All Your Firsts Without Me, page 20
Westin laughs, “He’s an ornery one. Keep an eye on him.”
I slap my hands down on my knees. “Well, we have to get going. Kaden is on his way home, so we need to go stock up on groceries.” I lean forward, pressing a kiss to my fingers before placing them against his name. “I miss you.”
“We both miss you,” Westin says, helping me to my feet.
I glance over my shoulder as we walk away. I’d like to tell you it gets easier, but I don’t know that it does. What I do know is that having something to walk towards does help. I have a beautiful life… it’s always been there for the taking, David’s letters helped me see it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
April ~ six months later
There is nothing cuter than watching your husband play the guitar and sing to your newborn daughter. She blinks at him slowly as she chews on her tiny fist. I’m not even going to tell you how many songs he’s written for her.
Yes, we got married a few weeks before Kathryn was due. It was a small ceremony on the beach. It was important to us that we be one hundred percent committed to each other before she was born.
Our family was here all day visiting, and I’m not going to lie, I’m pooped out. I wave to him and point to the bedroom, letting him know I’m going to lie down for a bit. He gives me a big grin, nodding.
When I step into our bedroom, I find two letters lying on each of our pillows. I run, and I do mean run to the one with my name on it. I hold it to my chest, I thought there wouldn’t be any more letters but here they are, in David’s handwriting.
I pick up Westin’s and walk back out into the living room. He is setting his guitar against the fireplace. He glances up at me with a look of concern. I wave the letters in the air. “Looks like David’s little helpers were at it again.”
After handing him the letter with his name on it, we stare at each other for a moment. “How about we read them to ourselves and then we can decide if we want to swap,” I suggest.
He makes a hmm sound, his finger over his mouth. “I’m… I’m going to take mine outside.” He pinches his nose, making a beeline for the door. Lucky hops up to join him.
Westin misses David about as much as I do. I guess he’s not as used to getting these letters as I am. Although, I haven’t had a new one in a long time.
I sit down by Kathryn, rocking her cradle softly. “This is a letter from my first husband,” I say quietly. Someday, I will tell you all about him. He was one of the good ones, just like your dad.”
Dear April,
Do you remember our first kiss? The one you sprung on me when I was blowing out my birthday candles. You bugged me the rest of the day, wanting to know what I’d wished for.
If you’re reading this, it came true.
Congratulations.
I’m so happy for you both.
Anyhow, if you look in the bottom of this envelope you will find a candle from that day. Give it to your baby on their eighteenth birthday. Put it on their cake and then you tell them that wishes do come true… they are living proof of it.
I know I told you there would be no more letters and I don’t want you to spend the rest of your days waiting for them and being disappointed when they don’t come. This is the final letter. Don’t worry though, I’ll find other ways to bug you the rest of your life.
Give Westin a hug and that adorable baby a kiss from me.
Love forever and a day,
David
After wiping my eyes, I pick up Kathryn and walk to the windows. Westin and Lucky are sitting on the deck, staring out at the ocean. He turns as if he senses my eyes on him. He stands, snapping his fingers for Lucky to follow.
A cool burst of air follows him in. “You good?” he asks.
“Never better,” I tell him, giving him a big smile.
“Do you want to swap?” he asks hesitantly.
“You can read mine, but if you want to keep yours to yourself that’s fine.” I sit down on the couch.
He sits beside me, taking Kathryn from my arms. “You go first,” he says. He settles her in the crook of his arm, kissing her forehead. I love the curious little look on her face as she stares at him.
I take the letter and curl up beside him.
Dear Westin,
If we were together, this would definitely be something to toast. Congratulations.
I never thanked you for all you’ve done for me. You gave me a peace no one else could. I’ll admit, I was panicked that April would retreat into the darkness. It worried me every waking moment but then you came along. I knew you wouldn’t let her go. I saw it in your eyes. I admired it even.
So, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. For allowing me the chance to make sure she knew I would be okay with you and her together. She’s as loyal as they come but by now you know this for yourself. I don’t have to tell you anything. You know.
Anyhow, I won’t keep you because I’m sure you’re up to your ears in bottles, diapers, and no sleep. I remember those days well. Cherish them.
You promised me you wouldn’t give up on her and now I’m going to return one. When you are tired or absent, rest easy knowing that I’ll be there, watching over your little one. It’s a job I won’t take lightly.
Hold tight to your girls, Westin.
Love forever and a day,
David
Westin rubs my knee. “You okay?”
I nod, smiling. “He knew our first child would be a girl.”
“Seems so. Was that man ever wrong?” he asks.
I lean over, cupping my husband’s beautiful face. “No, and neither are you,” I tease.
He throws his head back, laughing. He startles Kathryn, her little arms fly up. “I’m sorry, baby girl. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he coos before placing kisses all over her tiny cheeks.
She gives him a grumpy face, her tiny brows pulling together in a scowl. It makes me giggle. “I think she’s going to give David a run for his money. Aren’t you, baby?” I run my finger lightly down the side of her face and her mouth tips in something resembling a grin.
The End
EPILOGUE
Westin ~ Five years later
“Earth to Westin. Earth to Westin,” Kaden calls by my side.
I flip him off and he laughs.
“Your head is in the clouds, man.” He casts his line off the pier before sitting down on his cooler.
“Wasn’t she perfect at the AMAs?” I ask, embarrassed by how breathy my voice sounds.
“Yeah, yeah. The bell of the ball.” He rolls his eyes.
My mind strays back to that night. It was April and I’s debut to the world. Our album hit number one at the beginning of the year, and we were invited to sing at the American Music Awards last week.
You’re wondering what took so long? The answer is simple. Three kids.
But it was worth it. The foundation in David’s memory is soaring sky high.
She was beautiful, in a gown of gold. Her hair down and curling around her slender shoulders. Hmm. Damn. I glance at my watch to see if it’s the kids’ naptime.
“Don’t even think about it,” Kade says, laughing. “I’m not going to listen to you two go at it.”
“When are you leaving?” I tease. Really, I’m joking. Not.
He laughs again, “How many babies are two going to pop out?”
“As many as she wants,” I answer truthfully. I reel in my line, ready to call it a day.
Kaden stands, doing the same.
“What about you and Carly? When are you guys going to get started on a family?”
“I’m waiting for Kat to get old enough to babysit,” he laughs, giving me a non-answer.
“She’s a pretty darn good one right now. For only being five, she’s great help with her brothers.”
When we get to the house, the little girl we speak of is sitting on the floor with said brothers. Kathryn is stacking blocks high and then letting the boys knock them over. They both giggle, rolling on their backs as she resumes the tedious task of setting one on top the other.
Kaden sneaks up behind her. Both boys watch him with ornery grins on their face.
“Boo!” he yells.
She jumps to her feet, turning towards him. She jumps into his arms. Nothing much scares her.
“Uncle Kade!” she squeals.
“How’s my little Kat,” he asks, rubbing his scruff over her cheeks, making her squirm away from him.
She grabs his beard, holding his face still, then she turns serious on him. “We went to the store and mama bought your favorite cookies, then we went to the library, and then we went to the post office.” Her bright green eyes turn sad.
He lifts her higher on his hip. I reach over, running my finger over her bottom lip. “What’s wrong, baby girl?”
“Mama’s been crying ever since we went there.”
I glance around the house, looking down at my boys. They aren’t paying us any attention, trying to stack blocks like their sister.
Kat points down the hallway. “She’s in the bathroom.”
Kaden nods his head. “Go on. I’ll keep these little monsters busy.”
“I’m not a monster,” Kathryn tells him with a huff.
He laughs, setting her back on the ground.
I knock on the bathroom door. “Honey?”
The water comes on and she mumbles an “I’ll be right out.”
I’m having none of that. I push the door open to find her splashing cold water over her face. When she rights herself, her eyes are swollen and red-rimmed.
“What’s wrong?”
She shakes her head, unable to speak. She steps around me, walking back into the living room. Kade rises from the floor when he sees us. She waves for him to follow.
Him and I exchange a nervous look. I shrug my shoulders. What the hell is wrong?
She opens the door to the garage, heading towards the back hatch of her minivan. After opening it, she steps back, covering her mouth to stifle a sob. She points inside. Kade and I both lean around to see what has her so worked up.
It’s tubs and tubs of letters. Her whole back end is full.
“I… I checked the foundation’s mail and there was a notice that our box was too full, so I went inside and they…” she leans over, bracing her hands on her knees. “There’s more… lots more. We’re going to need to make several trips.”
Kaden pulls one out. “What are they?”
She starts crying but it quickly turns to laughter. “He’s such a smartass.” She crosses her legs like she’s fixing to pee her pants.
“I’ve opened dozens of them. They’re all about David.”
She pulls one out and opens it, reading it aloud.
Dear April,
I’m writing this after seeing you on the AMAs. You and Westin were amazing. Anyhow, I wanted to share my story with you.
Officer Langston pulled me over for drunk driving one night. I thought my life was over. I was angry and embarrassed, I thought my wife would leave me, take the kids. I cried like a baby as he cuffed me. He was kind, but he was a hard ass at the same time. Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy with him.
The next morning, I found out my wife had posted bail. When I stepped outside, there she was with the very officer who had arrested me. He put his hand on my shoulder and told me I needed to make some changes, but I hadn’t lost everything.
He made me take a good long look at her. “Don’t forget this moment,” he had said.
And I didn’t. I remember it clearly to this day. Actually, I think about it every day. It’s a big part of my sobriety.
Anyhow, I wanted to share my story with you. He was a great man.
Sincerely,
Jonathan North
We stare at the mountain of letters spilling out the back of the van. Kaden grabs another one.
To David’s family,
Wow, I saw April and Westin on the AMA’s and you guys rock. I’ve played your album over and over again.
I’m writing this because I think it’s really cool you are doing this for Officer Langston. I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for him. Sixteen years ago, my mom went into labor early. I was a preemie. But anyhow, she tried to drive herself to the hospital but had to pull over because I was coming.
He pulled up behind her to find out why she was stopped on the edge of a busy highway. When he saw what was happening, he helped her and poof… here I am!
I wasn’t breathing when I came out. My mom said she wouldn’t have known what to do and she believes if it weren’t for him giving me CPR I would have died.
I think it’s sad that officers don’t get the credit they deserve. People think all they do is arrest the bad guys and harass speeders, but it’s not true. They do so much more.
Anyhow, I hope you read this,
A Teenager Happy to be Alive
We all stand there looking at each other. Westin grabs one, taking his turn at reading aloud.
Dear April,
Today my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. Without Officer Langston’s courageous act thirteen years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible. You see, my wife had been seconds away from being shot by the Greenfield Mall shooter when David caused a distraction and took him down.
Please accept this donation to your foundation. I don’t know how else to thank a man whose given me so much. Without him, I may have never gotten to call myself a husband or a father. My wife is my best friend, the love of my life. I’m so thankful he was there that day.
Forever grateful,
Jonathan McNeil
Kaden wipes his eyes. “This is… Jesus, how many do you think there are?”
“Enough to last a lifetime,” April says with tears streaming down her face.
As soon as we get back inside, Kat runs to my wife. “You okay, mommy?”
“I’m okay, baby.” April wraps her arms around her. “Why don’t we order some pizza, and all go out and watch the sun set since it’s Uncle Kade’s last night visiting.”
An hour later, we are all sitting on the beach. Kat is perched on Kaden’s lap, leaning against his chest, happily eating her pizza. The boys are digging in the sand, bringing April and I little shells they find.
April rolls one of them in her palm. Her eyes lift to the sun as it hovers over the horizon and I know she is thinking about him. She slides over to me and lays her head on my shoulder. She places the little shell in my hand, closing my fist around it. “I love you,” she whispers for my ears only.
“I love you too.” I kiss her temple and we both close our eyes.
“Look mama, look daddy. It’s a butterfly!” Kat stands up, twirling around in a circle. She laughs as the insect flies around her head, making her squeal in delight. She reminds me so much of her mother, their light shines bright.
David’s Final Letter
Dear reader,
I have one last pebble to cast.
This one is for you…
Hold it in your heart until the time feels right, then let it go.
It doesn’t have to be big…. as we’ve learned it can be as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
You may not see the ripples it will create, but they are there. Trust me.
Love forever and a day,
David
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LM Terry is a lover of love stories. She has spent her life in the Midwest, growing up near a public library which helped fuel her love of books. With most of her eight children grown and with the support of her husband, she decided to follow her heart and begin her writing journey. In searching for that happily ever after, her characters have been enticing her to share their sinfully dark, delectable tales. She knows the world is filled with shadows and dark truths and is happy to give these characters the platform they have been begging for. This is her seventh novel.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmterryauthor/
Website: https://lmterryauthor.com
BOOKS BY LM TERRY
*The Hidden Series
Finding Anna: Book One
Saving Addy: Book Two
Discovering Danielle: Book Three
*Rebel Skulls MC Series
Sugar and Skulls: Book One
Watercolor Skulls: Book Two
Roses and Skulls: Book Three (Coming Summer 2021)
*Death and Daffodils (A standalone)
*All Your Firsts Without Me (A standalone)
LM Terry, All Your Firsts Without Me
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I slap my hands down on my knees. “Well, we have to get going. Kaden is on his way home, so we need to go stock up on groceries.” I lean forward, pressing a kiss to my fingers before placing them against his name. “I miss you.”
“We both miss you,” Westin says, helping me to my feet.
I glance over my shoulder as we walk away. I’d like to tell you it gets easier, but I don’t know that it does. What I do know is that having something to walk towards does help. I have a beautiful life… it’s always been there for the taking, David’s letters helped me see it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
April ~ six months later
There is nothing cuter than watching your husband play the guitar and sing to your newborn daughter. She blinks at him slowly as she chews on her tiny fist. I’m not even going to tell you how many songs he’s written for her.
Yes, we got married a few weeks before Kathryn was due. It was a small ceremony on the beach. It was important to us that we be one hundred percent committed to each other before she was born.
Our family was here all day visiting, and I’m not going to lie, I’m pooped out. I wave to him and point to the bedroom, letting him know I’m going to lie down for a bit. He gives me a big grin, nodding.
When I step into our bedroom, I find two letters lying on each of our pillows. I run, and I do mean run to the one with my name on it. I hold it to my chest, I thought there wouldn’t be any more letters but here they are, in David’s handwriting.
I pick up Westin’s and walk back out into the living room. He is setting his guitar against the fireplace. He glances up at me with a look of concern. I wave the letters in the air. “Looks like David’s little helpers were at it again.”
After handing him the letter with his name on it, we stare at each other for a moment. “How about we read them to ourselves and then we can decide if we want to swap,” I suggest.
He makes a hmm sound, his finger over his mouth. “I’m… I’m going to take mine outside.” He pinches his nose, making a beeline for the door. Lucky hops up to join him.
Westin misses David about as much as I do. I guess he’s not as used to getting these letters as I am. Although, I haven’t had a new one in a long time.
I sit down by Kathryn, rocking her cradle softly. “This is a letter from my first husband,” I say quietly. Someday, I will tell you all about him. He was one of the good ones, just like your dad.”
Dear April,
Do you remember our first kiss? The one you sprung on me when I was blowing out my birthday candles. You bugged me the rest of the day, wanting to know what I’d wished for.
If you’re reading this, it came true.
Congratulations.
I’m so happy for you both.
Anyhow, if you look in the bottom of this envelope you will find a candle from that day. Give it to your baby on their eighteenth birthday. Put it on their cake and then you tell them that wishes do come true… they are living proof of it.
I know I told you there would be no more letters and I don’t want you to spend the rest of your days waiting for them and being disappointed when they don’t come. This is the final letter. Don’t worry though, I’ll find other ways to bug you the rest of your life.
Give Westin a hug and that adorable baby a kiss from me.
Love forever and a day,
David
After wiping my eyes, I pick up Kathryn and walk to the windows. Westin and Lucky are sitting on the deck, staring out at the ocean. He turns as if he senses my eyes on him. He stands, snapping his fingers for Lucky to follow.
A cool burst of air follows him in. “You good?” he asks.
“Never better,” I tell him, giving him a big smile.
“Do you want to swap?” he asks hesitantly.
“You can read mine, but if you want to keep yours to yourself that’s fine.” I sit down on the couch.
He sits beside me, taking Kathryn from my arms. “You go first,” he says. He settles her in the crook of his arm, kissing her forehead. I love the curious little look on her face as she stares at him.
I take the letter and curl up beside him.
Dear Westin,
If we were together, this would definitely be something to toast. Congratulations.
I never thanked you for all you’ve done for me. You gave me a peace no one else could. I’ll admit, I was panicked that April would retreat into the darkness. It worried me every waking moment but then you came along. I knew you wouldn’t let her go. I saw it in your eyes. I admired it even.
So, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. For allowing me the chance to make sure she knew I would be okay with you and her together. She’s as loyal as they come but by now you know this for yourself. I don’t have to tell you anything. You know.
Anyhow, I won’t keep you because I’m sure you’re up to your ears in bottles, diapers, and no sleep. I remember those days well. Cherish them.
You promised me you wouldn’t give up on her and now I’m going to return one. When you are tired or absent, rest easy knowing that I’ll be there, watching over your little one. It’s a job I won’t take lightly.
Hold tight to your girls, Westin.
Love forever and a day,
David
Westin rubs my knee. “You okay?”
I nod, smiling. “He knew our first child would be a girl.”
“Seems so. Was that man ever wrong?” he asks.
I lean over, cupping my husband’s beautiful face. “No, and neither are you,” I tease.
He throws his head back, laughing. He startles Kathryn, her little arms fly up. “I’m sorry, baby girl. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he coos before placing kisses all over her tiny cheeks.
She gives him a grumpy face, her tiny brows pulling together in a scowl. It makes me giggle. “I think she’s going to give David a run for his money. Aren’t you, baby?” I run my finger lightly down the side of her face and her mouth tips in something resembling a grin.
The End
EPILOGUE
Westin ~ Five years later
“Earth to Westin. Earth to Westin,” Kaden calls by my side.
I flip him off and he laughs.
“Your head is in the clouds, man.” He casts his line off the pier before sitting down on his cooler.
“Wasn’t she perfect at the AMAs?” I ask, embarrassed by how breathy my voice sounds.
“Yeah, yeah. The bell of the ball.” He rolls his eyes.
My mind strays back to that night. It was April and I’s debut to the world. Our album hit number one at the beginning of the year, and we were invited to sing at the American Music Awards last week.
You’re wondering what took so long? The answer is simple. Three kids.
But it was worth it. The foundation in David’s memory is soaring sky high.
She was beautiful, in a gown of gold. Her hair down and curling around her slender shoulders. Hmm. Damn. I glance at my watch to see if it’s the kids’ naptime.
“Don’t even think about it,” Kade says, laughing. “I’m not going to listen to you two go at it.”
“When are you leaving?” I tease. Really, I’m joking. Not.
He laughs again, “How many babies are two going to pop out?”
“As many as she wants,” I answer truthfully. I reel in my line, ready to call it a day.
Kaden stands, doing the same.
“What about you and Carly? When are you guys going to get started on a family?”
“I’m waiting for Kat to get old enough to babysit,” he laughs, giving me a non-answer.
“She’s a pretty darn good one right now. For only being five, she’s great help with her brothers.”
When we get to the house, the little girl we speak of is sitting on the floor with said brothers. Kathryn is stacking blocks high and then letting the boys knock them over. They both giggle, rolling on their backs as she resumes the tedious task of setting one on top the other.
Kaden sneaks up behind her. Both boys watch him with ornery grins on their face.
“Boo!” he yells.
She jumps to her feet, turning towards him. She jumps into his arms. Nothing much scares her.
“Uncle Kade!” she squeals.
“How’s my little Kat,” he asks, rubbing his scruff over her cheeks, making her squirm away from him.
She grabs his beard, holding his face still, then she turns serious on him. “We went to the store and mama bought your favorite cookies, then we went to the library, and then we went to the post office.” Her bright green eyes turn sad.
He lifts her higher on his hip. I reach over, running my finger over her bottom lip. “What’s wrong, baby girl?”
“Mama’s been crying ever since we went there.”
I glance around the house, looking down at my boys. They aren’t paying us any attention, trying to stack blocks like their sister.
Kat points down the hallway. “She’s in the bathroom.”
Kaden nods his head. “Go on. I’ll keep these little monsters busy.”
“I’m not a monster,” Kathryn tells him with a huff.
He laughs, setting her back on the ground.
I knock on the bathroom door. “Honey?”
The water comes on and she mumbles an “I’ll be right out.”
I’m having none of that. I push the door open to find her splashing cold water over her face. When she rights herself, her eyes are swollen and red-rimmed.
“What’s wrong?”
She shakes her head, unable to speak. She steps around me, walking back into the living room. Kade rises from the floor when he sees us. She waves for him to follow.
Him and I exchange a nervous look. I shrug my shoulders. What the hell is wrong?
She opens the door to the garage, heading towards the back hatch of her minivan. After opening it, she steps back, covering her mouth to stifle a sob. She points inside. Kade and I both lean around to see what has her so worked up.
It’s tubs and tubs of letters. Her whole back end is full.
“I… I checked the foundation’s mail and there was a notice that our box was too full, so I went inside and they…” she leans over, bracing her hands on her knees. “There’s more… lots more. We’re going to need to make several trips.”
Kaden pulls one out. “What are they?”
She starts crying but it quickly turns to laughter. “He’s such a smartass.” She crosses her legs like she’s fixing to pee her pants.
“I’ve opened dozens of them. They’re all about David.”
She pulls one out and opens it, reading it aloud.
Dear April,
I’m writing this after seeing you on the AMAs. You and Westin were amazing. Anyhow, I wanted to share my story with you.
Officer Langston pulled me over for drunk driving one night. I thought my life was over. I was angry and embarrassed, I thought my wife would leave me, take the kids. I cried like a baby as he cuffed me. He was kind, but he was a hard ass at the same time. Needless to say, I wasn’t too happy with him.
The next morning, I found out my wife had posted bail. When I stepped outside, there she was with the very officer who had arrested me. He put his hand on my shoulder and told me I needed to make some changes, but I hadn’t lost everything.
He made me take a good long look at her. “Don’t forget this moment,” he had said.
And I didn’t. I remember it clearly to this day. Actually, I think about it every day. It’s a big part of my sobriety.
Anyhow, I wanted to share my story with you. He was a great man.
Sincerely,
Jonathan North
We stare at the mountain of letters spilling out the back of the van. Kaden grabs another one.
To David’s family,
Wow, I saw April and Westin on the AMA’s and you guys rock. I’ve played your album over and over again.
I’m writing this because I think it’s really cool you are doing this for Officer Langston. I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for him. Sixteen years ago, my mom went into labor early. I was a preemie. But anyhow, she tried to drive herself to the hospital but had to pull over because I was coming.
He pulled up behind her to find out why she was stopped on the edge of a busy highway. When he saw what was happening, he helped her and poof… here I am!
I wasn’t breathing when I came out. My mom said she wouldn’t have known what to do and she believes if it weren’t for him giving me CPR I would have died.
I think it’s sad that officers don’t get the credit they deserve. People think all they do is arrest the bad guys and harass speeders, but it’s not true. They do so much more.
Anyhow, I hope you read this,
A Teenager Happy to be Alive
We all stand there looking at each other. Westin grabs one, taking his turn at reading aloud.
Dear April,
Today my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. Without Officer Langston’s courageous act thirteen years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible. You see, my wife had been seconds away from being shot by the Greenfield Mall shooter when David caused a distraction and took him down.
Please accept this donation to your foundation. I don’t know how else to thank a man whose given me so much. Without him, I may have never gotten to call myself a husband or a father. My wife is my best friend, the love of my life. I’m so thankful he was there that day.
Forever grateful,
Jonathan McNeil
Kaden wipes his eyes. “This is… Jesus, how many do you think there are?”
“Enough to last a lifetime,” April says with tears streaming down her face.
As soon as we get back inside, Kat runs to my wife. “You okay, mommy?”
“I’m okay, baby.” April wraps her arms around her. “Why don’t we order some pizza, and all go out and watch the sun set since it’s Uncle Kade’s last night visiting.”
An hour later, we are all sitting on the beach. Kat is perched on Kaden’s lap, leaning against his chest, happily eating her pizza. The boys are digging in the sand, bringing April and I little shells they find.
April rolls one of them in her palm. Her eyes lift to the sun as it hovers over the horizon and I know she is thinking about him. She slides over to me and lays her head on my shoulder. She places the little shell in my hand, closing my fist around it. “I love you,” she whispers for my ears only.
“I love you too.” I kiss her temple and we both close our eyes.
“Look mama, look daddy. It’s a butterfly!” Kat stands up, twirling around in a circle. She laughs as the insect flies around her head, making her squeal in delight. She reminds me so much of her mother, their light shines bright.
David’s Final Letter
Dear reader,
I have one last pebble to cast.
This one is for you…
Hold it in your heart until the time feels right, then let it go.
It doesn’t have to be big…. as we’ve learned it can be as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
You may not see the ripples it will create, but they are there. Trust me.
Love forever and a day,
David
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LM Terry is a lover of love stories. She has spent her life in the Midwest, growing up near a public library which helped fuel her love of books. With most of her eight children grown and with the support of her husband, she decided to follow her heart and begin her writing journey. In searching for that happily ever after, her characters have been enticing her to share their sinfully dark, delectable tales. She knows the world is filled with shadows and dark truths and is happy to give these characters the platform they have been begging for. This is her seventh novel.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmterryauthor/
Website: https://lmterryauthor.com
BOOKS BY LM TERRY
*The Hidden Series
Finding Anna: Book One
Saving Addy: Book Two
Discovering Danielle: Book Three
*Rebel Skulls MC Series
Sugar and Skulls: Book One
Watercolor Skulls: Book Two
Roses and Skulls: Book Three (Coming Summer 2021)
*Death and Daffodils (A standalone)
*All Your Firsts Without Me (A standalone)
LM Terry, All Your Firsts Without Me
