A Shattered Heart (Live & Love Series Book 1) (10 page)

I got down on one knee and placed my hand on his headstone. “Hey, Jake, I’m Josh, and I want you to know what my intentions are with Natalie. I tried very hard to resist her; you have to know that I tried. However, as I suspect you know, she is difficult to forget. I’m very drawn to her strength and courage after everything she went through with you and the kids. I’ve fallen for her as much as she has fallen for me, and my promise to you and your children is that I will do everything in my power to cherish her and love her with all my heart. I also need for you to know I will never replace you, and I’ll do my best to keep all of your memories alive within her.

“Whatever Natalie is willing to give me, I will accept wholeheartedly. I want to thank you, not for your loss of life, but for maybe having a hand in pushing us together. For that, I’ll be eternally grateful.”

I turned to look at Natalie whose hand was over her mouth, tears running down her face. I moved closer to her, still on my knees in front of her.

“I want you to know that I love you from the bottom of my heart, and even though I never got to meet Jake and your kids, I think they would want you to be happy. So, in front of them as our witnesses in spirit, I need to know if you will allow me to hold your heart and cherish it forever. You belong to me, as I belong to you.

“Natalie Sirano, will you do me the honor of allowing me to be your husband? Will you marry me?” I waited on baited breath for her answer as I held out the ring to her.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. In that moment, I could see her let go of her past and become ready to move forward.

“Yes, yes, yes.” She launched herself at me.

I grabbed hold tightly and whispered, “I love you,” in her ear.

After we pulled away, I slid the ring on and clasped our hands, ready to make the next journey together.

Read more about Natalie and Josh

in Mark and Nilka’s story:

A Mended Heart

Acknowledgements

First of all I’d like to thank and possibly apologize to my husband and kids, whom I’m sure spent more time trying to get my attention whether from reading or writing than anything else, but out of it came something so beautiful. I hope that one day my kids will see what an accomplishment this is for me, especially since I tried to tamper it down for many years before I couldn’t resist the pull to write.

A special thanks to my husband for encouraging me to continue to write and for finding little tidbits here and there to help my process along. Most importantly, for being my number one fan and first beta reader. Thanks, honey!

I’d also like to thank my friends throughout this process, whom know nothing about writing, but took the headlong leap with me to become my first beta readers. Des, Angela, Colleen, Leslie, Bonnie, Donna, Cindy—thanks again for all your help. Look what came of it!

I’d also like to take this time to thank my mentor RJ Lewis. I am glad my closet writings were noticed by you and your encouragement to keep going really brought it out in me. Looking forward to many more closet writings made public!

A huge shout out to R.B. Hilliard who provided valuable information and insights into the world of writing and authors. I am so very glad you took me under your wing!

Thanks to Wicked by Design for the cover design. Looking forward to many more books with you at my side!

I’d like say a HUGE thanks C&D Editing for taking the time and giving advice to a new upcoming author, and I am hoping the process wasn’t too painful. I will learn, I promise!

Lastly, I’d like to thank you, the reader. As authors, we wouldn’t be anywhere without you, so I hope you enjoyed this book and whatever else I can throw your way.

About the Author

Jenn Leigh is an Administrative Professional by day and a domestic engineer by night with a splash of author when the time is right. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, and is married with two children. When not wrangling her kids and people in her profession, Jenn likes to read, write, go to movies, and play sports. She plays soccer, beach volleyball, and flag football on a regular basis.

Jenn has always had a knack for writing, but admitted to being scared of the process. As a result, she had tamped down her desire to write until recently. When a story needs to come out, it just makes itself known; thus, started Jenn on her journey to become an author. Her goal is not fame or fortune, just for readers to enjoy the story as much as she enjoyed writing it.

For more information on Jenn Leigh, please visit her

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