by Katie Fox
Elle giggled and the sound was like music to my ears. “He’s good. He’s just like his father. Not allowing his mama a moment’s rest.”
I grinned, my fingers coming up to undo the button on her pants. “Is that right?”
She bit down on her lip and nodded. “Mhm.”
“Ha. I’m sorry, but it seems as though you won’t be getting any rest tonight either. I’ve missed you way too fucking much.”
As I returned my lips to her skin, kissing and caressing every beautiful inch, Elle pushed her fingers through my hair, careful to avoid the scar hidden beneath. My recovery had been a long road, and it hadn’t been easy. Every day was a battle. I was still required to take several different types of medication, and there was always the possibility of needing future surgeries and more rounds of chemo, but like I’d told Elle that day we’d received the life-changing phone call from Dr. Marx, I’d do whatever it took. Anything to be a part of her and my children’s future for as long as possible. I’d never stop fighting.
Millie was right. Nobody truly has forever. Nobody is promised tomorrow. The important thing was I had right now, and that was more than enough for the both of us.
Dear Reader,
I’ll admit, when the idea for this story originally surfaced, Owen and Elle were supposed to have an “alternate ending.” I went in to writing this story with the expectation that Owen would make a difference in Elle’s life. It was his sole purpose—his one and only role. I held this expectation throughout the majority of the book, and it wasn’t until I neared the end and started researching the type of cancer Owen had that I came across several survivor stories and those still battling this heartbreaking and life-threatening disease.
I sat with tears in my eyes as I read about real life people fighting for their lives—for a few more happy moments with the ones they love—and I realized right then and there that I wanted a happy ending for Owen and Elle.
When it comes to romance novels, a happily ever after is usually a must, but I wanted to take a chance and write something different. I didn’t want to write my normal happily ever after or a heartbreaking love story that ends in loss. I wanted to write a story that represented the real people who we’re surrounded by every day.
Owen is more than a character I created in my mind. He’s more than an imaginary person I wrote on to the page. He’s every single survivor story I read. He’s every person who is out there fighting and battling for the life they deserve to live. He’s the hope that those faced with a similar situation have the strength and determination to continue fighting.
Owen and Elle will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t be any happier with the ending they received.
I want to thank you for not only taking a chance on their story, but for taking a chance on me. If you have enjoyed this book, please consider writing a spoiler-free review on the site in which you purchased it from. Reviews are beneficial in many ways, especially for self-published authors like myself. Your feedback not only helps other readers decide whether to purchase a copy, but it also helps me, as the writer, grow and improve. Thank you again for purchasing and reading.
Much love,
Katie Fox
This list gets longer with each book I publish, but I couldn’t possibly have done it without every single one of you.
First and foremost, to Eleanor Lloyd-Jones who not only read this story chapter by chapter as I was writing it but who gave me support and confidence. You were my cheerleader every step of the way and believed in Owen and Elle’s story as much as I did. Your friendship truly means the world to me, and I’m thankful every day that we found each other in this massive book world.
To Louise Holroyd who was the first person to read Owen and Elle’s story in its entirety. Thank you for loving my words and my characters enough to read them in their raw form. I’m so grateful for the friendship we have formed and cannot wait to be able to give you a massive hug in Leeds.
Michelle Richardson—you have been there from the very beginning. You’re not afraid to tell me how it is, and honestly, I chew my nails every time I send a manuscript off for you to read, but that’s only because I value your opinions. Thank you so much for taking a chance on me way back when and for continuing to be one of the most important people on my team.
Gratitude to my beta readers, Nicole Richard, Danielle Dickson, Abigail Davies, Liza Mooney, and Angela Berry James for providing your invaluable feedback. This book is the best it can possibly be because of you.
Danielle Dickson and Abigail Davies—If I had to choose only one word in the English language to describe what your love and support for this book means to me, I wouldn’t be able to. Not in a million years. So, I’ll simply say, thank you. Thank you for not only jumping on the opportunity to read this story for me and critique it, but for believing in Owen and Elle as much as I did. Thank you for loving them and spreading the word way before the book even released.
To Nicole Richard who always responds to my random messages and never complains when I need to rant. I love our voice chats that never seem to end, and I am so grateful for your friendship and support. I wish you nothing but success in your own writing career.
KBABE, you ladies are always there when I need you. I love our little tribe and I consider myself lucky to call you my friends. Thank you for the laughs and cries and the daily conversations that get me through each day.
A huge thank you to my cover designer, Najla Qamber. You have the patience of a god and even then, I’m sure I tested it several times while working on this cover. Thank you so much for being so easy to work with and for always bringing my vision to life.
Special thanks to Sara Eirew for the beautiful photo. The moment I saw it, I knew it captured everything I wanted Owen and Elle to be. Your work is truly amazing.
Immense gratitude to my editor, Kelly Hartigan. Thank you so much for taking my words and making them truly shine and for always being there when I have questions. I’m so happy to have you as a part of my publishing team!
A massive thank you to Saira Mendoza, Kristina Hanicar, Dawn Vickers, Tabatha Edmonds, CeeJay Cross, Jennifer Kennessey, and Margaret Hardy Nee-Montgomery for loving and sharing my work as much as you do. Your selfless support means the world.
An even greater thank you to Donna with 4TheLoveOfReading book blog and Brenda with BBB book blog. You ladies have been a tremendous support in my writing journey and I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance on me and my words. I appreciate you so much!
To you, the reader, thank you for taking a chance on my story when there are so many others out there. Thank you for recommending my books, for your unending support, and the messages that remind me why I write.
Thank you to Katie’s Foxy Readers. You’re the best reader group this author girl could ask for. I love you all immensely!
To all the bloggers, tweeters, Instagrammers, and book groups, thank you for reading and reviewing and for sharing your love for my books. Without you, it’d be impossible for my books to get noticed.
To my fellow authors who offer endless support when it comes to knowledge, feedback, and guidance. I am forever indebted to you.
And to my husband and my son, thank you for being the drive behind my dreams. I love you both more than you could ever possibly know.
Embracing Moments
Moment of Weakness
World of Darkness
Co-written Books
Whispers From The East
Beauty of a Monster: Seduction
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