Heartstrings

by Kelli McCracken

  “I’m sure this guy is going to work out, sweetheart.” I rubbed his shoulders as we stopped near the driver’s seat and faced the open doors. “You guys need a bassist. This is a good thing, Adam. Your dreams are coming true. You’re going to be a star.”

  Adam teetered on the top step and turned to me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and leaned his head against mine. “I don’t need to be a star to have my dreams come true. They did the day you said ‘I do’.”

  I caressed his cheek. “Wow… That rhymed beautifully. Is it a new song lyric?”

  He rubbed my nose with his. “Maybe so.”

  My cheeks heated as his lips swept over mine. His kiss was sweet, tender, just like our first one, and the one on our wedding day. I knew that wouldn’t change, no matter what we encountered in life. We loved each other and always would. I had no doubts we’d face forever together.

  “Are you guys going to join us or what?”

  Adam broke the kiss as we both looked out the door at my brother. Brighton folded his arms over his chest and tapped his foot against the pavement. “Paxton is already ordering his food. You two need to speed it up.”

  “Okay, okay. We’re coming.” Adam grumbled and exited the bus. He helped me down the steps, then wrapped his arm around me while we walked toward the diner.

  As I listened to my brother and Adam exchange their concerns about the new guitarist, I chuckled to myself. It was hard to believe we were all together. After everything we went through following the accident, I didn’t know if we’d ever be this close again.

  It took months to get over the lies I was told while suffering with amnesia. To be honest, a smidgen of resentment still remained. But I also knew everything Brighton did was out of love for Adam and me. Knowing that much was enough to convince me that he’d never hurt me again. He was too busy torturing himself anyway.

  I prayed one day he would find the type of love that Adam and I shared. Unconditional love. It’s something powerful and moving and it plays on my heartstrings. Isn’t that what love is all about? It’s an endless melody played on the heart, which is, after all, the favorite instrument of the human soul.

  It was in that melody I found my life again, and when I did, I also found my second chance…

  Although I played the piano the same day Adam woke, I knew it would never be with the same skill I once had. But that was okay. I had my guitar and could still make music. I would always be a musician no matter what instrument I played.

  My cheeks tightened as I patted my belly and remained tucked in Adam’s arm. The love I had for playing piano would never wane, but if my instincts were right, the sound of the piano would fill my house again. But I wouldn’t be the one stroking those ivory keys.

  This time, it would be at the hands of our daughter.

  Afterword

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading Heartstrings. I hope you enjoyed the story. If you did, please consider leaving a short review on the website from where you purchased the book. Authors rely on their readers for feedback, as do other customers.

  While Heartstrings is a standalone novel, there will be a few more books in the Heart & Soul Series. Look to read more about Brighton and Paxton in the future. I can’t wait to share more of this series with you.

  If you’d like to connect with me or keep up on my latest news, you can find me all over the web. I have a newsletter filled with goodies too. You can find the link to the signup form, as well as links to my social media sites, under the Contact Information section of this book. Also, I have other books available at most online retailers. To learn about those, please visit the section: Other Works by Kelli McCracken.

  As always, thank you for your continued support.

  About the Author

  Kelli McCracken spends most of her days in front of her computer, crafting her next novel. She loves to read and occasionally curls up with a good book. When she’s not chauffeuring kids, cleaning house, or hog-tying unruly characters, she enjoys taking hikes, drinking coffee, or listening to music.

  “I’ve learned that in life, you can never take anything too serious. Murphy’s Law never fails, and if you spend your life trying to be perfect, you miss out on mishaps that can turn into miracles. Take time to appreciate life. It’s gone before you know it.”

  Kelli lives with her husband and children in Eastern Kentucky. To learn more about the author, you can find her on Facebook or visit her website at www.kellimccracken.com.

  Other Works by Kelli McCracken

  What the Heart Wants: Soulmate Series #1

  Do dreams foretell the future? Are there soul connections that go deeper than love?

  Dylan McBride is tired of his rock star lifestyle. Between the nosy press and crazed fans, all he wants is to be left alone...and find the angel who's been plaguing his dreams for months. Maybe longer.

  When he meets Heaven Lewis, his world is turned upside down. Not only is she the girl from his dreams, he notices he can sense her emotions at any place and time.

  Being involved with a celebrity is the last thing Heaven imagined...or wanted. Especially since her last relationship nightmare. Yet resisting Dylan doesn't come easy. Something about him pulls at her heart. And her soul.

  Will Dylan's celebrity status be too much for Heaven, or can he convince her to surrender to What the Heart Wants?

  * * *

  What the Heart Needs: Soulmate Series #2

  Bound by destiny, can their love survive those that would tear them apart?

  Dylan McBride thought he had it all when Heaven Lewis agreed to marry him. Yet the secrets surrounding them continue to build. Dylan's father won't accept his relationship with Heaven, but Dylan refuses to let his dad come between them. Even if it means giving up his life as a rock star.

  His refusal brings a turn of events that may cost him Heaven's life. The only person he can count on for help is Layne. While his best friend agrees to help, Dylan can tell Layne is keeping secrets of his own.

  Among the chaos, Heaven is adjusting to her newfound abilities when she discovers they're evolving. As if psychic powers aren't enough to deal with, someone is making threats on her life. Threats that will unravel family secrets and put friendships to the test. All for What the Heart Needs.

  * * *

  What the Heart Takes: Soulmate Series #3

  Compelled by fate, will he sacrifice everything to save her?

  Dylan McBride has never liked hiding-from his fans, the press, or his father. He's left with no other choice after his father threatens Heaven's life. Protecting his wife and unborn child is the only thing that matters. He'd do anything to save them. Even tolerate a connection she shares with her Keeper, the man sworn to save her life, the man he used to call his friend.

  Layne's struggling with his pyrokinetic abilities, as well as accepting his role as Heaven's Keeper. As if kissing her didn't make things awkward enough, he learns that their connection is more complicated than he ever imagined. So complicated, it affects not only his mind, but also his soul..

  Though he's taken to his Keeper duties, Heaven senses a battle between Layne's heart and soul. A battle that's preventing him from accessing his abilities. There's only one sure way to help him. Their friendship must deepen. But nothing's ever easy, and she soon discovers there's a thin line between love, hate, and What the Heart Takes.

  * * *

  What the Heart Desires: Soulmate Series #4

  Torn by desire, will loving her mean the death of him?

  Dylan McBride's Seeker abilities have always kept him a step ahead of his father. But one step isn't enough when it comes to his wife and child. His confrontation with his father leaves him questioning everything he knows, from his life with Heaven to his part in the Supreme Trinity.

  Layne is growing stronger, as is his Seeker. The more time he and Heaven share, the more he's able to control his Keeper abilities. But when new secrets emerge, he's forced to face the truth, as well as the emotions he keep
s buried.

  Among the death threats, constant hiding, and birth of her child, Heaven struggles to keep the peace between her soulmate and Keeper. More lies are exposed, threatening to destroy all that she loves. Will she be able to deny the truth once it's discovered, or will she give in to What the Heart Desires?

  * * *

  Only in Time: Mystique Antiques Series

  Time doesn't always mend a broken heart.

  Jonah McCabe made a mistake. A horrible mistake that's haunted him for the last six years. In one night, he lost everything. His future. His happiness. His oldest friend and confidant. Ally Jacobs.

  Then fate intercedes. A last minute favor brings him face to face with his past--every beautiful inch of it. Regaining Ally's trust won't come easy, and time is running out once again.

  Can Jonah make things right in a race against the clock, or will he lose Ally forever?

  Works by Other Authors

  THE LIES WE TELL OURSELVES

  by Jackie Chanel

  “I'm okay.”

  “He was drinking. It won't happen again.”

  “I tripped and fell. I'm so clumsy.”

  Eve McMillan is no stranger to lies.

  After being freed of her sexually abusive father and escaping death at the hands her physically abusive boyfriend, Eve finds herself alone and afraid. Her girlfriends don’t understand why she’s content with being their “single friend” but there isn’t a man alive that can take away Eve’s fear of choosing the wrong one.

  When hair stylist, Chyna, joins the group of close friends, Eve learns that Chyna is no stranger to lies either. Convinced that she and Cameron are just having "a hard time" after the loss of their child, Chyna says and does everything to keep her friends' suspicions at bay and cover up her pain.

  Eve is relentless in her efforts to help Chyna realize that what she thinks is love is truly not. Eve knows she has to intervene before Cameron ends up killing her best friend.

  Acknowledgments

  In life, we grow as individuals. There is constant change that involves people coming and going. These changes are not always expected. Some are good, some are bad, but they all have the same result. These changes cause us to grow.

  I’ve grown a lot since my career began. I miss many of the people who’ve left my life, by choice or by nature. Yet in the end, it’s helped develop me into the woman and writer I am today. To those who’ve remained, I’d like to say thank you, especially to the following people.

  To my children: for the non-stop entertainment that keeps me laughing. For the sweet kisses and best hugs ever. You guys will never know how much you changed my life for the better. I love you all with every breath I take. Nothing will ever change that.

  To my husband: for your priceless advice and support, for helping me see what’s important, and for encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone. You convince me to take chances. You gave me the voice I needed to write this book. I can’t say thank you enough. You are the love of my life and I’m so glad I have you. I love you, babe. Always.

  To my mom: for believing in me. You encourage me every step of the way, no matter what I choose to do in life. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you.

  To Carla and Richard: two people who not only share my DNA, but share my heart. I love you both dearly, and nothing will ever change that.

  To Lisa: for the continuous encouragement as well as your crazy imagination. Thank you for your friendship and for the all the laughs we’ve shared.

  To my readers and my street team: for your loyal support. Thanks for sticking with me through it all.

  To Rhonda: for your keen eye and sense of humor. Your edits never cease to amaze me, nor does your heart.

  To Jackie C: for reminding me why I started and why I should always keep going. I value our friendship and whacky chats.

  To Tracy: for helping me pick up the pieces. You did more than put me back together. You took away my burdens, kept me straight, provided me with encouragement, and remind me what loyalty means. I can never thank you enough for all you’ve done. You’re more than a PA. You’re a true friend. I look forward to many more years with you.

  And to Elena: my true soul sister. You are the epitome of what a friend should be. We complete each other in ways that amazes me. You’ve been my biggest advocate since I started this crazy career. I can never express what you mean to me. I will always be here for you, just like you have been for me. Besides…we have way too much blackmail material on each other… ;-) Love you always, chica.

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