Thrive (Addicted, #4)(135)

I’m frightened to make eye contact with Lo or to even move. My little sister is dating Ryke, and now people will believe that I’m having his baby. How many times will my addiction hurt her?

Rose stands. “That’s probably a good idea.”

In a quick second, Ryke holds Daisy’s hand and they retreat up to their room. Both Connor and Rose exit into the kitchen, giving us privacy too.

I want to believe that these rumors aren’t different. But they’re ones that may actually sting both Ryke and Lo more than any others. They could affect all of us in new ways, challenge us again.

“Lil…” His voice isn’t as edged as I predicted. In a deep breath, he says, “Look at me.”

I turn my head to stare up at him. I read his features, the creases of his forehead, the flicker of hurt, but it’s not as dark as it could be.

“Is this the right thing, being here?” I ask him. I don’t want to cause Daisy anymore suffering, and if we distanced ourselves from them, then maybe—

“If I’ve learned anything in the past two years,” Lo says, “it’s that we need to be surrounded by people we love. And honestly, I don’t think they’d even let us have it any other way.”

I try to smile, but it’s a weak one. I agree though. No pushing family and friends aside. We’ve grown closer to them through every struggle, and we shouldn’t abandon that over a theory or a what if. We’re all united together by these events, a team that I don’t want to disband. Not now.

He cups my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. “One day at a time,” he says, his amber eyes boring powerfully into mine, “that’s how we’re going to take this.”

One day at a time. “Isn’t that too slow for you?” I ask. The Loren Hale that I’m used to wants no delay on life, no drawing out the agony. He hates the wait.

I watch his gaze fall to my belly. And then they flicker to my features. He searches them like he’s engraining each freckle, each piece of me. “Life moves too quickly,” he says. “I don’t want to speed through a single moment. Not anymore.”

I cry into a laugh because I never thought I’d hear him talk this way. He brushes my tears for me, our lips only a breath apart.

And I whisper, “One day at a time then.”





ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


We are almost to the close of Lily and Lo’s story. If you believe that we would’ve reached this point without you, you’re so mistaken. You helped shape these people. Every day you supported Lily and Lo and wished for their happy ending—it was another day that made it easier for us to bring these flawed characters to life. Thank you: for sticking with us, for standing beside them, for taking this long, emotional journey. It’s not over yet. Hold on tight, okay?

Thanks to our family. Through this past year, we’ve recognized how grateful we are to have you all in our lives. You don’t have to read a single page to shout about our books, to praise them and praise us, and that means so much—that you all would be willing to love us unconditionally like that. Thank you a million times over.

Big thanks to Aestas at Aestas Book Blog. We can’t begin to describe the impact your support for the series has had on us. You’re a huge reason why so many people initially read our books, why we’re able to continue writing, and why we are now living our dream. This is our promise to repay you with great books…or at least ones that don’t suck.

Tackle hugs Siiri at Little Pieces of Imagination. Our friendship with you has made this experience so worthwhile. Whether it’s discussing television shows, talking Coballoway (a ship name that you most definitely created), or flipping through Addicted series inspirational pics—you’re someone we just truly love.

Other bloggers and friends we absolutely love and admire: Sue at YA Hollywood and Sil—you girls always dazzle us with your graphics talent and flatter us with your kind words. Sue, you have some serious superpowers, and it’s making the world a better, brighter, more fandom-loving place. Sil, every taco reference and Cancun shoutout is dedicated to you. Jen and Lanie—giant hugs are in order when we meet you two. Writing wouldn’t be nearly as fun without having you both in our world. Here with you, we feel like we’re always flying, Peter Pan style. Amy Fox and Bella Love—thank you girls for loving our books enough to gather people to talk about them. That is simply one of the best gifts we’ve ever been given. Ashley and Erica at Back Porch Romance, Perla at IB Teen, Michelle at Four Chicks Flipping Pages, and Amber at For Your Literary Pleasure—thank you for your amazing words after we publish each book. They not only put tears in our eyes but they’ve given us more confidence in our writing than you will ever realize. You’ve empowered us, and for that, we thank you so, so much. We’re blessed to have all of you as readers and fans.

We can never name every person that has impacted us over the course of the series. The list would be pages and pages long. We hate excluding anyone, more than anything, so if you didn’t see your name, know that you mean so much to us. Every time we begin a new book, we think about all of you, about which teams you’re on, who you’d like to see as you flip the page and the best story we can ever give you.

You are in our hearts and in our minds. As Lily would say, thankyouthankyouthankyou!