Then There Was You

by Melanie Dawn

  I placed my hand in his and he guided me toward one of the larger fountains, front and center of the tower.

  “You’ll get the best view from here,” he told me as we sat down together on the ledge.

  “What is it?” I asked, looking around at the same scenery we’d been seeing for the past hour.

  Chris shook his head. “You should know me by now… you’ll see.”

  I laughed and shook mine too. “I thought you’d say that.”

  Just then, the first firework shot off in the distance, exploding behind the tower.

  “Wow!” I cried, watching the colorful blast of red and white sparkle in the night sky and illuminate the stately monument.

  One after another, fireworks blasted and twinkled in the dark. I watched in awe at the beauty of it all. “Thank you so much for this,” I told Chris.

  Chris just smiled, nudging me gently with his shoulder. Suddenly I realized that no other man on earth could make me happier than the one sitting beside me.

  I watched as the finale of fireworks erupted simultaneously. Losing myself in the beauty of the tower against the backdrop of tiny sparkling explosions, tears glistened in my eyes as I considered all the thought, research, and planning Chris did to make this night memorable. I turned my head to look at him. He’d stepped away from the fountain and was now kneeling in front of me with a very familiar black guitar in his hands. My hands immediately flew to my mouth. Oh my god! He kept it all these years!

  Strumming a few chords, he held my gaze. “I remember the first time I sang for you,” he said softly. “I remember watching you walk across that cafeteria holding this same guitar in your hand. You floated like an angel across that miserable place like you were carrying a basket of manna to satisfy my hunger for music. Your smile was contagious. You were so beautiful back then, and even more so now. But you are so much more than just a pretty face.” He grazed his fingers across the chords, sucking a breath as if he had prepared a speech.

  He continued with a smile on his face. “You have a heart of gold. I love how thoughtful you are, how caring. I love the way you want to help people. I love how you make me want to be a better person. You give me confidence and make me feel special, but it’s more than just the way you make me feel. I love how you inspire me, how you teach me to enjoy life, how you encourage me to reach for the stars. I love you for showing me how to give love and how to accept love—even after all I’ve been through. I love me when I’m with you.”

  He glanced at his guitar, gearing up for the words that would come next. I couldn’t stop the tears that had already pooled in my eyes. I thought back to the first day I met him, angry and guarded. And here he was, years later, pouring his soul out to me, trusting me fully with his heart.

  Returning his gaze, he continued, “I’ve loved you for a long time. I didn’t know it back then, but fate was tying our hearts together, just a little at a time. Bumping into you at the concert… it was destiny’s way of sealing our fate. I want to make you happy. I want to be the man that you deserve for the rest of our lives. I want to build a life and home with you and Alexis. I want to show you how much I love you every second of every day. You are my world, my love, my everything. I love you so much, Salem.”

  With tears in his eyes, he began to strum the first few chords of a song I immediately recognized—one of my favorite songs by Train. Shocked, my mouth fell open as the tears that had pooled in my eyes now slid down my cheeks. My hands promptly covered my gaping mouth, as the tears continued to fall.

  As he opened his mouth to sing, the words cascaded into the darkness, filling my heart with love and adoration. The music that poured from his guitar washed over me like satin, while the purity of his tone cleansed my soul. I felt cherished, treasured. Tears rolled down my cheeks and all I could think about was how in awe I was over this amazing, passionate man who sang his heart out for me.

  As soon as the final note tapered off, he whispered, “Will you marry me, Salem?”

  Before I even glanced at the box he held that cradled the diamond ring, I fell down on my knees in front of him. “Yes!” I cried. “Yes, yes, yes! I love you so much, Chris. Nothing would make me happier in this world than to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  He laid the guitar on the ground as I wrapped my arms around him. Pulling me toward him, I grasped the sides of his face and pressed my lips to his. He tangled the fingers of his free hand in my hair, kissing me back.

  My stomach exploded with butterflies as I thought about the day I would walk down the aisle toward the man that I love with my whole heart to become Mrs. Christopher Dean King.

  I love the hours after midnight. It’s when I do my best thinking. I’ve found that nothing is better than sitting in the darkness of this quiet room, with my arms wrapped around the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You know, I realized something the other day. I hadn’t really been living until now. She came into my world just when I needed her the most, and she changed everything.

  I sit in the silence, reflecting on the past few years. What a wild ride it has been—the shows, the music, the traveling, the women, the alcohol, the crazy fun—but, it all boils down to just one thing. This. This moment. This perfect, amazing moment as I sit in the stillness of the night, holding the love of my life.

  Quietly, I begin to sing. I love singing to her as she dozes off against my chest. Salem says it’s her favorite part of falling asleep… listening to my voice as she’s transported into dreamland. So, I let the words softly echo into the darkness, my voice low and gentle.

  Just lay in my arms wrapped so tight

  No need to worry tonight

  So stay by my side

  Use your ears not your eyes

  Let my voice calm

  Your worried mind

  Don’t go for love

  For you may not see

  It’s the reason for you

  You’re the reason for me

  I can feel her body relaxing while I sing. I know my soft timbre has drifted her into a tranquil slumber. It’s late, but I don’t want to go to sleep yet. I just want to hold her, caress her soft skin, and kiss her forehead while she stays wrapped in my arms.

  She’s given me a life I never dreamed I could have. She’s given me a reason to truly live.

  Love brought her to me. The love Salem and I have for each other is the reason she’s here. Looking down at the sweet angel in my arms, I cuddle her in the rocking chair of her nursery.

  Zoe. Perfect in every way.

  I glance the most recent addition to my now completely finished tattoo.

  While I love, I live.

  Love created her, and like the meaning of her name, she gave me life. She is my life.

  Together we rock in the calm serenity of the wee hours while I continue to sing softly to her, knowing the woman I love is enjoying her own peaceful slumber just down the hall in our bed.

  Are you or is anyone you know suffering from Postpartum Depression? You are not alone. There is hope.

  The birth of a baby can trigger a jumble of powerful emotions, from excitement and joy to fear and anxiety. But it can also result in something you might not expect — depression.

  During the postpartum period, about 85% of women experience some type of mood disturbance. For most the symptoms are mild and short-lived; however, 10 to 15% of women develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety.

  Many new moms experience the “baby blues” after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings and crying spells that fade quickly. But some new moms experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression. Rarely, an extreme form of postpartum depression known as postpartum psychosis develops after childbirth.

  Postpartum depression isn’t a character flaw or a weakness. Sometimes it’s simply a complication of giving birth. If you have postpartum depression, prompt treatment can help you manage your symptoms — and enjoy your baby.

  Postpartum depre
ssion may appear to be the baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and longer lasting, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Postpartum depression symptoms may include:

  Loss of appetite

  Insomnia

  Intense irritability and anger

  Overwhelming fatigue

  Loss of interest in sex

  Lack of joy in life

  Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy

  Severe mood swings

  Difficulty bonding with your baby

  Withdrawal from family and friends

  Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

  Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer. If you’re feeling depressed after your baby’s birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But it’s important to call your doctor if the signs and symptoms of depression have any of these features:

  Don’t fade after two weeks

  Are getting worse

  Make it hard for you to care for your baby

  Make it hard to complete everyday tasks

  Include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

  Information obtained from http://www.mayoclinic.org/

  The following web sites have excellent information and resources on Postpartum Depression:

  http://www.1800ppdmoms.org/

  http://www.postpartum.net/

  http://www.depressionafterdelivery.com

  http://familydoctor.org/handouts/379.html

  http://www.womensmentalhealth.org

  Start of Something Good by Chris Daughtry

  I’ll Be by Reba McEntire

  Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin

  Desperate by David Archuletta

  Every Day by Rascal Flatts

  I Turn to You by Christina Aguilera

  You Needed Me by Anne Murray

  Through Glass by Stone Sour

  Snuff by Slipknot

  Hurt by Nine Inch Nails

  You Found Me by The Fray

  Welcome to My Life by Simple Plan

  Clarity by Zedd

  Numb by Linkin Park

  God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood

  Open Your Eyes by Staind

  Locked Up by Akon

  Baby Mine by Alison Krauss

  A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans

  Cut by Plumb

  Here Without You by 3 Doors Down

  I’ll Be by Edwin McCain

  Kiss Me Slowly by Parachute

  Broken by Seether

  My Hero by Foo Fighters

  Just to See You Smile by Tim McGraw

  She’s Everything by Brad Paisley

  Everything but Me by Chris Daughtry

  The Way She Feels by Between the Trees

  Sorry by Chris Daughtry

  Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette

  Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down

  All of Me by John Legend

  Mas Que Amor by Il Volo

  Marry Me by Train

  To my readers: THANK YOU! Words cannot express my gratitude. I couldn’t do this without the support of my readers and fans! You make this whole process worth every minute!

  To my husband: Thank you for always supporting me. Thank you for being such a good sport about listening to me drone on and on about my story even though you have no interest whatsoever in romance novels. Thank you for your patience when I locked myself up in our bedroom all day to write. Thank you most of all, for three beautiful children, twelve amazing years, and your unconditional love! I love you!

  To my parents who have always been there for me: Thank you for your love, support, and encouragement throughout my life. Whether it was at the bowling alley, the Soap Box Derby hills, the recital stage, or watching from the stands while I cheered, you have always encouraged me to reach for the stars. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to attend college and get my degrees. Thank you for supporting me when I made the decision to stay home with my children. Thank you for being the best parents a girl could ask for, and the best grandparents to your grandchildren! No matter what, you have always been there for us. I love you both so much!

  Thank you to the ones in my life who inspired my characters for this story. I truly believe you were each placed in my life for a reason, and I’ll always be grateful for that. You have all touched my life in one way or another. I have been thoroughly blessed with love, friendship, and guidance through the years. While some of you might never cross my path again, the influence you had in my life will forever remain in my heart.

  Thank you to “my girls” who lift me up when I need encouragement and keep me grounded when my head is in the clouds. You girls are the truest of true friends. I’m so thankful for each and every one of you!

  Thank you to my amazing author friends, Kimi and Lynetta. You were my go-to girls when I was feeling discouraged. You lifted me up and gave me a SKITA when I needed it! You spent hours on the phone with me and spent loads of time brainstorming and reading passages when I needed you to give me feedback. I’m so fortunate to call you my friends!

  To one kick-ass content editor, Megan Hand, you are simply amazing. I can’t thank you enough for whipping me into shape. You pushed me and challenged me to make this book so much better! Thank you!

  Thank you to my beta readers: Amy, Ashley, Becca, Debi, Danielle, Elle, Lisa, Mel, Mo, T, Toski, and Valerie. I couldn’t have done it without you girls!!! You kept me motivated! I look forward to working with you in the future!

  Thank you to my Chixx. You’ve all been there from the start. I love you all! Thank you for your infinite support and love. You know who you are!

  Thank you to Charlie McIver and Damon Hamby for providing such wonderful song lyrics for Chris to sing to Salem! You guys have some real talent, and I’m glad I just happened upon your YouTube channels!

  http://www.youtube.com/user/RestinginRaindrops

  http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyUUBXzAXCWndxOszXIwYeg

  Thank you to my amazing editor, Kathleen Lilley, who spent hours combing through my manuscript for every misplaced comma and grammatical error. Maybe, just maybe, I might have added a few things after you did my final edit. So if there are any mistakes, they’re not your fault. After all, I’m a tweakaholic who just can’t stop!

  Thank you to my cover models, Sara Hilton and Damon Hamby. You guys did a phenomenal job in the freezing temperature that day! Thank you for stepping in at the last minute.

  Thank you to my photographers, Dawn and Summer of Positively Posh Photography. You girls rock, and I had a blast! The cover is gorgeous!

  Thank you to my cover designer, Allie B of B Design. You took time to really listen to my ideas and worked hard to create my vision. The cover is beautiful!

  Thank you, Angela McLaurin of Fictional Formats, for making the interior of Then There Was You so incredibly stunning! You have a gift for creating beautiful masterpieces. I’m so thankful for your friendship, also!

  Thank you to blogger Cris Hadarly of The Book Avenue Review for hosting my cover reveal and blog tour! Thank you for taking a chance on me and helping me get my cover and book to so many other bloggers. I appreciate all your hard work more than you know!

  Thank you to all the bloggers who have helped me get the word out there about my books. I’m so thankful for everything you all have done and continue to do for indie authors! We appreciate you!

  Last, but certainly not least, thank you so much to my children, whom I adore with every fiber of my being (most of the time). They had to put up with a lot of pizza and takeout, which I don’t think they minded much. They were very patient with me when I holed myself up in my bedroom writing with that ‘Mama’s got crazy eyes’ look. They didn’t tear the house up… too much. And, while sometimes they drive me BSC, I still love them more than life!!! (Psssst… if any of my kids ask, BSC stands for Banana Split Crazy) ;)

  Melanie Dawn is a thinker, a dreamer, and a hopeless romantic. When her h
ead isn’t in the clouds, she spends her time as a jack of all trades to her family. Melanie resides in the hills of North Carolina with her husband, her three children, and her cat. She enjoys lazy summer afternoons cruising around the lake on the pontoon boat with her family.

  Melanie graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in Psychology and earned her MA in School Counseling from Appalachian State University. She spent the first six years after graduate school as a middle school counselor. Those were years she deems as some of the best years of her life. That is, until she had children of her own. The last seven years have been spent as a stay-at-home mom. She has learned some tough life lessons, like what the inner absorbent pellets of a diaper look like scattered in the washing machine. She has also learned the strength of the willpower of a two year old lacking a nap. Through it all, Melanie has learned how to roll with the punches and appreciate the time she has been able to spend at home with her children.

  Now that her last baby has entered Kindergarten, she has started a new chapter in her life—becoming an author.

  Let’s stay in touch:

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieDawn

  Twitter: www.twitter.com/MelanieDawn1

  Email: melaniedawnauthor@gmail.com