Epilogue
One Year Later
Carson
“Bun George. Bun George. Bun George.” Ava is walking in between Wren and me, waving at everyone with a huge smile on her face.
“Sweetheart, it’s bonjour, not ‘bun George.’”
“That’s what I said.” With an eye roll, she adjusts the beret on her head that she insisted she needed.
I finally made it to Paris and although it isn’t how I imagined I would get here, I’m glad to be here now with people I love. I think Maddox would be happy I’m here with people who love me, though he couldn’t be here himself.
We went to the Eiffel Tower and it was more emotional than I expected. My mind flashed to our plans and how he always wanted to propose on top of the most iconic building in the world.
Still, I’m happy to be here and experience all of this. I’m happy I’m alive and able to reminisce on those memories and make new ones with my daughter and my love.
We hit all the big landmarks, ate all the best foods, shopped in every shop. It’s been a dream come true.
Now, we’re walking across the iconic Pont des Arts Bridge, also known as the “love bridge” where people famously used to hang padlocks to signify their love until the city started removing them for damages. Wren bends down and whispers something in Ava’s ear which makes her face light up.
“What do you want for your birthday, Shortcake? Anything you want, just say the word.” It was Wren’s idea to fly to Paris to celebrate Ava’s seventh birthday, not that the little girl understands what a big deal it is.
“For you and Momma to get married.”
I gasp, horrified. “I’m sorry. Ava, some things you can keep to yourself.” My face heats and embarrassment comes out of me in a giggle. I stop on the bridge to take in the view, but mostly to avoid eye contact and let that awkward moment pass.
“Don’t be sorry. I told her, anything she wants, she gets.” I spin around and my eyes well with tears.
“Wren, what are you doing?” Ava’s seen enough movies to know what it means when a man kneels down before a woman on one knee. She’s jumping and clapping, drawing attention to us all.
“I know this was your dream, to get engaged in Paris in a big romantic gesture, which isn’t usually my thing. I couldn’t do it at the Eiffel Tower because that idea was taken by another man, but I thought I’d borrow his idea and make it my own. I love both of you and I want you to be my family. We can’t hang a lock, but I thought I’d show you my love with a ring. Marry me, Carson. Make me the happiest man in the world and I’ll work every single day to be worthy of you. Of both of you.”
“Yes, Wren. Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you.” As I’m hugging my fiancé, I look behind us and see the Eiffel Tower. In that moment, the clouds open up and the sun illuminates the structure. Warmth and peace settle over me as I recognize the sign.
Maddox is here. This is his blessing, in the place that was never ours but we had every intention to be.
Then, the moment passes as a euphoric squeal all but ruptures my eardrum.
“BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!”
Author’s Note
Thank you for taking a chance on me and this book! I hope you enjoyed Carson and Wren’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
I know the subject matter was tough. I know it’s something that hits too close to home for entirely too many people. It was a risk to write about something so heartbreaking, but I’m known for injecting hard-hitting reality into my novels.
Cancer. Fucking. Sucks.
If you stuck with me to the end, thank you. If you even picked this book up and gave it a shot, thank you. I appreciate every reader and everyone who takes a chance on a newbie like me.
I hope you understand why I had to include Maddox’s story. I hope I did this story justice for the people who have experienced this heartbreak.
If you read the story, it would mean the world to me if you would review it. Reviews help indie authors immensely and it helps me grow as a writer.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Acknowledgments
I have so many people I need to thank and the list keeps on growing.
Nicole, for always helping me spin straw into gold.
Crystal, you’re always eager to help and your input is crucial and so, so appreciated.
Jeanette, thank you for knowing what I wanted in this cover before I did. Your work is incredibly appreciated and your vision is flawless.
Kristen, thank you for your honesty and helping make this the best story it could be.
Rookies. My tribe. My friends. My rocks. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done. All the knowledge and wisdom you’ve passed down. For always talking me off the ledge. For including me to begin with. I love you all and I’m so lucky to call you my friends. I’m so grateful for every one of you.
Kurt, my human soulmate. The love of my life. Thank you for letting me pursue my dreams and never doubting me. Thank you for being the best person I know and loving me as fiercely as I love you.
Hudson, for being the first love of my life, even when you demand attention and take me away from my books. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Readers, friends. Thank you for your unwavering support and for following me on this journey. This is my dream and I couldn’t do it without all of you.
About the Author
Kelsey can be found in PA with her two loves of her life—her golden retriever and her sugar daddy. Just kidding! (I love you, Kurt.)
When she’s not writing, she can be found obsessing over her dog, binge-watching Netflix, or listening to true crime podcasts.
Stay in touch!
[email protected]
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