer. I’ve always been a dreamer. Some may not have worked out the way I hoped they would, but I also believe that everything happens for a reason.
Writing has changed my entire life. It brings happiness a
nd fulfillment to areas in my life that I didn’t even know I was missing. It’s also one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever done. It takes me away from my family, friends, and the little day-to-day tasks that once upon a time seemed normal. Sometimes I like to revisit my portfolio of old short stories, poems, and the inspirational quotes I have kept for many years. Reading through it all shows how far I’ve come and that the journey I am on now is exactly what I dreamed of many years ago. This makes me smile.
A long time ago, I used to write short stories and poems in journals and kept them privately to myself. It took quite some time and many sacrifices, but now I have three published books and have my very own writing cave. What the heck is that? Well, it’s my second home where I laugh, dream, imagine, and write my heart out to hopefully produce something that will make other people smile.
Never one to dwell on what I don’t have, I value what I do have. I couldn’t do what I do without the love and support from my husband, Henry Wasowski. We have been happily married for twenty two years and still have the passion from when we were first dating. Our love story created the family we have today, our three sons: Zachary, Christopher, and Cameron.
Family is everything to me. When I take a much needed time-out, I love to be with them, have friends over for wine night, and just talk and laugh for hours. Summer days in NJ are spent down the shore, and nights are spent at home around the fire pit toasting s’mores.
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