Battle Scars
Page 31
“I know.” Sara reached out and took Ellie’s hand. “When you hold Ariana, you look at her like there’s nothing she can’t do. When I…”
Jesus.
“I don’t see that, Ellie. I should. She deserves a mom who will slay her monsters and a dad who will kill anyone who hurts her.” Sara looked at Jesse. “I’ll be that kind of mom someday. I hope. But I’ll do it having learned from watching you and Jesse raise Ariana. From a distance. I’m going to NYU. I’ve registered.”
Sobs echoed from behind them. Jesse glanced back as Rhea ran from the gathered crowd. What the fuck? Fallon followed.
Ellie looked up at Jesse. Confusion warred with hope. Sadness.
They’d made love twice so far. Though it’d likely happen again, neither held out hope for a child of their own.
Jesse smiled and let the tears flow. Surrounded by family and friends, he let the woman he loved and those he loved see the enormity of the gift Sara had just given them.
A child.
Ellie turned and wrapped her arms around him.
And sobbed.
He feathered kisses along her temple as he looked across at his brothers. His mother had her head buried in Nolan’s chest. Riley clutched Cord. The rightness of the moment burned away another piece of the hell he’d endured.
He had a wife.
He had a family.
Cord smiled and mouthed, “Welcome home, brother.”
~THE END~
About the Author
Born in small-town Texas, Cara Carnes was a princess, a pirate, fashion model, actress, rock star and Jon Bon Jovi’s wife all before the age of 13.
In reality, her fascination for enthralling worlds took seed somewhere amidst a somewhat dull day job and a wonderful life filled with family and friends. When she’s not cemented to her chair, Cara loves travelling, photography and reading.
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* * *
THE ARSENAL SERIES
Jagged Edge
Sight Lines
Blood Vows
Zero Trace
Battle Scars
Impact Zone (October 2019)
* * *
THE COUNTERSTRIKE SERIES
Protecting Mari
Justice For Angie (November 2019)
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Want more of The Arsenal Series? Did you know there are free reads between all the Arsenal releases? Subscribe to my newsletter or join my Facebook group for the first peek at exclusive bonus content. Links to free short stories in the series can be found on my website at www.caracarnes.com