When we finally come up for air, I say in a breathless voice, “I’m going to marry you one of these days, Cole Holloway.”
His entire body shakes with laughter as he holds me flush to his body.
Finally, he looks into my eyes with a look that tells me I’m wanted. I’m desired. I’m everything he has ever, and will ever, need. “I will hold you to that.”
Love is when you accept each other’s weirdness and faults and demons, without judging them. Without trying to change them.
It’s unconditional.
It’s fearless.
It’s powerful.
And for me, love is Cole.
He is my once in a lifetime. My happily ever after.
Beneath Your Beautiful - Labrinth How To Save A Life - The Fray Little Wonders - Rob Thomas
Mirrors - Justin Timberlake
Where I Stood- Missy Higgins This girl's in love with you- Steve Tyrell Make You Feel My Love - Adele When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars Heaven - Bryan Adams
I Don't Want To Be - Gavin DeGraw I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons Bring Me To Life - Evanescence Cut--Plumb
Broken Vow - Josh Groban
You're Still You -- Josh Groban I Was Born To Love You -- Queen Fall Into Me -- Brantley Gilbert Fearless -- Taylor Swift
Set Me on Fire -- Bella Ferraro You Are The Best Thing --Ray LaMontagne Down --Jason Walker
A Drop In The Ocean -- Ron Pope Dream a Little Dream of Me--Yiruma River Flows in You -- Yiruma What Is Love -- Empire Cast (feat. V Bozeman) Because I Love You --Yiruma
You to Me Are Everything --The Real Thing Jealous--Labrinth
Ten Feet Tall --Wrabel
Breakeven--MAX
Walking Blind--Aidan Hawken
Never Let Me Go-- Florence + The Machine Taking Chances--Glee Cast
Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman--Bryan Adams Running' (Lose it All) featuring Beyonce, Arrow Benjamin - Naughty Boy Growing up (feat. Ed Sheeran) - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth) -- Wiz Khalifa Iris -- Goo Goo Dolls Fall For You--Leela James Scars -- James Bay
Note to the reader:
There are many resources out there which can help you if you are living with depression or self harming and/or living in an abusive home.
Websites:
Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org
Together We Are Strong (Worldwide): togetherweare-strong.tumblr.com/helpline
Hotlines:
Self-harm: 1-800-DONT CUT
(1-800-366-8288)
Suicide Help Line: 1-800-SUICIDE
(1-800-784-2433)
I wish I could find the words to thank everyone who has been involved with this book.
My two children. Two of my most favorite people in the world. You're amazing. Your patience and unconditional love floors me. Thank you for the laughs and for believing in me. You are my silver lining.
To the ladies in the Autumn's Minxes Group. I love you! Thank you for being so incredibly wonderful, encouraging and supportive, You're my happy place. I'm honored and feel lucky you're in my corner.
I experienced all kinds of emotions while writing this story. I'm grateful for my wonderful beta readers--Amy Bosica, Ella Stewart, Sejla Ibrahimpasic, Selma Ibrahimpasic, Polly Lynne, Elaina Lucia, Katie Monson, Marian Girling, Emma Louise, Mg Herrera, Vivian Freeman, Maiwenn (I hope I didn'T forget anyone)-- stuck with me from the first draft to the last draft of this story. Thank you for your wonderful feedback and encouragement. Every word, every suggestion, is ALWAYS appreciated. To Cora Brent, Cecilia London and Sidney Halston. I can't thank you enough for your help during my research on prison and laws, for for being there to provide answers to all of my questions. I learned so much from you. I'll forever be grateful for that.
Thank you Elaina, Selma and Sejla for the last minute reread of the final proof and for your notes. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you did this for me.
I'm so thankful for the C.O.P.A. girls and Indie Chicks. You ladies are amazing! I love how positive and inspiring you are. Thanks for your support and love.
Ella, You're such an inspiration to me. Thank you for always having time for me, for being my sounding board, and for introducing me to mind-melding. ;). Vivian. Our chats are proof that neither time difference nor distance can keep us apart. My favorite twins, Selma and Sejla, I really enjoy our FB & Starbucks chats. It's always great to just kick back and have fun with you. Maiwenn, thank you for your help and suggestions, and encouragement. Don't forget our chats. :) Elaina, you've been amazing and a wonderful friend. We haven't known each other for long, but I feel like I've known you for a long time. Karen Ferry, #GlitterChick I can't wait to be your roomie in Dublin. It's always a pleasure to chat with you. Thanks for being such a wonderful, supportive friend. Amo Thomson, I believe that you and I are meant to be :). Mg Herrera, you have a beautiful soul, my friend, and a fantastic teaser maker. I'm very lucky and honored to such wonderful friends.
To the bloggers who work tirelessly to read and review books, and promote authors without expecting anything in return. There are not enough words to let you know how appreciated you are. Thank you.