Lilies

by Addyson Thompson

  Right now Carver James is my strength.

  Right now I let him in because I’m too scared to keep him out.

  Epilogue

  Gavin

  That day two years and a couple of months ago was definitely one of the scariest of my life. I thank God everyday my wife is so strong. She kept it together and remained strong and positive as we waited for Dr. Hartford to deliver our incredible baby boy, Huckleberry Law Hudson.

  “Gavin, stop it! Do you see the look on their face right now? Don’t worry he’s just kidding. We would never name our sweet baby boy something so ridiculous. Tell them the truth. They’ve just sat here listening to our story.”

  Ha, I know that was mean but definitely funny as hell. The look was priceless. Ok seriously, his name is Garrett Paxton Hudson. He is now a healthy active two year old. During labor, the cord had wrapped around his neck sending us into an emergency C-section. Within minutes of Hayden being wheeled into the operating room Garrett was out and showing us his impressive set of lungs. Other than the issue with the cord he was perfect, no lasting effects.

  We were home a few days later. Garrett was an easy baby. Everyone tells you horror stories of no sleep and sheer exhaustion after you bring home your newborn, but we really didn’t have too many issues. Yeah, we were pretty tired in the beginning, especially Deni. She was still recovering from surgery and trying to breastfeed. Unfortunately, she could only do it for a few weeks and we still had to supplement with formula. Her milk production just wouldn’t come up to what Garrett needed. So we decided to get rid of the stress it was causing all three of us and went strictly to formula. I was able to help her a lot more taking stress off her and in return off both Garrett and myself.

  About three weeks old, he was sleeping from eleven at night until five in the morning. We labeled ourselves lucky and took advantage of the time. Oh yeah, you know what we did…

  We slept people. Get your minds out of the gutter.

  Alright, so on to Brooklyn. She didn’t have as easy of a time as we did once Garrett arrived. She spent many nights on our couch. She was afraid to be very far from Hayden and Garrett. The fear of losing them was a lot for her to take. She, however, is doing very well with a family of her own. Brooklyn and Hayden are ecstatic to be pregnant at the same time. Yep, you heard me right. Both Hayden and Brooklyn are pregnant right now. Funny enough, they both became pregnant the same month and love being pregnant together. We have a bet going on whether they are having boys, girls or both. We could find out later this month what we are having but I think Hayden and I are going to wait until he or she is born, like the first time. Anyway, back to Brooklyn, her road to happiness was difficult, but the tough girl she is fought through her struggles to have a great husband and little one on the way. She’s been through great tragedy in her life and still struggles with it once in a while, but the kind of friendship my girl and B have will not allow either to struggle without the other one by her side giving strength and support. They have a friendship–I was informed the other day they call it a sistership…whatever I’m still a guy and am not going to get all touchy feely with my words–a person would be so lucky to have.

  We weren’t ready to leave the city or the close proximity to work, the river and our favorite parks and shops but most importantly our friends; our family. So earlier this year, Hayden and I along with Jeff and Amy and Brooklyn and her husband bought an old factory/warehouse on the same street as the ones her dad owns. We converted it into a five-story, four-family loft. We renovated it so each family has an entire floor to themselves. We still have many of the same feature’s her dad’s lofts offered: the floor to ceiling wall of class in the great room, soundproofing, secured underground parking, state-of-the-art security, private balcony, we share the rooftop terrace and a shared play area for the kids with an eight foot brick wall surrounding it. Each family customized their space to fit them so it is perfect; close to things and people we love but plenty of private space for family time. One of the coolest parts of the building is the freaking awesome game room we put on the first floor. Right now it’s just our three families living there but we think we may have another family moving into the last loft soon. Time will tell and you will have to wait for their story.

  As for our story, we couldn’t be happier. Hayden hasn’t ran since she promised me in the hospital no more running. Life is good. No, life is perfect. I have my beautiful wife who is also my best friend, a wonderful son with another child on the way. I may have fucked up once but I never stopped searching for my light. Hayden is and always will be my light at the end of the tunnel.

  This is our story. I won’t tell you it’s the end because it isn’t. For now though, this is all you get. Brooklyn is staring at me, arms folded across her chest, one eyebrow raised. I think she’s ready to tell you her story. Be patient with her. She has many layers you have to break through before she will let you see her light. For now, I’m off to celebrate Labor Day with my family; blood and chosen.

  BROOKLYN’S STORY COMING SUMMER 2015

  (Maybe sooner depending on how quick she lets me in.☺)

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  By day I am a college instructor, wife and mom. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. My husband, son, family (as crazy and chaotic as it can be) and friends are the best part of me.

  By night I’m an avid reader of romance. Lilies is my debut novel. I’ve always had stories running through my head but didn’t have the courage to put them on paper, until now. This road hasn’t been all roses and sunshine. It’s been long filled with happiness, laughs and tears but I’ve learned so much. I hope you have enjoyed Hayden and Gavin’s story as much as I’ve enjoyed taking the journey with them.

  Want to keep up on the latest with the In the Light Series? I love to hear from my readers. Please feel free to contact at any of the social media sites below.

  addysonthompson13@gmail.com.

  www.facebook.com/addysonthompsonauthor

  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13536306.Addyson_Thompson?from_search=true

  Please consider leaving a review where you purchased this book.

  Thank you, again! Now go find your light.