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  The End

  Alternate Ending

  I had about six different endings to this book. I have a really bad habit of writing the ending first. As much as I loved this one right here... I had to give them an HEA.

  Xx Stevie

  The old country highway is empty. The early morning sun shines bright over the endless cornfields. In an hour we'll be at the little cabin nestled deep in the woods. The little cabin Justin bought for us to share because you see he finally did realize we belong together. Only us. Together.

  It's a quaint little cabin with high pitched ceilings and large floor to roof windows that look out over the Appalachian mountain ridge. There's a nice little porch where we'll sit and drink our coffee each morning, chatting about the plots for our newest titles. And eventually, I bet we'll write one together. Maybe it will be our story. A love story. A perfectly beautiful love story.

  I let the top down on Justin's 1967 vintage Mercedes, the sun gleaming over the red leather seats and chrome steering wheel. "I can't wait to start the rest of our life together, babe. I really can't," I say, reaching over and threading my fingers through his.

  The top clicks into place and the wind blows through my hair. I push my Chanel sunglasses down over my eyes, wishing I'd thought to buy one of those floral print scarves to tie my hair up in. This moment could have looked so classic love story had I thought to do that. "Are you happy? Is this the life you always wanted?" I ask, but he doesn't say anything.

  I glance over and smile. He looks so perfect. His five o'clock shadow is cut into perfect lines. His thick hair I so love to run my fingers through is blowing in the wind. And he's so perfectly still. "You don't have to say anything, honey. I know you are. You told me I was what you always wanted. You told me there was something deep to me and that I was different. I didn't believe you then, but, oh, how I believe you now. You aren't a liar after all."

  I squeeze his hand, his fingers cold and rigid. "Oh, you have something on your face," I whisper before wetting my finger with my tongue and wiping a tiny bit of blood splatter from his cheek. "There. Perfect. As always."

  And he still doesn't say a word. His lips are a lovely shade of blue, his tanned skin now palor. And now, Justin, now the game is over. Checkmate, love. The King is dead. But what a wonderful life we'll have. Just the two of us. Alone in our little cabin in the woods.

  Acknowledgments

  There are so many wonderful people that I could thank here, and it would most likely take up about 20 pages. So, I will keep it brief. Jen Lum, you have no idea how much help you are and how wonderful you are. I just adore you on every level and feel truly blessed to call you a friend. Lucy, you are my boo bear. Always and forever. Jill, thank you for all your help and continued support. Kathy, thank you for being amazing and believing in me always. Gitte and Jenny, your support always has and always will mean the world to me. Leigh, thank you for always being there to listen and for being a great friend (and formatter). To my other dear friends: Angela and Jennifer and My Phoenix, I love you!

  Thank you, Marisa from Cover Me Darling for an amazing job as always with the perfect cover.

  To all the blogs, I can’t thank you enough for all that you do. No one would know about our books without you.

  Lauren, you are my ride ‘til we die. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend than I’ve found in you. Love you always my little ginger Brit.

  Caleb. I love you. Always have. Always will.

  And dear reader, thank you so much for taking a chance on this book. It’s been a wild ride for sure. #HavingAGreatTimeWith...