by Erin Osborne
As I go to open the door, the wind picks up slightly. I can feel it in my bones and know that it’s meant for me to feel. Looking up to the sky I see the clouds moving silently through the night sky and the stars coming out to play. The moon shines bright as the trees, sunflowers we’ve planted for Ma, and the grass gently blow in the breeze. Closing my eyes, I see a vision of Ma on our wedding day. Her smile shining bright as she looks out at me. This is the version of Ma that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. The one that will get me through my tough times and lead me down the path I need to be on. Especially the path that led me to Alice.
Epilogue
Ma
STANDING SURROUNDED BY RYAN, JEREMY, STORM, AND every one of my loved ones I’ve already lost, we watch our family. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t watch over Pops. Letting him go, letting my children go, was one of the hardest decisions that I’ve ever had to make. But, I’m glad that I’m with Jeremy and Ryan now. I met my little girl that didn’t have a chance to live her life and that I’d give anything back then to hold and love on. I get that now. That I can continue to watch over my family and make sure that they’re okay.
It’s not easy to watch them become lost in grief or lose themselves to pain that they can’t control. But, I hope that they remember the good times and learn to laugh and embrace the time that we did have together. Tank is right, I did choose Alice for Pops. He’ll always be the love of my life, but now he needs someone new to love. At least until he can join me again.
“My boy really turned out good, didn’t he?” Jeremy asks, watching over Grim as he holds his family close.
“He had big shoes to fill, but he’s doing a wonderful job. Wait until you see what the club does next,” I say, knowing that it’s time to bring more happiness into the lives of my family.
“You played a major role in the man that he’s become,” my lifelong friend says to me as he lifts Ryan up in his arms.
“Mama sad,” Ryan says, looking down on Bailey as she wipes the tears from her eyes.
“She is sad,” I say, kissing him on his little cheek that reminds me so much of Gage when he was younger. “But, she knows that we’re here watching over her. That we’ll always have her back.”
I watch as a little girl walks up to join us. The daughter that Pops and I lost so long ago. She holds my hand and I know that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. One day we’ll all be together again, but they all have so much more living to do. So many people to help. For now, I’ll continue keeping guard over my family and make sure that the love of my life knows that I’m with him for the rest of his days.
The End
Pops Playlist
Unbreakable – Jamie Scott
Carry You Home – Jamie Scott
Carry Your Love With Me – George Straight
The Dance – Garth Brooks
If Tomorrow Never Comes – Garth Brooks
Holding On And Letting Go – Ross Copperman
Beam Me Up – Pink
Hunger – Ross Copperman
Down The Whiskey – Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
Drink A Beer – Luke Bryan
I Don’t Dance – Lee Brice
Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I have to thank my family. You’re a never-ending support system. You encourage me to follow my dreams and don’t ever let me give up. My kids are amazing in their show of love and support when it comes to my writing. I love you all to the moon and back!!
Jenni you are my family, friend, a part of my team, and a pillar of strength when I need someone to lean on. No matter where this journey takes me, I know that you’ll always have my back and won’t ever let me feel like there’s no one there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I love ya!!
Kim, you have had my back for so long. You’re loyalty, friendship, and love amazes me every day. You give it to me straight and tell me what makes sense and what doesn’t. Above all, you know the struggles I have at different points and help me find a way to the other side. Thank you will never be enough!! Love ya!!
Claire, you are a great PA. Thank you for helping me put things together, dealing with last minute things, and anything else that I throw your way. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!!
To my beta readers. Thank you for picking apart my stories. These books wouldn’t be possible without you!! Here’s to 2019 and where this journey takes us. I can’t wait to see what happens in the new year!! I’ll be making some changes.
Shelly, thank you for everything. You have no idea what your creativity and friendship means to me. I can’t wait to see what you come up next!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Reggie, thank you for being a friend, someone I can put my trust in, and for your input into the models on the covers. Your input and help in everything means more to me than you know!! Thank you so much!!
Melissa, thank you so much for making the amazing video for Pops!! It turned out so good and I can’t wait to work with you again on future projects!!!
John, it’s an honor to have you on the cover of this book. Thank you so much!!
About the Author
Growing up, I was constantly reading anything I could get my hands on. Even if that meant I was reading my grandma’s books that weren’t so age appropriate. I started out reading Judy Blume, then graduated to romance, mainly historical romance, and last year I found an amazing group of Indie authors that wrote MC books. Instantly I fell in love with these books.
For a long time, I’ve wanted to write. I just never had the courage to go through with actually doing it. During a book release party, I mentioned that I wanted to write and I received encouragement from an amazing author. So, I took a leap and wrote my first book. Even though this amazing journey is just starting for me, I wouldn’t have even started if it weren’t for a wonderful group of authors and others that I’ve met along the way.
I am a mother of three children. Only one girl in the bunch! My family and friends mean the world to me and I’d be lost without them. Including new friends that I’ve met along the way. I’ve lived in New York my whole life, either in Upstate or the Southern Tier. I love it during the summer, spring, and fall. But, not so much during the winter. I hate driving in snow with a passion!
When I’m not hanging out with my family/friends, reading, or writing, you can find me listening to music. I love almost all music! Or, I’m watching a NASCAR race.
I look forward to meeting new friends, even if I’m extremely shy!
Here are some links to connect with me:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinOsborneAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/author_osborne
My website: http://erinosborne1013.wix.com/authorerinosborne
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/emgriff07
Other Books
Wild Kings MC
Skylar’s Saviors
Bailey’s Saving Grace
Tank’s Salvation
Melody’s Temptation
Blade’s Awakening
Irish’s Destiny
Rage’s Redemption
Wild Kings MC: Dander Falls
Darcy’s Downfall
Riley’s Rescue
Harley’s Surrender
Shadow’s Dilemma
Alpha Demons MC
Tempted By Demons’
The Old Ladies Club
Book 1: Wild Kings MC
Book 2: Soul Shifterz MC
Book 3: Rebel Guardians MC
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