by Leaona Luxx
“Both. As soon as possible.” Kissing him again, I finish helping him dress.
Leaving the hospital, I explain to Hardy what happened with Eric. He had stuck around to see if Hardy would keep his promise to stay away, finding that of course, Hardy had not. He grew angry. Thinking his sister had wasted her life because of Hardy, he sought to make Hardy pay any way he could.
After Eric’s arrest, One and Ellis Kipton met with him and his attorney to give them copies of the investigation on Hardy. He was brought to tears learning the way his sister had passed and the life she took of her innocent child. He promised to never contact Hardy again as part of his four-year sentence.
Turning the car down a familiar street, Hardy jerks his head toward me. “Where are we going?”
“Home. Our family arranged for all of my things to be moved into your house. I purchased a new king-size bed too,” I say with a wink. “We still have a few things to get, but even your things are out of storage. I hope it was okay?” My forehead wrinkles with the question, I fear I may have moved too quickly.
“Two things. We have two weeks to get married, you ready?” He takes my hand as I come to a stop after turning on to our street.
“I am. That’s just one question. What’s the second?” My frown deepens.
“Can I help pick out the furniture for the nursery?” A mischievous smile plasters his face.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” I say, leaning in to kiss him.
“We’re almost home, baby,” he whispers as he pulls me closer.
“We’re already there, Hardy.”
When two people live a true love story, the happily ever after is wonderful. A real love story continues; true love never ends. Or better, it begins. Half the battle is to find true love; the story is keeping it. A love story should only end when two people don’t want to go on.
Our love story will continue. We’ll have problems, adversity will come at us. We’ll fight and argue. But we’ll love. True love only begins once you’ve found it. So to our beginning. May you, forever live yours.
To more beginnings
Without a doubt, I’ll forget someone, so please forgive me. Here we are, second book in. When does it start to feel real? I pinch myself daily. Thank you for taking this journey with me, I am forever indebted. Your love and support has carried me through this year. My failures and triumphs have been measured, and you find me worthy. My love for you—the amazing, romance reader— knows no limit. Thank you, a million times over.
Bloggers, without you, we’d all be lost. Thank you for your tireless reading and reviewing. Sharing and caring. Loving and crying. Fighting and hating each and every book you get in your hands. Your wisdom and love of reading helps me become better.
The Chance Brothers Promotions—Logan, Jacob, Donna and Misty, for taking me on and having my back. It means the world to have you in my corner.
The Bottom Turners, thank you for all you do. I love each and every one of you. Your support and words of encouragement are never-ending. Your acceptance of me, it means more than words can describe.
The Beach Babes—Diane, Rachel, Sara, Christine, Mel, Sharon, Misty S., Missy N. and Ashley (Wild Child), when I say “will you?” you do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wouldn’t be here if not for you.
The Beach Betas—Louanne, Flora, Stacey, Joyce, Robyn, Jade and Ana, thank you for all you do. Your scouring of each and every page is a daunting task which you take on with a smile. Reading my books more times than what should be acceptable. I love you all.
My Alpha readers, Sallie, Mel, Attie, and Robyn, thank you is not enough. When I needed to jump hurdles, you encouraged me and talked me through it. I love you ladies a million times over.
Kelsey Walker, my cover model. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I told you this was a cover photo from the minute I had seen it. Your beauty blew me away, and I knew you were Thayer. I love you.
Halsi Sears and 13 & Loka—Your creative eye and focused lens gave my cover just what it needed, thank you.
Mel Osbourne, my PA, my right-hand, my sounding board, my cheerleader, my friend. Thank you for all you do, I love you.
Silla, you’ve been my friend from minute go. Thank you for always being here and having my back, for helping anyway and how you can. Southern girls do it best. I love you.
Masque of the Red Pen—Twice. Twice, you have jumped in and saved my ass. I can't thank you enough for all you do. Most importantly, your friendship and guidance means the world. I'll never be able to repay you. Thank you, love ya, girl.
Naughty Smut Readers and Sallie, I love you. You are my sounding board, my friend. My southern girl who gets me. You’ve been by my side for this book, Cherry Grove, and life. Without you, I would not be here. Thank you.
Christine, damn girl, way to have my back. Thank you for being my friend and now, my sister. I love you, and I haven’t even met you, but I know we’re gonna be friends forever.
Shout out to Jade, love your face.
Heather, thank you for all you’ve done and for your love. I’m so proud of how far you’ve came. I love you.
Author CC Monroe, I love you. You are my daughter I never had. Your friendship has meant more to me than I can ever explain. Thank you for being you and for being the amazing person you are. You my boo. And thank you for Todd.
Sassy Book Club and Stacey, I love you. Your support and moreover, friendship are a life source. Your calm voice of reason has taken place of the one person I thought I could never hear again. I believe you were sent to me. I know I’ll never be able to repay you. Thank you.
For the Love of Pimping, Calling All Books, and Reading is Our Passion and your maven, Diane Norwood, thank you for all you have done to help me. Always being in my corner and cheering me on. Love your faces!
Teresa’s Tantalizing Teasers, our bond goes beyond books. I love you.
Spell Bound and Stacey, thank you for all your hard work and the thoughtfulness you showed me during this adventure. You were a total angel.
Dokeshi’s Book Services and Luke, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You mean the world to me and I think of you as my own. I love you.
Author J. Napier and Attie, my children from another. I love you both and consider you more than friends but as family. Your support and long phone conversations proved to be a beautiful thing.
Corinne and Christy, thank you for always being my friends. Never treating me differently and always loving me.
My home girls—Terri, Lauren, and Erin. I’m blessed to call you my friends and proud to call you my family. Thank you for always encouraging me. I love you all.
My girls, Court, Desi and Kat, my love and adoration for you three ladies grows with each passing year. I’m blessed to not only call you my daughters but my friends. Thank you for loving my guys and us. But most of all, for being by my side.
My guys—Bub, Josh and Zack, you are my heart. I’m blessed to be your mom and proud to call you mine. Your support of my dreams is never-ending and your encouragement never stops. The amazing young men you have become is a testament to your grandfather and you dad. Thank you for being mine. I love each of you.
Mom, thank you for being my best friend. For being a strong woman and teaching me that no matter what I do, I can change my world because I can change my world. I love you.
Dad, a year has passed and it still seems surreal. I’m amazed that we’ve made it this long without you here. Even more surprised, you haven’t come back. I’ll not make promises I can’t keep by saying, I won’t wish you to come back. I do. Everyday. I need to hear your voice. Your sweet hugs and for you to call me “my baby” just one more time. I love you, you perfect, amazing man. I love you.
LU…. My knight in shining armor. My soul. Our marriage has been one helluva roller coaster and I couldn’t imagine having any one else on the ride with me. You are my best friend. You are my greatest love. Thank you for supporting me. Never once did you say, you can’t do this. You�
��ve always believed in me. I love you. You and me, against the world.