Geronimo (A Songbird Novel)

by Melissa Pearl

  It was a magical moment listening to Jane’s sweet moans, her milky skin cast in moonlight while the stars twinkled above us. The water blanketed us as I came inside her, sealing our marriage vows and opening the next chapter of our lives.

  I had no idea what would be written on each page, but I was determined to fill them with as many good things as I possibly could.

  Life was for living, loving, appreciating…and Jane and I were going to prove it.

  Epilogue

  Jane

  “I’ll see you guys tomorrow. Don’t forget to bring in your book assignments!” I called to my class as they filtered out the door.

  The final bell for the day had just rung, and I was pretty sure none of them heard me.

  Most of them were still trying to get back into the swing after the Christmas/New Year break. Gearing them up to think again was always challenging. I grinned and shook my head. I didn’t blame them. It was hard to get down to work when there was always something better waiting outside of school. My cheeks heated with color. As much as I loved my job, I was no longer obsessed with it. I didn’t need to be. Harry made life worth embracing, and I’d learned to switch off the second I left the building.

  I checked my watch and tried to calculate how long it would take me to set up for the next day’s classes. If I worked fast enough I could beat rush hour and get home to my husband that much quicker. Unless I just left it and came in early the next morning.

  That was appealing.

  “See ya, Mrs. Tindal.”

  “Bye, sweetie.” I waved to Annie as she walked out the door. That’s when I noticed Troy hovering in the hallway. As soon as Annie turned down the corridor, he stepped into my room.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Baker.” I crossed my arms and grinned. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

  He chuckled. “Maybe I just wanted to swing by and see that smile again.”

  I blushed.

  “No, seriously. It gives me hope.” He perched his butt on the corner of my desk. “Since you’ve been married, you’ve had a complete transformation. You suit being Mrs. Tindal.”

  “Well, it’s lucky I love it so much, then.”

  He grinned, but his smile soon fled as he placed a manila folder on my desk. “We’ve got a new kid coming in. He’s a…” Troy scratched his forehead, his eyebrows popping up as he looked at the folder with a sad smile. “It’s a bit of a tragic story. His mother died recently and he’s moved in with his estranged aunt who is completely out of her depth. She doesn’t seem to want him, but she’s also adamant that he can’t go into foster care. Poor thing’s only twenty-two, and she’s really struggling.”

  “How old’s her nephew?”

  “He turned twelve last week.”

  “Whoa,” I muttered, reaching for the file. Flipping it open, I read the name—Felix Grayson. He had big brown eyes, much like Brandy’s, and a mop of thick, wayward hair.

  “He keeps getting into fights at his current school. They want to kick him out, so I’ve stepped in and scored him a scholarship here.”

  “Don’t you think he’ll just get into fights here?”

  “Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders. I can’t help wondering if most of those fights were simply self-defense. I’ve had a few sessions with him, but he won’t talk to me. I don’t think he’s a bad kid. I think he’s just scared and misses his mom. He’s really quiet and doesn’t give off aggressive vibes, but I don’t think he’s the type to just sit back and take a beating either.”

  “Father?”

  Troy shook his head. “There’s no name listed on his birth certificate.”

  I scanned his school records, noting his higher grades at elementary school and the serious drop-off when he hit fifth grade. “Was his mother sick before she died?”

  “Yeah, she was diagnosed with cancer just after he turned ten.”

  I winced, hurting for the poor boy already. “So, I take it he’ll be in my homeroom.”

  “Yeah, plus English. He starts next week.”

  “Okay.” I nodded. “Well, thanks for the heads-up. I’ll try to help him if I can.”

  “You did such a great job helping Brandy, I actually requested that he go into your class.”

  I smiled, my cheeks tinging red again. “I didn’t—”

  “You did.” He cut me off. “And you will again. Hopefully between me and his teachers we can help this kid get through.” Troy sighed. “I get the impression he and his mom were pretty tight. She was his everything and now she’s gone, you know?”

  “Yeah.” I nodded. “I do know.”

  Troy’s lips pushed into a smile. “Which is why I requested you. He needs someone to show him that it’s okay to move on and find joy without his mom. I doubt his struggling aunt’s going to be able to revive him, so it’s up to us.”

  “Well, I’ll give it my best shot.”

  “You’re a first-class case of reviving a life, Jane.” He walked for the door. “It gives me hope!” he called over his shoulder, then stopped and smiled at something to his right. Spinning back, he wiggled his eyebrows at my bemused expression and said, “Have a good night.”

  As soon as he started walking away, a bunch of red roses appeared in my doorway, followed by my husband who was singing “I Love You Too Much.”

  I giggled when he did a twirl, his voice crescendo-ing into the second verse. Using the bouquet as a microphone, he swayed from side to side, serenading me with his true Harry charm.

  Taking my hand, he pulled me against his chest and waltzed me between the desks, grinning and singing until he reached the end. Tipping me back, he whispered the last line then kissed me softly on the lips.

  My smile was broad and enchanted. We’d only been married three months, and I found it funny how some days it felt like a lifetime and other days it felt like we’d only just started dating. Harry made me feel so comfortable, yet I still got those giddy buzzes shooting through my system whenever he smiled at me or held me close.

  Swinging me back up to standing, he tucked my bangs behind my ear and, with a flourish, handed me the slightly bruised roses.

  “For you, Mrs. Tindal.”

  “Why, thank you.” I laughed, taking the bouquet and sniffing the petals. “What’s the occasion?”

  “Do I need an occasion?” He pulled me to his side and pecked my nose.

  “Hmm, I guess not.”

  “Well, why don’t we make it one?”

  “Meaning?”

  He twirled me under his arm then guided me toward my desk. “Let’s go home and fancy up for some classy dinner. I could take you to that new place near your parents’ house. What’s it called again?”

  “Vincenzo’s.”

  “Yes!” He clicked his fingers. “Vincenzo’s it is.”

  I slid my computer into my bag and ignored my planning folder. It could wait until the morning. Harry took the bag from me and started for the door, but I stopped him with another suggestion.

  “Or…” My eyes gleamed as I plucked a red petal from the bunch and ran it beneath my nose then across my lips. “We could just go home and make love on a bed of rose petals.”

  His smile was slow and sexy as he hitched my bag onto his shoulder and retraced his steps. “Well, you know I only have one thing to say about that.”

  He sidled up against me, nuzzling my neck until I started giggling then whispered into his ear, “Geronimo?”

  “You better bloody believe it.” He swept me off the floor.

  I laughed and held tight as he walked me out of the school and straight for my car. We still lived in my tiny studio apartment. We were saving for a new place, but for now the little apartment was ours and it was home.

  Home.

  I loved that word.

  Harry had made it real to me once more. When I woke each morning and found him lying beside me, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of comfort and gratitude. If tragedy had taught me anything, it was to cherish each moment
I was given. And Harry had the ability to make each and every moment magical. As I fingered the rose petals on my lap, I glanced at my husband and smiled.

  He winked at me and continued to drive us home. His wedding ring caught my eye, the simple gold band on his fourth finger making him mine. Giddy love bubbles rose within me, popping and bursting as I grinned out the window.

  Yes, love was a risk.

  But it was a beautiful one, and I’d be forever grateful I took a leap of faith and jumped back into it.

  I was the happiest version of myself that I’d ever been, and although no one could guarantee me a lifetime of it, I’d cherish each and every second I got.

  *****

  Thank you so much for reading Geronimo. If you’ve enjoyed it and would like to show me some support, please consider leaving an honest review.

  KEEP READING TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE NEXT SONGBIRD NOVEL…

  The next Songbird Novel belongs to:

  Troy, Cassie, & Felix

  HOLE-HEARTED

  Is due for release in Autumn 2016

  Cassie Grayson doesn’t know how to be a mom. She’s twenty-two and hardly in a position to care for a kid. But when her twelve-year-old nephew is dumped in her lap, she does the only thing she can: she takes him in.

  Neither of them have it easy as they try to navigate this unknown path. Cassie must deal with her feelings toward her estranged sister and her own rocky childhood growing up in the foster care system. Felix is still reeling from being uprooted from the only life he’s ever known, and he doesn’t quite connect with his weird, emotionless aunt. The only person he thinks might be mildly okay is Troy Baker, the counselor at his new school.

  To Troy, Felix and Cassie should be just another case, but they’re not. Something about the hopeless duo captures his heart, and in spite of his hesitation he finds himself falling for both of them. Felix’s quiet strength is endearing, but it’s Cassie’s determination to overcome the demons from her past that chips away at his own walls, daring him to heal her…and maybe, just maybe, fall in love.

  Can three strangers from completely different worlds create an unlikely family? Or are the holes in their hearts too big to heal?

  **SPECIAL OFFER**

  If you’d like to receive an exclusive Songbird novella, plus some extra bonuses for newsletter subscribers only, you can follow this link to find out more:

  MELISSA PEARL’S SONGBIRD NOVELS

  MELISSA PEARL’S SONGBIRD NOVELS

  THE SONGBIRD NOVELS CAN BE PURCHASED ON AMAZON

  FEVER

  Cole & Ella’s story

  BULLETPROOF

  Morgan & Sean’s story

  EVERYTHING

  Jody & Leo’s story

  HOME

  Rachel & Josh’s story

  TRUE LOVE

  Nessa & Jimmy’s story

  TROUBLEMAKER

  Marcus & Kelly’s story

  ROUGH WATER

  Justin & Sarah’s story

  NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

  One of the things I loved most about writing Geronimo was Jane and Harry’s trip through Europe—the spontaneous adventure of throwing all caution to the wind and just experiencing life. I am such a planner. I don’t like things being thrown at me and I’m not good at just impulsively doing things. I need to learn to live in the moment more, and it was good for me to write a story that forced my characters to do just that. Life can sometimes be hell, but it can also be beautiful, and stopping to notice even simple things like the warmth of the sun on your skin or the sound of someone’s laughter can make your life more meaningful, and get you through those darker moments.

  I hope I have given you a happy moment while you’ve read this story. As always, I hope it made you feel…and I hope it made you fall in love. The soundtrack is one of my favorites and I have listened to the playlist MANY times while writing the book. The songs are embedded in my heart and make me think of Harry and Jane every time I hear them.

  Thank you so much for reading this Songbird ovel. I can’t tell you how much of a privilege it is to produce these stories. There are only two more left, plus a couple of Chaos novellas. It’s going to be really weird finishing the collection, but I’m also excited for the things ahead. Thanks for walking this journey with me. It wouldn’t be the same without my lovely readers.

  xx

  Melissa

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Thank you so much to everyone who had input in producing Geronimo.

  My critique readers: Cassie and Rae. Your enthusiasm was magical. Thank you so much for making the book what it is now.

  My editor: Laurie. You are so incredibly brilliant to work with.

  My proofreaders: I love you guys. Thank you for your time and attention.

  My advanced reading team: What would I do without you? Thank you so much for your constant support and enthusiasm.

  My cover designer and photographer: Regina. I saw the cover image months ago and earmarked it for Jane and Harry’s story. It’s the perfect shot and you made it into the perfect cover.

  My fellow writers: Inklings and Indie Inked. I love that after all this time, I can still check in with you guys for advice and encouragement.

  My fan club and readers: You guys are seriously the best! You keep me flying and I’m so, so grateful.

  My gorgeous husband: Thanks for being so easy to live with. Being with you is the most natural thing in the world. It’s as easy as breathing and I love you for it. Thanks for introducing me to BNL too. I think of you every time I hear one of their songs.

  My family: You guys are my sunshine. Thanks for the cuddles, the love and your constant believe in me.

  My maker: Thank you for filling my life with moments and teaching me how to be grateful. You have given me so much. I’ll love you forever.

  OTHER BOOKS BY MELISSA PEARL

  The Songbird Novels

  Fever — Bulletproof — Everything — Home — True Love — Troublemaker — Rough Water — Geronimo

  Coming in autumn 2016: Hole-Hearted

  The Space Between Heartbeats

  Plus two novellas: The Space Before & The Space Beyond

  The Fugitive Series

  I Know Lucy — Set Me Free

  The Masks Series

  True Colors — Two-Faced — Snake Eyes — Poker Face

  The Time Spirit Trilogy

  Golden Blood — Black Blood — Pure Blood

  The Elements Trilogy

  Unknown — Unseen — Unleashed

  The Mica & Lexy Series

  Forbidden Territory — Forbidden Waters

  Find out more on Melissa Pearl’s website: www.melissapearlauthor.com

  ABOUT MELISSA PEARL

  Melissa Pearl is a New Zealand author who trained as an elementary school teacher but has always had a passion for writing and finally completed her first manuscript in 2003. She has been writing ever since, and the more she learns, the more she loves it.

  She writes young adult and new adult fiction in a variety of romance genres—paranormal, fantasy, suspense, and contemporary. Her goal as a writer is to give readers the pleasure of escaping their everyday lives for a while and losing themselves in a journey…one that will make them laugh, cry, and swoon.

  CONNECT WITH MELISSA PEARL

  You can contact Melissa Pearl online:

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  http://www.melissapearlauthor.com/news

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  Melissa Pearl Fan Club:

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