The Final Temptation, page 12
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. We’re married now and just found out we’re having a baby; shouldn’t we feel different?”
I shrug. “I don’t see why. We always knew our lives were headed in this direction, and I love you the same as I did yesterday.”
“Shouldn’t you love me more every day?” she teases, quirking a brow at me.
“That’s impossible, because I’ve loved you with everything I have from the day I made you mine, and I will for the rest of my life. Nothing—or no one—will ever change that, Kayla,” I tell her truthfully.
She smiles softly; it’s one of those smiles that constricts my chest and makes it difficult to breathe. “You always know the right thing to say to me.” She leans in and places a kiss over my heart. “I’ll never stop loving you either.”
“Damn straight, or I will find you and I will kill you.” I mock back the teasing threat to her. She giggles and we fall back into a comfortable silence again.
A few minutes later my eyes begin to feel heavy but I force them to stay open, wanting to say one last thing to her. “Kayla?” I whisper, not wanting to wake her if she’s already fallen asleep.
“Yeah?” she replies just as quietly.
I reach down and place my hand flat against her stomach. “What I said earlier about the baby… I lied.” She stiffens, but before she can say anything I continue: “I hope all of our kids turn out just like you—kind, brave, generous and a pain in the ass.”
I feel her smile against my chest before she reaches down and places her hand over mine. “We’re going to have a good life, Coop.”
“Yeah, we are.” Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head. “Sleep, baby,” are the last words I speak before I fall into a deep slumber.
*
Kayla
I hear Cooper’s breathing even out and his hand gets heavier on my tummy. Looking up, I see his handsome face soft with sleep and I watch him for a moment, taking in his unguarded expression like I do on so many nights. This is also one of my favorite moments in life that I cherish—to watch him when the world isn’t weighing so heavily on him, as he shoulders so much responsibility. What he doesn’t know, is that while he’s watching over everyone and taking care of everything, is that I’m watching out for him and I always will. I know there will be times throughout our life that won’t always be easy, but I will never give up on us—never give up on him. He was the first man I ever loved and he will be my last. I will make sure that we share as many unforgettable moments as possible, ones that will stay with us in to eternity.
The end
Acknowledgements
I always have so many people to thank who help me through this amazing journey I am on. Let’s hope I don’t miss anyone.
Always first on my list is my amazing and incredibly supportive husband~ I feel like a broken record because it’s always the same, but thank you. Thank you for loving me, for supporting me, and most of all, for making my dreams come true. You’re the best husband in the world and an even better father to our beautiful children. It’s clear I am a romantic at heart, and although I love all the love stories I write, ours is my favorite.
To My Editor, Megan~ I have two words for you, BOOK FIVE! Okay, I’m lying, I have a few more for you. I don’t think I will ever be able to say thank you enough. Not only for being an amazing friend but also editor. I know we don’t always see eye to eye and you probably want to slap me sometimes, lol, but I want to say thank you for always bearing with me. When we are close to the end and I’m stressed or second-guessing myself you are patient and always build me back up. That means more to me than you will ever know. So, again, thank you for continuing this amazing journey with me.
My parents~ Dad, I know you will never read any of my books and that is more than okay with me, because in the end I know you’re proud of me. And we both know I’m your favorite child, sooo… ;) Mom, where do I start with you? I am pretty sure you have more friends in this Indie world than I do, but what they don’t have is you as their mom. I am not sure if they are lucky or not. Lol! I’m kidding, Karebear, I love you. Thank you for always being there for me and being my number one fan. Your love and support means everything to me.
My mother in-law, Gis~ I’ve said it before but I can never say it enough. Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone by reading my books, and for still loving me afterward. Lol! Thank you for always being the first person to offer a helping hand with my beautiful children so I can be successful in this journey I’m on. You will never know how much it means to me to know my kids are in good hands when I’m gone and needed elsewhere. I also want to say thank you for raising such an amazing son. I have both you and Les to thank for me having my HEA (Happily Ever After).
Shelley~ Thank you for always being an extra set of sharp eyes and for always having my back. Love you.
My Betas – Kim, Sian and Natasha~ Thank you ladies for never steering me wrong, and for listening to me vent when I need to. I always appreciate you ladies being there for me and lifting me up.
Steph~ My sister from another mister, I love you so much. Thanks for always being there for me in this crazy Indie world. I can’t wait for Kingston.
Keisha, aka K. Langston, aka one of my favorite authors, aka my new author bestie~I am so happy that not only do I now read your books, but that I also know you as a person. You always inspired me to be a better writer, but since knowing you, you also inspire me to be a better person. I love you, Hooker, thanks for showing me what it’s all about.
My Cupcakes~ You all mean more to me than you will ever know. I say it all the time and I will say it again—you girls are one of the best things that ever happened to me in this Indie world. Thank you for your unwavering support. I couldn’t do this without any of you.
Sian~ Girl, you are a pimping queen. Thank you so much for always taking time out of your day to share my books. Your love and support completely overwhelm me in the best way. I can’t wait to give you a squeeze in Ireland next year.
Sierra and Kim~ Thank you, ladies, for always being there for me when I need to vent, for coming to any of my signings when you can to support me and for always having my back. Both of you started as readers and have become my besties. Love you to pieces.
To all my author buddies~ I am scared to name any of you and forget someone, but you know who you are. Lol! Thank you for always supportive and encouraging me. This Indie world can get cray cray at times and it’s nice to know you aren’t alone and we have each other’s back.
Bloggers, this is for you~
B~ Believe in us
L~ Lift us
O~ Open their hearts to us
G~ Go above and beyond
G~ Give us strength
E~ Encourage us
R~ Review and Recommend us
S~ Spread the love
To all the bloggers who love and support~ Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Kari Ayasha~ Thank you for a beautiful cover, as always. I can always count on you to deliver exceptional work.
And last, but certainly not least, my Ladies Of Honor~ Your continued support is amazing and it’s the love that you all constantly show me that keeps my head high and my fingers typing. Thank you and I love you all.
K.C. Lynn, The Final Temptation
