RANSOM (23 page)

   “What?” I ask.

   Lynkin walks over to me and says, “I had to. When Jen told me everything and that you were genuinely scared of this guy, I had to make him leave so that I knew you were safe.” When I don’t say anything back, he continues, “I’m sorry, please don’t be mad. I just couldn’t stand thinking you were in danger.”

    “I’m not mad, Lynkin. I just can’t believe you did something like that for me. You should have told me.”

   “Are you serious? How the fuck do you two even know each other? What the hell? You know what? It doesn’t even matter.” Richard’s anger rises at seeing me with Lynkin as he waves the gun around with his rant. Mary-Anne takes the opportunity of not having the gun on her to bust free of his hold and run down the hall. He fires a few shots off, but we can’t see if he hit her or not.

   “Richard, put the gun down and let’s talk about this. If you do we won’t have to tell anyone about you even coming by here,” Dad again tries to reason with him.

   “NO! No, the time for talking is over.”

   My heart stops as Richard aims the gun directly at Lynkin. I knew this would happen. I will never forgive myself if Lynkin is hurt. I shouldn’t have given into him so easily, I should have kept pushing him away.

   A tear rolls down my cheek, and I plead with Richard, “Please, oh, please don’t do this. If you ever felt anything for me, don’t do this. I will go with you. Anything you want.”

   His actions play out in his eyes before they even happen. The pop of the gun sounds off around the room. My heart stops, and I can’t breathe as I watch his body hit the floor in a thud.

One year later

Lynkin

“Jennifer, get your dog away from the fireworks before he decides the roman candles look like a fun snack,” I yell across the yard.

   “He may be stupid, but not that stupid.”

   “I don’t know about that,” I say as he runs off with one dragging behind him. Her husband John laughs as he watches her chase it down, but eventually helps her.

   I open the grill and check to make sure the chicken isn’t cooking too fast. Carl walks up and hands me a beer. Sometimes it still amazes me that he is still here, and doesn’t hate me for him getting shot. I swear I have never seen an old man move so fast before, but he did, and got right in the way of the bullet. He is always telling me that I should be better to him seeing as he took a bullet for me and all. We have all come a long way since that night. The cops showed up right after the gun went off and arrested Richard. Needless to say, he was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to fifteen years.

   “The CEO for Kameo called and approved the terms of their contract today,” he informs me. This is a big deal we have been working together for the last couple of months since he has been back to work. He was out for a long time recovering.

   “About time.”

   He nods his head in agreement. I look around mine and Sage’s backyard at all the people here. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to be as stupid as I was and kidnap someone’s daughter for revenge, but for me it changed my life for the better. It made me realize that everything that I had killed myself working for, wasn’t what really mattered in life. I watch as my beautiful bride waddles across the yard to set a platter of food onto the patio table.

   She is due any day now. I can’t wait to welcome our little girl into the world. I have imagined what she will look like, little auburn curls all over her head and my big brown eyes. I am going to be in so much trouble when she gets older.

   I finish up the bar-b-que and we all gather around the table to eat. When we are all finished, John sets the fireworks up. He is a firefighter and insisted he be in charge of setting them off. You know, they say that all firefighters are secretly pyromaniacs. Sage begins picking up the dishes, and I pull her into my lap.

   “Those can wait.”

   “Oh, they can, huh? Are you going to do them?”

   “
Woah, now. Let’s not get carried away,” I joke with her. She elbows me in the stomach. “Don’t make me take you inside and show you who is boss.”

   “You think you’re something don’t you, Mr. Conner?”

   “Yes, ma’am.”

   “I think you are, too. I’ll take you up on that offer after everyone leaves. Let’s watch the fireworks right now. Okay?” she asks. She pulls me by the back of my neck in for a quick kiss before she leans back on me as the first one sounds off.

   I bring my hands around Sage’s waist, place them on her belly, and hold the two most precious things in my life.

   “I love you, Beauty.”

   “I love you too, Lynkin.”

Falling in Reverse – It’s Over When It’s Over

One Republic – Counting Stars

Passenger – Let her Go

Pie
rce the Veil – King for a Day

Relient
K – Be My Escape

A Day to Remember – Have Faith In Me

Linkin Park – Crawling

Third Eye Blind – Semi-Charmed Life

Third Eye Blind – Never Let You Go

Lifehouse
– Hanging by a Moment

Creed – Higher 

The Script – If You Ever Come Back

May Day Parade – Three Cheers for Five Years (
Accoustic)

I am wife to the best husband of the freaking universe and mother to 3 majorly awesome kids! Reading, Xbox, cooking and WINE just barely scrape the surface of things I love. Everyone who knows me will say I am a nerd... and I would agree. Want to know a secret? I am a super hero. True story!
I have an obsession with anything people consider odd and I think learning is the bee’s knees. I have an Associate’s degree in Business Management and was an accountant for 7 years. I know, boooring! But I like having a problem and seeing a solution.
Maybe, just maybe, this is why I enjoy writing so much!
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     The first thanks will always go to my loving husband. You put up with so much crap from me that it is unbelievable! You are my rock, heaven, and heart. I love you more than I could ever describe. I know I always zone out when I am writing, but you continue to support me. Thank you!

    
My son, my sidekick, I love you so much. Every day I watch you grow into a wonderful young man that I will always be proud of. Always remember to be true to yourself and let your nerd flag fly strong. Be proud that you are different.

    
To my beautiful twin daughters, at six you girls are so tough that I am in awe of you every day. I know I have said it a million times over but fairy tales can come true. They are what you make them. Keep your strong heads on your shoulders and reach for the stars! I love you, Muah!

    
Tiffany & Lacey, you girls will always and forever be my persons! Our bond is something I will never take for granted and I know if I do, one of you will knock some sense into me. The triangle will always stand strong and we will forever be raising our glasses to ‘The husbands that love us, The bitches who hate us, and Our kids that will one day be us!

     I want to thank every single person that took a chance and read my debut novel From Lies to Promises. If you are reading this I want to give you a HUGE thank you, because that me
ans that you have stayed with me.

     Finally, I want to send big love to all the amazing people I have met along the way so far. I have made great friends with some pretty amazing authors that
have been an amazing help by offering advise or just a laugh. To the ladies on my street team, Faith’s Faithful Pimpettes, OMG I cannot begin to tell you how amazing you are and how much help it is to have you be there for me! Thank you!