by Kate Stewart
“Goddamn, Stella,” he rasped out, his touch worship, a promise in his eyes he would never leave me cold again. Swiveling his hips, he rolled his body, and without warning, I hit my crescendo, my fevered body igniting.
“Reid,” I whimpered as he slammed into me, on fire, his mouth parting when he felt my warmth spread over him. I was sheathed in his heat, glowing.
In his warmth, I was forgiven, desperately in love with the love that was embedded before I knew the meaning. The love that waited for me; the love that showed me the way home.
Complete.
“I love calling you my wife,” he murmured as he stroked my skin with lazy fingertips right before his breathing evened out, his hair tickling my chin while he lay on my chest. I ran my hands through his tousled dark locks as I peered at the bookshelf across from our bed. And on that shelf sat the last few years of memories. A picture of my parents knee-deep in the freezing Pacific with matching smiles, Neil and Paige standing on the edge of the sound, hand in hand, looking over their shoulder at me right before I hit the shutter button, and Lexi and her beautiful little boy, a replica of his father, holding matching starfishes in their hands.
Lexi and Ben made Benji on our wedding night, but remained apart, their story still unfinished. But I had faith. The sleeping man in my arms gave me enough to believe they would find their way back to each other, just as miraculously as Reid and I found ours.
Our black and white wedding photo, my favorite, stood proudly on the middle shelf. Reid was kissing me for the first time as his wife, and I’d never in my life been kissed that way. I didn’t have a second thought that day. I didn’t think of Nate or the wedding we would have had. Nor did I hesitate when I walked down the aisle on my father’s arm to the man who looked at me with a reverence so powerful he had six hundred guests tearing up. It was a moment I would relive for the rest of my life.
I used to think I was cursed for having fallen in love with two men. But, in hindsight, I realized what a gift it was. They were my lovers, my teachers, my best friends, and I would love them both until I took my last breath.
While I had also given Nate my heart, Reid had stolen the other half of my soul and refused to give it back. He was selfish with it, and never gave up on me, reciprocating my faith in him, reminding me he was there, always there, waiting for the day I would come back to claim it. He kept it safe and away from anyone who threatened to take it. And he did it by keeping his promise to me. A promise that I used to think had little to do with me, but I later realized was the start of him becoming the man he wanted to be. And in turn, we finished each other’s dream. A singular dream of a life full of love and music.
I glanced at the clock next to the photo—11:10 p.m.—and waited for the digital flip.
Make a wish, Stella.
This time I wished for Nate. I wished him the same unbelievable happiness with his new bride that I’d found. I hoped he felt the same kind of completion with the other half of his soul. I hope she kept his dreams safe, his heart guarded, and never let him forget what an incredible man he was. I hoped his life resembled his own idea of a fairytale.
Because my rock ‘n’ roll fairytale had just begun.
THE END
Thank you
Before I get to thank those who keep me pieced together with unbelievable patience and super glue, I just want to say: Hey, YOU, the puker and the crier, I think you’re awesome. It’s not an easy task living with your heart on your sleeve. Your heartache might run deep, you might get what’s considered overly excited about things that light you up, you might be a little too passionate at times, but your big heart is the most amazing part of you. Please don’t change it for anyone, ever.
Sincerely,
Kate
Puker and Crier, Est. 1977
Thank you so much to all the readers and bloggers who took a chance on Drive. It’s because of you that I continue to write stories. I can’t express enough how much your words mean to me. Your excitement in our community is a beautiful thing, and I am forever in your debt.
To my Asskickers who continue to support my wild pen and all that entails, you make this job so worth doing. I thank every one of you for being there.
This year was a crazy concoction of randomness. I’ve been through the gauntlet, and there is no way this book would have existed without the overwhelming support of one of my best friends on the planet and my editor, Edee M. Fallon. Thanks for letting me puke and cry, and for being there for the highs and lows. But, it’s been a good one! I love your beautiful heart. Soul sisters exist, and we are living proof. Jinx. Jinx again.
Bex-a-Million, aka Bex Kettner, something awesome happened to me last October. I just didn’t realize it. Thanks for reminding me every day this year. You, my friend, rep your name well. You are truly one in a million. I could NEVER have done this without you. You are an army of one, a badass human, and incredible PA. I’m a lucky woman, and I know it.
Christy Baldwin—SINCE BOOK ONE! There aren’t enough good adjectives to describe you. Your enthusiasm, your warmth, and your sense of humor are just a few things about you I adore. I think the world of you and look forward to so much more. Thank you for taking the time out of your life while nursing others to champion for me.
Amy Qeau (Qdesign)-Thank you for bringing my vision for this incredible cover to life.
Stacey Ryan Blake (Champagne Formats)-Thanks so much for helping me execute this one. I know it was a challenge. You’re a gem.
Autumn with Wordsmith-Thank you so much for swooping in and whipping us into shape. So happy to call you a new friend.
Amy Burke Mastin-where in the hell did you come from? You swooped in like a superhero, and I’ve been hanging onto your cape ever since. It’s crazy how our new friendship happened! And, baby Jesus, am I glad it did. I can’t thank you enough for your daily pick me ups. You are hilarious, warm, selfless, and I am so proud to call you friend. Thank you for helping me with the day to day of writing this book.
To my amazing betas-Anne Morrillo, Stacy Hahn, Ella Fields, Malene Dich, Beth O’Geynn Rustenhaven, Donna Cooksley Sanderson, and Amy Burke Mastin, no words would do justice to how grateful I am to have had your help with this one. It’s a challenging task to pick apart someone’s heart, and you all handled it with amazing grace. You women were my backbone in finishing this book, and I couldn’t have done it without a single one of you.
To my dear friends Sharon Dunn and Kelli Collopy, who’ve had a year that has tested them, I just want you to know how brave you are and tell you how much you mean to me. You two are the definition of friendship and loyalty. XO
Heather M. Orgeron- No words. Okay, I have some. YOU KICK ASS! We’ve been through everything together. I will never forget our adventures this year! Being your friend is the highest blessing. I love you. XO
Kim Bailey, our message sessions have saved my ass. Seriously, I love you. I love our fests, of every variety.