Rhythm of Us: Book 2 Of The Fated Hearts Series (38 page)

I turned to find Gray and Chase standing behind me wearing matching grins on their faces. Xavier told me what Van had said about Chase and Gray’s fated encounter leading to our relationship. I had never really thought about it quite like that, but Van was right. Their love brought Xavier into my life like some amazing ripple effect. I looked around the bar and wondered which one of our friends might be next. I shared my musing with Chase, Gray, and Xavier, who also began looking around in speculation.

I saw Jack leaning awfully close to Liam as they talked behind the bar. Of course, he could’ve been doing that to be heard over the music. JJ and Miller appeared to be having a good time playing pool against a couple of guys I didn’t recognize. It was hard to imagine those two ever settling down - especially with each other - but who knew?

“Oh, the possibilities,” Xavier said in delighted glee. “It’s sure as hell going to be fun to kick back and watch, now that we’ve found our happily-ever-after.”

Happily-ever-after. The three words you only read about in books or saw in movies or television shows. I thought they were fabled things that didn’t happen in real life, but I was wrong. So wrong. I would be taking my happily-ever-after home with me. I would spend that night and every night being appreciative of the blessing that was Xavier Cruz as we built our life together.

A FEW WEEKS
later, Jack Murphy called Chase and told him that he had a family emergency and asked if he could help out a few weeks in his absence. Jack wasn’t the kind of guy who asked anyone for anything, so Chase was both honored and happy to help him.

One Friday night while Jack was away, Ben and I went to keep Gray company while he stared down any man who even though about hitting on Chase while he tended bar. It was the funniest damn thing that Ben and I had ever seen.

I watched Chase and Liam working behind the bar and noticed how well they worked together, as if they worked together for years instead of just a few days. They laughed and seemed to be having a great time together. Once again, I was struck by a nagging feeling that there was something familiar about Liam. It wasn’t so much his looks, but his mannerisms. Then it hit me where I recognized those expressions and gestures.

I sat speechless on the stool for a long time, while Gray and Ben chatted about work. They eventually went to play pool or darts – they said, but I wasn’t listening – and I waived Liam over to get a refill on my Coke. I told myself to keep my mouth shut, but I didn’t listen to myself.

I leaned forward and crooked my finger for him to come closer. “When are you going to tell Chase that you’re his half-brother?” I saw all of the color leech from Liam’s face and I knew I had guessed correctly. The trouble was, what the hell was I going to do with the knowledge?

The End!

Letter to my Readers:

I know, I know! How could I put you through that horrible plane crash dream? Ben made me do it! I swear it was all him. I tried to change those chapters a hundred times, but he put his foot down. I’ve learned to listen to my characters and let them tell the story. Obviously, Ben has a very mean streak. I am sorry, but he is not!

Next up in the Fated Hearts Series is Jack Murphy and Liam Connelly. Oh yeah, you also want to know how I could leave you hanging with that little bomb I dropped at the end. Oops! I’m blaming Xavier for that one. The good news is that you won’t have to wait very long to read about their story! It will be coming to you mid-November 2015.

Everyone wants to know when JJ is getting his book. I think readers understandably ask about him the most. He’s getting his happily-ever-after right after Jack and Liam. I don’t have a production deadline as of yet, so I’m unable to give you a publish date. I’m hoping no later than mid-March.

Thank you so much for coming along on this wild ride with me. Your support means more to me than I can express.

XOXO

Aimee

First, I have to acknowledge my amazing family for their constant love and support. My husband is an incredible man who supports me at every turn. My kids are also very engaged and supportive of my writing. My dad never fails to tell me how proud he is that I took a risk and followed my dreams. I am a very blessed woman.

I have to thank my three closest friends, Anne, Deena, and Kerry. They put up with a lot and never complain. They receive random texts asking which one of my character gets a pierced nipple, lip, or dick. They also help me pick out names for my characters. They never fail to cheer me on, pick me up, and love me unconditionally. I love you girls!!

Next, I want to think my editor, Pam Ebeler, of Undivided Editing. Pam wears many hats when she edits a book. She goes beyond picking out misspelled words and misplaced commas. She comes at your book with a reader’s eye and is excellent at making suggestions that make a story stronger. When I sent Rhythm of Us to Pam, I knew it was missing elements and I just couldn’t get my head screwed on to figure out exactly what it needed. Pam did. She was tough with me when I asked her to be, but always had an encouraging word. She’s become a great friend and a true blessing. Thank you so much for all that you do. You helped me take a story that I liked a lot and turn it into a story I truly loved.

I’d like to thank the two ladies who make my book look so good. Jay Aheer of Simply Defined Art does amazing custom cover art for books. The attention to detail is second to none and she is a rock star! Stacey Blake of Champage Formats does a phenomenal job with the interior design of books. I love the look and feel of my book after she has formatted it. With both of these amazing ladies, I tell them the basics of the book and turn them loose and let them work their magic. I appreciate your talent and professionalism very much, ladies. Thank you!!

Finally, I want to thank the people I chose to beta read my book and provide feedback. I will call them Aimee’s ARC angels and they are Anne Cook, Kerry Simpson, Jason McDonald, Jodie Temple, Chris Owens, Kim Hay, and Laurel Looney. I appreciate very much your honest feedback and encouragement. Thank you!!

I am a wife and mother of three living near Cincinnati. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I love to read, watch sports, bake, and cook. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

I’d love to hear from you.

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