Authors: C.A. Harms
Clash (19 page)
“Happy birthday, to you…happy birthday, dear Madeline, happy birthday to you.” Everyone sang in unison.
Time had flown by since we said our goodbyes to Maggie. Madeline Layne, my sweet little niece, was turning one and I could hardly believe it. She was already on her way to becoming a mirror image of her mommy. Poor Seth had no hope with those two.
Uncle Dylan had gone all out with his handyman skills. He and Seth had spent weeks building a little playhouse for our little angel. He painted it pink with white shutters and used Plexiglas for the windows. She even had her own little door buzzer. The detail they applied was amazing, and the gesture was so unbelievably sweet. Dylan had a heart of gold, and Madeline had found her way straight to the center from the start.
I sat back and watched as he followed behind Madeline, as she hobbled inside on unsteady legs. She giggled as he crawled inside and they closed the door behind them. They began ringing the bell, and you could hear her sweet giggles with each buzz.
All of us girls stocked the house with dishes, and you could hear her banging the play pots and pans off the inner walls. It would take her time to figure out the real uses for those items, but she could use them as musical instruments for now.
When Dylan came back out he looked so proud.
I was lounging next to Casey on the chairs by the porch when he spotted me. He offered a wink and I smiled, looking down at my own stomach.
I thought about last night as he crawled over me on the bed, resting his head on my stomach. Placing a gentle kiss right below my belly button, he smiled proud.
“I can’t believe I’m gonna be a father,” he whispered. Tears filled my eyes as he traced his fingertip along my stomach. “First you married me, and now this. I don’t think I could ever be happier than I am right now.”
“So I have some news,” I said, looking over at my best friend.
Casey arched her brow and waved her hand, indicating I should continue.
“I’m pregnant,” I whispered.
“I know that already,” she said as she lounged back in her chair.
“Excuse me?” I was a little shocked by her response.
“Payton—Dylan called my mom five minutes after you found out. She has a mouth almost as big as mine. I think everyone in the entire family knew within an hour after his phone call.” She smiled brightly and shrugged her shoulders.
When I looked across the yard I found Dylan watching us with a grin so wide it was hard to be irritated. No, I wouldn’t be able to share the news with anyone because obviously my husband had done that for me, but his happiness made the irritation quickly fade.
He winked as he jogged off toward Carter and Cooper who were tossing a football back and forth.
“I’m so happy that you two have each other,” Casey said out of the blue. “The three of you are the perfect little family, and your child is going to be surrounded by so much love. Madeline and I are rooting for a girl, but something tells me you and Dylan will have a son. Regardless, Cooper is going to be an amazing uncle. He already adores Madeline, and she feels the same.”
Casey reached out and took my hand in hers. “You and Dylan have given him a loving home. You’ve done good, Payton.”
“Thank you,” I whispered as the tears pooled in my eyes.
I had come a long way. I still visited with Dr. Perkins, but only once every other week. She insisted I am no longer in need of therapy, but I think I would miss her if I didn’t see her at all. She was a huge part of my healing. She gave me hope when at times I felt there was none left. She helped me build the strength I needed to face my fears, and she would forever be a big part of my life.
Dylan appeared at my side and knelt next to me, still wearing that gorgeous smile of his. I reached out and touched his cheek with the palm of my hand, and he leaned into my touch.
“I love you,” he whispered.
Living a life rarely hearing those three words, I couldn’t help the rush of excitement I felt every time he said them to me.
“I love you too.” I had never in my life loved someone the way I loved Dylan. I could feel him so deep within my soul, sometimes it terrified me. The depth of my need for him could be felt in my bones.
He was and would forever be the glue holding me together.
He’s my foundation, my solidity, my world.
And he would never let me fall.
***
My name is Payton Andrews—and I survived.
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Acknowledgements
The Charmed Girls—you are all amazing. The continued support you show me is something I will never be able to express just how much it means to me. Thank you all for sharing my work and for just being you.
Thank you, Lydia, because you are a true friend and motivator. Always making me laugh and smile. We are an amazing team, and your friendship means the world. Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders.
Maria, no, I have not forgotten about you and never could. You are always there, willing to read through my roughest drafts and give me feedback. You give me a boost when I hit a dead spot and get me back on track. Thank you for being the push I need to continue on.
To my husband and children, thank you for being the best part of my days. For tolerating me when I get lost in the world of fiction and understanding that sometimes dinner may be a little late. Jayden and Tayler, no matter how many books I write, you two will always be my best creations.
My fans, I am always so humbled by your support. Those random messages I receive after you read my books, whether they be something big or small, I truly love them. Hearing what you think, in my eyes, is one of the greatest things about releasing a new book. I am never too busy for you.
About the Author
A little about me…let’s see where to start. I love HEA stories, as long as they come packing a little heat. I need some excitement, some angst, and moments that make me fan my face are always good too. I am an Illinois girl, born and raised. Simple and true, it honestly doesn’t take much to make me happy. I love the little things; they truly mean the most. I may have a slight addiction to my new Keurig—oh my, that thing is a godsend. And so fast too. I have two children who truly are my very best friends, and their faces never fail to put a smile on my face. I have been married to my husband for sixteen years, and even though at times I want to beat him with a stick, I would never change the years we have had. We have learned and fallen, only to pick each other up, dust off the ache, and help each other make it right. I am one of those authors that adore my fans. I love to hear from you. After all, it is because of each one of you that I continue to write. I look forward to your feedback.
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