by Gail Haris
A million emotions cross his handsome face. His jaw hardens and he grumbles. “I’m not so sure when it’s a life trying to end yours if that still qualifies as worth saving. A life that is hell bent on going after the innocent. He killed my parents, Natalia. Ruined my father’s legacy.”
“There are worse things than death. A life in prison might make him wish I had let him die. But it won’t be blood on my hands. I made an oath. It’s more than a job, Carter.”
“It’s in your blood. It’s part of who you are.”
“Yes.”
“I love you for that, ya know.”
“Y yo te amo, Carter Collins.”
Natalia
Two years later...
We’ve found our peace. Both of us. Carter’s father’s legacy was restored when Seth was tried and sent to prison for both murder against his parents and attempted murder against me. When he went to visit his parents grave site, he also found himself at his brother’s. Carter finally forgave his brother, Warren, and Payton. With his anger gone, he was able to fully mourn their deaths. Through all that, he finally found peace. No more nightmares, no more midnight drives on the anniversary of their death, and he’s no longer carrying the weight of grudges.
Speaking of exes, I ran into Randy while visiting my parents in the city last year. He invited me to his mother’s annual art gala, and I politely declined but told him I’d see him there. I was a special guest to one of the featured photographers, Macy.
“I’ll see you there. Take care, Randy.”
“Nat, wait! I want to apologize for what happened to us. I realize that I didn’t treat you as well as you deserved.”
“Randy, thank you. But I forgave you a long time ago.”
“Then you’ll give me another chance?”
“Um, no. I said I forgave you, but I did that for my peace. Hopefully it’ll help you sleep better at night too.”
And I did see Randy there, along with his pretentious parents. Macy charged them double for her photographs and took me out for expensive drinks afterwards. When I asked her if she’d be my photographer for my wedding, she said of course and not to worry about the cost.
“It’s going to be your wedding gift.”
“Macy, I can’t accept that. Let me pay you. You deserve to be paid for your work.”
“Oh no worries, I’ll get paid. Think of it as a gift from Randy and his family as well. They booked me for an event. I’ll just charge them a little—”
“Macy!”
Now, Carter and I are finally living our happily ever after. We’ve been married a little over a year.
“Dinner’s ready!” I call out. Ugh, they can’t hear me. I jog across the yard, waving my hands to get Carter’s attention. Lolly comes to stand next to me and smiles brightly. Carter and our little girl see me. She looks like me, and Carter is already fretting over when she becomes a teenager. He is prepared to park the firetruck in our front yard and turn the hose on any boy foolish enough to come after his daughter. We have time, I keep assuring him. She’s turning one today and we’re planning a huge party with all my family, and Carter’s firefighter family.
“She has him wrapped around her finger,” Lolly beams.
“I can’t wait for the next one. Think we’ll get a boy?” My great uncle, Jomar walks up and snakes an arm around Lolly. It’s strange seeing Lolly and my great uncle together. One is as inappropriate as the next. Needless to say, when my parents brought him to Christmas two years ago, I moved out and he moved in…for good.
“Oh, I’m sure by next summer,” Lolly boldly states.
I about choke. “Lolly, I’m still recovering from Rocio’s birth.”
“Well, I don’t mean get pregnant by next week.” She pauses and cuts her eyes to me. “But if you need me to babysit while…”
I shake my head. Carter walks up the steps carrying Ro. “She’s afraid she’s going to croak before she gets to hold a few more great-grandbabies.”
Lolly laughs as she takes Rocio from his arms. “Oh, I fully intend to outlive both of you. Between you dealing with patients who have God knows what, and you running into balls of fire, my odds are pretty good on that front.”
I wrap my arms around Collins and kiss him. “Maybe next summer.”
He nods. “Maybe next week?”
“Maybe.”
Sí, tal vez, sí.
The End
Want to keep up with all of the other books in K. Bromberg’s Everyday Heroes World? You can visit us anytime at http://www.kbworlds.com/ and the best way to stay up to date on all of our latest releases and sales, is to sign up for our official KB Worlds newsletter HERE.
Are you interested in reading the bestselling books that inspired the Everyday Heroes World? You can find them HERE.
STAND ALONES
Worth a Shot
Arrogant Arrival (A Cocky Hero Club Novel)
Ashes (An Everyday Heroes Novel)
Allegiance (A Salvation Society Novel) – coming 2021
THE RANDALL SERIES
Who is Sarah Randall
The Night That Changed Rachel
The Blackmail of Denise Randall
Check out Gail’s other books HERE.
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This never feels real. The idea that you’re reading this blows my mind. Thank you doesn’t feel like enough, but that’s all I know to say.
Reader, you have no idea how much I appreciate you taking your time, that I know is precious, and spending it by taking a chance on me. I’m so honored. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you so much to Kristy Bromberg for taking a huge chance on a new author and accepting me to write in her amazing world. I hope I did it justice. It was such an honor to be a part of the KB World. This community is absolutely amazing. I’ve connected with so many authors, readers, and bloggers. Kristy, not only did you help me grow as a writer, but I’ve made some wonderful friends through this process. Thank you.
Jane Ashley Converse and Deborah Bradseth. Thank you so much for all your hard work and talent! This cover is so amazing – thanks to you two!
To the incredibly funny and talented Amy Briggs for helping me out with your sharp eye! You’re the best!! Thank you so much friend. I appreciate you so much.
To my incredible editor, formatter, and friend Elaine York. You’re such a delight and I love working you. Thank you for helping me keep up with this crazy book community and navigate through this author life. I love you!
My Sinful Soul Sister author crew – Thank you so much for helping me with my blurb!!! The struggle is real! I’m so grateful we’ve all stumbled upon each other. Thank you for the support, the laughs, the advice, and letting me know I’m not alone in this. I love you ladies!
Ashton Brooks, Danielle Keil, and Chelle Sloan. My goal for 2021 is to meet up with y’all at a Dairy Queen. I’m so grateful for this crazy world bringing y’all into my life!
A very special shout out to Susana Mohel, Kristin Lira, Rocio Martinez, Evelyn Hayes, Carmen DeCelle, Adriana Vargas, Brenda Youngs, Zaida Nowicki, and Nildy Lopez for all your help in bringing Natalia to life! Thank you for being patient with my random questions and being so excited over this incredible woman. You all are the amazing women that helped shape her.
To Teresa Williams, Dalton Williams, and Dustin Harris. First, thank you for all that you do for the community. Not just anyone can step into your shoes, I can tell you that right now. Second, thank you for answering all my questions, and helping me work out scenarios and your patience when having to slowly explain what all that equipment is. I may have to write another fireman story, because wow, that’s a crazy life! Thank you again for helping me on this story and just being you, our everyday heroes.
My wonder wom
an PA - Rachael Leissner. Girl, you literally jumped right in with me and it’s been a wild ride. I don’t think you realized the hot mess you were taking on, but I’m so glad you’re sticking it out. Thank you for reading this when it was such a rough draft, and all your encouragement throughout the process. I had my doubts, but you kept me going. Thank you for being you and fully supporting me. Can’t wait to see what 2021 brings us! Love you girl!!
The Greatest Group of Friends Ever, and I do mean freaking EVER! Our texts keep me sane through this author journey, mom life, and life in general. Y’all are my rock! Thank you so much for tolerating me. I’m so grateful to have you all and your unwavering support in helping me achieve my dreams with these books. Jill, Jessica, Jana, Mariann, and Casey – I love y’all!
The Next Step PR Team is basically the dream team. I love y’all so hard and appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know.
Kick Ass Babysitters Club. When in doubt, I know who to turn to. When I find a sexy photo, I know where to send it. When I have exciting news or a crisis, I know where to go. I’m so grateful for this friendship. I love you team!
My reader group – Gail’s Book Belles! You all are my tribe! I appreciate your support and for believing in me. Your posts, messages, gifs, and all the interaction we have makes every day such a joy! You have no idea! You all are my tribe and I love every single one of you.
To my amazing family. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for tolerating me when I’m lost in my head writing. Thank you for being so understanding on all the days I run and hide with my laptop. I love you and appreciate your support so much. God has truly blessed me with the best!
My incredible husband and biggest supporter - Bobby. You sacrifice so much so I can chase my dreams. You encourage me every single day and have so much faith in me. You’re the reason I believe in love, dreams, and happily ever afters. Boo, you are the love of my life. Thank you for being you, and for loving me for the hot mess that I am. You’re my everyday hero.
Thank you again to everyone, the book community, my hometown community, and especially to you the reader.
xoxo,
Gail
Gail Haris believes in fairytales, love, and laughter as the best medicine.
She was born and raised in a small town in Southeast Missouri. After graduating with a degree in Mass Communications, Gail married her high school sweetheart and moved back to her home town.
She’s been on many adventures traveling across America and Europe. But her favorite adventures are the ones where she gets lost in a book.
Her love for reading and traveling led her to attend book conventions. Those conventions gave her the encouragement she needed to combine her passion for creativity and storytelling. Using coffee and her imagination, she loves writing contemporary romances that blend laughter and true love out of every day chaos. She writes in a variety of genres including, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, and new adult/ coming of age romance.
When Gail isn’t day dreaming in front of her computer, she’s busy raising her two daughters with the man of her dreams. She loves traveling with her family, binge watching television series with her husband, singing Disney songs with her daughters, and having huge family and friends get-togethers that involve lots of food and usually a cake.
She hopes by following her own dream of becoming an author, she can set an example to her daughters that dreams can become a reality. Maybe she can encourage you, too.
Never stop believing in love, dreams, and yourself. And coffee…don’t give up on coffee and books.
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ALSO WRITTEN BY K. BROMBERG
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Aced
Slow Burn
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Down Shift
UnRaveled
Sweet Cheeks
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The Catch
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Combust
Cockpit
Control
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Reveal
Then You Happened
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