Flawlessly Broken: (Broken Series Book 2) (47 page)

“I think it’s my new favorite place in the entire world.” I lowered myself to sit on my heels and waited for him to do the same. “I suppose a part of me knew it was here before I ever laid eyes on it.”

He cocked his head to the side curiously. “How so?”

I looked down to the thick cuff on my wrist and slowly slid it off to reveal the ink beneath, only a few weeks old. It was finally healed and looked amazing to my completely biased eyes. I found myself staring at it often as I pondered my future, the one that had changed forever a few months ago and just kept evolving toward greatness as each week passed.

Ali’s mom had been adamant about the tattoo being covered for the ceremony and reception, as if it were something shameful and low-class. I only went along to keep her from making a fuss. And I’d used the suggestion at the Denson wedding, too, since I hadn’t been ready to share it with Spencer.

Until now.

I scooted closer so that our knees touched, I lay my arm in my lap and showed him my newly-exposed wrist.

He blinked down at it and smiled broadly, taking in all of the elements—the bright yellow daisy with the single petal that seemed to float on a breeze as it transformed into a beautiful yellow butterfly—he ran his fingers over each petal before he moved his hand to graze the tiny replica of my stretch mark that served as the butterfly’s ‘body.’

Then he traced the small careful script that made up the ‘stem’ of the daisy.

no love is ever wasted...

It was done in his handwriting, exactly as it appeared in his note to Amelia, captured forever and there on my skin to remind me of the truth of his words.

His eyes flicked back to mine as he stroked my wrist, blinking rapidly. “I never intended for you to see that note. I thought it would be gone by the time you visited again.” There was an apology in his voice, and I wasn’t about to let him regret the amazing thing he’d done.
Any
of the amazing things he’d done.

“I never imagined I would find someone who loved me enough to do something so beautiful,” I told him thickly, bracing my other hand on my thigh to keep it from shaking. “And I’m not just talking about the note to Amelia or this stunning meadow. The children’s retreat and the visit from Cameron and about a hundred smaller gestures told me how much you cared, how much you loved me.”

I blinked the tears from my eyes. “And you were right, Spencer. No love is ever wasted. Whether the person you love is with you a day, a week, a month,” I ran a trembling finger over the butterfly’s body. “Four short years, or a lifetime; the love is never wasted. I know that now. Love feeds us, sustains us, shows us who we really are and what amazing things we are capable of—no matter the outcome, it serves a purpose.” I locked eyes with him, speaking earnestly. “And sometimes it scares us so badly, takes us so unaware, that we forget what’s truly important and make horrible mistakes. Then all we can do is hope for forgiveness. I’m so sorry I hurt you, baby. I’m so incredibly sorry that I let my fear and foolishness tear us apart. My heart knew better—knew we were meant for each other—but I didn’t listen.”

“Sweetheart...” he breathed out softly, reaching out to run the backs of his fingers over my cheek. “Please don’t. It’s okay now. We don’t have to dwell on it. We have too much to look forward to—too many adventures ahead—to spend any more time looking back.” His eyes searched my face. “I found an amazing venue in Richmond where you can open a second location.” His voice was hesitant, full of hope. “Unless you’d still rather expand further north, in which case, I guess CBD will have to open a D.C. office so I can be with you. Whatever it takes, sweetheart, I intend to make this work.” He kissed the tip of my nose. “All I want is to make you happy, and not just today, Talia. Always.”

“You’ve given me more happiness than I could ever hope for already, more than you even know… but are you sure
you’d
be happy? You wouldn’t feel like you missed out on something important to be with me?”

He held my eye and there was no hesitation in his voice when he told me the one thing I’d needed so desperately to hear before we moved forward.

“I’m positive. You’re enough for me.” He frowned. “Scratch that, because it sounds like there’s more out there to be had and as far as I’m concerned, that’s not true. You’re not
enough.
.. you’re
everything,
Talia. Everything. And I know without a doubt that we’ll have an amazing life together, just the two of us.”

I closed my eyes for a moment, smiling softly to myself that he’d been willing to sacrifice a dream he’d had his whole life because he loved me that much. It was an offer he wouldn’t need to make good on, however.

My eyes fluttered open and I smiled up at him. “Three,” I whispered, sitting stock still and watching as his brow creased in confusion.

He looked at me for what felt like an eternity, puzzling it out in his mind.

The wind blew softly across the meadow, making the flowers sway, but there seemed to be no air. I couldn’t make my lungs work, the weight of the moment crushing my chest. I hadn’t set out to tell him yet, wanting to wait until I had at least had a sonogram photo. I’d only known for a few days, since just after the willow wedding.

I’d been so stressed about our breakup that when my period didn’t come, I assumed that was why. It wasn’t the first time I’d skipped a cycle. I’d gone months without a period when Amelia was sick, so I hadn’t given it a second thought.

Until I’d woken up the previous Sunday so ill that I barely made it to the bathroom in time before getting sick.

It happened again on Monday.

After Tuesday’s bout of nausea, I took the test I’d grudgingly purchased Monday evening on my way home, with no real worry that it would be positive.

Two pink lines later, my whole world changed.

I called in sick to work and spent the entire day sitting at Amelia’s grave, needing to feel close to her as I mentally sorted through everything.

That night, I dreamed of her again and, like last time, scene after scene played out before me. This time, though, every scene was happy, smiling, and playful.

Toward the end, there was a single moment I had forgotten years ago, crystal clear and vivid as life. It was one of those things that had made me smile at the time but slipped my mind soon after, much like a million other memories I wished I could recall. The small things, little moments that I knew I would cherish forever, if only I could coax them from my memory. This one in particular was not so little, not so small, and it wouldn’t ever be forgotten again.

It was my sweet Amelia asking for a baby sister or brother.

I woke up the next morning weeping, my pillow already soaked with tears that had been shed in my sleep. And while some of the tears were because I had awakened without her yet again, most of them were tears of joy, of hope.

I felt like I finally knew what Amelia wanted for me and although I was terrified, I also wanted this baby more than I ever wanted anything in my entire life.

And I wanted Spencer.

Forever, if he’d have me after all I put him through.

I saw it in his face when the moment of clarity hit him. His breath hitched in his chest and he gasped so long and so low I thought he would explode his lungs. His eyes flickered back and forth from my face to my belly, which had not yet begun to swell but would soon enough.

“Told you—even you didn’t know how much happiness you’d given me. I sure hope there’s room in that incredible heart of yours for one more.” I dropped my voice to a whisper and held his ebony gaze as I placed a hand on my abdomen. “Daddy.”

His arms shot out and pulled me to him, crushing me against his chest in a way that was primal and proprietary. I could feel every shuddering breath in his chest, hear his galloping heart. I was fighting for air and it was the best feeling in the world. His arms, his heart, his future. I was in all three.

And so was our child.

He realized how hard he was holding me and muttered a curse, pulling himself back and searching my face with an apologetic smile, waiting for me to let him know I was okay.

I cupped his enraptured face, and peppered it with soft kisses, not needing words to tell him how perfectly at peace I was in this moment.

He leaned back to run his hands over my belly, watching intently as he rubbed slow circles over my thin top. His eyes were filled with love, anticipation, wonder.

He pulled me close once again, leaning his head back to look into my eyes as he held me. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to worry about me making room,” he told me hoarsely, fighting to speak as he took my wrist in hand. He held it up between us, tracing the tiny, yellow butterfly with his fingertips. “The entirety of my heart belongs to the three of you.”

The End

Acknowledgements

This part of the book may be the scariest of all for me to write. I never want to forget anyone, and the possibility that I might is something that troubles me. There have been so many amazing people along the way. Please know that I am incredibly thankful for every single person who has reached out, supported, encouraged, reviewed, critiqued, or shared. I assure you, your support is greatly appreciated.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my husband. He’s my best friend, my partner, and the most amazing person I’ve ever known. Without his unwavering support and encouragement, I might never have had the nerve to pursue my dream. As always, Shaun… it’s you and me. I love you.

A huge shout out to my endlessly patient son (who is forbidden to read any of my books until he’s thirty—nope, fifty… wait… no, hold off until I’m dead). For all the times you asked me a question while I was writing and never got an answer, for all the times you had to come in and remind me ten times that you asked for something to eat, for all the times when my eyes glazed over during a conversation and I pulled out a notebook to jot down an idea… I’m sorry. And I’m so incredibly thankful that—despite my author-induced ADD— you still seem to think I’m a good mom. You’re the bestest! I love you, kiddo.

Kim Black, you are the most talented designer ever and you’re an even better friend. I’ve never met a more generous soul. You truly inspire me and I’m proud to call you my friend. Love you bunches, girl!

Kiezha Ferrell, there are no words… I’ve tried to find a way to thank you for all you have done for me, but everything I came up with fell short. You’re an amazing editor, of course, but you are so much more than that. You’re a true and loyal friend, sister, and advocate. It still astounds me that someone has so much faith in my work. Thank you so much for believing in me. It’s made all the difference.

Trenda London, my trusted friend and content editor, I adore you. You happily read my stories before they are fit for public viewing, which is probably more of a curse than a privilege. You look at the tangled mess and see the beauty, then you help me uncover it so that everyone else can see it, too. You’re such a gift to me. Thank you for loving my characters as much as I do, and thank you for helping them shine.

Cassy Roop of Pink Ink Designs, thank you for once again for making my book baby beautiful. I am in awe of your superb formatting skills and cannot thank you enough for taking me on as a client. You’re stuck with me now, woman.

My beta readers—Lesley Strausbaugh, Jacinda Owen, Monique Tarver, Heidi Kircher, Saleena Chamberlin, Shasta Sonnabend, Jennie Simpson, and Sandy Montemayor—You ladies are amazing. Your attention to detail is phenomenal and I’m so lucky to have you all. Each and every one of you not only beta/proof read for me, you also spread the word about my books and provide invaluable feedback on everything from teasers to cover images, taking time from your own busy lives to show your support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. I’m almost sorry for making you cry. Almost.

Jewel E. Ann, thank you so much for sharing your insights and encouraging me to continue writing. Your messages had me grinning for days. I hope this installment in the series lives up to your expectations.

Ella James, I never thought in a million years that I would have someone as amazing as you championing my work. It never occurred to me that other authors might read my books, much less like them. Your help and encouragement have been the biggest compliments I’ve ever received, and I’m more honored than you will ever know. From the bottom of my heart… Thank you.

About the Author

Anna Paige is the author of Broken Ground and Flawlessly Broken, the first two installments in the Broken series. Each title in the series is an interconnected standalone. Anna is currently working on the third book in the series.

She lives in a rural town in North Carolina where the only activity is the rhythmic color change of the solitary stoplight and a very real threat of being carried away by mosquitoes. The only alternative to terminal boredom is writing, making life interesting if only on the page. 

Anna is happily married, with one amazing son and a pair of hilarious pets. When she’s not writing, she’s trying to make a dent in her TBR pile. Given that she’s constantly adding new titles to the list, the chances of her ever finishing are slim.