“This was the last task, so I guess we should say goodbye.”
“Right. Last weekend, you got lost with us on that spontaneous Sunday drive we took, so this marks the end.”
“We’ll be handing this footage over to Jay and Sam soon.”
“They’ll edit it all up, add in some of the gorgeous pictures Celia’s taken too, then put it out there for all of you to see.”
“Yes.” It all seemed unreal. I stared at the urn in my hands, the lid still off. There was a small amount of ashes left.
“So this is it. We hope in sharing Mer’s final adventure with you that you were able to say goodbye to her with us, in the way she wanted. She would be happy. And while you won’t be seeing more of Mer on Adventure Life, know that she’d be cheering for you when you have your own adventures. Be safe. Don’t do anything stupid,” he added with a laugh. “But have fun. Live life. Find what makes you happy. I know we have. Thanks to Mer.”
His lips pressed to my cheek, kissing the tears that had streamed down. He shut off the GoPro and let it fall to his side as he looked at me.
“I couldn’t dump the rest,” I admitted.
“So she goes with us on a few more.” His fingers traced the trail my other tears had made, wiping them away. “Special occasions. I have some ideas.”
I nodded, loving that plan. “Did you mean it? What you said inside?”
His eyebrows pulled together for a moment. “Every word.” He snaked his arms around me and dipped his face down to mine, pressing our foreheads together. “I want you with me every night. I want to be tangled inside this hair while I sleep.” His fingers tugged at the ends along my lower back. “And I want to see that gorgeous sleepy look that I love every single morning.”
“I want that too,” I whispered. “I don’t want to waste any more time being without you.”
“So, that’s a yes?”
“That’s a yes.”
“It won’t be so bad, you and me.”
“No, not bad at all.”
Bonus Epilogue
______________
Caleb
-the next day-
“RAWR!”
“AHHH! Dammit, Caleb.”
Acknowledgements
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This is always the most difficult part of writing a book. Actually, it’s tied with the synopsis. Funny, though, how you can write a book and find it tricky to really express thanks to those who helped you through the process. The words don’t ever seem good enough. So, to the people mentioned in this section, you are way beyond awesome, and all the other lame words I might use in an attempt to express how appreciative I am.
Many thanks to my fam, especially Will and Zoe who continuously support my writerly life despite all my random zone-outs, most notably my dinner prep forgetfulness. Take-out it is.
Amy Concepcion - You have a knack for finding those tiny missing pieces and little story blips. Thanks for sticking with me these years. My books wouldn’t be the same without you.
Simone Nicole - Girl, you have been one of the best sounding boards for this book and for life. You’re truly one of the great author friends I’ve made in this biz.
Megan Addison - You are a gem and have absolutely made my life easier for this one! Thanks so much for all your help an organization.
Kya Hazzard - Thanks for the read-through and feedback. I’m so grateful for your friendship through the years.
Kim Chance - Thanks for taking the time to read and crit some early chapters during life’s hectic schedule.
Emily Lawrence - I can’t thank you enough for catching all my grammar gaffes. I probably owe you some heavy liquor at this point.
Stacey Blake - Thanks for always making the paperbacks so pretty. Love working with you.
Regina Wamba - Your skills continue to blow me away, and I’m so thankful to have such a stunning cover photo.
Amy Queau - Thank you for designing the perfect and most beautiful cover to fit SYBL.
Muses (formerly Dreamers) - Thanks for sticking around and helping with all my random group polls and questions. I truly value your input and friendships.
Bloggers - Thanks for taking the time to share your love for SYBL. Your continued support and thoughtful reviews always mean the world to me. Big hugs and much love!
And a huge thanks to everyone who decided to read Senior Year Bucket List. I really do hope you enjoyed it!
About the Author
______________
J.M. Miller currently resides in Florida’s panhandle.
When she isn't distracted by social media, she writes romance novels that vary in genre from contemporary to fantasy. Aside from spending time with her family, she loves to travel and will jump at the chance to go anywhere, whenever life allows.
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Other books by J.M. Miller
Fallen Flame
Scattered Plume
Spied
Deep Breath
Sever
The Line That Binds
The Line That Breaks
Caly’s Piece
Senior Year Bucket List Page 21