Reaching Out For You (Never Letting Go)

by S. Moose

  When we land in North Carolina, there is a problem and we can’t get off the plane right away. Adam talks to the pilot to see what is going on. He left his phone on the seat. I grab it and look through the messages. There is nothing interesting but then a new message pops up. It is from Olivia. I open the message and a picture of her out with her friends comes up. She is wearing a tight purple dress with her boobs out. I am pissed. I text her back pretending to be Adam. I tell her it isn’t appropriate to send these things. I throw the phone back on his seat and lean my head against the window. I close my eyes and think about bitch slapping the whore.

  Finally, after an hour we are able to board off. We meet our car and get in the backseat. Adam pulls me closer to him, but I pull away from him. I turn my body to face him. “Adam, did you check your phone?

  He looks at me confused. “No,” he slowly says, “Why?”

  I put on my seatbelt and stare straight out the window. “Well you should.” I’m still mad about what she sent him. I look over and see Adam’s face tighten. I’m glad that picture doesn’t do anything to him. He puts his phone up to his ear and I wonder who he is calling.

  “Connor, fire Olivia.” Whoa! I did not think that picture would send him over the edge. I lean in closer to try to hear what Connor is saying.

  “I’ll send you the message. Alright, thanks.” When Adam hangs up the phone, he looks back at me, “Happy?”

  He had better not be mad at me. “What? She sent you a picture with her fucking boobs out Adam!”

  He puts his arms around me again and kisses me. “Baby, I’m asking if you’re happy in a serious way. I’m not trying to be sarcastic.”

  I blush and feel like an idiot. “Oh. Well yes I am. The only boobs you’ll be seeing are mine.”

  “Oh I can’t wait.” We start laughing as we head back home.

  * * * * *

  The next few weeks go by without any problems. Classes are over and everyone has taken their finals. We prepare for one of the biggest days of our lives-graduation. Adam was selected as one of the speakers, along with Connor, as they celebrate their triumphs with Optimax.

  We all do final touchups, and head out to the common area. My dad, Sarah, Lydia, and Frank are talking as we come out. Sarah runs up to me and gives me a hug. “Congratulations, baby sister.” I hear her softly cry.

  I hug her back. “Thank you.” My dad comes over and hugs us both.

  Everyone is hugging one another and saying their congratulations. I find my way back to Adam and take in how lucky we all are to have one another.

  As we make it to the college, we take our respective seats. The president of the college, Dr. Jay Henderson, talks about achieving our dreams and that this is the start of the rest of our lives. Everyone claps as he introduces Adam and Connor to the podium. I smile to myself as I look at them and feel nothing but happiness for my two best friends. We have all achieved and overcome so much in our lives and here we are about to embark on a whole new adventure. Adam begins his speech:

  “Thank you everyone. My brother, Connor and I, are honored to stand before each of you and leave you with some wise words. Today is the start of our lives as Dr. Henderson was just saying. Live your life to the fullest. Be a friend. Change the world. There is nothing stopping you. Do not let anything hold you back. You have everything to gain by embracing your talents and worth. Take each day as if it were your last, congratulations everyone, and good luck.”

  The entire class and families give Adam a standing ovation as he finishes his speech. Connor takes the stand and simply says, “Yeah, what my brother said.” Everyone erupts with laughter as Dr. Henderson takes back the podium and starts to announce each student one by one. There are cheers for each student as we go up to the stage and collect our hard-earned degree.

  “Alright class of 2013, please move your tassels to the left. Remember, this is your moment to shine for the rest of your lives, congratulations once again and good luck!” Dr. Henderson finally says. Everyone stands up and throws their hat in the air. At last, we are finished with college!

  After all the festivities are over and the pictures have been taken, we all head to Giovanni’s for dinner. It feels so great to have everyone together again. My dad, Lydia, and Frank can’t stop taking pictures of us. Adam has his arm protectively around me while I get closer to him. I look over at Connor and Erin and we smile at one another. The feeling of fear has gone away as I sit here with my family and the love of my life. The dinner goes by smoothly as we talk about our upcoming plans. I listen to everyone talk and feel content. Dinner goes by and before long, it is time to say goodnight.

  “Wait before we all leave.” Adam starts to say. “I just want everyone to know how much we all appreciate everything you’ve done for us.” He lifts up his wine glass and continues. “None of us would be here if it weren’t for all of you, so thank you.”

  “Aww… Adam how sweet of you to say,” Lydia says.

  Frank stands up and lifts his glass to Adam, “Here here son.”

  We all raise our glass and cheer one another. “Now, before we head out there is just one more thing I need to do.” Adam looks at me and reaches out his hand. I grab it and am unsure what he is doing. As I stand, he smiles and has tears in his eyes. “Sophia,” He starts to say. “I love you with my heart and soul. You make me feel alive and you’re my life.” He gets down on one knee and I gasp. I cannot believe he is doing this. “I’ve loved you my whole life and I promise to love you for as long as I live. You are my always and I am your forever. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a small box. When he opens the box, there is a beautiful diamond ring sparkling back at me. Adam takes out the ring and slips it on my left ring finger. I cannot help but smile and start crying.

  “Yes! Yes I will marry you.” Adam starts laughing and picks me up into his arms. Everyone is cheering for us and our lips meet once again.

  Erin and Sarah run up to me and we all start jumping. “You’re getting married.” Erin shouts.

  “I’m getting married!” I yell.

  Adam shakes hands with my dad and Lydia gives me a hug.

  “Finally, I will have my daughter.” She says to me.

  Connor takes me in his arms and spins me around. “Finally Soph, it is about time!”

  We say our goodbyes to everyone and start walking back to the apartment. My arm is looped with Adam’s as I rest my head on his arm. This is the happiest moment of my life and I cannot believe we are getting married! “So let’s get married tomorrow.” Adam says.

  I laugh and look at him. “I wish! Hmm…maybe in six months!”

  “I can’t wait to have you as my wife. I love you baby.”

  “I love you too.” The love I feel for him will never die. Adam’s my husband.

  Before we get to the apartment, that fear comes back. I feel someone following closely and hold on to Adam tighter. “Baby, what is wrong?”

  “Come on hurry up.” I pull on Adam’s arm trying to get him to go faster.

  “Sophia.” That evil voice comes back to haunt me. I freeze and feel paralyzed. Adam turns around while keeping me behind him.

  “Kyle, what the hell do you want?” Adam’s tone is fierce.

  Kyle stares at me with malicious and darkness. “I told you, no one will have you Sophia. I love you and if I can’t have you, no one will.” He reaches in his jacket and pulls out a gun. He is pointing it at Adam and without thinking; I push Adam to the ground. I feel an instant pain in my chest and start to feel dizzy. Everything is getting blurry as I feel my legs give out.

  “Sophia no, baby no!” Adam pulls me in his arms and rocks me. “You can’t leave me now.” I hear his voice breaking as he holds my chest. My breathing becomes shallow and everything is spinning.

  “Adam.” I whisper. “I love you.” It is getting hard to talk. “Please don’t forget me.” I hear voices all around me but it is so faint. I drift in and out until my eyes finally close
and all I see is the darkness taking me over.

  Epilogue

  3 months later

  I am lying down in the doctor’s office with Erin. I look around the room and start getting nervous. I’m thankful for everything and I don’t regret anything.

  So much has happened in the past few months, Kyle’s capture and arrest. He pled guilty and his sentence was twenty-five years to life in jail, without a chance of parole. I was in a coma for a few days. The bullet went through and through my shoulder. There is a scar where the bullet hit me, each time Adam sees the scar; he cries and holds me tight. It was scary for a while, the doctors told me I am lucky to be alive and they are right-I am lucky.

  I look down at my left ring finger and see my beautiful two karat diamond ring and wedding band. Mrs. Sophia Simpson sounds perfect. As soon as I woke up from my coma and released from the hospital, Adam and I got married. It was a small but beautiful ceremony with our friends and family. We got married in Miami on the beach. Erin was my maid of honor and Connor was the best man. Walking down the aisle to my future was the most magical feeling. We wrote our own vows. I close my eyes and remember his words.

  “Sophia, I have loved you my whole life. I never thought we would be here today, right in this moment with our closest family and friends. You are my life and I promise to spend each day making you feel special. You have my heart and soul. I hope I can make you happy. I want to grow old with you. I want to have a family with you. It is you and me, forever, pretty girl.”

  I open my eyes and feel the tears come down my face. I touch my stomach and look over at the monitor, patiently waiting to hear the news. I missed my period and started to feel sick. Adam thought I was coming down with the flu and I missed my period, with stress from work. However, I knew.

  “Oh my God, Soph,” Erin cries, “I cannot believe you might be a mom!”

  A tear comes down my cheek. I took a few at home tests and they all came back positive. I did not tell Adam yet because I do not want him to freak out. “I know! I’m so nervous!”

  The doctor opens the door and comes in. “Good morning Mrs. Simpson. How are you today?” The doctor smiles at me and takes a seat.

  “Hi Dr. Morgan, I’m ok, but nervous.” I take Erin’s hand and she gives it a squeeze.

  Dr. Morgan starts to laugh and she looks through my file. “Well,” she starts to say, “Congratulations Mrs. Simpson, you are pregnant. It looks like you are about five weeks along. See? This is your baby growing inside of you.” She points at the screen and I cover my mouth, my little baby, I love you already.

  I’m pregnant. I touch my stomach again and start crying. Adam and I are going to be parents. I am carrying our child. I am already in love with my son/daughter and I’m so happy. “Oh my God, I’m pregnant!” Erin and I start cheering. I cannot wait to tell Adam.

  Dr. Morgan prescribes me pre-natal vitamins and we schedule a follow-up appointment. I’m still early, five weeks along. When we get outside and walk to Erin’s car, I breathe in the summer air and smile. I settle into the passenger side and put on my seat belt. “Can you drop me off at the office? I want to see Adam and tell him the good news.”

  Erin smiles, “Of course doll.”

  We take the quick drive to Optimax and she drops me off. I give her a quick hug and get out of the car. I’m nervous; I don’t know how he is going to react. I hope that he is happy like I am. I give Liz a smile and head to the elevators. My palms get clammy and my head is spinning. I don’t know what I’ll do if he gets mad. The elevator dings letting me know I reached the floor I need. I slowly get off and head to Adam’s office. It is pretty quiet right now. Adam’s door is slightly open. I take in a deep breath and walk-in. Adam is on the computer with head phones on. Connor has been in California for the past month figuring out the plans. I see him on the monitor and wave. Adam quickly turns around and smiles. He takes off the headset and Connor’s face disappears.

  “Hi babe, sorry if I’m bothering you.” I lean against his desk already winded.

  He takes my hand into his. “Nonsense sweetheart, how are you? You look tired.”

  I brush my bangs out of my eyes. “No, no I’m fine. Can we sit down together?” I take his hand and lead him to the sofa. This is going to be harder than I thought. “Adam,” I stroke his hand, “I have something to tell you.” His expression turns from happy to tense. I do not want him thinking this is bad news so I blurt it out, “We’re pregnant Adam!” I look at him and he doesn’t say anything. I touch his face and squeeze his hand, “Babe?” All of a sudden, Adam falls to the ground. I start laughing and lean back on the sofa. I look down and he is out cold. I pat my stomach, “Yep, that’s your daddy baby.”

  * * * * *

  After one of the best nights of lovemaking, I look up into my husband’s beautiful face and feel nothing but happiness. He places his hand on my belly and smiles. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “How do you know we’re going to have a girl?” I giggle.

  “It is just a feeling.” Adam bends his head down to my belly and kisses it. “Hey baby this is your dad. I can’t wait to meet you.”

  My heart melts. He is so happy that we are going to have a baby. I pat his head and lean back on my pillow. Life is tricky sometimes. It leads you down an unknown path but with faith and love, it will lead you to your bright future.

  Acknowledgments

  Writing Reaching Out For You has been an unbelievable journey. When I first started thinking about the concepts, I was scared and hesitant but with the support from my family I decided it was time for people to meet Adam and Sophia. I have loved each and every moment from the brainstorming to the editing. Priceless memories. There are so many people to thank and I hope you know how much you all mean to me.

  For my husband, Kevin, thank you for being there for me through the smiles and tears. It was your words and encouragement that helped me finish this book and to continue on with my dreams. I love you always and forever.

  To all of my family and friends, thank you so much. Words cannot begin to describe my appreciation but just know I love you all so much. You never left my side and all the encouraging words have brought me here today.

  Jennifer, I don’t know where I’d be without you. Your constant push helped me realized my potential. It means so much that you never gave up on me. Thank you for everything. I love you! Thanks for being a great BETA and friend.

  Dawn, you crazy girl! Your support is amazing. Thank you for everything and for always staying true. You never held back and always made sure to check up on me. I love our talks! I don’t know what else to say other than I couldn’t ask for a great BETA and friend.

  Sandi, thank you for everything! You have truly been such a wonderful inspiration and I am so thankful for you. Thank you for making time to always help me.

  Terry, I honestly don’t know where to start. Thank you for taking me on! Thank you so much for ensuring my book is perfect. Your hard work means so much to me and I never could have done this without you.

  To my lovely ladies! Glenna, Nickie, Carey, Melissa, Michele, Antoinette, Ana, Suzanne, Louise, Chelle, Megan, Rachel, Liz, Samantha, Tracie, Julie, Patricia, A.L., and Mindy, thank you so much for your friendship and love. You ladies are amazing and words cannot ever express my adoration and appreciation.

  To my Chick Lit Goddesses thank you for always being there for me and pushing me to finish my book. I still remember the invitation Isabella sent me! I appreciate the daily conversations and hilarious moments.

  To Book Geeks Unite thank you for all the pimping and support! You welcomed me with open arms and are always willing to help.

  To Talkbooks, you ladies are incredible. You ladies are always there when I need you and your support is unforgettable.

  To Say What? Savannah Mae, thank you for reading my book and giving me helpful pointers. You helped calm me down and I love all of your support.

  To Ing with As the Pages Turn, thank you for your friendship and sup
port. I can count on you to pimp me out and your never ending graciousness will always be appreciated!

  Thank you Stephen for my beautiful cover! You’re so talented and I cannot wait to work with you again!

  Thank you to my friends Crystal and Ryan! I know the weather wasn’t great but thank you for being so brave and taking such great pictures!

  And finally, thank you to all of my readers. I don’t know where to start but thank you so much for your endless love and support. You will never know how much you mean to me. Thank you for reading Adam and Sophia’s story and bringing them into your life. I hope you enjoyed Reaching Out For You and that you will be ready for Connor and Erin’s story in Next to Forever.

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