Текст книги "Can't Let Go"
Автор книги: Michelle Lynn
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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 19 страниц)
“We’re family, and Trey is going to be a part of our family, and we’re in each other’s hearts.” She pauses like she’s working out a math problem in her head. I’m just about to speak, when she pops out with, “Then we should all get married.”
Trey bends down in front of her and takes her small hands in his. “Chloe, you understand that marrying someone is a big deal, right?”
She nods her head. “Uh huh, and since you’re my bidadogical daddy and you shared me with my Mommy and Daddy, so their hearts could grow, I’ll share you with Tara and Drew, and they can have a Mommy and Daddy again, too.”
“That’s a wonderful idea, sweetie,” I speak up, since Trey seems a little overwhelmed at the moment, but he soon finds his voice.
“Yep. Tara and Drew might not understand what’s happening, but—”
“I’m going to tell them we’re gettin’ married!” She jets out of the room.
Trey stands and pulls me into him. “I have a feeling we’re only at the start of these questions,” he says.
“I know, but you handled that pretty well,” I compliment him.
“Well, thank you. You had me terrified there for a second. Thought you were going to run out on me.” Just as my heart was at new heights a moment ago, it sinks that he still doubts my commitment.
“I told you, I’m done running,” I say, and he cocks his eyebrow. “Yeah, yeah, I had one last time, but give a girl a break, that was pretty unpredictable.”
“As much as I want to stay here with you all day, I have to get to the store. See you at five-thirty. I’ll be the devastatingly handsome one staring at his hot-ass fiancé about to walk down the aisle.”
“Why do you have to go to the store?”
“If I’m marrying all of you, I can’t only have jewelry for you.” He kisses me on the cheek. “I love you,” he says, walking out of the room.
“Crap!” I mumble to myself. I scramble down the hall, saying quick hellos until I land on Dex. “Oh, thank God. You need to go with Trey right now.” I point to him walking to the car. “Buy a ring. I don’t have a wedding ring for him. Make sure it fits, but do it on the sly. Now go!” I push him toward the door and wait for him to jog over to Trey. I release a breath when Dex slides into the passenger seat and they pull out.
I run upstairs and grab my phone, texting Dex.
Kailey: Send me pics.
Dex: you expect me to do that how?
Kailey: distract him. Figure it out.
A half hour later, my phone is going berserk as Dex hammers off pictures to me. I finally decide on a traditional silver one with a few lines along each side. Explaining I’ll pay him when he gets back, he says no problem. There’s something to be said about someone else planning your wedding.
I RUN INTO the mall, not sure exactly what I’m looking for. Dex came along with me, but he seems to want to do his own thing, so I left him at the last jewelry store. I wonder what exactly he’s getting–something for someone? Maybe he’s actually ready to put some jewelry on Chrissy. Finally, when I get to the third store, the nice sales lady shows me a case of children’s jewelry and thank god it’s a lot cheaper than adults’. I’ll be paying off Kailey’s ring for some time, and I don’t need to tack on more debt.
Jen & Caden planned well for the kids’ future. The house is paid for and they were left plenty of life insurance money, which Kailey and I are making sure is managed by a reputable investment firm. Right now we use a little bit to cover monthly expenses, but once Kailey is out of school and I have a regular job, not an internship, it's important to us that we take care of the kids and everything that comes with being a parent. When the time comes, the kids will receive a really nice financial settlement. So being frugal is important, but these pieces of jewelry represent our commitment to them, and I want something that can withstand the abuse and last.
Deciding on two charm bracelets for Chloe and Tara, each with a heart charm dangling from it, I search for Drew. I want something masculine, but heartfelt. The sales associate shows me a bracelet with a silver plate where I could get his name engraved on it and points me in the direction of the engraver. Not bothering to find Dex, I head that way and beg the young kid to push me ahead of the others. I give him a nice tip and call Dex. He’s waiting for me by the doors, and we rush back out to the car.
“You didn’t buy anything?” I ask, noticing his empty hands.
“Nah, I’ll wait until I get home.”
“I thought you’d finally claim her with a ring?”
“I’m not about to steal the attention on your day.” He laughs and slides in. “Not to mention, I don’t need jewelry to claim her. She’s mine, and I’d like to see someone try to steal her away.” The car fills with both our laughter; two previous bachelors that didn’t believe in love until the ones we were meant for claimed our hearts. I’m happy to see Dex finally came around, even though it appeared to take forever.
I have about a half hour by the time I get back to put on my suit and make sure everything is set. I spot the rental car in the driveway, which means Clyde and Holly are here, so I definitely don’t need to worry about the kids.
FIVE-TWENTY-FIVE, I step up to the end of the aisle with the pastor next to me. The family guests have made their way to the white chairs, and since I have such a large family, they’ve filled both sides. As the sun begins to set, my little ones walk down the aisle. Tara dressed in a pretty lilac (I only know it’s lilac because the girls just about strangled me when I called it purple.) dress with white tights and lilac shoes, while Drew matches me in a black suit. As Tara tosses a handful of rose petals onto the white liner, Drew reaches down and picks them up. Eventually, my mom walks up the aisle and takes him into her arms as he swats at her perfectly made-up face.
Next is my darling girl, Chloe, in a pink dress with white tights and pink shoes. Her hair has held up well in the few hours since I saw her last. She’s smiling brightly, carefully dropping the rose petals down on the runner. She’s beautiful and caring and I’m elated for the smart girl my daughter is becoming. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realize she’s part of my life. When she reaches me, she wraps her arms around my legs, and I bend down and kiss the top of her head. She stands on the side of me like we rehearsed this morning while Tara waits patiently on Kailey’s side.
Then the music stops and starts again, but this time Brady steps up to the microphone with his guitar in front of him. Sitting on the stool, he begins singing “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. My eyes fixate on the doors of my parents’ house, and Kailey steps out on Clyde’s arm. Her eyes find mine immediately, and I watch her as she makes her way to the end of the aisle. Only fifteen steps and she’ll be by my side for the rest of our lives. I should know, I counted them this morning. For a brief moment, it’s just me and her. The people to our lefts and rights are a fog as I stare at my soon-to-be wife and she stares at me. We’re proof that love can be found in the least likely of places. Through all the heartache and grief, Kailey and I came together.
She begins to walk down the rose-covered path, and Chloe tugs at my pant leg, but I don’t want to miss a minute of Kailey making her way to me. Her last steps before she’s mine forever. I capture Chloe’s hand, and she tugs it down. Still not tearing my eyes away from the love of my life, Kailey’s eyes shift to Chloe. I bend down so Chloe can whisper in my ear while I continue my moment with Kailey.
“She’s looks like a princess,” she says so loud everyone begins laughing.
“And can you believe she’s ours?” I say back.
“Then you’re her prince,” she states with wide eyes.
“Yes, he is,” Kailey agrees coming up to us.
I hold my hand out for Kailey, and she grabs it, squeezing it tight. “You look so beautiful,” I say, and her smile becomes even bigger.
“Thank you, you look absurdly handsome in this suit.”
We take our places at the makeshift altar, and the ceremony begins. The pastor nods his head to Kailey, and she hands her bouquet to Sadie, who then escapes back to her seat in the front row. We chose to conduct the traditional vows and once we begin the ring exchange, I slip on her ring and reach into my pocket for my dad’s, since I borrowed it until we can go ring shopping for mine. But, I stop when I notice Kailey reach into the edge of her bodice and pull out a ring. I’m pretty damn jealous of that ring right this second.
“What? How did you—” I ask, but Kailey smirks.
“See, I can surprise you, too.” She waits for the pastor to start saying what she needs to repeat and then slips the silver metal circle onto my finger. No piercing or tattoo has ever felt so right on my body as this ring does on my finger.
“I know pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Trey Michaels,” the pastor announces. “You may kiss your bride, Trey.” My lips can’t reach Kailey’s soon enough. Once they land on the familiar soft pink flesh that I dream about every night, I know that I’m home. The applause start, and we wave our hands to thank everyone. We glance back at the pastor, and he makes the next announcement. “I’m pleased to not only perform the marriage of Kailey and Trey as husband and wife today, but also the marriage of Trey, Kailey, Chloe, Tara, and Drew into a marriage of family.”
I walk over to my mom and pick up Drew while Kailey gathers the girls. We sit down on the small wooden stools in front of the children. We each take hold of one of Chloe’s hands. “We promise to always hold you in our hearts and be your family,” Kailey and I say at the same time. I slip on the charm bracelet onto her wrist, and she smiles ecstatically. We mimic the same movement to Tara and lastly Drew, who is more interested in ways to get it in his mouth.
After we finish the pastor makes another announcement. “I’m pleased to introduce you to the Campbell-Michaels family.” Everyone stands up, clapping while the five of us walk down the aisle into our happily ever after.
THANK YOU TO my family. My husband, who whisks our children off to go fishing, to run errands, or any activity that gives me a few hours of solitude to develop my stories. My lovely two kids who sacrifice their mommy at times due to deadlines. Thank you for your patience and love. You are my rock and I’d never be able to live my dream of being a writer without you.
To all my betas that met Dex and Chrissy first. Melinda Huff Bones, Danielle LeFave, Mia Kayla, Melissa Rolka, Annie Trembley, Michelle Hereford, Amy Lawson, in addition to the anonymous betas through Book Peddler’s Editing. Your feedback made their characters and their story stronger. Thank you for taking the time to read Can’t Let Go.
Heather Davenport, Book Plug Promotions. Thank you for your tremendous organization skills. My cover reveal, book blitz, and tour for Can’t Let Go all done flawlessly as normal. Also, everything you do for the whole Invisibles Series.
My cover designer, Sommer Stein with Perfect Pear Creative Covers. As with all my others, Can’t Let Go is breathtaking beautiful. Thank you for never letting me accept anything less than 100% LOVE!
Perfectly Publishable, your editing and formatting of all the books in the Invisibles Series is amazing and flawless. Thank you for taking the time to make them not only read smoothly, but look beautiful, too.
My street team. Oh, how I love you all. Without all of you, I’d be nowhere. I appreciate all the hard work you go in order to get my name out there and help people discover me and the characters and stories I’ve created.
To all the Bloggers, who have signed up for the release events, thank you for taking on The Invisibles Series and Can’t Let Go and helping me spread the word amongst readers.
Most of all, thank you to all the readers. If you didn’t take a chance on Indie Authors every day, this book would have most likely never been written much less published. Thank you.
I would appreciate if, whether you liked CAN’T LET GO or not, to please leave a review. Reviews are a key component for spreading the word regarding Indie authors & their books. Thank you!
Michelle Lynn
Michelle is an Amazon Best Selling Author. She moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.
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GOODREADS
Love Me Back
Growing up in small-town Belcrest, Maddy Jennings always thought she was destined to be with her childhood sweetheart, Trent Basso. Throughout the complicated road she has traveled with Trent, someone else has had a strong presence in Maddy's life. Trent’s older brother Gabe has always been someone she could count on, therefore neither of them can be blamed when lines blur from friendship to something more. However, promises made between brothers threaten to ensure that neither of them will have a permanent place in her life.
When Maddy returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding, she is forced to face both Trent and Gabe for the first time in two years. While the two Basso brothers fight to win her heart, she is busy struggling with a past that won't seem to let her go. Whether she wants to or not, Maddy must decide to either forfeit her own happiness or forever tear a family apart.
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THE INVISIBLES SERIES
Don’t Let Go
Sadie Miller is attempting to change her ways and hide somewhere no one knows her former self. She only wants to finish her final year of college, obtain her degree, and get out from the hold of her affluent parents. Then she meets Brady Carsen, the lead singer of The Invisibles, a popular local band in the college town. She tries to stay away but quickly realizes that, although he might not be what she’s used to, he’s exactly what she needs and more importantly, everything she could possibly want.
Unfortunately, Sadie’s troubled past left her with insecurities that make her question Brady’s true intentions. And while Brady is convinced that Sadie is the one for him, he has his own secrets that he fears will be their undoing. If they want to be together, they will have to stand united and fight the outside influences that are threatening to tear them apart. Can they put their pasts behind them for good in order to secure their future?
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Let Me In
Grant is damaged, selfish, and undeserving of love … or so he thinks.
Jessa is happy, in love, and has overcome her past … or so she thinks.
Grant and Jessa can’t stop thinking about one another since being introduced at a party a month ago. And despite their differences, they can’t seem to stay away from each other either. However, both are hiding secrets of less-than-perfect pasts, fearing what will happen when those mistakes come to light. As they grow closer, they each battle their own insecurities, and neither believes that they are worthy of the kind of love that they both still want. So if it’s true that opposites attract, what happens when the similarities begin to surface?
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Let Me Love
A chance encounter. An undeniable connection. An unimaginable twist of fate.
Kailey’s life is crumbling. Her best friend and sister, Jen, is dying, leaving her young family devastated. With little hope of saving her, Kailey is forced to face a reality she never expected.
Trey’s life is fun and carefree. He loves the girls, his drums, and his friends. That’s not to say he isn’t continuously plagued by a difficult decision made years ago—one that changed the course of his life.
Despite the connection they make when their paths unexpectedly cross, Kailey knows her life has no room for anyone else right now. But regardless of how many times she pushes him away, Trey only fights harder to make a place for him in her life and in her heart.
Trey thought he knew heartbreak, but he had no idea until life gave him a second chance, only to snatch it away just as fast. This time he’s determined to keep his place in the life of the ones he loves.
Is there such a thing as fate? If so, can Kailey and Trey hold on to one another long enough to discover there’s no such thing as a chance encounter?
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Collaboration (co-written with Nevaeh Lee)
This is not your typical rock star romance. For one, the “rock star” is a rapper. And not just any rapper. Trace is the hottest ticket in the music industry right now, regardless of which definition of ‘hot’ you choose.
Taryn Starr is not the girl-next-door who unknowingly meets a celebrity. Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” the reigning country music princess and world-renowned superstar knows exactly who Trace is … or does she?
Their worlds collide when the musicians whose paths were never destined to cross are forced by their joint record label to collaborate on a song. The sparks fly and ignite a fire that blazes hotter with every minute they spend together—for better or worse. One thing’s for certain, the two media magnets can’t deny their explosive chemistry, but will life in the spotlight ultimately bring Trace and Taryn together or force them apart?
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Familiar Ground
ad·dic·tion noun _-_dik-sh_n, a-
: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something or do something
: an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something
Leah and Adam have never met.
However, they live parallel lives.
Lives plagued by addiction.
When a tragic, but common demon, surfaces between their siblings, Leah and Adam's worlds collide, never to be the same again.
Adam loses his sister forever.
Leah's brother returns.
Both gain a niece, neither knew existed.
Now they face an obstacle to raise a niece together while Leah's brother struggles to free himself from the grip of drug addiction, and as Adam's family grieves for the sister and daughter they lost.
A commonality is discovered.
Deep wounds begin to heal.
Lines blur as their lives entwine.
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