All That We Are

by Melissa Toppen

“I used to be.” I feel him shift next to me but keep my eyes forward. “They’re good people. Certainly too good to have to deal with a fuck up like me for a son.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true,” Even though I really have nothing to back my statement up with.

  “Trust me, it is.” He looks at me, our gazes once again locking. “We should probably head back,” he says, turning abruptly.

  “Yeah, okay.” I hesitate before following him to Sheldon and Cocoa.

  He avoids my gaze as he unties my horse and then his own, climbing on top of Sheldon with so much ease you would swear he’s been riding his entire life.

  The ride back is quiet. I have a million questions I want to ask and yet for some reason don’t voice a single one. Instead I enjoy the silence – something you simply do not get in a city like L.A.

  The sun disappears over the horizon as we pull up to the barn, a brilliant orange glow being cast over the grounds. I had forgotten how beautiful this place is.

  “What time do you need me tomorrow?” I ask Thad as I lead Cocoa into her stall.

  “Huh?” He seems confused by the question, turning to face me after securing Sheldon’s gate.

  “The tractor. My dad said for me to help you.”

  “Oh, right. Probably after breakfast if that works for you?”

  “Works for me.” I smile, following him out of the barn. “Thank you again for coming with me. I’m sure there’s probably a million other things you could have been doing.”

  “It was no problem.” He shoves his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I guess I’ll see you in the morning?” He pauses next to the back door.

  “See you in the morning.” I give him a casual wave as I climb the back stairs and disappear inside.

  I wait a total of five seconds before peeking out the window at the back of the mud room, catching sight of Thad moments before he reaches the camper and disappears inside.

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  Acknowledgments

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read ALL THAT WE ARE. I truly hope you enjoyed Miles and Harlow’s story.

  So much goes into writing a book. I feel like I leave a piece of myself inside each and every one I write and this one was certainly no exception. Miles’ story was such a personal one for me and I would just like to take a moment to thank everyone who is currently serving or has served in the military. You truly are heroes.

  To everyone who helped make this book possible- thank you.

  Rose, you’ve been such a blessing and I’m so happy to have you as part of my team.

  Angel, I’m so glad to have met you. Thank you for being someone I can always count on to give it to me straight. But most importantly, thank you for being my friend.

  Sommer, your covers are out of this world. You are so talented and I’m so glad to have gotten to work with you a second time!

  To all the bloggers that spend hours promoting authors simply because they love books that much- THANK YOU! We don’t say it enough but never doubt how truly appreciated you are.

  To my readers- thank you. If I could hug each and every single one of you in person I would. It’s because of you that I’m able to live my dream and I will forever be grateful. From the bottom of my heart- thank you.

  XOXO

  -Melissa