Imperfect Consequences
Page 41
“Why did you want to see me?”
Shannon inhaled and thought about what to say. “I wanted to tell you that I finally have been able to move on, that what happened between us I don’t… I don’t hold against you.” She could see such relief on his face.
“I…” His voice faltered. “I just need you to know I, honest to God, am a different man. You helped me see that back then. I would give my life to have Jonesy back. I swear to you.”
“I believe you.”
“And I would give anything if I hadn’t hurt you and our baby, and I know you can’t have kids and I know what I did and…” Mark groaned. “I thought of so many things to say to you, so many. I wanted to beg you for forgiveness and help you see the real me.”
Tears welled in her eyes. The pain was real all over again. The baby. The injury. The murder. No family.
“I’m a mess, huh?”
“We both were, but you know what? I think we’re both finally on the right track. And I… I forgive you. I hope you forgive me for not at least reaching out to you all those years.” Her voice was barely audible.
“You’re asking me for forgiveness?” Mark asked, his lower lip quivering.
Shannon stepped forward. “I am. We both had a part in what happened. I should never have allowed my anger toward you to let me care for Jonesy. I’ll never forgive myself.” She couldn’t stop the tears.
Mark shook his head. “I forced you into the arms of another man, a better man. I am only to blame, but if it helps, I so forgive you for everything. I just…”
“You just?”
“I would love if we could be friends. I mean, I know that’s asking a lot, but I would give anything in my life to call you my friend.”
The sincerity of his words stilled her. She closed the distance and took his hand. “I would love to call you my friend.”
Mark studied her before giving her a small smile and shook her hand. “Thank you. I will always adore you.”
Shannon looked down, then wrapped her arms around him. The release was the most powerful she’d ever had. She was finally letting go.
When he moved back, he brushed his hand through his hair. “You are amazing.”
For a few seconds after he left, she remained still, all the memories flooding into her mind. She no longer wanted to cry, simply give a shout of sheer joy. Her life was anything she wanted it to be and right now, she wanted to get home and wait for her husband.
After grabbing her briefcase, she walked toward the door and a text popped through. Smiling, she eased her briefcase onto the chair. The text was from David.
You’ve been a bad girl not telling me where you are. You need to be home in one hour and you will receive a severe spanking.
My God, she was shaking all over. This was the most amazing text ever. She licked her lips as she typed her answer. Yes, Sir.
Giggling, she walked out of her office. Today was the best day of her life.
“Call me if you need anything,” Wendy said as she rose from her chair.
“You know I will. I have some things to think about.”
“I know you do.” Wendy winked.
Shannon laughed and headed for the elevator. Her phone rang, and she groaned. No rest for the weary. Seeing the number, she froze, her heart racing. “Shannon Parker.”
“Mrs. Parker, we have the test results for you.”
“Mrs. Preston, we have the test results for you,” the doctor said as he entered Shannon’s hospital room.
She could tell by the look on his face that the news wasn’t good. Shannon shifted, agony tearing through her as she tried to sit up. “Yes?”
He pulled the file from the end of her bed and moved closer. “We’ve checked and rechecked just to make sure.”
“And?” She gripped the sheets, a flood of emotions racing through her.
“The injuries were very severe. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but you can’t… you won’t be able to have children. I’m sorry. I wish there was something we could do.”
“Are you all right?”
Blinking several times, Shannon turned toward Wendy, stunned to the point of feeling ill. “I understand. No, I do. Yes, I will come in and thank you.”
Wendy rushed toward her. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Shannon slipped the phone inside her purse. “I need you to do me a favor. Tell Mr. Sampson I’ve made my decision.”
“O-kay.” The look on Wendy’s face was one of terrified concern.
“Tell him yes. Tell him thank you. Tell him the offer is perfect.” Shannon gurgled, the words tumbling from her mouth.
“Fantastic, but why the quick decision? I anticipated something else to tell you the truth.”
“I need to get home as my husband is going to discipline me severely, but…” Shannon laughed, heat rising on her face.
“But?”
“But the most amazing and astonishing moment just happened.” Shannon beamed and rubbed her stomach as she looked toward the ceiling. “Wendy, believe in miracles.”
“Miracles?” Wendy managed.
Shannon nodded, tears streaming down her face. “I’m going to be a mother.”
The moment of the past and present collided together, every shattered experience of pain, every sense of guilt rushing away from her. This was where she was supposed to be. This was the grace of God and man. All was right with the world. She was carrying David’s child.
The End
Piper Stone
Bestselling author Piper Stone writes in several genres including romantic suspense, thrillers, erotic romance, dark erotic, Domestic Discipline, spanking, Domination and submission and traditional romance. She has a love of the non-traditional, preferring to create worlds that defy the imagination. Wine and sous vide cooking are only second to her love of golden retrievers and you might find all three nestled in the pages of a book or two.
She has several releases from Blushing Books including Truth or Dare, His Demands – Dirty Little Secrets, Submissive For Hire, His Hidden Girl – Dirty Little Secrets, Becoming – Power Exchange and the Rescue Me Series, Maverick and Shadow. The Missoula Smokejumper Series – about seven smokejumpers, their danger and dominating passion – has seven books and two prequels.
You can find her at:
https://www.facebook/piper-stone-573573573166169730
http://darkdangerousdelicious.wordpress.com
https://twitter.com/piperstone01
https://bookbub.com/authors/piper-stone
piperstonecreations@gmail.com
http://www.theromancereviews.com/Piperstone
Dark + Dangerous + Delicious = D3
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Don’t miss these exciting titles by Piper Stone and Blushing Books!
Truth Or Dare
Submissive For Hire
Honor and Obey Series
Honor and Obey, Vol. One
Honor and Obey, Vol. Two
Dirty Little Secrets Series
His Demands - Book One
His Hidden Girl - Book Two
His Judgment - Book Three
Power Exchange Series
Becoming - Book One
Rescue Me Series
Maverick -Book One
Shadow - Book Two
Missoula Smokejumpers Series
Fire at the River’s Edge, Prequel Vol. 1
Standing at the River’s Edge, Prequel Vol. 2
Embracing the Quiet Night - A Christmas Novella
Ignite, Book One
Burn, Book Two
Forged, Book Three
Firestorm, Book Four
Blaze, Book Five
Scorch, Book Six
Inferno, Book Seven
Masters of the Castle
Witness Protection Program
(Capturing Cassandra)
Anthologies
Hero Undercover
12 Naughty Days of Christmas 2017
Sweet Town Love
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bsp; Connect with Piper Stone
darkdangerousdelicious.wordpress.com
piperstonecreations@gmail.com
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