The Fire Between High & Lo (Elements #2)(88)

Alyssa and I were able to start one of our dreams together: High&Lo Restaurant and Piano Bar. We’d been running it for two years now, and after my children, it was one of my greatest accomplishments. Still, I strived for more.

One day I’d give my children and my beautiful wife the world. My children would never know what it meant to be unloved. They had been cherished before they’d even entered the world.

Alyssa, my beautiful love, she had saved my life. She had given me a reason to live, and it was an honor to be loved by her. I promised her heart I’d never forget the way she gave me all of her when I had nothing left to give in return. She promised me I wasn’t the product of my yesterdays, and knew I was destined for amazing tomorrows.

She was the fire in my soul that kept me warm at night.

“That’s too high,” my five-year-old son Kellan cried, as we walked over to the billboard ladder. He was named after his uncle, who still was chasing his dream of becoming a successful musician, and was getting closer each day.

His younger sister Julie sat on my shoulders, looking up. “Yeah, Daddy! Too high!” she agreed. She was named after her grandma, the woman who knew more dark days than light, but now was able to walk in the sun and for the past seven years kept her demons at bay. Not every day was easy, but each day was a blessing.

I smiled at Alyssa, who had warned me that the kids would think it was too scary, but I wanted them to see the stars that night from the same place I’d first fallen in love.

“We have blankets,” Alyssa said. “We can always lay them out down here and look up.”

“Can we do that, dad? Can we just look up instead of climbing?” Kellan asked.

“Of course. That’s even better.”

That night we were quiet, staring out into the star-lit sky which was fading into darkness. My arms were wrapped around Alyssa’s waist, and she leaned back against me, allowing me to be the one that held her up. Each night we watched the sun set no matter where we were, and we’d wake early to witness it rising again. That was the thing about life: even when the days faded to black, you were always given another chance, a second moment to try again to rise from the ashes.

The kids ran around, playing, as Alyssa and I stared at the lives we’d created. They were our happily ever after, the gifts that brought us so much joy.

My gosh, I was happy.

I was so damn happy, secure, and loved.

As the sky became black and the cool winds brushed against us, I whispered against Alyssa’s ear, pulling her closer to me. “For always, High?”

“For always, Lo.”

I shrugged.

She shrugged.

I laughed.

She laughed.

I parted my lips.

She parted her lips.

I leaned in.

She leaned in.

Our lips locked, and even though my feet were planted firmly on the ground, I’d never in my life felt so high.



The End





Acknowledgements


So many people helped bring this novel together, and I don’t know where to start thanking people. So I’ll start with my best friend. To my mom: You helped me get through writing this book. I don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for you. You make life better for so many souls, and I’m so happy to call you my best friend.

To Alison, Allison, Christy, and Beverly: Thank you for taking the time to help beta read Alyssa’s and Logan’s story. You’ve helped me figure out so many issues with the storyline, and gave me the best feedback. You are all so close to my heart and I can never thank you enough.

Thank you to my amazing editor Caitlin at Edits by C. Marie: You are so gifted beyond words.

To my other editor Kiezha: Thank you for not only helping me with edits, but talking plot with me day after day. You’ve made this story tighter, and I love you for that.

To Danielle Allen: You’re my world. Seriously. We spoke each day for the past two months, and you held my hand when I cracked. You gave me your always inspirational words when I needed them most. You made me laugh when I felt like crying. I love you, friend. SS/KS.

To Staci Brillhart: For the hours you spent on the phone with me, talking storyline. For the hours you spent on messenger with me (MONTHS!) making sure I was okay. The world needs more beautiful souls like you. Thank you for existing, and thank you for allowing me to call you my friend.

To my tribe: You all know who you are. My heart beats with yours. Always.

To Ryan: You’re sleeping right now, a few inches away from me as I type these words in the early morning. My heart is so full. Thank you for holding me in the middle of the night when I woke up in a panic, afraid of the unknown. Thank you for making me smile each and every day. Thank you for loving me. You’re the fire that keeps me warm.

To my proofreader: Judy, you saved me last minute, and your skills are mind-blowing. I’m crazy about you!

To those who made my novel beautiful: My cover photographer. Franggy for the lovely cover image, and my cover designer, Staci, from Quirky Bird.

To my agents who believe in me when I can’t even believe in myself. You’ve made all of my dreams come true. Thank you.

To the readers: Thanks for taking a chance on me and my novels. You changed my life more than you’d ever know.

Lastly a big thank you to my family. For the good times, and the bad, I’d always choose you.