by Nikki Drost
Adam responds immediately, “Hell yeah I do.”
His father chuckles while reaching for the branding iron. “Standing behind you are your brothers, they are putting their faith in you and your commitment to your marriage. Always remember they will be there for you just as the rest of your family will be.”
Adam’s eyes never waver nor does his huge smile. He lifts his right arm up to his father who turns it over. With one quick movement, he places the branding iron against Adam’s forearm. I cringe in sympathetic pain, but Adam shows none, he mouths the words I love you, and I can’t hide my smile. After what seems like forever, Dominick removes the hot iron and Adam rises to his feet. He inspects his new piece of artwork as the crowd cheers once more. His father clasps his shoulders and I can see the love and pride he has for his son.
“You mother would be so proud of you, Adam.”
His father places a swift kiss to his forehead and turns in my direction. “Thank you, Andy, for loving my son, I couldn’t have chosen a better female for him.”
His kind words bring tears to my eyes and I quickly wipe them away.
“Don’t cry, angel, you are supposed to be happy today.”
Adam’s thumbs wipe away the remainder of my tears and I can’t help but chuckle. “I’m not crying because I’m sad. I’ve just never been so happy, and all of this is possible because of you, Adam, thank you for showing me this kind of love exists.”
He caresses my cheek as he stares into my eyes. “Anytime, angel.”
The End
Breathe into me playlist
Rollin-Limp Bizket
Bad to the Bone-George Thorogood
Wild Horses-Rolling Stones
Bad Moon Rising-CCR
American Bad Ass-Kid Rock
Porn Star Dancing-My Darkest Days
Midnight Queen-Nickelback
Angel-Aerosmith
You-Candlebox
Justice-Rev Theory
Tangled up in you-Staind
Happy Together-Filter
My World-Sick Puppies
Thrift Shop-Macklemore and Ryan Lewis ft Wanz
Summer Paradise-Simple Plan ft Sean Paul
Don’t fear the reaper-Blue Oyster Cult
What If-Coldplay
Hesitate-Stone Sour
Men in Black-Will Smith
Breathe Into Me-Red
Stone-Alice in Chains
Wanted Dead or Alive-Bon Jovi
Rock you like a Hurricane-Scorpions
Symphony of Destruction-Megadeth
Blown Away-Breaking Benjamin ft VaLora
I’ll Be-Edwin McCain (Piano version)
Acknowledgements
First off, I would like to thank my mom for always supporting in me and for pushing me out of my comfort zone. To my daughters, Breauna and Julissa, for sacrificing mommy and daughter time so I could play with my imaginary friends.
I would like to thank SJ Davis for believing in me and in my work. I will never be able to thank you enough. I’d like to give a shout out to Rue Volley for the amazing job she did on my cover. Also, thank you Elizabeth Anne Lance for editing my story. I would also like to thank all of CHBB/HIP/VAMP for welcoming me to the family with open arms. It still humbles me to be surrounded by so many talented individuals.
To Heather Watling and Angela Hall-Averre, thank you, ladies, for taking time out of your busy schedules in order to help me succeed. I couldn’t have done it without your help and ongoing support. Last but not least, I would like to thank my real life Adam for showing me that decent men truly exist.