by Marni Mann
Home.
That was what her house was becoming again. Every time I returned, I started to feel more comfortable. As a rule, Darren’s door remained closed until I opened it, which I did on a regular basis. Maybe one day, we’d both be at a place where it could always remain open.
My mom’s house wasn’t the only place I now called home. I hadn’t yet purchased a place of my own, and I was in no rush to. Therefore, Hart’s house had become our home. We’d be moving to Portland once the Bangor spa was finished, and we’d agreed on going to Boston after that, so buying a place had lost some of its significance. I had finally realized I’d had a home all along. It was with Hart and my family.
“Dinner is at eight tomorrow night,” Hart whispered.
My eyes fixed on his stormy gaze. “I thought your mom said seven?”
He winced. “She changed her mind at the last minute…is that okay?”
I rolled my eyes, but nodded as he texted his reply. The woman hadn’t fully softened to the idea of her son and me, though she had stopped putting me down and now called me by the right name instead of the slew of others she had used. And she no longer burst into the house whenever she pleased, mostly because we’d changed the locks. Hart assured me things would get better between the two of us. I didn’t need his assurance; I could feel her walls breaking a little more each time I was with her.
Mine were, too.
I sat by the window, letting the sun touch my skin, allowing it to illuminate my scar. I didn’t cringe or cower or worry about what anyone thought of it. That didn’t concern me anymore. Instead, I watched the people I loved celebrate the one we’d lost, the one whose presence had filled me, and whose absence had nearly destroyed me but had ultimately pulled me back together. I realized then that my scar didn’t compare to my strength. And because of it, happiness had found its way back.
I was finally ready for it.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Samantha March, Steven Luna, Shari Ryan, and Jennifer Gilbert, I’m so fortunate to have you all on my team and to be surrounded by talent that is as rich and stunning as yours. I cherish your advice and wisdom and each of our friendships. Heather Ludviksson, Katherine Sears, Ken Shear, as always, thanks for giving me the opportunity. I’m ever so grateful.
Jesse Freeman, Tess Thompson, Steven Luna, Shari Ryan and Allie Burke, you’re my family, my inspiration, my virtual tissues. You make every day better and I love you all so much.
TeriLyn Smitsky, Melissa Mann, Michele Esterkes, David Bohmiller, thanks for being my rock. Your unconditional support and love means everything to me.
Brian, Codi, Bella, and my parents, I’m reminded each day how lucky I am to have you. Not just within reach or a phone call away, but as muses and role models and as my family. I couldn’t do this without you. Love, love, love.
Bloggers, I can’t thank you enough for all that you do for me. So many of you have been with me since the beginning, sharing in this wild journey, and supporting me in every way you can. I wish I could hug each of you. Just know that I love and adore you all and I appreciate you so much.
And lastly, my readers, you’re truly amazing. You force me out of bed, you send me running to my computer, you make me smile when I least expect it. I’m honored and humbled and most often speechless by your compliments. Thanks for loving my words. Thanks for demanding more. Thanks for accepting me.
ALSO BY MARNI MANN
Pulled Beneath
Memoirs Aren't Fairytales
Scars from a Memoir
Seductive Shadows
Seductive Secrecy
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