While their new home was being built, they lived at Mary’s. As much as Mary loved her house in Birch Falls, they both agreed it was time to move on. There were too many memories, too many ghosts, and they were anxious to create some new memories of their own.
It took a while, but Mary eventually came to terms with the fact that she was married to a very wealthy man. She learned to be very careful about what she said, because if she said she liked something, Aidan’s first instinct was to buy it for her. He left the decorating of their new home up to Mary, but she insisted on him taking part so the house would truly be his, too.
There was only one room that he wanted complete and absolute autonomy in designing, although, in fairness, most of it was built with Mary specifically in mind. Mary had no problems whatsoever in trusting Aidan to design the perfect “playroom”.
On New Year’s Eve, Aidan stood on the balcony off their master bedroom, looking down at the postcard view of the valley below him. In the silvery light of the moon, the snow cover gleamed brilliantly, spread out before him like a pristine blanket. A cool breeze wrapped around him, teasing his hair, bringing with it the scents of pine and snow. Behind him, his exhausted wife slept, though even now she reached out to him in her sleep. Their dog, Max, snored loudly, content on his own twin-sized doggie bed rigged low to the ground so that he could get in and out easily without putting undue stress on his hips.
A year ago, he had stood in his office, looking out at a similar view. Then he had wondered if he was destined to live his life alone, or if there was a woman out there somewhere who had been created just for him. Now, of course, he knew the answer.
He’d found his croie. His perfect woman.
He’d never doubted it for a minute.
A Note from Abbie
Chances are that like me, you have been affected by breast cancer. Since it is the most common cancer in women worldwide (1), it’s nearly impossible not to. Whether you’ve dealt with it yourself or know someone who has, you know how terrifying and life-altering it can be.
What’s even scarier is that the most significant risk factors – being female and aging (2) – aren’t really things you can avoid.
The good news is, monthly self-exams (even if you’re naturally lumpy!) and regular annual mammograms can help reduce the number of deaths. So can knowing which changes are normal and which are not.
Thanks to early detection, better screening, increased awareness, and new treatment options, breast-cancer related deaths have been declining for the last twenty-five years (2).
The most important thing is this: Take care of yourself. People love you.
For more information, check out these great resources
(1)World Cancer Research Fund International: http://www.wcrf.org/int/cancerfacts-figures/data-specific-cancers/breast-cancer-statistics
(2)DoSomething.org: https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-breast-cancer
The American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsstatistics/breast-cancer-facts-figures
Susan G Komen for the Cure: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/AboutBreastCancer.html
More to Come...
I hope you enjoyed reading Aidan and Mary’s story – thank you!
Writing the Callaghan Brothers series has been an amazing experience. The characters have become very real to me, and from what you are telling me in your emails, posts, and reviews – they have for you, too!
Before you worry that this is the end – don’t. There is still more to come.
You might have noticed that the Connelly cousins (Celina, Johnny, and Michael (yes, another Michael)) pop up occasionally. They have their very own stories, too.
AND, if that wasn’t enough, I’m considering writing some more. Many of you said you would like to read Jack’s, Nick’s, Taser’s, Brian’s, and Corinne’s stories. As soon as they start whispering in my ear, you’ll be the first to know.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for coming along on this crazy, wonderful ride with me. It’s not over yet ?
Abbie
Thank You!
You didn’t have to pick this book, but you did. Thank you!
If you liked this story, then please consider posting a review online! It’s really easy, only takes a few minutes, and makes a huge difference to independent authors who don’t have the mega-budgets of the big-time publishers behind them.
Log on to your favorite online retailer and just tell others what you thought, even if it’s just a line or two. That’s it! A good review is one of the nicest things you can do for any author.
As always, I welcome feedback. Email me at [email protected].
Or sign up for my mailing list on my website at http://www.abbiezandersromance.com for up to date info and advance notices on new releases, Like my FB page (AbbieZandersRomance), and/or follow me on Twitter (@AbbieZanders).
Thanks again, and may all of your ever-afters be happy ones!
Abbie
About the Author