by Stacy M Wray
There is something I did which I never shared with Karma. I will someday, when the timing’s right, but so far I haven’t seen the need. It was back when we still lived in my condo. She was in the shower and her phone was lying on the bed next to me. An incoming call appeared which I could tell was from overseas and either my curiosity got the better of me or I told myself it was important and she wouldn’t want to miss it. Either way, I answered and spoke with a Mr. Lacroix, calling to see if there was anything he could do to change Karma’s mind about coming to Paris to work for him. I assured him I would pass along the message, but never did.
I thought about my brief conversation with Mr. Lacroix a lot. I made several deductions about what had gone down and why she never mentioned a word of it. Racking my brain, trying to remember if she seemed to struggle with the decision or if her moods reflected unhappiness, I honestly could recall nothing. She seemed like the same happy girl who accepted my marriage proposal and didn’t look back.
So I came to my own conclusion that she turned down the job offer with no signs of duress. Now if she had told me she wanted to go…well, let’s say I’ve learned my lesson and I now know Karma’s not going to fall for a bluff.
When I stood in her home and told her I wouldn’t do the long-distance relationship, I half expected her to call me the next day and say it wasn’t worth throwing us away, and she’d changed her mind about Brooks. I paid for that little stunt, reflecting on the biggest regret of my life. No way would I repeat such a mistake. Nope – I would’ve followed her in a heartbeat. Quit the job and packed my bags. I know I would have relinquished my man card in most men’s eyes, but I’ve been on the other end of life without her – it’s not pretty.
I wonder if she knew I would do that. Or did she turn it down because she thought our relationship would suffer. Someday I will ask her and confess my sins. But until the time comes, I will just be thankful it all worked out, knowing she’s content with the decision she made. She’s never been lacking for jobs and her business just keeps growing. As did our family, which has slowed her down in her career but was by her own choice.
It didn’t take long to outgrow our home in Echo Park but Karma and I succeeded enough at our jobs that we could afford a house in Santa Monica. It’s a four-bedroom, three-bathroom beauty with a much bigger backyard for the kids and our dog, Sandy. I see us staying for some time.
I notice movement beside me and look over to watch Karma stretch her arms slowly above her head, making small sounds that accompany her animated movements. Our eyes meet. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
“Nice nap?”
She smiles and closes her eyes again. “The best. I wish we could do this every day.” She sits up, her eyes immediately searching for the kids.
“They’re fine. Sophie’s teaching Kaden the fine art of digging in the earth for bugs.” She chuckles, as I relay the past happenings, and rests her head on my shoulder.
“We did good with them, didn’t we?” She sighs heavily and I know it’s in pure gratification. We have this conversation often.
“We sure did,” I tell her. “Any chance of trying to do some more good?”
She lifts her head and looks me in the eye. “It’s funny that you ask. I was just thinking about bringing the conversation to the table myself.” She has a twinkle in her eye, and I want to take her right here under this pine tree and make another baby with this woman. Well…maybe not right here in front of the kids but definitely later. Nothing would make me happier.
I lean in and kiss my wife, something I will never tire of.
I remember we used to joke about fate and karma. Fate’s a funny thing. Does fate make you choose certain paths or is it your own thought process, fate happening when we aren’t paying attention? I’m not sure.
Do I believe in fate? Probably.
Do I believe in karma? Most definitely.
I don’t want to exist one day without her in my life.
THE END
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Don’t forget to check out my other books thus far:
The Girl from the Kitchen Store and Unclaimed Regrets. And look for Libra Rising in the near future.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I never would have guessed that I would love doing this so much. I write in my spare time after my ‘real job’ and most of my weekends, and it’s hard to get me to stop and do life – I enjoy it that much.
This book took me a while to write. I can’t tell you how many times I wrote and re-wrote the ‘trip’ scene. A huge thank you to my mom who graciously read this book over and over every time I changed it.
LaTanya “Nikki” Hawkins and Felisha Antonette – I owe you BIG. I am so green at this and both of you have guided me through, always amazing me with your kind hearts and generosity. We are going to be a fierce team.
I also want to thank my friends and family who continue to support me, finally realizing this is more than just a hobby.
Finally, thank you to my awesome family – your support means the world. I especially want to thank my husband who listens to me tirelessly as I use him as a sound board. You’re my biggest cheerleader and I wouldn’t be here without you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stacy M Wray loves writing and reading anything romance – Judy Blume being one of the first authors she read in middle school. After all, a world without love, heartache and angst would prove a boring place to live.
Lover of gray and white cats, craver of all things sweet, enthusiast of camping and hiking, wife of an extremely supportive husband, and mom to two entertaining adult children, she realizes life is pretty damn good.
She also appreciates that it’s never too late to try something new. Never.
Stacy lives in Indiana with her husband and four cats.
Visit at www.stacymwray.com
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