I watched from the passenger seat as Tanner interrupted the make-out session. No matter how attractive women thought TJ was, Tanner would always be it for me. We’d definitely been through our share of ups and downs, but it all proved worth it in the end. Tanner and I loved each other. We were happy together. My heart raced as he jogged back to the car and locked eyes with me, flashing me his heart-stopping grin.
“That boy loves you,” Mallory said from the back seat.
“I love that boy.”
“You should move in with him.”
I sighed and leaned my head against the window. “I think I will.”
The End
Epilogue: Five Years Later
Tanner
“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Khloe. Happy birthday to you!”
Khloe squeezed her eyes shut for several seconds before they popped open again. She blew out her candles and we all cheered.
“Your dad’s cake looks great, baby.” I squeezed Charlotte to my side.
“Only the best for Khloe.”
“I can’t believe she’s ten.” I shook my head. The wide-eyed, outspoken little girl had grown into … well, a wide-eyed, outspoken ten-year old. “Where did the time go?”
Charlotte smiled up at me, tightening her grip around my waist. “Time does fly.”
Merritt waddled over to where we were standing. “You guys having cake?”
“Yes, thank you.” Charlotte took our plates from her. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’m a volcano about to blow!” Merritt smiled, patting her protruding belly.
“Are we talking about her temper?” Chase asked with a wink.
Merritt swatted his arm. “I do not have a temper!”
Mom laughed as she cut another slice of cake. “She just compared herself to a volcano. Are you sure you want to tease her right now?”
Chase stood behind Merritt and wrapped his arms around her, splaying his fingers across her stomach. “Oh, I’m not teasing. I wouldn’t be surprised if this baby rolls her eyes at the doctor when he pulls her out.”
“Ew! Gross!” Khloe stuck her tongue out as her face twisted.
We all laughed, including Merritt. It felt good to see the two of them so happy. After everything Merritt had been through in her life, she deserved to have a happy family of her own.
I looked down at Charlotte, thinking about how incredible the past five years had been with her by my side. Coming home to her in our apartment at the end of every day was the best feeling. I could see our whole life together so clearly.
“What are you thinking about?”
I kissed Charlotte’s temple and smiled. “How much I love you.”
“Besides that. You’ve been acting weird all day. Tell me.”
My stomach twisted with anticipation. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Eat your cake.”
Charlotte gave me the side-eye, and I grinned.
Time crept by. We ate our cake and watched Khloe open her presents. Then, it was finally time to leave. I drove as fast as I could without raising Charlotte’s suspicion.
“I can’t wait to get our comfy clothes on. Shall we Netflix and chill tonight?” Charlotte asked as we made our way up the stairs to our apartment.
My hand shook as I twisted the key in the lock. “Sure. There’s just something I have to do first.” I peeked inside before fully opening the door.
Mallory came through.
“What are you doing?” Charlotte nudged me gently.
“Just checking.” I opened the door and walked inside.
“Checking for wha—” Charlotte’s mouth dropped open as she stepped through the doorway.
I tugged on her arm until she was standing in the middle of the living room. Red and pink stemless Gerbera daisies were scattered all over the floor, LED candles strategically placed amongst them. I took Charlotte’s hands in mine and turned her to face me.
“Since the moment you walked into my life, my heart has belonged to you. You’ve made me a better man. You’ve made my life better just by being in it. I love you more than words can say.”
A tear rolled down Charlotte’s cheek. “I love you, Tanner. What is all this?”
I cradled her precious face in my hands and pressed my forehead against hers. For just a moment, I closed my eyes. “I want to spend forever with you.” Releasing her face, I dug the box out of my pocket and slowly dropped down on one knee.
Charlotte’s hands flew to her mouth as she gasped.
I opened the box before her. “Charlotte, will you wash our clothes according to the instructions on the tag for the rest of our lives?”
More tears spilled as she giggled. “Yes!” She fell to her knees and kissed me sweetly.
“Yes?”
“Yes,” she breathed.
Yes.
Other Titles in This Series:
Collision (Book 1)
Avoidance (Book 2)
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Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I need to thank my wife. Babe, you’ve endured countless hours of book talk. You’ve listened to my obsessive rants. You’ve read every single review, scene, chapter, and book (more than once, because I re-write everything at least twelve times). You’ve stared at the back of a laptop while I sat on my stool typing for months. You put up with my Instagram obsession. You always have my back. If it weren’t for you pushing me and inspiring me every day, I’d never have become an author in the first place. You’re the love of my life and I want you next to me on this crazy journey. Also, I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to deal with the fact that everyone else agrees that I’m hilarious, and you’re going to have to continue listening to The Greatest Showman songs. Just love me.
To my editor, Jennifer Sommersby: You were worth the wait! Your edits were not only helpful, educational, and thorough, but they made me laugh. You were a pleasure to work with. Thank you for fitting me into your crazy schedule. I’m so glad you did!
To my cover designer, Taylor Danae Colbert: You tweaked and changed the cover every time I came up with a different idea. I annoyed myself, so I’m sure I annoyed you too. I am so happy with the outcome. It looks exactly like what I pictured in my mind. Thank you so much!
SJ Sylvis, thanks for sharing your cover friend with me & helping me out when I needed you. I love being on this crazy ride of self-publishing with you (and I’m so relieved you’re just as clueless as me!) I hope you know I always have your back, and that I will continue to laugh about the fact that your daughter fell into a sewer.
Megan Luker, thank you for making my awesome logo and the gorgeous promo! You’re so kind & generous, and you make me look like a professional. I’m so glad you took a chance on my indie books. I also feel I should point out that it’s not fair you like my wife better than you like me. She doesn’t send you pictures of cute puppies, and I had you first!
Mary Meredith, my country mouse, you have been my person from day one. Wherever I go on this journey, I’m taking you with me (hopefully, this journey will take us to shirtless casting calls for Chase, Tanner, and TJ!) Thank you for your constant guidance, your inspiring ideas, and for supporting my writing. This city mouse cannot wait to learn how you “make hay,” because I didn’t know that was even a thing until last year.
Becca Giuliano, you are my soul sister & my book dealer! You’ve introduced me to so many amazing books. My writing has grown a lot since my first book, and I have you and your awesome recommendations to thank for that. Also, thank you for telling me the ending of every book so I know it’s safe to read! #tacos4life
Andrea Hopkins, girl, you always
know exactly what to say when I need a pep talk. You are inspiring & motivating & I’m so glad to have you on my team. Can’t wait to sip champagne on our private jet!
Melanie Smith, I look at you like the big sister of all indie authors. Your support not only helps us grow, but brings us together. I can’t thank you enough for that. You gave me a home with the coolest Indies.
Luz Acevedo, thank you so much for your constant support and for always trying to spread the word about my books. You are the most badass warrior I know, and you inspire me every single day with your strength. I’m lucky to call you my friend.
Lastly, I need to thank all my friends out there in the #bookstagram community. Your support, encouragement, kindness, and amazing reviews are what helped push me to write Tanner’s story. Being a self-published author is hard, to put it lightly. There were days writing this when I felt so discouraged, and so full of self-doubt. There were questions I needed answers to (because, let’s face it, I just don’t know what the hell I’m doing most of the time). And there were times I needed inspiration. The reading and writing communities I’ve become a part of on this journey have allowed me to meet some of the most inspiring, friendly, awkward, and downright hilarious people. I hope you all know how much I appreciate every single like, comment, message, meme, interview and promotion.
Readers, if you’re looking for Insta-awesomeness, here are just some of my favorite readers and writers:
@Astronimamkm – blogger
@Booknerdbecca – reader
@Authorsjsylvis – author
@Indieauthorandreahopkins – author
@Booksandacupofjoee – reader & photographer
@Melanieasmithauthor – author
@Themoodymama.reads – reader
@Taydanaewrites – author
@Elliemalouff – author
@Lindseypowellperfect – author
@Bookqueen_ace – reader
@Vanessarasanenauthor – author
@Thebooksocialite – reader
@Slim_shea_d_ - reader
@Theancientsacredtree – author & podcaster
@Laceydaileywriter – author
@Mstorialvarez – author
@Thewineingreader – reader
@Rotellareads – reader
@Ally.always.reads – reader
@Myblissfulbooks – blogger
@Kimmiloveauthor – author & radio host
@Theguidetoromancenovels – blogger
@Chelsearallen – blogger
@elizabethsprettylittlereads – blogger
@tweezyreads – blogger
@bellee96 – blogger
@readingfreakquotes – blogger
@mariainmadness – author
@katies.library – blogger
@lucyedenauthor – author
@still_i_rise_stronger – reader
The Other Brother (The Collision Series) Page 23