They still hadn't found her sister, but from the sounds of it, she didn't want to be found. And in a few minutes, she'd meet her other brother for the first time. He returned from overseas a month ago and had contacted Jesse, wondering why their mother had been moved. Even though they'd been taken from their mother after her breakdown and the nearly fatal night their father's crimes exploded in their world, Jesse and his brother still kept in contact with Elizabeth. He'd been completely shocked to find out he had a sister and never remembered about her, but he was eager to meet Becca. They spoke on the phone a handful of times, the conversations awkward.
Hunter's PTSD had finally become manageable. Even with Sylvia and Vince's actions, Hunter's nightmares were very few and far in between, and he'd been working hard to get back to where he was so he could fly full time.
In just a little while, they were going to fulfill one of her dreams- to swim with the dolphins. It was so great to be able to take a family trip!
Sienna ran after Hunter and Henry, and the three splashed around in the waves at the shore. Beverly returned to their spot on the beach with Miranda. Eva went off to get a massage. Shara's sister Fern even came along.
Somehow, Becca and Hunter managed to put the past behind them. They had countless appointments with psychologists to help them cope with the mess of secrets that built up after twenty years. Amelia had visited when she came to Virginia to claim her daughter's body. She'd been extremely upset, but almost seemed thankful Sylvia's manic depressive cycles wouldn't hurt her any longer. Sylvia had been a very distraught person, even if a lot of it was all in her mind. They could have a sense of peace.
Henry struggled with his mother's loss. He even stopped talking for a short time, but Becca worked with him. She taught him sign language and made sure his teachers and counselors knew not to belittle him for his muteness. He picked up a little bit of interest in painting, but he preferred playing sports. He was good with his sister and, despite his traumatic year, was an outstanding kid. Becca loved motherhood, even though the kids weren't hers biologically. She made sure to honor the memory of Cherie and Kyle, so that their kids always knew they were loved by both sets of parents.
Elizabeth also loved having children nearby. Ever since moving, her ex-husband stopped making calls to her. Jesse checked on his status every so often to make sure he'd never get out of prison. Becca tried not to think about him or let what Vince said get to her. She wasn't and never would be anything like her father. Shara had been right. Months went by and the guilt eased, but sometimes, it still flared up. Time would heal her wounds, she hoped.
"You and I have a date soon, Mrs. Beckman." Hunter ran up to her soaking wet and picked her up. "We get to fulfill one of your dreams today."
"You're so cold!" Becca squealed, not caring a bit. She kissed her husband as he spun her around.
"He's here." Jesse held up his phone.
Hunter set Becca down.
"Ready to go meet your brother?" Elizabeth appeared very nervous.
Becca hugged her. "I'm ready, Mom." The word slipped from her lips normally, as if she'd always called her that.
Elizabeth kissed her cheek. "You called me Mom," she whispered, grasping Becca's hand.
"I did. I hope that's okay."
"Of course it is. I just didn't think I'd ever hear it."
A very tall man approached them, wearing a pair of black slacks and a long sleeved button down shirt. He wore a pair of expensive sunglasses over his eyes. That must be her brother. He seemed so out of place for a Hawaiian beach location.
"Elijah," Mom whispered, opening her arms for a hug. To see a tall man give such a hug to a fragile woman like Elizabeth was a little daunting.
"You look good, Mom. So much better than I've seen you in a long time." He let her go and faced Jesse. "Hey big brother." Another awkward hug exchanged.
Hunter stood beside Becca when her brother locked his gaze on her. He took his sunglasses off. "So you're my sister. I had to do a double take. You look so much like Mom."
"I-I get that a lot," Becca stammered. Elijah moved closer and pulled her in a hug. Slightly uncomfortable at first, she hesitated, but hugged him back.
"And you're my sister's husband, Hunter. Wow. When I heard this whole story, I couldn't believe it. I guess ... welcome to the family, huh? Hell, I don't know what to say here."
Hunter shook his hand. "I think we're all still adjusting."
Mom smiled. "You're just in time to join us. We're all about to go swim with the dolphins. It's one of Becca's dreams."
"Sounds good. I need to go change first, though." Elizabeth and Jesse followed Eli back to the resort.
"I always wondered what it would be like to have a brother," Hunter mused. "I guess in-laws will do the trick." He laughed. "Know what we'll need?"
"What's that?" Becca pulled him close.
"A painting of our next adventure." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "I'm excited."
"I am too."
Becca and Hunter strolled along the beach as they made their way back to Beverly, Todd, and the kids as they waited for her family to return. "I love that we get to do this as a family."
"Who's ready to swim with the dolphins?" Hunter asked fifteen minutes later, when everyone had returned. Choruses and cheers rang out.
"Always and forever?" he whispered to Becca just before they jumped into the water.
"Always and forever." She held out her thumb. They sealed their lifelong promise and went to live another dream.
THE END
Thank you for your continued love and support of the Masterpiece Trilogy. I hope you enjoyed Hunter and Becca's journey through all the highs and lows, losses, and triumphs. And coming in 2016 is the start of a spin off series called Reconnected, beginning with Better Version of Me. If you're on Goodreads, you can add it to your TBR pile: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25103686-better-version-of-me.
About The Author
I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.
Places to find me on the web:
wwww.nikkilynnbarrett.com
FaceBook - https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor
Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Nook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook
Facebook Chat group: Nikki's Book Stormers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers
Twitter: @Stormgoddess925
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett
Email: [email protected]
I love to hear from readers!
Books by Nikki Lynn Barrett
Secret Santa Series
The Secret Santa Wishing Well
On The 12th Date Of Christmas
Tis The Season for Forgiving
The Masterpiece Trilogy
A Masterpiece Of Our Love
A Masterpiece Unraveled
A Forever Masterpiece
Love and Music In Texas
Baby Stetson
The Melody In My Head
The Key To My Heart
Fallen Idol
If you enjoyed The Masterpiece Trilogy, check out a book in my other series, which is also a contemporary romantic suspense. Fallen Idol is the fourth book in the Love and Music in Texas series, but can also be read as a stand-alone.
Blurb
What goes up must come down...
Kyra Sanders had a promising career in country music in her teen years. She gained popularity and fame, riding high atop the the charts. Then one deadly accident changed things, sending her spiraling downward to the point she went into a hiatus from music.
Six years la
ter, Kyra's making her return to the music scene. With an album in the works and a new song on the radio, her career is back on track, until a call from Texas with news of an accident forces her to halt her plans.
Matt Greer is working through the aftermath of his ex-wife's abandonment when she chose to leave him and their fourteen year old son to pursue her own musical dreams. He's had enough of troubled musicians and the havoc they bring to his life Kyra surprises him in a good way, but it doesn't mean he wants anything to do with a singer who comes to town with trouble on her trail.
It's hard to avoid each other in a small town, especially when their families are close. Matt should stay away from the woman who could lead danger right to their town, and it's possible she already has, but he can't help how drawn he becomes to her.
The sparks ignite, but danger lurks in the distance, only getting closer as time goes on. For two people who want different things out of life, it's possible to find healing together...
Excerpt
"I know it's a far cry from the parties you're used to." Matt leaned close to talk near her ear.
"That's a good thing," Kyra snapped, immediately regretting it. Was he going on his judgmental kick again?
"Kyra-" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I misjudge you once, and you always think that's what I'm doing?"
She was about to apologize when the song changed from an upbeat one to a slow country ballad. Kyra laughed. This was her song! "Seriously? Did you put them up to this?"
Matt shook his head. "Nope. I never suggested the music. But since this is your song, literally, I think we should dance." He held out a hand.
She stared down at it. "Are we supposed to dance?" So he knew her song. It surprised her, but made her feel good, too.
"Dancing is permitted. We're here to help out, and there's nothing that says we can't dance. Hey look, Blaine and Randy are out on the floor, too." He gestured. "Come on."
She stepped into his embrace and swayed to the music. Her music. This was a first. Kyra had never danced with a sexy man to her own song before. His arms tightened around her waist.
"So how old were you when this song came out?" Matt whispered in her ear.
"Sixteen," she replied, glancing around the room as they moved. A few yards away from them were Andrew and Daisy. So far, she'd handled the crowd pretty well. Good.
"Just two years older than Andrew is now, and you had multiple number ones already." Matt mused. "What's that like?"
She tensed, not sure how to answer.
"Does it bother you that I'm asking? It's out of curiosity. I'm not judging or anything. I really want to know. It's interesting. Here I am, dancing with you during my son's first date. At the age he is now, you broke out in the business. He wasn't even in kindergarten when you had your biggest hits on the radio."
She looked up at Matt. Kyra was tall at 5'8, and Matt had a good four or five inches on her. "It's a feeling I can't explain. I never expected to take off the way I did. I was different as a child. I always had a melody playing in my mind. I couldn't sit still. I'd tap out a beat, or I'd hum. I had song lyrics pop up in my mind that needed to be put to music."
"I know all about that. I remember the first time I met you." There was a twinkle in his eye.
"Yeah, I annoyed you because I tapped out a beat on your dashboard."
"Then you hummed." Matt laughed, then his grin faded. "It wasn't so much annoying as I was nervous about the storm. Adding sounds I'm not used to didn't help."
"And you didn't like me." Kyra wished she'd never said that.
Matt lowered his gaze. "It wasn't quite that."
"No?" Did she really have to ruin the good night by bringing up their awkward first meeting? Why, why, why?
Matt pulled her closer. "Okay, fine. Maybe a little, and I regret it. Let's just say there's a history with me and musicians, and I took it out on the wrong girl."
"I see." Lame, but there wasn't much else she could think to say at the moment.
"I'll make a deal with you."
"What's that?"
"Later, you and I talk. I'll tell you why I've been so jaded about musicians, and you tell me about your accident."
"I don't like talking about it!" she shot back defensively, drawing attention from some of the nearby dancers.
"Neither do I." He sent her a challenging gaze.
"But we both want to know."
"I'm not doing it to pry. I want to know so I can help you. Tell me, if you're accustomed to being around such a large crowd, why do you have this terrified look in your eyes? I'm going to take a guess that this accident you don't want to talk about changed things in you, and it's why you're being threatened now." Matt lowered his voice as he leaned close again.
Hell, he was pretty much right on the dot. So he saw right through the facade about crowds? She hadn't hid it well even to this day.
"I-" Kyra started to say before the sound of yelling interrupted them.
Her song ended, and another slow one took its place, a song from Leandra Ashlyn, another singer who'd burst out on the scene at the same time Kyra did and was just a year older. She glanced around, trying to figure out where the commotion stemmed from.
AVAILABLE NOW!
If you're looking for a quick read in the romance and suspense genre, check out debut author Chalet Fuery's Love and Danger in the Desert.
Blurb
Up until a couple of years ago, Megan's life was calm. Now things are as volatile as a desert monsoon. During one of those famous monsoons in Arizona, she runs into Jonathan.... literally. Has Megan finally met someone who can help draw out her mysterious stalker, or will she have to run away again?
Excerpt
I gather my purse and walk out the door towards my car. Before I even make it to the parking lot I slam into what feels like a brick wall. Then a pair of arms goes around my waist to keep me from falling to the ground. I look up into the bluest pair of eyes I've ever seen. The man I've run into is the most handsome man I've ever seen. I've never been attracted to nerdy looking men before, but there is something about this one that makes my body take notice and I instinctively know that if I'm not careful, this man could be trouble with a capital T.
"I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."
He replies. "It's not a big deal."
By this time we are both soaked through, but I don't even really notice. The warm strength of this stranger's body is making it nearly impossible to focus on anything else. His arms are still around my waist and my body is responding as if he is caressing me in more intimate places. My nipples have hardened and even though I would like to blame it on the rain I know that isn't the case. My panties are soaked and it has nothing to do with the rain that is running down my body.
My survival instinct finally kicks in and I try to pull away, but the man who is a threat to my hard earned freedom doesn't let go.
"Please go back inside and let me make sure you're ok," he says.
"I'm fine. I didn't fall. I'm just a little cold from the rain." It's a blatant lie, but even though I know it's really a response to him, I can't let him know that. "I'm just going to go to my car. You should really get inside before you get soaked even more."
AVAILABLE NOW
If you enjoy contemporary romance with life-like characters and plenty of emotions, check out Michele Shriver's Love & Light.
Blurb
Kori Walsh knows all about the darkness in the world. After watching her mother succumb to illness, Kori sunk into a deep depression that she can't seem to snap out of, no matter who tries to help her.
As the star pitcher on his college baseball team, Landon Grayson is enjoying life as a big man oncampus, and all of the perks that come with it. He has plenty of girls vying for his attention, so why is he so drawn to the moody, sullen girl who claims not to be interested but still keeps showing up to watch practice every day?
As he gets to know Kori, Landon is struck by how much they have in common and he sets
out to cheer her up. Can Landon show Kori that there is light after darkness, and if he does, will love blossom?
Excerpt
Practice ends, and she's sitting there on the bleachers, alone, watching. The girl with the reddish-blond hair. I've seen her before. She's in my Psychology class, but I've never talked to her. She always sits in the back of the room and is one of the first people to leave when class is over. She keeps to herself and walks with her head down, as if she doesn't want to bother with anyone else.
That's why it intrigues me to see her watching baseball practice. I first noticed her two days ago, when the last of the snow finally melted and we moved out of the field house. Even though the weather's improving and we're using our regular field now, we don't draw a crowd to our practices, so it's kind of surprising she's here again.
Instead of heading straight to the locker room to shower and change, I decide to stop by the bleachers. "Hi there," I say.
She glances up, and I notice her eyes are green, a nice complement to the red of her hair and I wonder if she's of Irish descent. "Hi." She doesn't smile.
"Are you a baseball fan?" I ask her, something that automatically earns anyone points with me.
She gives a shrug of her shoulders. "Not really. Why?"
"Just curious. I saw you watching practice the last few days, so I thought maybe you were a fan." I give her a sheepish smile. "It's nice to see someone out here. We don't exactly get a lot of people to practice, as you might have noticed." I gesture at the empty bleachers. "Especially since we just moved outside." The snow may be gone, but it's still not very warm, and I'm not sure a lot of people on campus even realize that we're practicing at Panther Park now.
A Forever Masterpiece (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 3) Page 32