Determinism (Cara & Abel's Story) (29 page)
As we pull away from what I can only hope will be our new home, I look over at Cara and she has a colossal grin on her face. There’s a twinkle in her eyes and I wonder what the thoughts are that swirl in her mind.
“Baby,” she says.
“Yeah?” I respond back squeezing her hand a little tighter.
“Can we not tell anyone about the house until all of the details are worked out?”
“Sure, but why not?”
“Since Bridgette’s moving in today, I want it to be special for her. I don’t want to take that away or trump her day by sharing our news. Plus, this is far from done. We need to work out all of the details of the loan and make sure our contract is accepted.”
“Whatever you want to do is fine with me.”
“Thanks,” she says and drifts back off, gazing out the passenger window.
Pulling up to her condo, everyone is there, and I watch as Troy backs the U-Haul into the driveway. “Shit, does she really have that much stuff?” I ask.
Cara shrugs her shoulders as we get out of the car together. “Hey, guys,” she says hugging Alexa.
“Why’s Troy backing the U-Haul up?” I ask Bridgette.
“He said, and I quote, ‘You’re too small to be driving that thing.’”
I can’t help but laugh. “Yup, that sounds like Troy.”
Troy gets out of the truck and comes over to us. “What’s up, man?” I say, giving him a hug. “Thanks for helping out”
“No problem. Should we start unloading?” he asks.
Bridgette blushes a bit and says, “Yeah, of course.”
The girls giggle, and Vince and I just look at each other. Hopefully this isn’t going to take all day. Troy walks off first and opens the back of the U-Haul. He climbs in and reaches for Bridgette’s hand. She takes it and hops in the truck with him.
Walking up, I pull the ramp out and they look at me. “There’s a ramp here we can use; that’s probably easier.”
They each grab a box and walk down it. Cara starts to walk into the truck with Alexa and I stop her. “No way, kitten, you’re not lifting a thing. You can unpack, but otherwise I’m putting my foot down.” She glares at me and I lift her off of the ramp and set her on her own two feet. “In you go.”
“God, you are so controlling,” she yells back as she saunters into the house.
Alexa walks in with her. “They are obviously cut from the same cloth; Vince is the same way.”
Watching the two of them walk off, I can’t help but get excited that soon enough, Cara and I will be moving into our home. My mind whirls with thoughts of sleepless nights from not only endless hours of love making, but from the sweet cries of our newborn child. I envision Cara singing to our baby in the room we picked out to be a nursery, her blonde hair in front of her face while her delicate hand caresses the baby’s cheek.
I don’t know how or why I got so lucky but I did; my determination really paid off. One of the things my mom taught me was to never give up. I only hope to be half of the parent she was and to share those same lessons with our child.
To have completed this novel is yet again another dream come true. First, I have to thank my support system. My husband, you are my constant throughout all of this. You support me, drive me, and encourage me. I love your ideas and willingness to help. Thank you for being my rock. I love you to infinity and beyond, baby.
To my forever friend, Miranda, this one is for you. I don’t think there are enough words to express the gratitude I have for you. The countless number of hours you spent helping me mold this baby are too many to count. I love when you believe in something, you tell me over and over again — that’s a true friend. Your honesty is one of your best qualities and one of the many things I love about you.
To my wonderful editor, Lisa Christman of Adept Edits, what can I say about you that could sum up this experience? I truly have no words, except for how mind-blowing you are at what you do. Working with you was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. You made this process the best. Thank you for the countless hours of work, anal retentiveness, and most importantly honesty. You might have diagnosed me with a repetition disorder, but in doing so you’ve made me a better writer. From the bottom of my heart, I’m indebted to you always and am extremely grateful for everything.
To the best group of beta readers a girl could ask for. Kate, you are my best friend and my number one, but you know that. These books would
not
be the perfection they are without you. JC Emery, thank you for helping me to become a better writer and shaping this story. RL Griffin, as always your help means the world to me. I love working with you and can’t thank you enough for your honest feedback. Christina, bringing you on board has been one of my best decisions. You’re an amazing beta reader and I’m excited to work with you for the rest of the series — and then some. You have a true talent when it comes to beta reading and I’m claiming you. Colleen, you have a keen sense for detail and I love that you caught all of the little things. Thank you for making sure my medical terminology was up to par. Louise, thanks for the kudos — touch wood, girl!
For two special ladies whom I can’t thank enough, I appreciate your hard work, drive for perfection, and quick turnaround time on this baby. Natasha, I was blown away by your expertise and am so grateful for your help. Leticia, you, my darling, are a gem. I don’t know how I got so lucky to find you, but I did. Thank you both for everything.
For my media team, your countless hours of help made this book a reality. Allie Brennan of B Design, thank you yet again for creating another flawless and beautiful cover. Danielle Torella, you never cease to amaze me — Determinism’s trailer is a
true
masterpiece and literally took my breath away. You brought tears to my eyes and in a good way. I appreciate your willingness to tackle yet another project.
And last but certainly not least, my fellow authors, readers, and bloggers. Your support throughout this journey has touched my heart in a way I cannot put into words. I never knew there were so many amazing people out there that would fall in love with my characters like I have. I’ve learned so much from each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and my characters’. Love, LK. XOXO.
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