Damned Sinner, page 22
part #1 of Jayne Series
Vincent Andrew Donovan II, was born into the world like a bear clawing its way out of a cave on a cold winter morning, dragging us out into the weather like a boss.
“He’s perfect,” Kelsey said. Her voice was hoarse from hours of struggle and effort, but her smile was perfect. “He looks like a little tiny you.”
I smiled down at him, considering what she’d said. He definitely had my nose and my hair, but I really hoped he’d have his mother’s eyes.
“I’m just glad he’s a he and not a she.”
Kelsey laughed. “You and me both.”
“You’re going to grow big and strong, little man. You’re our treasure.”
I bent down, kissed her forehead, and smiled when her eyes drooped. “Sleep. You’ve earned it, sweetheart.”
The birth had been a hard one. After the physical trauma she’d endured only months before, it’d been risky from the start, but she proved to me once and for all that she was a strong woman—much stronger than I was—and no matter what it took, she was going to bring him into the world safe and sound.
Before I even turned my head, she was out like a light. I quietly laid Drew down in the crib next to her and once again touched each finger and toe, his ears, his nose, and down to his belly button.
It hadn’t been easy, but we’d managed to put down roots and create a life. The business was up and running—The Phoenix Ranch—and the name had never held more meaning than it did now.
We’d climbed up out of the ashes and had recreated a new life. We’d all changed, we’d found our passion and our dreams and our souls. Some people never found those things, and for a long time, I thought I’d be one of those lost, miserable bastards forever.
We’d never be the cookie-cutter family—that just wasn’t who we were. But, we had enough ambition and love between the two of us to create something beautiful, to give our children the love we’d never had, and the future they deserved.
They’d have a home, and hugs and food on the table. They’d have compassion and understanding and occasionally the ugly reality that life wasn’t perfect, but it was good. I knew both of us would give all we had to make their lives memorable and comfortable.
I recalled a conversation I’d had with Cherise, and repeated it quietly in my head. The sins of the father will visit the son. I had to believe I’d washed my sins, paid my price in order to deserve such a gift.
I wondered every day how I’d gotten so lucky. Life was a gamble, and I’d finally found my piece of prosperity. What I once thought would be my greatest sin became my saving grace. If I had it all to do over again, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I’d sin like a motherfucker.
The End
Note from the Author
I would like to thank—once again—my amazing beta readers and friends for catching my oopsies, being my sounding boards, and for support and love I couldn’t live without. Erin, Mary, Andrea, Kat, Misty and Beth, and my editor, Marti Lynch: I’m the luckiest gal in the world to have you on my side. Also, thank you Sarah for jumping in last minute to save my life!
Special thanks to my always awesome graphics designer and cover designer, L.J. Anderson/ Mayhem Cover Creations.
A super special thanks to Andrea Johnson for being Vince’s biggest cheerleader, synopsis writer extraordinaire, and all around bad ass.
And thank you to all the amazing blogs, reviewers, readers and authors that have shown me support, encouragement and help in so many ways. It’s truly an honor to be a part of this indie community!
Also by Jami Denise
The Jayne Series
See Jayne Play
Queen of Hearts
Damned Sinner
Watch for more at Jami Denise’s site.
About the Author
Jami Denise is an up and coming writer from Southern California.
She writes Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Erotica.
She’s always had a strong desire to write. She fell in love with books at a very young age. She loves the freedom to express herself through her stories and share them with others.
Her books are always on the spicy side with a little bit of sweet to make you swoon. Her feisty kittens always give the bad boys a run for their money. She likes taking risks, pushing her characters into directions that challenge the reader and take them out of their element. You'll usually find the unexpected to happen in her stories. Life isn't always pretty, and she likes to layer her words with true grit.
She is a self professed cat lady, addicted to coffee and Monster, cupcake lip balm, and loves all things old,grungy,and fast. She's well versed in sarcasm, and the F-word is her favorite adjective.
When she doesn't have her nose in a book, or fingers on a keyboard, she's spending time with family and friends, watching old movies, sitting at the beach, and waiting for the next felon to come sweep her off her feet.
Jami loves interacting with her readers and meeting new friends. You can connect with Jami here:
Twitter: @jamideniseo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jamideniseauthor
Website: www.jamidenise.weebly.com
Email: Jamideniseo@gmail.com
Read more at Jami Denise’s site.
Jami Denise, Damned Sinner
