Healed (Damaged Souls Book 3)
Page 16
“Yes, ma’am. Sorry. Yes, Princess.” Sloan grinned, always loving her bossy side.
“Good,” Lexi said, appeased.
She then snuggled back down onto his chest, and they both took deep, contented breaths. Both gladly willing to stay in each other’s arms, for all of eternity.
Epilogue
Thinking Out Loud
Five years later
A huge grin spread across Sloan’s face when he heard the pitter-patter of rambunctious little feet, and an infectious giggle. The feet and giggle belonging to their new, five-year-old adopted son, Elijah. They had only had him for a couple of months, and they were both already run ragged. He was a little caramel colored cherub, with fat little legs and arms, giant long-lashed brown eyes, and dark brown ringlets that fell to his shoulders. The combination of Mexican and Black from his parents created the most gorgeous little boy they had ever seen.
“Elijah! Get down from there, before you break your neck!” Lexi yelped, followed by the sound of hysterical giggles. “And no, you can’t ride the dog!”
Sloan shook his head and held back a chuckle, as he continued to look through his t-shirt drawer for a shirt he wanted wear after his shower. He heard the sound of paper crinkling and moved a couple shirts to the side. He spotted a piece of paper and pulled it out. He instantly recognized that it was the letter he had written to himself five years ago, under the advice Dr. Mills. Whom he still saw once a week, with his wife.
He smiled fondly, thinking about that time in his life. It seemed like yesterday, but at the same time, a century ago. So much had happened in their lives, since then. All of it, for the better.
They had married on a cool October evening, under the canopy of the weeping willow, with the vines tied back for the wedding guests. Only a handful of people in attendance. Lexi’s best friend Bianca flew down from Iowa for the event. Dom and Tony came, as well as Dr. Mills. Sloan’s best friend Vick’s widowed wife and son, and her new husband. And his father, Nathan Stryker, along with Annie, Sloan’s feisty old nanny. It was small and intimate, just the way they wanted it.
The next couple of years, their careers had taken off. Sloan’s TV show Stryk Three: Reno Nightmares, was an instant hit. Women and gay men all across the country were in love with the gentle scarred veteran. It had gotten to the point that the HOD network execs forced him to join the ranks of the masses, and he grudgingly joined a few social media sites. Though Lexi was usually the one that posted for him, since he hated it. But the best thing about having a thriving construction career on TV, was that he was a public advocate for veteran’s benefits. Everyone knew his struggles, with PTSD and homelessness. And the money he made directly from the construction jobs, went to their living expenses, but the money he made for each episode from the network, he donated straight to the VA. Trying his best to do his part, for his fellow veterans.
For Lexi, word of her artwork traveled up the east coast, like wildfire. She was immediately immersed in work, up to her elbows. And with the extra money, Lexi started an organization that helped the victims of domestic abuse. The organization gave money to the shelters around the country. It funded Exit classes, that taught women how to find jobs to help them support themselves, and how to get out safely from under the thumb of those that abused them. And it was her time spent with the women in the shelter in Savannah that brought about the adoption of Elijah.
His mother, Sonya had been a victim of domestic abuse and had looked to Lexi as a mentor and friend. But in a situation similar to Lexi’s tragic beginnings, Sonya’s boyfriend had killed her after she went back to him, the last time. And with his father in prison for life, Elijah had become an orphan.
Though the little boy had aunts, uncles, and grandparents; all of them had families of their own, and couldn’t afford to add one more mouth to feed. Lexi had already fallen in love with the little rugrat and decided she wanted him. So she’d approached Sloan, with all the pros of adopting the little boy. Little did she know that Sloan wanted the Elijah, just as much as she did, and she didn’t need to convince him of anything. It took them some time, and a ton of red tape to get him, but now that they had him, the laughter and noise that filled the once quiet house was worth the struggle.
Sloan knew that Lexi’s inability to have children had weighed heavily on her. And if it wasn’t for the tragedy that had left Elijah alone, Sloan had been about to broach the subject of adoption. Especially, since they both had made improvements in their mental and emotional health, in leaps and bounds over the past five years. He had felt that they were finally ready. And now that they had everything they could’ve possibly hoped for, Sloan wanted to see just how close he was when he’d predicted the future, all those years ago.
So looking down at the letter in his hand, Sloan opened it and began to read.
Sloan,
You don’t know it now, and it may not feel like it yet, but everything is going to be fine. You haven’t lost her. Not if you don’t want to, anyway. Keep going to Dr. Mills. Keep doing your exercises, and eventually you’ll be able to go back to her. To be the man she needs you to be. And you will. And five years from now, you’ll still be together, happily married. Your career has skyrocketed. The TV show is doing great. In fact, it’s the most popular home décor show on television. And now you’re finally able to help the VA and other veterans, suffering from PTSD.
Alexis is the most sought after artist in all of Georgia, and you both have made a nice life for yourselves. And now that you’ve both worked your asses off to heal, you’re both ready to expand your family and the house. You’re currently building an addition onto the cottage, for the kids that you have adopted. The house is now filled with laughter and joy.
So when things start to look bleak, when your heart feels like it can’t take any more hurt, or when the pain becomes unbearable…remember, this storm will not last. Ride it out…because what’s on the other side is too beautiful to stop fighting for.
Regards,
You in five years…
Sloan took a deep breath, feeling emotional at how sad and damaged he had been, they both had been. He rubbed the heel of his hand over his chest, where his heart thumped loudly, nearly so full it could burst. He folded the letter, thinking that he had been pretty damn close. Some things were better and some things were just getting started. But either way, he was happy beyond what he could’ve ever imagined.
He quickly got dressed, ready to head down to see his perfect little family. He quietly made his way downstairs and at the bottom of the steps, he found Lexi on the couch in the living room. She was reading a children’s book to the sleeping munchkin on her lap, with Tank at her feet. Love radiated from the roots of Sloan’s hair to the tips of his toes, as he gazed upon his family.
He walked over and handed Lexi the letter. While Lexi read the letter, he gently scooped Elijah up into his strong arms and took him to his room that they had remodeled just for him. He laid the little guy down, in his racecar bed and rubbed his round tummy that poked out from under his little shirt. Sloan turned to see Lexi standing in the doorway, looking proudly at her boys.
“Daddy? Can we go to the park with mommy and Tank?” Elijah said sleepily, from the bed. Shocking his new parents, since it was the first time he had addressed them as mommy and daddy.
“Sure, son. We’ll go later.” Sloan said softly, brushing back the curls from his face and kissing his forehead.
Elijah turned on his side and was out within seconds. Sloan tiptoed out of the room, towards a very weepy wife. Tears of happiness danced in her green eyes, as she looked up at him. Sloan quietly closed their son’s bedroom door, and he immediately pulled Lexi into his arms. He kissed her softly on the lips, ready to get in some much-needed lovemaking while they had the chance.
Lexi released his lips with a gasp. She bit her lip seductively and handed him back the letter.
“Is it everything that you hoped it would be?” Lexi asked.
“Better. So much bet
ter.” Sloan said sincerely.
Lexi clasped his hand in hers and pulled him down the hall, heading for the stairs and their bedroom.
“I couldn’t agree more.” Lexi looked back at him, a stunning smile spreading across her face.
“How much time do you think we have?” Sloan asked as he followed her up the stairs.
“Half hour, tops.”
“Then get movin’, woman! With that kind of time, I could pull out some of my old moves.” Sloan loudly whispered.
Lexi covered her mouth with her hand, trying to mask her giggles, as he chased her up the stairs. Sloan caught her before she got to the door and scooped her up into his strong arms. He carried her into the room, and gently kicked the door closed. Ready to make more memories for the next five years, plus the fifty after that.
The End
Thank you for coming along on Lexi and Sloan’s journey to healing. If you enjoyed this novel, I would love it if you could leave a review on the online retailer where you purchased it. Thank you!
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank all of my readers for their amazing support and encouragement. You ladies constantly inspire me to strive to write the best stories I can, and create characters that you love and can relate to. I’m truly blessed to have you all in my life. And I adore communicating with you through social media. I look forward to your future input and kind words.
As always, I’d like to thank my parents for putting up with me. You have handled me taking over your kitchen table and turning it into my office, with ease. I wouldn’t be able to work on what I love if it weren't for your support.
I’d also like to thank my beta-readers: Nadia, Patrice, Sammy, and Randi. The advice, edits, and general comments you’ve given on my novels has been invaluable. Especially when I know you’re all busy with your own daily lives. Thank you!!!
And I’d also like to thank the ladies that have participated in my ARC. I am extremely appreciative of the honest reviews you have left online for my books.
About Author
Twyla Turner currently resides in Arizona. She was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, a Midwest girl at heart, though constantly moving from place to place, and always thinking of where she wants to go next. Having been an avid romance novel reader since junior high and minoring in Creative Writing. She felt that it was finally time to start combining her love of travel and writing, as well as her life experiences and putting them down on “paper”. Which experiences, she’ll never tell…well maybe, if you ask nicely.
Other book by Twyla Turner
The Struck Series:
Star-Struck
Awe-Struck
Damaged Souls:
Scarred
Open Wounds
Healed
THR3E
Cupid’s Secrets Anthology:
Love in the Wild
Connect with Author
Website:
www.twylaturner11.wix.com/novelswithcurves
Follow me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/twylaturner11
Twitter: @TwylaTurner11
Instagram: https://instagram.com/novelswithcurves/
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/user/12180702781/playlist/2TbNd9XSGd57YBusO16zNo
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/twylite11/