by K. C. Enders
Me: Anything else?
After several seconds, there’s no response, so I pick up the extra items and dump everything into a plastic basket before heading to the front of the store to check out. The line is a fucking mile long. I throw a couple of packages of jerky in the basket and settle in to wait my turn.
It’s like those questions you see online. What three things do you purchase that make the cashier wonder what’s up? Sure, my haul is tame, and I’m sitting at four items, but I chuckle at how my life has changed over the past year. Confirmed bachelor to happily married with two kids. Tense, uncomfortable Christmas at home to being welcomed with open arms by my wife’s family—mostly. I’ll win her dad over somehow.
My phone buzzes again, this time with a call.
“Hey, sweet cheeks. What else did you think of?” I hate to do it, but I’ll step out of line, not that it’s moved much.
“Jack, don’t freak on me, okay?”
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, but I just need you to stay calm and go to the back of the store. The aisle next to the baby stuff.” Kate’s using her teacher voice on me, and of course, it makes me want to do exactly what she asked me not to—freak out.
I stop at the head of the baby aisle and look to my right and then to my left. “Tampons or Seen on TV? Which aisle?” My heart rate slows to normal when I see the options, waiting for her reply.
“Tampon aisle, but …”
I walk down the row, waiting for further instructions. I have no problem buying this shit, but for the life of me, I don’t know what she needs. Hell, it’s not like this has been a part of our relationship with pregnancy and nursing the boys.
“What do you need?”
“Um, the middle of the aisle, between the pads and the condoms,” she whispers, her voice echoing like she’s closed herself into a small space.
I nod to the dude standing in front of the condoms but avoid making eye contact because that’s just weird. Another guy joins the first, standing closer than strictly necessary. No judgment, but damn if things don’t feel a little strained all of a sudden. I turn away from them, offering some privacy, refocusing on what my wife is whispering in my ear.
“Start over, Kate. What kind do you need me to get?”
The last thing I expect is exactly what she says. “The brand doesn’t matter. Just get a damn test, Jack. I’m panicking here.”
My heart swells, and I swear, my chest puffs out with pride. “Katelyn, what are you saying? Are you … are we …” I set the basket full of diapers on the floor and shove my hand through my hair. “How did this happen, baby? The twins are only four …” Jesus, I can’t even think. “Four months old. How? Your father’s going to kill me, isn’t he? I’m never getting past calling him Mr. Beard at this rate.”
Kate barks out a husky laugh. “That’s your big concern? That my daddy’s gonna kick your ass? We’re married, Jack, and at least he’s not wondering if you’re gay.”
I pluck two different tests from the shelf, dropping them into the basket. “Yeah, no chance of that,” I huff, putting a little emphasis on her ex’s name.
A gasp shoots out of the dude with the condoms, his hand flying to his mouth. I turn to face him, wondering what the chances are that this is Chance. The Chance. I stare straight at him, shit-eating grin firmly in place.
“I love you more than anything in the world, Kate. Best Christmas gift, two years running. We gonna make this a thing?”
After calling me an asshole, Kate ends the call, leaving me standing between tampons and condoms, beaming like a fool.
Playlist for Tombstones
Hymn for the Missing - Red
Troubled Souls - Kail Baxley
Hero - Shaman’s Harvest
Hail to the King - Avenged Sevenfold
Black Soul - Shinedown
Go to War - Nothing More
All of Me - Frank Sinatra
Into the Nothing - Breaking Benjamin
’Til the Casket Drops - ZZ Ward
The Time is Now – Atreyu
Acknowledgements
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS HAVE NEVER BEEN all that difficult to write. This one is tough. Really tough and I have avoided it for longer than was practical or wise. This book, Tombstones, was planned a long time ago. Really since the idea that maybe, just maybe I could write a book—make that three—and if all went well, a handful of people might read it/them. Well, you all have gone above and beyond my wildest imagination in your kind words, recommendations and general excitement for my words. Honestly…what have I done to deserve this? The timing with this one is where things get tricky and emotional.
I started writing Tombstones, back in late September…early October and by the end of October learned that a family member was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. He fought hard, but cancer sucks and just this morning he passed away. He was a bit of a Francie McBride, Irish as the day is long and always giving and caring for others. He left this world a better place for having been in it
I’d like to thank the amazing family I have. Typically, I dedicate my books to My Fiends — my husband and boys who support me like crazy in this writing thing. But family is so much more, and I have been blessed with the best of the best. Thank you.
Okay, then. Thank you to Jovanna at Unforeseen Editing for polishing and prettying and making my words better. Thank you to Judy at Proofreading by Judy for making things perfect. And Alora Kate for blowing me away with this cover—holy hotness! I count you all among my blessings.
Deedy, thank you for more than I can even say; keeping my Pinterest boards fresh, brainstorming the funniest damn scenes, including one that ended up being absolutely pivotal to the story! You keep me motivated and sane and on track and all of that! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
McKinzee, Robin, Alamea, Jenn, and Mel—much love for reading this and helping me to make it better.
Mel, thank you. Your friendship and means the world to me. I’m not sure what I did to deserve you, but I thank God that I have you.
Aerin for naming Jess. Stacy for the memes, check ins and word count reminders.
The bloggers who took time to post and promote this book. My ARC team for all your excitement and spreading the word. Your reviews and recommendations touch my heart and fill my soul. Thank you.
And then there are all the ‘patrons’ at McBride’s on Main—my reader group. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy each and every one of you! I’m thankful you’ve found me and can’t imagine the place without you!! Thank you.
Other Titles from KC Enders
Troubles
Twist
Tunes
About the Author
Karin is a New York Girl living in a Midwest world.
A CONNOISSEUR OF GREAT words, fine bourbon, and strong coffee, she’s married to the love of her life who is also her best friend. The mother to two grown men, she is proud to say that they can cook and clean up after themselves (you’re welcome, world), and always hold doors open for ladies. Even though her boys no longer live at home, the two big, dumb dogs she’s rescued have taken up the empty space.
Connect with her on Social Media:
www.kcenderswrites.com
Facebook — Author KC Enders
Instagram — @authorkcenders
And join the shenanigans in her reader group:
McBride’s on Main-KC Enders’ reader group