Seamless Forever (Sleepless November Saga Book 3)

by Kelsey Clayton

  Dawson and Skylar tried to get pregnant for a little over a year. When they went for fertility treatments, they learned that Sky won’t be able to carry a child. They were devastated. Of course, being the power couple they are, they got through it. Now they’re in the process of adopting a baby, a little boy who was born a couple months ago.

  Bree and Riley are still together. After they graduated college, Bree got a job at Vogue and the two of them moved into an apartment in New York City. She still texts me all the time, impatiently waiting for him to propose.

  Caleb ended up finding a girlfriend at the hospital when Charlotte was born. He had gone down to the café while he waited for me to get out of surgery and started talking to a girl sitting close to him. They exchanged numbers and a couple weeks later, Caleb took her out. They’ve been together ever since.

  “Look Avary, it’s Aunt Kayleigh.” Emily’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

  I grin widely as I look up. “Give me that little peanut.”

  Emily hands me my goddaughter. She recently turned one year old and is the perfect combination of Brandon and Em. The summer after Charlie’s arrival, Brandon proposed to my best friend during the sunset one evening. She cried as she said yes, and they were married the following spring. Holden was the best man, I was the Maid of Honor, and Charlotte was the flower girl.

  “Avary!” Charlie yells, coming over and kissing her cousin’s head.

  “Hey princess.” Emily greets her.

  “Hi Aunt Emmy.” She turns and sees Brandon. “Unkie Bran!” She shouts, jumping into his arms.

  Em fakes a pout. “I can’t compete with him.”

  I chuckle. “Be glad about that. She gets him to do every little thing she wants. It looks exhausting.”

  “It is.” He confirms. “But she’s so worth it.” He kisses her cheek and makes her smile.

  JOSEPHINE AND JASON ARRIVE back at the house just in time for us to leave for dinner. It’s nice to see them both. Since they got back together at our wedding, they’ve never looked back. Once Jo graduated, Caleb moved into my old apartment and she moved in with Jason while he finishes getting his Master’s Degree.

  We get to the restaurant and I start to wonder what warrants such a fancy place. Holden, however, mumbles for me to just wait. I don’t ask questions. I know he won’t answer them anyway.

  I go to sit Charlie between Holden and I but she insists on sitting between Aunt Emmy and Gran. Being the spoiled little girl she is, she gets exactly what she wants. Holden takes the seat next to me and places his hand on my thigh. I place mine on top of his.

  The meal is delicious and I can only imagine how much this place is going to cost. Although, money has never been an issue with any of us. Holden got Brandon a job as one of the corporate executives for the Bruins. Once his contract with them ended, they offered him an extension – five years at six million per year. He took it immediately, right after checking with me.

  As soon as Charlotte was old enough to leave the hospital, Holden stayed with me – only going back to hockey for the playoffs but he came home every single time he could. Even though he wasn’t gone long, being apart was exceptionally hard. When it came time for the next season, we spoke to the dean of the university who allowed me to finish my degree virtually. Holden and I bought a house and the three of us permanently moved to a small town right outside of Boston.

  “I’d like to make a toast.” Jason says, giving Holden a nervous look before turning to Jo. “We’ve been together for four years now, not counting the short break up we had. I must admit, it’s been the best four years of my life. You are my best friend, my favorite person, and the love of my life. You motivate me when I need it and support me with everything I do. I appreciate everything you have done for me and I’m so lucky to have you by my side. I hope to never spend another day without you. With that being said…” He slides his chair back and stands up, pulling a small box from his pocket then getting down on one knee. She gasps. “Josephine Reese, will you marry me?”

  She’s completely speechless and all she can manage to do is nod rapidly. A broad smile comes over Jason’s face. He pulls her into his arms, kissing her passionately. The whole restaurant breaks out in applause and Holden waves the waiter over.

  “Two bottles of your nicest champagne please.”

  “Very well, sir.”

  We all congratulate the happy couple until Jo starts laughing. “Mom, why are you crying?”

  “My last baby is getting married.”

  Charlie pulls on her sleeve, getting her attention. “Gran, don’t worry. You have me.”

  Everyone awes as she gives Heather a hug. The waiter comes back and pours everyone a glass of champagne, but when he gets to me, I shake my head.

  “No, thank you.”

  Holden eyes me carefully. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m just feeling a little dizzy from being in the sun all day.”

  He clearly doesn’t believe me, but thankfully he doesn’t say anything else about it. We spend the rest of the night celebrating Jo and Jason’s engagement. She lights up when she realizes she will soon become Josephine Vaughn.

  WHEN WE GET BACK to the house, I put Charlotte to bed. Heather and Dan turned the guest room into a nursery when she was a baby. Since then it has become more of a child’s room, but it still has the crib in there for Avary.

  “Mommy?” Charlie asks.

  “Yeah?”

  “Why was everyone so happy for Aunt Jojo? And why was Gran so sad?”

  I sit down on the side of her bed and pull the covers over her little body. “Gran wasn’t sad. She was crying happy tears. Aunt Jojo is going to get married.”

  “To Unkie Jay?”

  “Mhm. There will be a big wedding.”

  “What’s a wedding?”

  I smile at her curiosity. “It’s like a big party. There’s music, and dancing, and food.”

  “I want to dance with Daddy!” She exclaims.

  “I’m sure Daddy will dance with you all night if that’s what you want, but tonight you need to go to sleep.”

  She slips down lower in bed and pulls her teddy bear close. “Okay Mommy.”

  “I love you, Princess.”

  “I love you, too.”

  I turn on her sound machine and nightlight before leaving her room and shutting the door behind me. Walking across the hall, I find Holden already waiting for me in bed. I turn on the baby monitor and climb over him.

  “Did she go down easily?”

  “Yeah. She was asking me about Jo’s wedding. Did you know he was going to propose?”

  He chuckles. “Of course, I did. He asked for mine and Brandon’s permission along with Dan’s.”

  “Smart man.”

  I check my phone but when I see no notifications, I put it beside me. Holden does the same, then turns to wrap his arms around me and pull me close. He kisses my cheek a few times, nuzzling into my neck. I slowly take his hand and slide it to my lower stomach.

  “What are you doing?” He questions.

  I pull my head away to face him, wanting to see his reaction. “I took a test today. I’m pregnant.”

  “Seriously?!” He beams and I nod. “Oh my god!”

  Our lips connect, both of us smiling into the kiss. He places his hands on my face and stares into my eyes. We haven’t been trying, but we also haven’t been preventing it. The two of us agreed that we would have another baby when we were meant to and I guess now is that time.

  “I’m so excited.” He whispers, hugging me tightly.

  “Me too. Our little family is growing.”

  “And it will become even more perfect than it is now, because we’ll always have each other. Every step of the way.”

  I lean forward and kiss him once more. “Never going anywhere.”

  BOOK FOUR OF

  THE SLEEPLESS NOVEMBER SAGA

  AVAILABLE NOW

  GET IT HERE

  Author Note

  Thank yo
u so much for reading Seamless Forever!

  If you enjoyed Kayleigh and Holden’s love story, I’d greatly appreciate it if you left a review. It’s so hard to build a reputation as an author and reviews help gain readers.

  To get up to date information on upcoming books, giveaways, and exclusive content - subscribe to my newsletter.

  You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  Also, check out my author page.

  I really hope you’ve enjoyed this series as much as I have. These books provided me with a great way to get emotions out. I know it’s been one crazy rollercoaster but that’s what relationships are. They have their ups and downs. I’ve held onto these characters so tight that I went on to write Awakened in September - Sleepless November in Holden’s point of view. I hope you go on to read that one as well, and learn new information about him and their relationship that you didn’t know before. Thank you so much, again, for reading and supporting my work.

  Want to read Holden’s side of Sleepless November?

  Here’s the first chapter of Awakened in September.

  Chapter One

  I straddle the surfboard, waiting for the right wave to roll in. Brandon paddles back out from catching the last one, splashing me as soon as he gets close enough. I chuckle as I wipe the hair from my face.

  “What time’s the party?” I ask.

  The end of summer party at Alec’s house is tonight. It’s one of those events that everyone knows about and there isn’t a person in the area that doesn’t go. It’s basically just a bunch of kids getting drunk one last time before going back to college, but it’s always a good time.

  “I think it starts at nine but we’ll get there when we get there.”

  I nod. “Is Layla going?”

  “Nah. I told her last night that I don’t want to stay with her after the summer. She didn’t exactly take it well.”

  “No?” I mock surprise. “I can’t imagine why.”

  He runs his hand through the water. “Yeah well, I didn’t expect her to throw her phone at my head.”

  “Did she miss?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Damn.”

  An onslaught of water covers my entire face and Brandon smirks at me triumphantly. Fair enough. I really should have thought that one through.

  “Bianca will be there.”

  I roll my eyes, knowing he always loves to mess with me about her. They’ve never gotten along. Brandon seems to think she’s the devil in disguise, and she thinks he’s the reason I won’t go out with her. Seeing the two of them together is actually rather comical.

  “I figured. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a party here that she hasn’t been at.”

  “Yeah, that’s not a coincidence. She stalks you.”

  I throw my head back, laughing. “She does not.”

  “Oh yeah? Name one place you’ve gone this summer that she hasn’t coincidentally shown up at.”

  The massive wave coming towards us pulls my attention away. “I would, but this one’s mine.”

  I lie on my board and start to paddle into it, harder as I feel the wave start to lift me up. As soon as I begin to fall into the curve, I stand up, turning the board to carve. The thrill is liberating but it ends too soon. I step off my board and pick it up under my arm. Brandon comes out of the water behind me.

  “Calling it a day?”

  I nod. “Yeah. Let’s go back and shower. We can grab a bite to eat before we head over to Alec’s.”

  THE PARTY ISN’T LIKE the kind we have back at school. It’s at his parents’ fancy house so there are rules that need to be followed. Caterers walk around with trays of hors d’oeuvres and champagne. I recognize everyone inside from the class above me. Alec’s sister, Tiffany, must have invited them.

  Brandon and I make our way through the house to the backyard where it’s more our scene. A bunch of my friends are playing beer pong while others swim in the pool. They notice our arrival and come up to greet us.

  “Holden, my man.” Alec says excitedly, putting his hand on my shoulder. “You have to help me teach these morons how to play pong. They’re horrible. My grandmother could play better.”

  I tilt my head to the side. “I’ve met your grandmother. I’m pretty sure she could wreck us all at this game.”

  “Touché.”

  A few of the girls I only ever see at events like this come over to say hello. It’s obvious with their fake giggles and hair twirling, what they have on their minds, but I don’t pay much attention to it. Anyone who was worth paying attention to in this small town has already been in my bed. The rest are either too ditsy or get way too emotionally attached.

  Brandon and I follow Alec over to the table. Bran gets on a team with Cody, a guy we met our sophomore year of high school, and Alec comes on my team. My best friend and I make eye contact and he winks.

  “Loser buys lunch tomorrow?” He suggests.

  I smirk. “You’re on big guy. Hope you have big bills. I’m craving hibachi.”

  ALEC AND I OBLITERATE them, sinking all the cups with ease. They don’t even have a chance to catch up. Once Cody misses the second shot, it’s all over and Brandon officially owes me lunch tomorrow.

  “Bullshit.” He mumbles. “My partner sucked.”

  I throw my hands up defensively. “You picked him, not me.”

  We grab a couple beers and lean against the fence. It doesn’t take long before there’s a familiar face standing in front of me. Her dress is short and it may as well not even be covering her breasts, with how little it leaves to the imagination. Brandon gags as he sees her but she ignores him.

  “Hey babe.” She greets me.

  “Bianca.” I reply. “Having fun?”

  She smiles. “Much more now that I’ve found you.”

  “I didn’t know I was missing.”

  Her fingers run through her black hair, pushing it back and out of her face. The bright red lipstick she has on helps me decide then and there that I won’t be hooking up with her tonight. I’ve never understood a girl’s desire to cake on makeup. This is exactly why Catfish exists. Besides, the last thing I need is to be scrubbing red stains off my skin before I leave tomorrow.

  She turns her attention to Brandon and looks him up and down. Her disgust is evident but she knows he’s my best friend, so she at least tries to play nice.

  “Good Evening, Brandon.”

  “It was until now.” He answers, causing me to choke on my beer.

  Bianca is not amused. She gives him a dirty look before focusing back on me. Her hand reaches forward to grab mine.

  “Baby, let’s go for a walk.” She suggests.

  I pull myself from her grasp. “No thanks. I’m good here.”

  Stepping forward, her pointer fingers go into my pockets. “Please? I’ve missed you.”

  I hand Brandon my beer and wrap my hands around her wrists, releasing her hold on me and placing them back at her side. “You know the rules.”

  “Whatever.” She scoffs. “You think you can find someone better than me here? Have at it.”

  With that last comment, she storms away. It’s not that I mean to be a dick, but the last thing I need is that girl putting one of her invisible claims on me. We dated a couple times in high school, but it didn’t work out. She’s never been able to hold my interest, and having a girlfriend isn’t really my thing. I’d rather be free to do whatever I want than have to explain my every move to someone else. Besides, nine months out of the year, I’m in Maine and she’s still in Jersey.

  Her father paid big money to get her admitted into Princeton, despite the amount she begged to go to the University of Maine with me. I was so thankful he put his foot down with that one. I could only imagine if I had to deal with her all year instead of just the summer. She’s a fun girl and all, but she’s just a little much. I think the best way Brandon has described her was when he referred to her as Cling Wrap for three straight weeks.

  “Uh oh.” My best fri
end jokes. “You made your girlfriend mad.”

  “Not my girlfriend.” I grab my beer from him and take a long swig, allowing the cold liquid to flood my taste buds.

  He hums sarcastically. “You, my friend, are going to get your heart broken one day. Karma for how you’ve treated almost every girl since you hit puberty.”

  I laugh. “You know, you’re probably right.”

  “I always am.”

  I WAKE TO MY alarm, wondering why I thought it was a good idea to get up this early after being at a party most of the night. However, this is the last morning I’ll be able to see the sunrise for the next couple months. I want to take advantage of it.

  I get out of bed, throwing on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt before heading out the door. The walk over to the beach is easy – not many people are awake at this hour. I take my seat in the sand just as the sun beings to peak above the waterline. The colors in the sky have always been my favorite. The way the light creates a pink and orange glow as it reflects off the blue ocean – it’s breathtaking.

  Using my phone, I take a picture and save it as my background. I’ve made a habit of doing that almost every day this summer. The sunrise was my mother’s favorite thing about living here, and it’s the same place my father proposed. I guess that’s why I love it so much.