Stepping over to his parents, Ian shook his father’s hand, smiled down at JD, then kissed Marie on the cheek. “She’s beautiful, just like her mother and grandmother, and you have permission to spoil her rotten—although, you were probably planning on doing that anyway.”
“You know me too well, sweetheart,” Marie responded. “I’m so happy for you. How’s Angie?”
“Exhausted but happy.” Turning to face the rest of his family and friends, he said, “Nick, since Dev was my best man, Angie and I would like you to be Peyton’s godfather.”
His youngest brother’s eyes and smile widened. “Me? Absolutely! I’m honored, bro, and I won’t let you down.”
“Good, and I know you won’t. And that leaves just one last announcement.” As his gaze fell on Jenn, his eyes watered, and his voice grew thick. “Baby-girl, I remember standing in a similar maternity waiting room over twenty-two years ago, when your dad came in and announced you were a girl. I think I fell in love with you at that exact moment, and I hadn’t even seen you yet. When Jeff asked me to be your godfather, I honestly didn’t fully understand what it meant when I said yes. But now I do, and I’ve never regretted it. It has been my honor and privilege to hold the title of godparent for such a beautiful and exceptional young woman, and I’m thrilled to pass it on. Angie and I would like nothing more than for you to be Peyton’s godmother.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Jenn rushed forward, clearly too overcome for words, and threw her arms around Ian’s neck. He held her tightly for a few moments until she regained some of her composure. Through her sniffles, she finally answered him. “Yes, Uncle Ian. I’ll be there for her every step of the way, just like you were there for me. Thank you for the honor.”
“You’re welcome, Jenn. Always know I’m proud of you.” With a final squeeze, he released her, and they both wiped away some more tears. Then Ian hitched a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ve got to get back to Angie. Thanks for being here, everyone. The nurse said you’ll all be able to see Peyton in about fifteen minutes through the nursery window, although I’m not sure they realize how many people are here waiting to see her.”
After shaking a few hands again and getting his back slapped a bunch of times, Ian turned toward the door, but a small voice ringing out stopped him in his tracks.
“What-waffle, Unc-en!”
The roomful of people burst out laughing as, with a huge grin, little Mara repeated herself even louder from her father’s arms. “What-waffle, Unc-en!”
Ian just groaned and shook his head. “I’m doomed.”
I hope you enjoyed Torn in Half. If you have an opportunity to leave a review on your favorite sites, they are greatly appreciated!
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Since the first book in the Trident Security series was released in April 2015, the series has grown and spawned several spinoff series in which the original characters pop up in. For the best reading order for the combined series, check out the list on my website. There is even a printable copy for you to use as a checklist!
www.samanthacoleauthor.com
Other Books By Samantha A. Cole
The Trident Security Series
Leather & Lace: Book 1
His Angel: Book 2
Waiting For Him: Book 3
Not Negotiable: A Novella Book 3.5
Topping The Alpha: Book 4
Watching From the Shadows: Book 5
Whiskey Tribute: A Novella Book 5.5
Tickle His Fancy: Book 6
No Way in Hell: A Steel Corp/Trident Security Crossover: Books 1 & 2
Absolving His Sins: Book 7
Option Number Three: A Novella Book 7.5
Salvaging His Soul: Book 8
Trident Security Field Manual
Torn in Half: A Trident Security Novella Book 8.5
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The Deimos Series
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Handling Haven: Special Forces: Operation Alpha:
Deimos Book 1
Cheating the Devil: Special Forces: Operation Alpha: Deimos Book 2
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The Trident Security Omega Team Series
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Mountain of Evil: TS Omega Team Prequel
A Dead Man’s Pulse: TS Omega Team Book 1
Forty Days & One Knight: Book 2
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The Doms of The Covenant Series
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Double Down & Dirty Book 1
Entertaining Distraction: Book 2
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The Malone Brothers Series
Take the Money and Run: Book 1
The Devil's Spare Change: Book 2
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The Blackhawk Security Series
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Tuff Enough: Book 1
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Hazard Falls Series
Don’t Fight It: Book 1
* * *
Stand Alone Novels
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The Road to Solace
Scattered Moments in Time: A Collection of Short Stories & More
* * *
The Bid on Love Series (With 7 other authors!)
Going , Going, Gone: Book 2
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The Collective: Season Two (with 7 other authors!)
Angst: Book 7
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Special Projects
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First Chapters: Foreplay Volume One
First Chapters: Foreplay Volume Two
First Chapters: Foreplay Volume Three
* * *
Word Search For Warriors: Authors For a Cause
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Trident Security Coloring Book
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Shaded with Love Volume 5: Coloring Book for a Cause
Author’s Note
The story within these pages is completely fictional but the concepts of BDSM are real. If you do choose to participate in the BDSM lifestyle, please research it carefully and take all precautions to protect yourself. Fiction is based on real life but real life is not based on fiction. Remember—Safe, Sane and Consensual!
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Any information regarding persons or places has been used with creative literary license so there may be discrepancies between fiction and reality. The Navy SEALs missions and personal qualities within have been created to enhance the story and, again, may be exaggerated and not coincide with reality.
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The author has full respect for the members of the United States military and the varied members of law enforcement and thanks them for their continuing service in making this country as safe and free as possible.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Author Samantha A. Cole is a retired police officer and paramedic. She's lived her entire life in the suburbs of New York City and is looking forward to becoming a snow-bird between New York and Florida someday. Her two fur-babies, Jinx and Bella, keep her company and remind their mom to take a break from writing every once in a while to go for a walk, which is the best way to deal with a stubborn case of writer’s block.
An avid reader since childhood, Samantha was often found with a book in hand and sometimes one in each. After being gifted with a stack of romance novels from her grandmother, her love affair with the genre began in her teens. Many years later, she discovered her love for writing stories was just as strong. Using her life experiences and training, she strives to find the perfect mix of suspense and romance for her readers to enjoy.
Her standalone novel, The Friar, won the silver medal in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards in the Contemporary Romance genre out of more than 1000 entries.
While the original planned stories for the Trident Security series have been completed, they have brought many opportunities for Samantha to spread her wings and bring her readers more characters and stories to love.
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