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Zane lays me down and positions himself at my center, but he doesn’t enter me just yet. Instead, he rests his head against my chest, right above my heart. I allow him this quiet moment and just bask in his love and warmth. Several minutes tick by before he finds his voice.
“Just so you know, I told Zoe you sent the invitation, not me. Since we agreed on a fresh start and I didn’t want any lies and deception between us ever again. You know what she said?” I shake my head when he glances up at me. “She said hold onto her really tight because she’s the other half of your soul.”
EPILOGUE
ZANE
Lili and I have been on the road for almost three months now. It’s grueling, but I’m loving every minute of it. I get to see her shine and do what she loves to do. And I’m her anchor in the storm whenever the crowds become too much for her to endure. Everyone thinks I’m her bodyguard and we just leave it at that, for now.
Now we’re in Vegas, which is the last stop on the book tour. We’ll spend a few days here and then fly back home for some much needed R&R. Our game plan after that is to fly out to Connecticut to visit her family for the Fourth of July. I know what you’re thinking but rest assured—we’ve already met. In fact, we spent Thanksgiving on the east coast with them and of course we played twenty questions just to keep the Thanksgiving tradition alive and well. Lili and I feel like we’ve come full circle.
We hunkered down for Christmas and watched the magical boat regatta that I had wanted to show Lili last year. I had fucked that up big time, but we agreed to put the past behind us and focus on the here and now. Every day is a gift and I don’t take one single second for granted. I’m relieved that Club Syn is in very capable hands with its new owners, Mike and Drew. It’s a burden off my shoulders and now I’m free to travel and paint at my leisure.
Zoe and I decided to start off the New Year right, so we all spent the day with Mom and Dad. Even Zack showed and they were thrilled to have their family back together after so many years. It was touch and go at times, but sweet little Emerson and Alex kept us in check. One thing I’ve learned is forgiveness brings peace to my soul. So, all in all, it was a very good day.
“Lili, we’re going to be late if you don’t get a move on.” I’m just putting on my shoes when she glides out of the bathroom.
“I’m ready. How do I look?” My eyes slowly take her in, from the tips of her toes to her perfectly coiled hair.
Perfection personified.
Standing up, I grab her trembling hands in mine. “You’re beautiful, baby. Are you ready for this?”
“Absolutely.” I lean in, giving her a tender kiss on those perfectly pink lips, and then we’re walking out the door.
If you haven’t guessed already, I asked Lili to be my wife on a snowy Christmas night while watching the regatta. When she excitedly said yes, I slipped on the Halo two-carat diamond engagement ring that I’d been hiding for a month. Today, she’ll also have the matching wedding band and my last name. I’m one lucky bastard.
We’re like two kids in a candy store once we get inside the elevator. Both of us a bit nervous but excited for what the future holds. The moment the doors open we walk inside the Wedding Chapel at the Bellagio and are whisked away for a lifetime of memories.
THANK YOU
Thanks so much for taking the time to read Private Messages! If you loved Zane and Lillianna’s story as much as I loved writing it, then I might have a few more books you’d be interested in. I love writing about, second chances, enemies to lovers and my latest series is all about bad-boy Rockstars. If this is your jam, then you’ll find everything right here, including where you can find me on social media.
https://linktr.ee/connielafortune
Until next time,
Connie XO
L. R. JACKSON
A SECOND CHANCE LOVE
Trusting someone with your heart is a risk. They have the power to treasure it, protecting it at all costs. They also have the power to destroy it, ruining it for all others. That’s what Jaxon did to me. He ruined me. He walked away, ripping my heart to pieces, and leaving me broken.
* * *
I picked myself up, piece by piece. I kept my heart heavily guarded and vowed to never love again. Why should I? I’d never love anyone as much as I loved him anyway. So, I moved on. The pain lessened with each passing day and eventually I got over Jaxon. Well, at least I thought I did.
When fate brings us together again, Jaxon begs me for a second chance. I decline. I tell him I would never take him back. Not after what he did to me. But when he reveals a shocking revelation, I second guess myself. And it makes me question everything.
Copyright © L.R. Jackson, 2022
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of the book.
This is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
