You're to Blame(77)
When I look around this room and see everyone smiling, I know we’re where we belong. In this lie, we are to blame for where we end up, and I’m in the arms of a man who puts me first.
“Who do you think we can blame to get out of here faster?” I ask. Duke’s heart beats against my ear and I inhale a deep breath, relaxing into his side.
“Let’s blame Rachel.” He laughs and pulls me towards the door, allowing us to escape unnoticed.
With our arms wrapped around each other, we never look back. All the hurt and pain is left where it belongs. In our past.
Duke and I are two people who were never supposed to fall in love, but we found each other anyways. It took me a while, but now I know sometimes it’s not about the perfect version of our lives we map out in our heads.
Every ounce of pain has been worth it to feel the way he makes me feel and I’ll never apologize for the blame we’ve placed on each other.
“Charlotte,” Duke calls out, pulling me back from my memories. The corner of his lip twitches, amused with my daydream.
“Yeah?” Every time he says my name, my heart skips a beat.
“What now?” His grin pulls tight to its full potential.
“Forever?” I reach out for him.
“Forever.” With our hands linked, Duke squeezes, reminding me he has me.
And then we lived happily ever after... at least our own version of it.
Who can blame us?
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I need to thank my readers, who have kindly and patiently waited for my next release. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so excited I got to share Duke and Charlotte with all of you.
To my husband, who has always been my greatest source of encouragement. Thank you for taking the kids out to play and keeping them busy to allow me just a small moment of quiet. All of them added up to create this story and I’m forever grateful for your constant support. You aren’t too hard to look at either.
Kathryn, my savior, I know I’m always saying it and I will continue to say it for an eternity, THANK YOU! You are more than just my editor, you are my friend, and my voice of reason when I’m tilting on the edge of wanting to quit. Without you, my words wouldn’t be as pretty.
Sofie, without this cover, I don’t know if this story would have ever happened. I saw it on your website, and fell in love, knowing their story needed to be told. You are a genius and one of the kindest people I have met through this experience. You did things for me I didn’t even ask for, and I’m grateful.
All the ladies at BookSmacked, thank you for all you have done and will continue to do. I wasn’t joking when I said you were taking my promo virginity. You guys ROCK and all your hard work behind the scenes deserves to be shined under a bright light. I hope to get the chance to work together on my future projects.
Kaitie, you sweet, sweet girl. I came to you with a giant, last minute favor and you pulled through without a single thought. I can’t thank you enough for your help and for your constant enthusiasm for my characters. You are such a beacon of light in this community.
Last, but absolutely not least, to the readers and bloggers. Thank you for taking a chance on me because that’s what you do every time you pick up one of my books. You are what keeps me writing and continuing to tell these stories. I love you all.