The first time Mom held Chloe, Mom cried. The rehab facility allowed Dad to check her out and bring her up to the hospital. It was one of the most special moments of my life. Mom was determined to get as well as possible and see her grandkids grow up.
As the swing creaked, I nestled into my mom’s side and cherished the moment. These were moments I dreamed of having again and by some miracle was fortunate enough to have back in my life. I closed my eyes and thanked my lucky stars for the second chance.
Later that evening, after the kids were in bed, I leaned against the rail of the deck looking into the night sky. The door opened and Jaxson walked out carrying the baby monitor. Chloe was fast asleep with one hand under her cheek.
Warm arms came around my waist and his chin nestled in the crook of my neck. “Are you ready for bed?”
“Mmm . . . I’m ready for you to make love to me.”
“There’s no place I’d rather be than with you.”
As Jaxson led me into the house, I caught a shooting star above the house. We stopped and stared into the sky. “I wish everyone could know the happiness I’ve found.”
My husband’s warm eyes gazed upon me. This was the first time I had wished upon a shooting star since the accident. “I love you, London. I’ll endeavor to make you happy for the rest of my life.”
I leaned up on my tiptoes. “I love you, too. You’re the only one for me, Jaxson.”
Pressing his lips to mine, I savored him. Though my path was winding and full of ups and downs—it led me here . . . to my happily ever after.
CHAPTER ONE
I’M RUSHING AROUND MY APARTMENT, trying to do some last-minute packing before my trip, when my phone rings. It’s my best friend, Sam. We’ve been best friends since we were in diapers, and our parents had been friends since they were in school. Neither of us has any siblings, so Sam and I have basically been sisters all these years.
We live in Waleska, Georgia. It has that wonderful Mayberry aura about it. I think the population sign says around six-hundred people reside here. Sam and I will both be seniors this fall at Reinhardt University. My true love is photography, but I’ve always been scared that I wouldn’t succeed at it.
Holding the phone between my ear and shoulder, I answer, “Hey, Sam. Are you on your way?”
“Yes. Are you sure you want to do this? Alone? For a week? I’m just not sure if that’s the best idea.”
Since my parents died, Sam’s been my rock. She’s afraid I’m using this trip to withdraw from life again.
I zip up my bag. With as much sincerity in my voice as possible, I respond, “I need to do this. I have to do this. It’s long overdue. It’s been planned since spring break. I know you don’t want me to go off the radar for an entire week, but it will be fine.”
“I know. It’s just that I worry about you. If I didn’t have my presentation this week for the sorority, I’d insist on going with you. Just promise me that you will call if it gets to be too much for you to handle. I’m here for you. I know you’re strong, but this is going to be a tough week.”
Smiling to myself, I can picture her animatedly talking with one of her hands while she’s driving. “I know, and I appreciate it. You just have to trust me on this. Everything will be okay.”
“Okay, Allison. I don’t like it, but I support you.”
“You’re the best. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“You’ll
never have to find out. I’ll be there in five, girl.”
And that’s why she will be my best friend for life. “Okay, honk when you pull up, and I’ll be right down.”
I dash over to the kitchen island to make sure all my camera gear is safe and secure in my bag. I breathe out a calming sigh as I prepare myself for this journey. Over this last year since my parents’ accident, my small two-bedroom apartment has been my sanctuary. Just like at my parents’ place, it has that cozy-home feeling that makes me want to curl underneath a blanket while drinking hot chocolate.
Before I can think too much about the past, I go through my mental checklist again to ensure I have everything for my weeklong hiatus from the real world. Nothing but room service, sandy beaches, pools, and sleep are in my near future.
A honk sounds from outside, and I dart down the stairs. A beautiful May day welcomes me as I walk out of my building to Sam’s black Toyota Camry.
Sam is one of those people who just instantly attracts friends. Her personality makes anyone she meets want to adopt her and take her everywhere they go. She is a sports fan through and through, which is the exact opposite of me. She’s that person who screams at the TV, encouraging the players or telling them how to play. She’s naturally gorgeous with green eyes, a curvy figure, and long nearly black hair that has a natural sheen to it. Sam is currently single, and it is not for the lack of trying from the opposite sex. She just doesn’t do relationships.
“Hey, Sam. Got a hot date after you drop me off at the airport?”
She’s wearing cutoffs and a cute little green halter top that sets off her emerald eyes surrounded by smoky makeup, and her hair is flowing freely around her face.