Beautiful Lessons
Page 28
“It’s only one class.”
That’s when it happens, the stance. The one move I’ve learned over the last four years that clearly says ‘don’t argue with me.’ For what I had planned, I definitely didn’t want her in a bad mood, so I changed the subject.
“How was your visit?”
Looking weary, she dropped down onto the end of the bed. “Good, but I’m going to miss him. I mean, I know I don’t see him every day living in New York, but I won’t be able to talk to him every day until he gets back.”
“I’m sorry, babe. Three months will go quickly, especially with all of the work we have to do next semester to graduate,” I say, sitting down next to her.
“I know, it’s just hard every time he goes. I haven’t had him in my life that long and I want to keep him for myself.” I hear the tears thickening her voice.
“I have an idea that will cheer you up.”
“Yeah?” she asks, with a teary smile.
“Let’s go see the tree. We haven’t gone yet this year.” Ever since coming to NYU, we made it a tradition to go and see the tree in Rockefeller Center at least once each year.
“I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. We can grab food on the way back because I know you have nothing in the apartment, with me being gone for the past week.”
I give her a sheepish grin while I pull my coat on. Seona grabs her hat and gloves before walking out the door. Luckily, it’s only a ten minute subway ride. Any more and I might actually get sick. When the doors ding to open, I feel a thousand butterflies beating around my stomach. I don’t want to give anything away as I take her hand in mine and walk towards the tree, feeling my pocket to make sure I have everything.
The base of the tree comes into view and it’s a beautiful sight, same as every year.
“It’s stunning,” Seona says, her voice full of wonder.
A calmness settles over me and I know that this is the moment. “Seona?”
The second she turns to face me, I drop down on one knee and a gasp slips past her lips.
“Seona, when we met you became the light in my darkness. You showed me that I’m worth more than what others thought of me, that only my opinion mattered. We learned how to face our fears together and I want to spend the rest of our lives facing anything that comes our way together. Will you marry me?” I ask, pulling out the box and opening it for her to see.
The tears sit at the edge of her eyes as she throws her arms around my neck, crushing the box between us. “Yes!”
Once her grip loosens, I take the glove from her hand and place the ring on her finger. The lights from the tree dance off the square cut diamond set in platinum.
“Oh my god,” she breathes. “It’s beautiful.”
“Only the best for the love of my life.” Pressing my lips to hers, I take the kiss I was too nervous to get when she arrived home. Flashes go off all around us, but I don’t worry about pictures; a few of our friends from school are out there capturing it all for us. All I want is to live in the moment and enjoy where we’ve been headed to since Seona walked into the cafeteria four years ago.
There were so many things we had to learn along the way, but the most important is the lesson about love. Love is beautiful when we let it become the only thing that matters. It’s a lesson I try to live every day and can’t wait to share those days with Seona. The road was long and bumpy, but we both learned that stopping to ask for help is better than losing our way.
“I love you, Jayceon.”
“I love you, too. You’ll be mine forever.”
“And forever, I’ll be yours.”
Acknowledgments
Rebecca
S Moose, I knew co-writing would be a wonderful experience, and with you it was the best. Brainstorming, planning, laughter. Thank you so much for reaching out to me and taking me on this wild ride. It’s something that I will never forget.
Secondly, to Lisa, Coleen, and Tracy, you guys are amazing. Your feedback and guidance is imperative and always so helpful. I’m so lucky to have betas like you.
Miranda, the best PA in the world. Thank you for always keeping me sane and organized. You are super woman with all that you do!
Brandy Rivers, thank you for the days of sprints and keeping me on track. You’re always there when I need a laugh, refocus or even some hot werewolves.
Regina, once again you have outdone yourself on the cover. Your talent is unmatched and I’m thankful every day that we’ve connected and I’ve been able to work with you on so many covers.
To Kellie Montgomery, thank you for getting the edits done so quickly. You’re always patient and the support you give authors is unmatched.
The ladies of Rebecca’s Readers, thank you for sticking with me through each and every story and helping me to spread the word.
Chrissy Fletcher, you’ve been with me since Forgiven and I can’t thank you enough for all that you do. You are the queen of twitter, and I’m so glad I don’t think I’ll ever understand it.
Christine, Kelley and the Hype PR, you ladies are amazing and I don’t know what I would do without you. Thank you for supporting me in every endeavor and getting the word out. The amount of work you ladies do is astounding. And thank you for bearing with me when I’m running a little behind schedule.
To the readers, thank you for making each and every release so special. I hope that one day I’ll be able to meet each and every one of you.
And finally, to my family, thank you for putting up with the late nights and crazy schedules. I love you all so much. You are my world and what I live for every day.
S Moose
First, I'd like to thank my co-writer and friend, Rebecca Brooke, for taking this journey with me. You're an incredible woman, friend and inspiration. Each moment throughout this process will forever be with me. We've had some bumps and wild rides, but the experience is unforgettable. I can't wait for tackle hugs!
Thank you to my family and friends for your constant support. Without your love I would be lost. Your words help me every day and your belief in me and my dreams push me to become a better person.
Lexi, thank you for keeping me on track. I am so thankful for you and am never ever letting you go!
Sandi and Kaylee, thank you so much for everything. Your friendship means so much to me and I’m so glad to have you both in my life.
To my amazing BETAs, Stephanie, Amanda, Natasha and Evette, thank you for always providing your honest opinions and taking the time to help!
Thank you Regina with Mae I Design for creating a beautiful cover! You're incredible to work with and it means so much that you were able to take our vision of Jayceon and Seona and bring it to life.
To Ena and Jennifer with Enticing Journey, thank you so much for all that you do. Your dedication means the world to me and I love working with the both of you.
To my PR company, Eye Candy Bookstore, thank you so much for all of your support and your constant help. A special thanks to Kellie Montgomery for always being there when needed and helping me realize my confidence when I don't see it. You’re my happy!
To my author friends, thank you for everything. I appreciate the shares and love. You make this community better and it means the world to me to have you in my life.
To the bloggers, I don’t know where to start. You’re all so amazing and I wish I could meet you all one day. Thank you for taking the time to help me promote my work. You’re so vital and I hope you know that.
To my babes, thank you for sharing my work and letting me always vent to you. To the moon and back!
Finally, to my readers! Like I always say, you’re my reason! I write because of YOU. I’m here because of YOU. You make it all worth it. I love the messages and interactions with you and I hope to one day give each of you hugs and kisses. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Thank you to Andrew Wolfe for the lyrics to Jayceon’s song, Can’t You See.
About the Author
Rebecca Brooke grew
up in the shore towns of South Jersey. Writing has always been a love for her, as well as reading. She loves to hit the beach, but always with her kindle on hand. She is married to the most wonderful man, who puts up with all of her craziness. Together they have two beautiful children who keep her on her toes. Rebecca is the author of the Forgiven Series as well as the military romance Letters Home.
Other books by Rebecca Brooke:
The Forgiven Series
Forgiven
Redemption
Healed
Letters Home
Coming Home
Ryder – April 2015
Second Chances – Coming Soon
Twin Runes – Coming Soon
Traded – Coming Soon
S.Moose is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, living in Webster, NY with her family, friends, and shorkie, Charlie. A 2011 St. John Fisher graduate, S.Moose loves to read and write. She enjoys getting lost in the fictional world and creating a place where readers can fall in love and swoon over the cute boys she brings to life. When she isn't in her room in front of her computer or a book, she is with her family and friends being silly and enjoying life. She’s romantic at heart and loves anything with a happily ever after.
Other books by S. Moose
Never Letting Go series
Reaching Out For You
Holding Onto You
Next to Forever
Infinity Series
Vision of Love
Vision of Destiny
Vision of Hope (Releasing March 9, 2015)
Interrupted Series
Interrupted Vol 1
Interrupted Vol 2
Interrupted Vol 3 (Coming Soon)
Standalones
Teach Me Love
Take Me Away (Coming Soon)
Table of Contents
Beautiful Lessons
Dedication
Table of Contents
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
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author