Meg walked confidently, shaking an administrator’s hand as she was handed her high school diploma. She watched Meg high five Rex, who was down below as faculty of the school.
“That’s your big sister,” she said to her beautiful boy. Poor boy had her hair color, but struck gold having his daddy’s stormy eyes.
“Megy!” Marsh squealed, and Keira nodded.
“Yeah, Megy!” Pride filled her chest as she quietly wiped away a tear. “That’s our girl!”
“Grrll.” Marsh beamed, and she kissed the top of his red hair.
***
The moment the graduation was over, Marsh, Jenn, and she joined Rex, Meg, and Katie on the football field. Wrapping her arms around her daughter, Keira was overwhelmed by the moment. She knew this day would come. Keira had thought about this day when they arrived in Whispering Springs, less than four years ago. She knew Meg would grow and go her own way. Though back then, she never could have imagined the beauty her life contained now. She had expected to be left behind in the sweet small town. That was not the case anymore.
Meg and Katie, who had become an almost permanent fixture at their house from the moment the girls met, were going to be attending school at UC Santa Barbara, and Keira was proud of them both. But she wasn’t going to be left alone. Her life was fuller than ever. Not only because of her boys, but her sister, Jenn, had moved to town two years ago. Also, Key had made friends with an amazing group of women.
Looking at Rex, she sighed. The love she had for Rex surprised her. She never knew love like the one they shared even existed. It steadily grew deeper, got stronger with every day that passed. She felt Rex’s lips kiss the top of her head and tilted up to look at him, catching him staring at her in a way she felt deeper than the farthest corner of her heart. She felt it pierce and spark a light in her soul.
His mouth came to her ear, and she looked out to Meg and Katie talk to some of their friends. “Thank you for giving me everything, Key.” His voice was thick, and the girls went blurry for a split second. “I’m so fuckin’ lucky, babe.”
She would have argued with him that it was she who had struck gold with him, but like usual, he left her speechless.
Instead, she stood on the tips of her toes, her hand on his chest, letting her lips hover over his. “Take me home, Copper.” One side of his mouth tilted into a sexy little smirk.
“Sure thing, Mrs. Malone,” he whispered back with a wink.
She felt beyond lucky as they walked hand in hand. Not because of the fact that she knew she had a sexy night set out ahead of her or the ones she’d shared with Rex.
She was lucky because she had found what so many only could have wished for.
She had gotten lucky in love.
The End
Mayra Statham Books
Never Too Late Series:
Longing For You
They say first love is the strongest. Some even say it can last a lifetime. Scott Kostas and Jess Logan were one another’s first love. Young and naïve, they didn’t know what they had and let it go, creating separate lives.
Now, over thirty years later, an unexpected encounter brings Jess, Scott and old memories back together. Older and wiser, both are determined not to make the same mistake twice. For Scott that means showing Jess that he’s the man she can count on. For Jess? She’s determined not to let Scott break her heart a second time.
From the start they realize that the connection they once shared is still there and time has only made it stronger as they get to know the people that they have become after so many years apart. Love and passion refuses to stay buried in the past. Can love bring two souls back together despite life’s many obstacles? Will they finally get their own happily ever after?
A short story reminding us, no matter what, when it comes to love, it is never too late! 34k words.
Wishing For You
Bohemian artist, Shelly Santiago has had a fulfilling career, amazing friends, and great family. There's only been one thing missing in her life: someone to share it with. At fifty-six, she thinks her time has come and gone for finding love.
Straight-laced gallery owner, Grant Alexander, knows that even with the tragedy of losing his wife ten years ago, he’s been blessed with a great life and career. The only thing that’s been bothering him is the promise he made to his late wife before she passed.
Side by side, Shelly and Grant have worked together for years. Nothing ever more than friends, and sometimes not even that. As complete opposites, what happens when they start to realize the building attraction they feel for one another? Will they jump into the possibilities of more or will they keep one hand up and their own hearts guarded? Will Grant be able to keep his promise to his late wife? Will Shelly get what she’s always wished for?
Wishing For You will take you on moonlit walks on the beach to remind you that it is never too late for love!
Lucky for You
Ready for a fresh start, single mom Keira Jennings has discovered a slice of heaven in the mountain town of Whispering Springs, California.
Police Chief Rex Malone is smitten at first sight for the charming new resident of his hometown.
Sparks fly after a routine stop. Has Keira’s Luck changed for the better? Or is Rex just like every man she’s ever met?
Six Degrees Series
Crown’s Chance at Love
Sabrina Miller lives in darkness. Having lost the love of her life just three years ago, she is content to live her life in muted grey just so she doesn’t have to feel. As a single mother of three she immerses herself in her career and daily routine all while letting her inner light extinguish.
One Tuesday morning, a chance encounter with Michael Crown threatens to break down all of the barriers she’s worked so hard to build around her. But who really Is Michael Crown?
Despite his struggles with his own darkness, Michael Crown finds himself at a crossroads with Sabrina. He has a chance to completely let his guard down and let love in, but it may come at the cost of losing the only woman he’s ever really ever loved. Can he find the redemption he so desperately needs and let Sabrina Miller in?
Etched in Stone
One look, one moment and I was completely defenseless.
One touch, one embrace and I was utterly consumed.
One kiss, one caress and that's all it took.
One look and thirty-four-year-old Parker Stone knew his life would never be the same. She called to him unlike anything ever had in his life, sparking an unbridled desire and captivating him completely.
One touch and twenty-eight-year-old Liz Del Rio wasn’t sure she’d be able to walk away. Experiencing a life full of disappointment and heartache, she wasn't looking for a relationship, let alone love and all the risks that came with it. Every time life had taught her the same lesson: not to let people in because they always leave and when they leave, it leaves scars upon your soul.
One kiss sealed their fate and they knew they would never be able to live without one another.
Liz and Parker embed themselves into each other's world. Passion burns bright and fast, but what happens when your lives are connected in ways you could have never imagined?
Secrets from Liz's past threaten to break not only what they have, but who she is as they learn that once love is etched in stone nothing can make it crumble.
Davenport Harbor
Anne Carter
As a little girl I dreamt of Prince Charming, I found out there was no such thing. On a rainy night, my nightmare of a Prince found me, but not my secret and I was able to run.
But what I ran into that night might be worse.
He's far from being a fairy tale prince. Older, grouchy and sullen.
One look in his eyes and I know he wants us as far from him as possible. Yet he keeps us safe, giving us more than harbor, he gives us hope.
He might not be a Prince but he's definitely the beastly King of his domain.
John Davenport
I’m a man who ha
s avoided emotional entanglements longer than I care to remember. I should send them packing, but I can’t.
I’m not a good man. I’m ruthless. Uncaring. Calculating.
I’m a man with mile long list of faults and redemption is not within my reach, not in this lifetime. No where close to the man that deserves the beauty that they can bring into a man’s life.
I just can’t seem to let them go.
A rain storm might have brought them to me but I’m like a vine around them, needing a little bit of their light to thrive.
Can two frightened souls heal and find courage to love again and become a family? Or are the ghosts of the past stronger than they can manage?
Will the growly king and beautiful damsel in distress get their own modern day happy ending?
Little girl’s might dream of Prince Charming but a woman deserves a KING that stands behind his QUEEN.
Right Men Series:
LIE
Box office sensation, Marcus Wright is ready to take on the role of director. Romance author and single mom, Grace Rivera, is shocked when the sexiest man alive knocks on her door with the intent to bring her book to life.
He is willing to do anything to get what he wants, even use his charms on the beautiful, curvy woman standing in his way. Only it doesn't take long for the shy woman to unknowingly embed herself under his skin.
In a world where one plays make believe and the other writes it, will they determine everything between them is a LIE? Or will they be able to LIE in one another's arms when the truth comes out?
Steal (Coming Winter 2017)
Never steal. But if you must steal, steal away from bad company.
Divorced police detective, Bryan Wright, let his life revolve around nothing but work after his marriage all but imploded. Now he is ready to hit play on living again; as long as love and commitment are off the table. But the curvy blond goddess who happens to be his new roommate cracks the veneer of his walls with her sassy mouth and shy smiles.
ER nurse, Valerie Duncan, isn’t one to trust easily. When she discovers she has a sinfully handsome new roomie, she is more than cautious. After all, nothing good can come out of being around a man who drips testosterone and masculinity with every breath he takes.
Heat and desire collide, breaching their walls, leaving each of them vulnerable to love, though they stubbornly deny it. When the past splits into the present, will they admit to stealing each other’s heart? Will they be brave enough to steal away from the bad company that comes knocking at their door?
About the Author
Mayra Statham lives in sunny southern California with her handsome husband and their three awesome kids. She is a self-proclaimed romance junkie, loving all types of romance novels. With coffee on hand she loves to dive into books between her writing and juggling family life.
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