Our Sins

by Kimberly Blalock

  “I’m having contractions. I think he’s coming.” Her face grimaces.

  I jump to a sitting position. “Are you sure? Holy shi-. Okay!” Her hand reaches for mine with the next contraction.

  “Yep. I’m very sure!”

  “I got this.” I jump up pulling on my sweats.

  “I guess the sex worked, huh?” I smile at her comment.

  “Very good sex.”

  “Always, baby.” Even in labor she can’t resist that look.

  “I’m gonna call your mom.” I attempt to help.

  “I already did. They’re on their way.”

  “Damn, how long have you been holding out on me.”

  “A few hours. I didn’t want to wake you before it was time. You worry too much. Do you remember-?” Another contraction cripples her, she breaths through it. Thank God for Lamaze. I needed it just as much as she did. Another few breaths in and out and the sensation eases. “When I had the girls you were crazy.”

  “No. I was worried.”

  “Exactly.” She winks.

  “Yeah, yeah.”

  “You have a little time, yet. The girls are still sleeping so we’ll just sneak out.”

  My baby boy is coming into the world. I can’t believe it. My baby boy. I’m so blessed.

  “The plane is going to leave without us.” Abby zips the girls’ suitcase then walks to the crib where EJ is sleeping.

  Our boy weighed in at nine pounds twelve ounces. Abby wasn’t able to deliver him so they ran her in for an emergency C-section. He was just too large to pass through. It was my turn to name our child. She had come to me before he was born and asked if we could name him Evan Junior. I was shocked. Happy, but shocked. I hadn’t come up with anything yet so I jumped all over that.

  “Nah, they won’t. We’re good.”

  “Always optimistic.”

  “Always.” I’m never really optimistic just with her and our babies. I’ll always be the strong rock for them even if I’m weak on the inside. She’ll never see that.

  “The plane is going to leave without us.” Nat peeks her head in. I give her my shut-the-fuck-up stare. “What?”

  “Girls, help Aunt NaNa. I need to feed EJ then we’re good to go.” She sits in the rocking chair with the baby that’s woken up nestled into her arms. The girls are running through the house so excited to see their grandpa.

  “Grandma and Grandpa are here.” They run through the room screaming.

  “No wonder his naps are so short lived.” I laugh.

  Abby feeds EJ then we all leave for the airport. Three vehicles following each other. We’ll meet Amy and Dom at the airport in D.C. Amy hasn’t seen EJ yet. He’s three months old and I know she’s dying to. Abby and Amy Skype all the time, but it’s not the same.

  When we arrive in D.C. everyone comes together in a huge hug. We miss each other when we’re apart.

  “Holy shi-,” Amy yells. “Sorry, Aunt Amy has a bad mouth. She smiles to the girls.

  “You have to put a dollar in the swear jar,” Addie-bug says tilting her head in Amy’s direction.

  “No, I don’t, because I only said half the word. Doesn’t count.” Amy sticks her tongue at the girls.

  We drive to the hotel and settle in. Abby wants to go to the special place that the girls have yet to see. I think Abby feels close to Addie there. She’s only been a few times, but I think each time is like the first for her.

  The drive is short. Once we’re all out of the vehicles I chase the girls, Abby tucks EJ into his sling wrapped around her chest, and we begin our journey.

  Mommy, Daddy, where is Aunt Addie?” Addie-bug asks.

  She stills her steps. “Baby girl…” A tear peaks in the corner of her eye.

  “Aunt Addie is everywhere. She’s always with us.” Abby’s head raises meeting my eyes. I quickly go to her.

  “You okay?”

  She nods her beautiful head, a smile taking its place on her full pink lips.

  We walk along the sidewalk that’s wrapped around a bright garden.

  “There it is.” Amy breaths pointing to the large university library. Addison Hayes Hall.

  Abby and Alison come together like magnets. Her father only steps from them. They walk together hand in hand. The girls run in their direction and I stop on the path.

  Abby’s parents were of course told a story of how the library came to be. Not the truth, but they don’t need that truth. They find peace here. I think that’s what’s truly important.

  My wife is in awe eveytime she sees this entire library was built in her sister’s honor. I lean against the tree watching them. Happy and carefree. Safe and at peace. I’ve never been happier in my life. Abby turns to me from several feet away a tear chasing down her cheek. She mouths, “I love you.” My tears follow hers. We’ve come a long way. Had many things happen, but we’ve made it through. We always will.

  If I’ve learned anything during these years of loving Abby, it’s that her love, light, and beauty are my oblivion.

  End of.

  Thank you for reading Our Sins.

  I sincerely hope that you were touched in some way by Abby and Evan’s story in the Angel Trilogy.

  My Dearest Addison and Kathryn,

  When I first met you two November 2009, you two were just a little spot on the screen but already had mommy’s heart. I already loved you both unconditionally. As the weeks went on you two began to grow and develop your own sweet little personalities. I was already so protective of you both. December 2009 came and we showered you two with Christmas presents and love. We brought in the New Year Jan 2010 together and counted down the weeks until our sweet baby girls would arrive.

  By February 2010, you two had grown and started to play even doing little tricks for us on the ultrasound video. We called baby girl A Addison, and Addison, you were just like your daddy always on the move! Kathryn, yes you were baby B, and you were just like mommy relaxed and laid back.

  We had a baby shower for you sweet babies the end of February 2009. You girls received so many sweet little matching outfits, blankets, and even your own cribs! March 2010 came and we got to see you both every 2 weeks, watching you both grow. You both had ten fingers and ten toes each! March 22, 2010, I heard the most bittersweet sound, little Miss Addison’s first cry.

  March 23, 2010, just a few hours later, another one of the most bittersweet sounds, Miss Kathryn's first cry. So little yet so soft, frail and absolutely beautiful, just breathtaking. You both became Mommy’s sweet guardian angels. Not a day goes by that I do not miss you both unconditionally. I wonder what would you both look like now, would either of you be playing a sport, would you love school. I was given one of the most precious gifts a person could ask for and that being your mother and given the time to kiss you sweet faces and to whisper in your ear ‘I Love You.’ I love you both so much. So with that said, until we meet again sweet baby girls! I will see you in my dreams.

  Xoxo, Mommy

  There are so many people that I would like to thank for everything they have done in helping with the release of Our Sins. I would first and foremost like to say that without each one of you, readers, family, friends, and bloggers, there would not be an Angel Trilogy. I absolutely cannot do this without you. I’m touched by the love and encouragement that I receive everyday from all of you. I appreciate each of you more than you will ever know, but only because I don’t know how to fully explain it.

  My husband, Chad, and children have to be the most patient people I have ever met. They deal with everything that comes from having a mommy and wife attempting to make her writing dreams come true. I love you to the moon for that support, but I’d love you anyway *wink*.

  To Misty Simmons- without you in my life it would all fall apart. Misty you are my best friend and the best PA a girl could have! You are one of the sweetest people I have ever met and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to not only work with you every single day— yes, you are very dedicated!- but I’m thankful that we
have become such amazing friends along the way.

  My managers and friends, April, Courtney, Amber, Vickie, Robin, and Victoria. You are the kind of girls everyone should have in their life! They work alongside Misty and myself in assuring every day to day detail is taken care of and are amazing in everything that they do and you are all such wonderful friends. I hope that you know how special you all are and how each of your friendships mean the absolute world to me.

  To the blogs that go out of their way to help the indie author community, you are amazing. I am so thankful for you and your dedication. I would like to also say that your kindness is heartwarming. You are all a pleasure to work with everyday.

  I would like to say thank you to the following blog for their continued support of The Angel Trilogy and of myself as a writer:

  I would like to thank the following blogs for always sharing and reviewing my books. Your support is extremely appreciated. Abby and Lisa’s Book Blog, Three Southern Chick Book Blog, Revenge of the Feels, Books All things Paranormal, Assassin’s Reading Review Group, New Chicks On The Blog, Mafia Book Chicks, FMR, Book Grind, Amazeballs Book Addiction, Beautiful Book Blog, Who Picked This, Bex ‘n’ Books, Sarah & Kirsty’s Book Blog, Beautiful Book Blog, Belle’s Book Belfry, Dympna’s Book Blog, EscapeNBooks, Cheekypee reads and Reviews, J&J Book Blogger, Archaeolibrarian- I dig good books, Soul of The Single Lady Book Club, A Risqué Affair, Cecily’s Book Review, Till The Last Page Book Blog, Butterflies and Angels Book Obsession, Twin Sisters Rockin’ Book Reviews, Indi Author Books, Book Nook Nuts, Pixies Book Review Blog, Smutty Book Friends, Little shop of Readers, Cheeky Chicks Book Hangover, One Book Boyfriend At A Time, Isalovesbooks, Read Review Repeat, The Jazzy world of E’s Bookshelf, Rusty’s Reading, Pimp & Whore your Book/Blog/Page/Group/Author/Writer, Alice’s Book Wonderland, Beauties With Brains Book Blog, Two Sassy Chicks, Drama Queens Book Blog, A Dirty Book Affair, Author Groupies, Spreading the Word, and Bookalicious Babes Blog, Once upon an Alpha, Thecathydotson, Another Indie Book Promo Blog, Lyn’s Love of Books, Read relax repeat, Lina’s Reviews, Outrageous Hero’s of Romance, Sisi’s Book Whore, Whatever floats your boat, Ramblings from beneath the sheets, Souls Readers, Night and day book blog, Reading in Sara’s Corner, Word forward, Saucy books, I feel the need, the need to read, A pair of okies, Sassy southern book affair, Jennifer’s blog, 3 crazy book chicks, Our book stars, Six chicks an their love of books, Fictional fantasies,

  I am going to take a moment to say thank you to my Mom, Dad, and friends that support me everyday. Without you I wouldn’t be able to do what I do, I love you. I always dreamt that one day I would write something that someone would want to read and for me to actually have accomplished that is an absolute dream come true. My “day” job is being a hospice nurse and I see how quickly our lives can end. Knowing that and being able to follow my dreams in this life means more than I can possibly explain.

  Thank you so much for reading this story!

  Kimberly, xoxo

  Kimberly has been writing since she was a young girl growing up in Kansas City, Mo. Reading and writing has always been a big part of her life. She enjoys a world she can get lost in while reading a good book.

  A wife and mother to four beautiful children she decided she wasn't busy enough. She spent some time chasing down fugitives as a bounty hunter then laid down her hand cuffs and finished her college degree in nursing.

  Kimberly loves discovering new music to jam out to and loves anything that's different. When Kimberly isn't writing or playing superhero for her children, she takes care of her patients as a Registered nurse in the field of hospice.

  More from the Author

  Please consider reviewing

  His Angel Book 1

  Add to Goodreads

  My Demons Book 2

  Add to Goodreads

  Our Sins Book 3

  Add to Goodreads

  Burned- a Novella-Evan’s POV of the years before he meets Abby

  Almost to LOVE- A stand-alone Angel novel in Amy’s POV

  Limits-A Stand-alone Angel novel in Natalia’s POV

  Race to My HEART- Release TBA

  Co-Writing with Abby P. Cook

  Pieces to Love- Release TBA

  Co-Writing with Misty Simmons

  Website: Kimberlyblalock.com

  Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/kimberlyblalock

  Facebook:

  http://facebook.com/kimblalockAngel

  Twitter:

  @kimblalockAngel

  The Angel Trilogy Group on Facebook:

  https://www.facebook.com/groups/357341127777200/

  Goodreads:

  https://www.goodreads.com/kimblalockAngel

  His Angel playlist on Spotify

  My Demons Playlist on Spotify

  Our Sins Playlist on Spotify

  For a signed e-copy request please go to: www.authorgraph.com

  For a signed paperback request please email kblalockangel@gmail.com

  “KALLIE, DINNER WILL BE READY in five minutes.” I look at the back door when I hear my mother’s voice before turning back to what I’m doing. This ladybug will fly away soon, and I need to get a few more pictures. I bring my camera up to my eye and focus on the many spots on her back. Click, click, click. I pull the camera away just as she flies away. I try to take a picture of her flying, but I’m not fast enough. I sigh and move over to the dandelion growing next to my mom’s roses. She’ll pull it out tomorrow, so I want to take a picture before she does. “Kallie Gregory, come on, dinner is ready.” I take one quick picture of the pretty weed and run into the house. I put my camera on the kitchen table and go to wash my hands. “Hey, squirt, did you take lots of pictures today?” I smile up at my big brother so excited that he wants to hear about my pictures. “Yep. I took pictures of a ladybug, leaves, Mrs. Molly’s cat, a squirrel, clouds, and a dandelion by Mommy’s roses.” “What? There is a dandelion in my rose garden?” Braden and I laugh while mom is looking out the window. We sit down to eat dinner and I smile at my mom. “Mommy, can we develop my pictures tomorrow? Please, please, pretty please?”

  Sometimes I have to wait a while because we don’t have extra money to develop them, but I really want to get these done. I have so many good ones on here. “Kallie, you are the only eight year old I know that gets so excited about pictures.” I lift my shoulders and take a bite of my hamburger. I love taking pictures. It is so much fun. I always have my camera with me, even in school. Mrs. Applestein took it from me last week because I pulled it out of my desk when Jimmy was making faces. I wanted to take a picture of him, but Mrs. Applestein said I needed to do math problems, not take pictures. I was doing my work; I just wanted to take a quick picture. Mommy said she would take my camera away if I did it again. I won’t ever do it again because if I didn’t have my camera, I would cry. “Yes, we can develop them tomorrow.” I snap my head up and give her a huge smile. “Thank you so much, Mommy.” I love my mom. It is only her, me, and Braden that live here. I don’t know my dad, but it’s all right because I like just having a mom. “Maybe one day you will make money taking pictures, and what kind of Mom would I be if I didn’t develop your pictures?” She winks at me and I laugh. “That’s what I’m going to do when I grow up. I’m always going to take pictures.”

  Five Years Later…

  I look around my bedroom at all my pictures. I laugh when I look at the pictures I took when I was younger, but I will always keep them. I keep getting better the older I get. Today, Braden is going to take me to this lake we like to visit, and I’m so excited because there are so many beautiful things to take pictures of by that lake. I got a new camera for my birthday a few months ago, and it takes amazing pictures. I’m learning to edit them also, so they look even more stunning. I put my camera in the case and grab my cell phone before going to the living room to find my brother. He is sitting on the couch with a couple of his friends and their girlfriends. Braden is eighteen, but he still lets me hang out with him. He really is o
ne of my best friends. “There’s the best photographer I know.” I roll my eyes, but inside, I smile with pride. All of his friends say hello to me, and after a quick lunch, we head to the lake. Braden and all his friends are swimming, but I’m not. There are too many things around me that I can capture. The sky is so blue today and the sun is shining just right, making the pictures so pretty. I am squatting down angling my camera to take some pictures of cattails when they move, and Braden is standing there. “Kallie, aren’t you done taking pictures yet?” I stand up and brush the dirt off my hands. “Nope, I’m never done.” He laughs and puts his arm around me. “Have you ever thought about taking pictures of people not just flowers and crap?” I shake my head as we walk closer to the lake. “I don’t know, Braden, flowers and crap are easy. People are harder; they move and you need to tell them what to do.” He laughs, and I don’t understand what is funny about that. I’m not good at telling people what to do. I can move objects or move myself to take a better angle of something without telling it anything. “I think you should try. Don’t think about it so much. Just take the picture.” He grabs his girlfriend around the waist and lifts her. He turns around toward me and tells her to smile. “Take the picture, Kallie.” I do just as he said. I don’t think so much and take the picture. He smiles at me before they head back into the lake. I look at the picture in the viewfinder, and I actually like it. I move a little closer to the lake and start snapping pictures. Braden and all his friends are splashing, laughing, and goofing off. After a few minutes, I look at the viewfinder again, and holy crap, I actually like what I’m seeing. I see a couple kissing in the water, so I snap. I look around and see a couple of them playing chicken, so I snap. I glance over and see Braden and his girlfriend; he has his forehead resting on hers. She has a small smile on her face looking right into his eyes, so I snap. I continue to capture all these amazing moments that would have passed me by if Braden didn’t suggest taking pictures of people.