Mend Page 14

  “I don’t feel so strong right now,” she said, panting.

  “You are, and I love you.”

  One hour later . . .

  I stared at the adorable wonder in my arms.

  “Hope Estelle. A perfect name for my little princess.” I leaned down and lay my girl into my wife’s waiting arms, then straightened to stare at them both as she breastfed her. We had decided on the first name, because that’s what this little fighter gave us. Hope that everything would be all right. “I don’t ever want to see you go through that kind of pain again. I felt helpless. I don’t like it.”

  She looked at me through her lashes. “What if I said I wanted more of this?”

  I blinked at her. “What?”

  “Isn’t she adorable? Like a little angel.”

  I tried to catch my breath as panic threatened to bring me down. “Didn’t you just hear what I said?” She blinked up innocently at me. I stared down at her with the look she now called, The Submission Look. She returned it with a defiant one.

  “You wanted to kill me five hours ago at the mere mention of more babies.”

  She snorted. “Try carrying a baby for what feels like years, craving food, throwing up and peeing every few seconds then tell me if you wouldn’t want to end someone’s life.”

  I glanced down at her and the baby, and my respect for Selene increased ten-fold. I couldn’t wait for Adrien to meet his little sister. “You would go through that again?”

  Tears rolled down her face. “A million times over.”

  I wanted more babies. I really did. But I needed time to get over the almost heart-attack I went through as I watched her in pain. The more I stared at how content she looked, the more I knew I would stop at nothing to give her anything she wanted.

  Everything that had happened in the past five years had led to this moment. It hadn’t been an easy journey, but the ending was everything I could ever want and more. I had my two precious women in the room with me, and Adrien not far away. I had love. I felt complete and the scars that had once plagued my soul were healing, thanks to my incredible wife and family.

  “I knew you were trouble the moment we met at the hotel.”

  She winked at me. “Ditto.”

  There are so many people I would like to thank for being with me throughout this journey, and even way before that. I wouldn’t have been where I am without their support and friendship.

  First and foremost, my two children. Thank you for being patient with me. I love you so much.

  My beta readers, K Webster, Amy Bosica, Shilpa Mudiganti, Sarah Kenslee Erinn, Jami Tamblyn, Nanette Bradford. Thank you for being amazing and your feedback. <3

  Thank you to everyone in Autumn’s Parlor group. You have been incredibly wonderful and supportive. Thanks for just being there for each other and for me. For being my book family. <3

  Karen Ferry, Ashley Erin, Clara Stone, Shilpa Mudiganti. I owe you my sanity and I value our friendship a lot. Love you ladies.

  To What’s The Story Promotions. Thank you for organizing the Count Down teasers as well as the release blitz. I owe you a big one.

  To Marion at Making Manuscripts. There are no words to sum up how much I adore you and appreciate your feedback. Working with you is ALWAYS a pleasure. I hope one day we will meet in person . Love you!

  I want to thank Becky and the team at Hot Tree Editing. I had such a wonderful time working with you. <3

  Louisa of LM Creations: You so amazingly talented. Love you. Thank you for the beautiful covers in this series. You always seem to know what I need.

  To Sarah Kenselee Erinn, my knitting and crochet partner in crime: The bonus chapter is dedicated to you. Because you told me you needed more. That scene made the story so much better. Love you!

  Thank you to Stacey Blake and Amanda L. Pederick for being so patient with me, and for helping me out on short notice. I had a bumpy ride with this story during the last couple of days, but you ladies sorted me out. Thank you. <3

  To Dawn Vickers, Marian Girling, Michele Henderson McMullen, Jo Turner, Tammy Ann Dove, Ella Stewart, Tobi Spalla-Beaty, Tracy Smith Comerford, Marie Maz Craggs. Debbie Wentlein, Cassandra Smith, Dusty Summerford, Mischelly Velasquez, Donamuree, Janet Apolinario Mota, Emily Krat, Harper Miller, Allyn Lesley and many, many more. Even though your names don’t appear here, please know that I appreciate everything you guys do for me. Love you!

  And to all the bloggers who helped me spread the word about this series. Thank you for being part of my publishing journey. <3 Thank you for taking time to help authors. Seriously, we wouldn’t be here without you.

  To everyone who bought a copy of the books in this series, I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance on me.

  Autumn Grey is the author of Havoc, Obliterate, Mend (Havoc series). And just like her characters, she is quirky, sometimes funny and definitely flawed. She writes sexy contemporary romances full of drama, steamy kisses and happy ever afters.