Let Love Live
Page 30
With a shaky hand, he takes the ring from Rachel, who is standing by his side. The cool, silver band fits on my finger as if it’s always belonged there.
“Dylan, please share your vows with Conner,” she prompts as Conner tightens his hold on my hand.
“Conner,” I say, reciting my memorized vows. “Before you came into my life, I was a completely different person. I was angry at the hand the world had dealt me and I didn’t know how to recover. Then I met you and everything changed. You brought me back to life. You woke up my heart and made me realize that all I was doing before you was existing. I vow today and every day, to live with you, to hold you by my side and in my heart. I promise to love you…forever.”
Turning to Reid, I take the ring from his hand and he pats my back in congratulations. Looking down at Conner’s matching wedding band settles something in me that I thought would remain in upheaval for as long as I lived.
When the justice of the peace announces us as “Forever joined in life and love,” we seal our vows in a kiss.
As Conner’s lips seal over mine the fissures and cracks that I thought would be permanent on my heart, heal, allowing it to beat once again.
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When I started writing this series, I had no clue where it would take me. I think that’s the thing that astounds me about this process – the crazy twists and turns, the vast unknown stories that are just waiting there to be found. That’s exactly how Dylan’s story came about. When I wrote Let Love In, Dylan didn’t exist. I knew Shane’s background and had his story settled in my brain, but it wasn’t until Let Love Stay and Let Love Shine that Dylan really came to life. Since Shane was such a huge part of Dylan’s story, I needed to include him. As heartbreaking as it is, it was a piece of the puzzle that needed to be told. Thank you so much for following me on this journey and for loving these characters as much as I do.
This book, and all of my others, would not have been possible without the following people:
To the countless blogs who help more ways than I can ever say, especially Jesey Newman at Schmexy Girl Book Blog, Ashley Griffieth at Reviewing Romance, Nasha Lama at Unknown Book Reviews, Mayas Sanders at Reading by the Book, Donna Montville at The Whispering Pages Book Blog, Tanya Sherman Vought at The Book Obsessed Momma, Megan Stietz at The Book Eclectic and Lisa and Milasy at The Rock Stars of Romance. I can’t thank you enough for your support. Without you ladies, readers wouldn’t even know who I am.
To Sommer – You are a supremely talented designer with whom I am so fortunate to work. Thank you for making my books as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside.
To Tami – Your work is simply breathtaking. You are so incredibly easy to work with. Thank you for being dependable and reliable. It’s such a relief to know that my book is in safe hands with you.
To Becky, my editor – Even though you started this series after Let Love In was already out there, you have helped me fine-tune these stories with more precision and attention to detail than I ever expected to get out of a complete stranger. Your passion for what you do is so clearly evident in every comment and suggestion you make. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me make this the best possible series I could have written.
To my fellow authors in both 101 Support and #WriteClub – I can’t imagine not being a part of these amazingly supportive groups. You ladies are so strong and so helpful. Thank you for your input, support, advice, and guidance.
To my street team – I love our little group and it’s because you ladies are the best readers and fans out there. Whether it’s sharing a teaser, or commenting on a post, your help is invaluable. I cherish the friendships we’ve created and I can’t wait to bring you more of my works.
To my beta readers – Jennifer Diaz, Pamela Schaeffer, Kristy Bruno, Ashley Griffieth, Christa Cervone, Carey Heywood, Jennifer Berg, Jen Gerschick (wow, that’s a lot of Jennifers) – Your feedback is invaluable. Kermit said it best when he said, “It’s not easy being green,” and the same holds true for a beta. I know it’s not always easy to critique someone else’s work, but you ladies do it with kindness and respect. For that, I will always be eternally grateful.
To Christa Cervone – We sat across from each other at the Stamford signing in 2013 and I had my first fangirl moment. I kept telling my husband, “Her book is really good. Look at that cover.” I thought it was the coolest thing that you were raffling off sex toys and tequila. I am so glad you read for me and calmed my nerves that what I had was actually good. Thank you not only for reading but for becoming my friend as well.
To J.L. Berg – I absolutely love you and your crazy goofball attitude. I am so thrilled that we’ve become friends. Talking to you on a daily basis helps ground me; it reminds me that I’m not in this alone.
To Carey Heywood – I can’t say it enough. I love you. You’ve talked me down from more ledges than I care to count. Your ability to tell a gorgeous love story nuanced with heartbreak and healing amazes me time and time again. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to have a friend like you, but apparently, I am, because you’re never getting rid of me.
To my family – thank you for letting me go live my dream and create this world. Mom, I know you’ve read all my other books (which makes me cringe and blush like you wouldn’t believe) but if you read this one, I may make you move away. Thank you for always being so supportive. To my sons, I hope that the lesson in this book, in this series, that anyone – gay, straight, man, woman, young, old – is capable and deserving of love is one that you see from me on a daily basis. I love you all to the moon and back.
To my husband – I would be nowhere without you. You have helped me transform what started as a hobby into a successful and thriving career. From your words of encouragement to your endless support, you continue to amaze me in your capacity for loving this part of my life.
There are some serious issues in this book – ones that I tried my best to present with realness and honesty. But, since I’m neither a gay man nor a person who suffered tremendous abuse, I can’t pretend that I know what it’s actually like to experience the topics that I present. If you or someone you know is suffering and in need of support, please take advantage of these support systems:
National Suicide Hotline: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
GLBT National Help Center: http://www.glnh.org/
Series Reading Order – All Currently Available
Let Love In
Let Love Stay
Let Love Heal
Let Love Shine
Let Love Be
Web: www.melissacollinsauthor.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MelissaCollins.author
Twitter: @Mcollinsauthor
Table of Contents
Dedication
Prologue ~ Dylan
Part One ~ Before
Chapter 1 ~ Dylan
Chapter 2 ~ Shane
Chapter 3 ~ Dylan
Chapter 4 ~ Shane
Chapter 5 ~ Dylan
Chapter 6 ~ Shane
Chapter 7 ~ Dylan
Chapter 8 ~ Shane
Chapter 9 ~ Dylan
Chapter 10 ~ Shane
Chapter 11 ~ Dylan
Chapter 12 ~ Shane
Chapter 13 ~ Dylan
Part Two ~ After
Chapter 14 ~ Dylan
Chapter 15 ~ Conner
Chapter 16 ~ Dylan
Chapter 17 ~ Conner
Chapter 18 ~ Dylan
Chapter 19 ~ Conner
Chapter 20 ~ Dylan
Chapter 21 ~ Conner
Chapter 22 ~ Dylan
Chapter 23 ~ Conner
Chapter 24 ~ Dylan
Chapter 25 ~ Conner
Part Three ~ Forever
Chapter 26 ~ Conner
Epilogue ~ Dylan
Acknowledgements
Othe
r Works
Social Media Links