Anchor

by M. Mabie

  “… and then they lived happily ever after.” Only, that part isn’t true. It’s just what little girls want to hear. It’s a PG-rated fantasy and I think it’s dumb.

  Happily?

  How generic. How underwhelming. The truth is much more … powerful. Life with her makes the blood pound harder in my chest. Makes every minute worth remembering. Makes working hard and building a life for my family a privilege. Certainly all that is better than happily.

  My honeybee gives me the most beautifully content smile.

  “I love you, Casey,” she whispers so Wake doesn’t hear.

  “I love you more, honeybee.”

  You see, we live arguing and annoyed. We live passionate and insatiable. We live with love that grows and multiplies. It’s taking out the trash and it’s compromising. It’s fucking on Saturday night and making love on Sunday morning. Pushing buttons. Learning different ways to make her smile. It’s never the same. Our love startles us and keeps us on our toes. Our love is easy, but we have to work at it. Because it’s worth it.

  Never perfect. Never expected. Never finished.

  And it was never handed to us.

  Because once upon a time a curly headed boy named Casey walked into a bar and found his whole world sitting on a stool and he didn’t quite know how to handle it. And once upon a time a smoking-hot young lady named Blake offered him some trouble, not knowing what she was getting into.

  So, fine, if the story of Lou and his honeybee has to end with happily ever after, whatever. But the story of Casey and Blake doesn’t.

  That’s not quite good enough for us, it sure-as-hell doesn’t do our love justice.

  I’d like to suggest they fucked each other’s brains out enthusiastically forever. Or they loved the shit out of each other so much until the end of time.

  Or, maybe, they just … loved on.

  For this book, I’d like to acknowledge the readers who’ve loved these two characters even when they shouldn’t have. You’re a tough bunch. You never give up on love and, for that, I respect you. All of the ladies in the Mo Stash and Take the Bait have a piece of my heart.

  I have to thank my beta readers, Megan and Bianca. Your feedback and thoughtful encouragement through all stages of this book have been paramount. Blake and Casey are the couple they are because you’ve challenged me to give them my best.

  Also, a heartfelt thank you to Jessica, Natasha, Fiona and Candy.

  A sincere thank you to my cover designer, Hang Le at By Hang Le; my editor, Marion Archer at Marion Making Manuscripts; my proofreaders, Erin Noelle and Lori Sabin; and my formatter, Stacey Blake at Champagne Formats. You are a good team.

  I’d also like to show my gratitude to reviewers and bloggers who read, generously share and promote my work. It humbles me. Thank you.

  To my author friends who let me bounce crazy ideas off of them, who keep me focused and motivated, who never let me have a day where I feel alone in this. Thank you for your support, your knowledge, and your friendship. Aly, Erin, Meghan, Laurel, Nat, Tara, Chelle and so many others in the amazing groups I snuck into. It’s awesome knowing and experiencing this with you.

  To my friends, family and neighbors for understanding why I’m not around as much while I chase this dream.

  To my husband, Danny for being the best assistant and partner around.

  To Casey and Blake, who can’t read because they don’t exist, but I need somewhere to put this … you’ve taught me a lot about myself. You’ve made me tougher. Smarter. More resilient. And I’ll fucking miss you so much.