“Thank you,” she says, turning to me, planting a tender kiss on my cheek, pressing her hands flat against my chest the way I like.
“Happy anniversary baby, I love you,” I remind her.
“I love you more,” she says. “And next year?” she asks.
“Yeah?” I ask.
“Maybe next year, hide the elevator shaft somewhere I won’t find it. I was wondering what that was down the side of the house.”
EXTRA EXTENDED EPLIOGUE
TEN YEARS LATER
Rachel
Looking out into the sea of faces, little angels all of them. I can see Luke looking anxiously, watching the clock on the far wall.
Like me, he’s wondering where his father’s gotten to. I crease a smile and mouth the words I love you to him, calming his nerves and reminding him that his daddy loves him too.
He wouldn’t miss any of this for the world. He’s just running a little late.
It’s parent’s career day for Luke’s class. Something I would have cringed at a few years ago, but Luke has his heart set on showing off his daddy and his mommy to his whole class.
I drew the short straw, which was kind of deliberate I think. Not every day a best-selling kid’s author is one of the student’s mom.
But Luke’s not interested in that. His sisters are, but Luke thinks kid’s stories are for babies.
He really wants to be an architect when he grows up and he really, really wants to show off his dad. A real life architect.
The school leaped at the chance to have me involved, and Conor kind of accidentally on purpose told them I’d love to do a book reading and signing for the whole school, staff. Even the local media has shown up.
I’m terrified, but seeing my baby boy in the crowd and knowing the rest of the tribe will be here once Conor is too, I think back to a time when I was down on myself.
Thinking my life was going nowhere.
“It’s great publicity,” my publisher told me. But Conor thinks it’s a better drawcard for the new library he’s just had built for the area school and for the community. The new library we’re sitting in, hosting the whole event for not only Luke’s class but the whole school that’s turned out.
Luke’s principal is looking at her watch and lets me know it’s time for something to start, with or without our famous architect.
Conor comes in though, baby Emma squawking in his huge arm, her sisters Jasmine, and Penny, all towing along behind holding hands. Connected to his free one that grips the eldest of our girls, Jessica.
My instinct is to get up and go to my babies, to help my husband. But his look is one I know only too well.
He’s got this. I know he does.
With eight dogs at home and five kids, with ten years of practice. I think he knows what he’s doing by now.
It still makes my heart leap when I see him, wrangling the family or just seeing his huge V-shaped frame come into a room. He has presence and the whole room turns to watch as he makes his way up to the front, sitting the kids down one by one, and handing baby Emma to my dad who’s been waiting patiently in the front row.
With a nod from him to the principal and a little silent ‘sorry’ to me for being late, I can see our son Luke’s eyes shining with pride already, counting the minutes before his hero, his daddy gives his speech about the new library and about what it’s like to be an architect.
There’s a bit of waffle from the principal, then the local city councilor, and then the mayo, all taking credit for the new library, even though it’s not being called the Fox Family Trust library and center for learning for nothing.
Anyway, what’s in a name?
Luke’s whole class and their parents are here, all about to give a little speech about what they do and how it helps their family.
Conor and I are up first, with Conor taking center stage before I do. Meaning I can watch his fine ass from behind as he speaks.
The man hasn’t aged a day, and if anything I swear his ass is getting tighter.
Fortunately, Luke appears and reminds me what we’re all here for as he takes his special seat beside me while his dad gives his speech.
Once Conor’s done, he helps Luke up to the microphone so he can say a few words, which aren’t too many. He seems to have my side of the family’s public speaking skills, which aren’t great at the best of times.
But he’s proud of his daddy and he says so, telling his dad and the whole world that when he grows up he’ll be an architect, just like his dad.
I need more than a moment before I can get up and speak.
Seeing Conor, my best friend, husband, and lover along with our whole family here. It’s an emotional thing.
Not made any easier either, when I have to say a few words myself about being a popular children’s author and illustrator and then read from the latest book that even Conor hasn’t seen yet.
Valentine finds a family
I hope Conor doesn’t mind, and the quivering of his lips once I finish reading it tells me he doesn’t because it’s the story of how we met.
The G-rated illustrated kids version that is.
How Valentine the wolf-dog found me and brought me home, and how he found his own family along the way, growing up along with all of us.
With the sound of applause thundering in my ears, I feel Conor’s hand on my back, giving me a shiver as he leans in to kiss me.
Congratulating me on the book but best of all, thanking me for giving him his family. Giving him my life to share with him.
It’s all without words because we go deeper than that. Conor and me.
With a single touch of his hand, his lips on mine, I know he’s telling me something that’s worth more than a million words.
I love you Rachel, and every gift you’ve given me, our children, our life together. Every single moment of every day, it’s perfect.
Like you.
Like all of them, our beautiful babies.
“Happy Valentine’s day, darling. I love you,” he whispers.
“Happy Valentine’s day, my love,” I tell him right back, knowing there will never be enough times to tell him just how much we all love him.
Our hero, my only.
My Conor.
My true Valentine.
NEWSLETTER
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A MAN WHO KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS
Book 1: Baby Lust
Book 2: Veteran
Book 3: Built
Book 4: Bambino
Book 5: Rescued
Book 6: Leader
Book 7: Professor
Book 8: Burned
Book 9: Worldly
Book 10: Pistol
Book 11: Policed
Book 12: Driven
Book 13: Lucky 13
Book 14: Lumberjacked
Book 15: Protector
Book 16: Carpenter
Book 17: Italian Stallion
Book 18: Gardener
Book 19: Budapest Billionaire’s Virgin
Book 20: Billionaire’s Babysitter
Book 21: Cocky CFO
Book 22: Fireman’s Filthy 4th
Book 23: Mechanic
Book 24: SEAL’s Secret
Book 25: Police, Pooch, and Smooch
Book 26: Fireman’s Fake Fiancée
Book 27: Billionaire’s Virgin Ballerina
Book 28: Bitcoin Billionaire’s Babysitter
Book 29: Veterans Day Daddy
Book 30: Cowboy’s Christmas Carol
Book 31: Police Officer’s Princess
Book 32: Statham
Book 33: Bodyguard
Book 34: Greek God
Book 35: Billionaire Single Dad's Babysitter
Book 36: Mountain Man
Book 37: SEAL’s Justice
Book 38: Royal Romance
Book 39: Doctor Mountain Man’s Special Delivery
Book 40: Crocodile Dan D
Book 41: Mountain Man’s Secret Baby
Book 42: Doctor Bad Boy’s Secret Baby
Book 43: Cop’s Babysitter
Book 44: Nanny for the Cop Next Door
Book 45: Small Town SEAL’s Saving Grace
Book 46: Cop’s Fake Fiancée
Book 47: Billionaire’s Nanny
Book 48: Cowboy’s Babysitter
Book 49: Steamy
Book 50: Brother’s Best Friend
Book 51: Possessive Professor
Book 52: Firefighter’s Babysitter
Book 53: Soldier’s Secret Baby
Book 54: Ward’s Independence Day
Book 55: Doctor Next Door
Book 56: Possessive Policeman
Book 57: Coached by the MMA Fighter
Book 58: Boss’s Babysitter
Book 59: Virgin in New York
Book 60: Rock Star’s Baby
Book 61: Possessive Protector
Book 62: Possessive Australian
Book 63: Best Friend’s Brother
Book 64: Possessive Cowboy
Book 65: Summer Romanced
Book 66: Possessive Prince
Book 67: Lovers’s Enemy
Book 68: Cop’s Best Friend
Book 69: Possessive Firefighter
Book 70: Football Next Door
Book 71: Doctor December
Book 72: Possessive Canadian
Book 73: Blue Collar Billionaire
Book 74: Possessive K-9 Cop
Book 75: Possessive Brazilian
Book 76: Hockey Obsession
Book 77: Possessive Boston Irish American MMA Fighter
Book 78: Halloween Next Door
Book 79: Possessive Russian
Book 80: Baseball Mine
Book 81: Cop’s Caribbean Captive
Book 82: Instalove Island
Book 83: Dad’s Best Friend
Book 84: Thanksgiving with Dad’s Boss
Book 85: Possessive Italian Neighbor
Book 86: Possessive Portuguese
Book 87: Possessive Christmas Cop
Book 88: Russian’s Obsession
Book 89: Possessive Doctor’s Christmas
Book 90: Possessive Parisian Pilot
Book 91: U.K. Boxing Day
Book 92: Jealous Russian Stalker
Book 93: Italian Mountain Man
Book 94: Aggressive Russian
Book 95: Possessive Valentine
Book 96: Possessive Hunter
Book 97: Dad’s Russian Mafia Friend
Book 98: Russian Teacher
Book 99: Australian Obsession
Book 100: Russian Next Door
Book 101: Dad’s Irish Friend
Book 102: Nanny for the Russian Mafia
Book 103: Best Friend’s Dad
Book 104: Basketball Babymaker
Book 105: Possessive Veterinarian
Book 106: Brother’s Fireman Friend
Book 107: Brother’s Canadian Cowboy Friend
Book 108: Summer Vacation with Dad’s Best Friend
Book 109: Dad’s Italian Mafia Friend
Book 110: Dad’s Irish Mafia Friend
Book 111: Dad’s Football Friend
Book 112: Possessing His Dancing Queen
Book 113: Brother’s Cop Friend
Book 114: Halloween With Dad’s Best Friend
Book 115: Claimed By Her Boss
Book 116: Possessive Rider
Book 117: Dad’s Ex-Biker Buddy
Book 118: Possessive Undercover Cop
Book 119: Falling For Her Boss
Book 120: Claiming His Fashionista
Book 121: More Than Dad’s Best Friend
Book 122: Thanksgiving With Dad’s Best Friend
Book 123: Bossy Italian
Book 124: Christmas With Dad’s Mafia Friend
Book 125: Maid For The Italian Mafia
Book 126: Nutcracker
Book 127: Cowboy Cerrone
Book 128: Chef’s Kiss
Book 129: Claimed By The Russian
Book 130: Bought By The Italian Mafia
Book 131: Hot Nerd
Book 132: Dad’s Italian Mafia Boss
Book 133: Mine
Book 134: Taken By The Thief
Book 135: Curves Ahead
Book 136: Her Mafia Valentine
Book 137: Doctor Valentine
Book 138: Maid For The Irish Mafia
Book 139: Winning Her Curves
Book 140: Dad’s Cartel Best Friend
Book 141: Dad’s Greek Mafia Friend
Book 142: Lawyer’s Obsession
Book 143: Attending Her Curves
Book 144: Maid for the Russian Mafia
Book 145: Priest
Book 146: Claimed By Dad’s Best Friend
Book 147: His Curvy Office Obsession
Book 148: Easter with Dad's Best Friend
Book 149: Veterinarian's Obsession
Book 150: Curves For Her Older Boss
Book 151: Mob Lawyer's Curves
Book 152: Maid For The Doctor Next Door
Book 153: Possessive Forest Ranger
Book 154: Nurse For The Russian Mafia
Book 155: Dad’s Fireman Friend
Book 156: Russian Mountain Man
Book 157: Possessive Italian Doctor
Book 158: Dad's EMT Best Friend
Book 159: Claimed By The Publisher
Book 160: Mr. CEO
Book 161: His Curvy Castaway Obsession
Book 162: Claiming His Reunion Obsession
Book 163: Claimed By Dad’s College Friend
Book 164: Dad’s Detective Best Friend
Book 165: Attending The Russian Mafia
Book 166: Dad's Biker Best Friend
Book 167: My Dad's Russian Mafia Friend
Book 168: Possessive Landlord
Book 169: Gardener For The Mafia
Book 170: Possessive Fighter
Book 171: Claiming Her Sweet Curves
Bool 172: Possessive Camp Counselor
Book 173: Claimed By Dad's Italian Best Friend
Book 174: Possessive Neighbor
Book 175: 4th of July With Dad's Best Friend
Book 176: Claimed By Her Enemy
Book 177: Bodyguard’s Obsession
Book 178: Falling For The Player
Book 179: Possessive Alpha Cop
Book 180: Her CEO
Book 181: Falling For Her Dad’s Boss
Book 182: MMA Fighter’s Obsession
Book 183: Possessive Lawyer
Book 184: Claimed by the British Rockstar
Book 185: Summer Obsession
Book 186: Paris with Dad’s Best Friend
Book 187: Claimed by the Possessive Fireman
Book 188: Possessive Trucker
Book 189: Falling for Dad's Enemy
Book 190: His Undercover Maid
Book 191: Her Innocent CEO
Book 192: Bratva Boss’s Babysitter
Book 193: Sold to the Bratva Boss
Book 194: My Dad's Best Friend
Book 195: His Cabin Obsession
Book 196: Driver's Obsession
Book 197: His Unexpected Love
Book 198: London with Dad’s Best Friend
Book 199: Hot Neighbor
Book 200: Maid for the Hollywood Heartthrob
Book 201: The CEO and the Wedding Planner
Book 202: Claimed by the Italian
Book 203: Dad’s CEO Boss
Book 204: The Mob and His Messenger
Book 205: Rome with Dad’s Best Friend
Book 206: Haunted by Her Curves
Book 207: Her Vampire
Book 208: Bidding for Her Curves
Book 208: Claiming His Student
Book 210: CEO's Dog Trainer Obsession
Book 211: Pool Girl
Book 212: Possessive Writer
Book 213: Maid for the Mafia Inform
ant
Book 214: Thankful for Him
Book 215: Madrid with Dad’s Best Friend
Book 216: My Best Friend’s Dad
Book 217: Taming Her Beast
Book 218: All I Want For Christmas is You
Book 219: Falling for His Captive
Book 220: My Christmas Carol
Book 221: Preacher’s Daughter
Book 222: Her Hitman
Book 223: Claimed by Her Best Friend’s Dad
Book 224: My Roommate’s Dad
Book 225: His To Claim
Book 226: Matchmaker Backfire
Book 227: Saved by the Hitman
Book 228: Valentine’s with My Best Friend’s Dad
Book 229: Lost and Found
BRATVA BEAR SHIFTERS
Book 1: Dad’s Russian Mafia Bear Best Friend
Book 2: Babysitter For Dad’d Russian Mafia Bear Friend
Book 3: Dad’s Bratva Bear Friend
LAIRDS & LADIES
Book 1: Possessive Highlander
Book 2: Taken By The Highlander
Book 3: Highlander Alpha
RUSSIAN UNDERWORLD
Book 1: Brooklyn Bratva
Book 2: British Bratva
Book 3: Bratva Billionaire
Book 4: Bratva Babysitter
Book 5: Bratva Boss
IRISH WOLF SHIFTERS
Book 1: Dad’s Irish Wold Shifter Friend
Book 2: Claimed By The Irish Wolf Shifter
Book 3: Claimed By The Enemy
COLLABORATIONS
Alpha's Arms (Makes My Heart Race Book 7)
Winter Kisses: An Instalove Possessive Holiday Romance
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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A Man Who Knows What He Wants
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Table of Contents
Contents
Lost and Found
Copyright
Lost and Found
NEWSLETTER
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Lost And Found: An Instalove Possessive Age Gap Romance Page 13