“Come here, sweetie.” She holds out her arms.
I walk to her and position her body to fit mine on the small bed.
“Before you freak out, we are fine. I had a surprise for you is why I left the office early. I went to get a bikini wax and had a few pieces of lingerie I wanted to buy. Tonight was supposed to be my night of seduction. We’ve been so busy lately, I had a whole plan ready. Well, I was in the store restroom and my water broke.”
My face cringes and I hold her close.
“It wasn’t dramatic or painful. I came straight here and called you. The doctors are monitoring me. The baby is fine. Once I feel the contractions, we’ll get the epidural. Everything is good.”
“When this is over, I’m going to find a way to teach you. Never do that again, babe. I’ve been worried about you all afternoon. And now to know you were alone when your water broke, and then drove yourself to the hospital, it’s killing me.”
“Max, you’re form of punishment is hardly a deterrent. And besides, I’m not teachable, I like my independence. Told you that in the beginning and then again when you moved my office to your building. I’m going to do what I want. And today, I wanted a sexy, see-thru cream-colored nightgown that my husband would appreciate. Too bad our little munchkin decided to intervene.”
“Is it bad that my dick is rock hard hearing you talk about lingerie?” I move her hand to the bulge in my pants. “Maybe you can help me with that.”
She leans into me and kisses me with such passion and heat I forget we’re in a hospital. My hand cups her breast through the hospital gown wanting to feel her writher under me.
“I can see how you two got her in this state,” a nurse walks in and interrupts. “Mrs. McCoy, how are you feeling?”
“Good. My husband just got here.” She giggles beneath me.
“That I see. I need to check you again, do you think Casanova can get off the bed?” She raises an eyebrow at me and I move to the chair.
“Three centimeters, the contractions are showing on the screen. Are you ready for me to call the anesthesiologist?”
“I’ll make the calls,” I say referring to our families.
She nods and leans over to kiss me. “You make the calls.” Then nods at the nurse.
It takes twenty minutes to call everyone I need to and by the time I get back to the bedside, my beautiful wife is smiling goofily.
“Time to be spectacular,” she says.
“Time to be spectacular,” I agree.
Five hours later, my son is born. He’s absolutely perfect and when I cut the cord, Stella sobs. She holds my hand as the nurse cleans him and them brings him to lay on her chest. We both stare at him in amazement, watching him breathe lightly.
“Andrew Marx McCoy.” Stella kisses his head as I kiss hers.
If we had a boy, she’d already decided she wanted to name him Andrew after my dad and me, but I stayed quiet in the subject. Now looking at him, the name fits completely. He stirs a bit and opens his eyes to me, and my world melts again. Stella looks up and holds my stare for a second then nuzzles back into our son.
“I hate to say it, but we may need to unlock the doors. My mom and Sara are probably going crazy.”
“I don’t care, I want another moment with you two alone. This is our family now.”
“I love him, Max, and I love you for giving him to me. Thank you.”
Her eyes spill over with tears and I catch them as they fall with my fingertips. “It’s you who gave him to us. For the rest of my life, I’ll never know how a bastard like me got so fortunate. I swear to you and him, no one will love their family as fiercely as I do.”
“I know.”
Laci’s lucky she’s my best friend or else I’d kill her. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I adjust the top of my dress for the tenth time. My boobs are practically popping out of the form-fitting gown she chose for her bridesmaid’s dress.
“I’m going to get you back for this,” I mutter under my breath.
“What was that, Stella Bella?” Laci practically sings.
“Eight weeks after you have your first child, I’m having a formal party and you’re wearing this exact dress.”
“You look beautiful, Stella, what are you worried about?”
I don’t say anything but point to my chest.
“Oh please!” She reaches over and pinches one.
“Don’t do that! I’m doubled up on pads. If you touch them, they’re likely to leak,” I shout and Laci’s mom starts laughing.
We giggle along with her but all laughter stops when Laci steps into her dress and the room goes still.
“You are stunning. The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.” My voice cracks as I blink back tears.
“Funny, that’s what I thought about you,” her voice equally strained. We stare at each other for a few seconds allowing the enormity of how much has changed for us.
“Girls! No crying, you’ll ruin your make up,” Mrs. Barnes scolds us, but her eyes shine.
“You have family pictures.” I point out.
“Remember the schedule, you have ten minutes then join us.”
I nod and blow her a kiss as she follows her mother out.
Max walks in and whistles when he sees me. “How long do we have to stay at this shindig?”
“All night, you know this already.”
“Yes, but that was before I saw what you looked like in that dress. Now I feel the need to get you naked.” He nuzzles my neck and bites down gently, then kisses the sting.
I lean into his body and soak in his embrace. “Where’s Drew?”
“When I left him, your mom had staked claim, but Landon was working on her. I figure he’ll annoy her to death until she hands the baby over.”
“Highly doubtful.”
“You okay today?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”
“Maybe because your best friend is getting the wedding of her dreams. Your selfish, needy, and completely in love husband robbed you of that because I couldn’t wait.”
“The party was enough, Max, I didn’t need a big wedding. Ours was perfect. Even you can make the JP elegant. I’m actually fine, Laci looks incredible and she’s so happy.”
“Jake’s pretty stoked too. Never really seen him this excited.”
“We’re very lucky, Max. Sometimes I want to pinch myself to see if this is all real.”
“I’ll do the pinching.” He slides his hand down and grabs my ass possessively. “But no doubt this is real.”
“I don’t want to ruin today but tell me what the phone call this morning was about.”
“Edward’s getting out of jail. They’re moving him to a medical facility with hospice on staff. His heart disease has taken a turn and they think he won’t live much longer.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Yeah, they’re going to let Rita visit weekly. Erica asked the prosecutor for leniency.”
“We need to go see him, one last time Max.”
He spins me around and takes my chin in his hands raising my eyes to his. “You’re an angel.”
“No, I just watch the bond between you and Drew and can’t help but think of your dad. He meant the world to you and I understand the anger for Edward. But I also understand forgiveness. And I want him to have ours, completely. We have an amazing life and there’s no room for anger and bitterness.”
“I’ll arrange it. I’d like my mom to go with us.”
“Okay.”
“Now enough about him, let’s talk about you and me sneaking away.” His lips cover mine and I lose myself in his kiss. My hands move to his hips and pull him in close, feeling the erection pressed against stomach.
My nipples harden and tingling starts in the pit of my core. Max always has this effect on me, making my body want him desperately with just the touch of his mouth.
“Really? On my wedding day, you two can’t refrain for a few hours? Not sure if you remember, but there’s a cere
mony in thirty minutes,” Laci yells from the door.
I withdraw slightly and look over my shoulder at her. “Sorry,” I say unapologetically.
She smiles widely and motions for me to follow.
“Picture time.”
“One more kiss.” He bends down and rubs his lips across mine. “Fucking vanilla kisses. That’s what started it all. I’ll tell you until there’s no breath left in my body, I’m the luckiest son of a bitch alive.”
This book would not be possible without the endless encouragement and support from my family. With each book I write, it becomes more and more clear that I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you so much for standing beside me and cheering me on. I love you!
Ahren’s Angels, you guys are wonderful. I have enjoyed writing this book as you followed my progress and uplifted my spirits. Jeneane, Jaci, AnnMarie, Teresa, Jeana, Allison, Helena, JC, Kimberly, Sabrina, Daniela, and Stephie, thank you for your support and never ending enthusiasm.
To the wonderful women by my side, another crazy, turbulent journey, but with you it has been amazing. Vi, Amber, Evette, Rosanna, Amy, Emily, Susan, Cory, and Sloan I have gratitude from the bottom of my heart for you. Your input and advice is irreplaceable. Thank you for taking your time to help bring my story to life.
Anna, it goes without saying, you’re terrific. Even with your own “dream chasing,” you take the time to help me with everything at the drop of a hat. I wish you the most success possible and am grateful for your ever-ending dedication.
Missy, your attention to detail is priceless. Having a trained eye and knowledge of general grammar and language helped me shape this book. It was wonderful working with you.
Jordon Legault, this was fun! Thank you for helping me with so many areas. Don’t forget, if you ever read the book, the leopard print leggings are strictly for you.
Leticia, thank you for your graphic skills and nailing exactly what the vision in my head was without words.
To all the bloggers who have been supportive and promoted my work, you are greatly appreciated. I know how hard it is to manage a blog and all the social media that goes with it. You all handle it with ease and professionalism with endless support to Indie Authors. Thank you!
Readers, with all the options to choose from in the book world, I am honored you choose to read my work. Without you this would not be possible. Thank you for your messages, words of support, fan made teasers, and encouragement.
Other Books by Ahren
Surrendering
Ravenel Hayes is focused, an excellent student, loyal friend, loving sister, and perfect daughter. Returning home to complete her MBA and be closer to her family, she has her future all mapped out. Until her path leads her straight into Declan Collins. The dark haired, tatted, singer with the sinful body is a distraction, one that’s way out of her league. He wasn’t part of her plan. But how can she avoid him when he’s literally knocking on her door?
Declan Collins lives hard. His only emotional attachments are to his family and his band. He’s your typical bad-boy, lead singer who lives with no regrets. Hook up and head out is his motto. His ultimate goal is to take his band all the way to the top. Until he runs into a girl that stirs up emotions he didn’t think possible. There’s no way to deny their chemistry from their very first meeting. He’s not a relationship guy, but can she change his playboy ways?
Jealousy, anger, stalkers, fame and fortune threaten to tear these two apart. Will surrendering to their love get them through the challenges they face? Or will it tear them apart?
*Due to graphic language and explicit sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 18+.
Surviving
Raven Hayes experienced a love she thought would last forever. Declan Collins consumed her from the moment she fell into his arms. Their love was what fairytales are made of. But when his band is given an opportunity of a lifetime, he made the one choice that would tear them apart.
Walking away from him and leaving for the summer seemed to be the best idea to mend a broken heart. With the love and support of her best friend, the pain eases, but a decision has to be made. Is Declan her forever? Is she prepared to have a place in his rock star life?
Declan’s broken when Raven leaves. She tamed him and taught him what all- consuming love is. So many factors tried to pull them apart, but his choice was the one to push her away and possibly into the arms of another man. Losing her is not an option. Now he’ll do anything to get her back. And this time she will never doubt the depth of his love and commitment to her.
The journey to their happily ever after is paved with obstacles and challenges, will their love survive?
Reed's Reckoning
Reckoning- Noun
“the time when your actions are judged as good or bad and you are rewarded or punished”
Arianna ‘Ari’ Williams thought she experienced the depths of true love until the man of her dreams dismissed her with no explanation. Heartbroken and humiliated, she found herself changing the course of her life and picking up the pieces of her shattered heart. Now four years later, she has a successful career, amazing friends, and a young son with crystal blue eyes that reminds her every day of the love she imagined. Emotionally she has moved on but the wounds never healed.
Reed Matthews has it all. Playing professional football was always his dream. Being one of the most successful wide receivers in the league comes with money, fame, and all the women he wants. Even with all his wishes coming true, he never stops thinking of the one woman that owned his soul four years ago.
A chance encounter brings Reed to the realization that Ari Williams not only hid a life changing secret from him, but also things weren’t as they seemed all those years ago. He’s determined to get her back and build their lives together.
When the truth behind their deception is revealed- friendships are tested, families are torn apart, and the one person behind it all is relentless.
Can Reed protect those he loves and build the future he dreamed of?
*Due to graphic language and explicit sexual situations, this book is recommended for readers 18+.
For The Reader
Thank you for purchasing and reading this ebook. If you enjoyed it please leave a short review on book-related sites such as ebook retail websites, Goodreads or your favorite review forum. Readers rely on reviews, as do authors.
Meet the Author
Ahren spent her formative years living in an active volcano. There her family made collectible lava art. She studied rock collecting at the Sorbonne in France. There she met the love of her life-her pet pig Sybil. She returned to the states and started writing. She is happily married to a guy who used to live under a bridge and she met while pole-dancing. They have one amazing daughter.
Now, meet the real me. I grew up in the south and consider myself a true “Southerner”. Most of the special locations mentioned in my books are reflections of my favorite places. Living on the Florida coast, my family spends a lot time at the beach which is where I usually can be found with a book in my hand. I started writing my Surrender Series, in the spring of 2013 and have received incredible support from the Indie community. Throughout this year, I have been privileged to meet some amazing people that I am thankful to have in my life.
Visit me online:
Facebookwww.facebook.com/authorahrensanders
Twitter: @AhrenSanders
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7182329.Ahren_Sanders
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