“That’s right, sugar pop.” Beck’s eyes glisten with happiness and hope. “We wanted to give this to you and ask you if you wanted to become a family.”
Violet pulls a face at him, clearly confused by his question. “We already are a family, silly.” She waves her hand across her face, dismissing him and what she perceives as a ridiculous question.
My heart bursts at her declaration. She’s right. We are a family, but now, with Allison’s help, we can make it official.
“I love you, baby girl.” Beck lets out a soft laugh, pulling her onto his lap. Sliding next to them, we all pile our hands on her lap—an intertwined connection. “We want to adopt you and get married, be a family, officially.” He says his words slowly, with precision, careful to make our intentions clear to the little girl joining us together.
She looks up at him and then to me. “We know we won’t ever be your mommy, but we want to be your family. Permanently.” Adding to what he’s already said, I kiss the top of her head. Pulling the bracelet from her hands, I clasp it around her tiny wrist. She turns it over, holding the heart in her other hand. “So what do you think?” I ask, anxiously awaiting her answer.
Tonka sits at my feet, resting his head on my lap. Violet pulls my wrist over to hers and Becks on the other side. Three hearts in a line, rounded out by one wet nose. “Do I get to wear a pretty dress?” she asks curiously, with unparalleled innocence.
Beck chuckles, letting some of the weight fly from his shoulders. “You can wear whatever dress you want.”
“And will everyone be there to see it? Even Grandma Karen?”
We both nod, smiling down at her. “Yes, ma’am. Aunt Chloe and Devon, even Lexie and Ty will be there. So what do you say? Will you be there with us? Would you like to make us a family?” Beck squeezes my hand, eyeing me with love and appreciation as we wait for Violet to answer.
“Yes!” she yells out, lacing her arms around our necks. The quickness of her movement makes Tonka bark in excitement.
It’s almost as if he’s voicing his agreement as well.
Violet chats on and on about the wedding and her pretty dress and Beck and I listen, loving the genuine excitement in her words.
Beck stretches his arm along the back of the couch, letting his fingers dance lightly around the nape of my neck. Over Violet’s head, he mouths the words I love you as a huge smile pulls at his lips.
Mouthing, love you more, back to him, I repay him the smile.
When I came here months ago, my bleakest hope was to find some sliver of a life worth living. All too ready to suffer through life, letting the guilt of my survival crush out all sources of happiness, I was blind to the possibility of truly experiencing life.
Now, with the people who mean the world to me, for whom I’d gladly lay down my own life, I can honestly say the bleakness has been squashed, replaced by the brightest of futures.
All because she said yes.
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Let Love In (The Love Series #1)
Let Love Stay (The Love Series #2)
Let Love Heal (The Love Series #3)
Let Love Shine (The Love Series #3.5)
Let Love Be(The Love Series #4)
Let Love Live (The Love Series #5 M/M)
Tangled Vines (A Standalone Novella)
I am so fortunate to have such an amazing support system in place when it comes to what I call “my writing life.” Without the following people this book wouldn’t be possible: Becky at Hot Tree Editing, Tami at Integrity Formatting, Lauren at Perrywinkle Photography, and Sommer at Perfect Pear Creative. You ladies take my words and ideas and make them presentable for everyone else. I still find myself staring at the cover. It’s a work of art and it wouldn’t be that way without the talented models, Zachary Randall and Michael Walker. My only regret about the cover is that I couldn’t be there to see the shoot in person. Thank you all so much for your commitment to my projects.
I will never be able to properly thank the bloggers who have helped me along the way. Whether it was reviewing or sharing a post, your help is invaluable. To Jesey at Schmexy, Denise at Shh Mom’s Reading, Mayas at Reading by the Book, Donna at Whispering Pages, Lisa at The Rockstars of Romance, Nasha at Unknown Book Reviews, Lea at The Hype PR and so many more—thank you all so much.
My beta readers are simply the best. Kristy, Pam, Carey, Ashely, Mayas, Nasha, and Denise, I can’t thank you enough for your feedback. You’ve helped me work out so many details, fine tuning On Solid Ground with careful precision.
Carey, my wifey. I owe you more thanks than I can ever properly voice. Thank you for sharing your military knowledge with me on this project. Jennifer Berg, my second wifey, I am so lucky to have you as a sounding board. Thank you for letting me use your happy dolphin tattoo, too.
Ashley, I honestly don’t even know where to start. If a day goes by without talking to you, I feel “off” somehow. You’ve become so much more than a blogger / reader / PA. You’re a true friend. Thank you for reading Beck and Dax even when they were only figments of my imagination. You supported me and believed in me when I couldn’t do those things for myself. I hope this book soars to the top because Titus’ memory deserves it and so much more.
To my family—Jamie and the boys—I love you all so much. Thank you for putting up with me when I’m stressed and for supporting me when I’m doubting. Without you guys, I would be nothing.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Part One ~ Ruined
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Part Two ~ Repaired
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Part Three ~ Solidified
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Epilogue
Other Books by Melissa Collins
Acknowledgements
On Solid Ground Page 26