The Space Between Us(70)
I didn't stop running until I was close enough to hold her in my arms. I picked her up and brought my lips to hers, kissing her like I wanted to for thirteen years – with absolutely nothing between us – no lies, no misunderstandings, no blame and no guilt. From now on, the space between us would be filled with love.
"Are you really here?" She asked against my mouth. I pulled away and brushed her hair away from her face.
"I've always been here, Bit. I was just waiting for you."
She brought her hands to my face and pressed her lips to mine.
This was a hello kiss. This hello kiss was perfect. A greeting. A beginning. Something new.
The End
Acknowledgements
There are so many people who deserve a thank you from me it's a little ridiculous.
First, always, is my husband. Thank you for supporting me emotionally when I decided to quit my job! You were the right amount of hesitant, understanding, supportive and awesome when everything started happening for me. Thank you for trusting me enough and believing in me enough to say, "Sure! Quit your job and become a full-time writer. Surely, nothing can go wrong with this plan." I don't know how long this will last but thirty years from now I can look back at 2014 as the year that changed my life. Changed our lives. Thank you.
To Team Anie! Brook and Krysta, what the hell are we doing? Krysta, your continual drive and interest in all my stories motivates me. You want to make me better and I want to be better because you make me feel like I can be. I feel like we have both grown so much in the last year, learning the ins and outs of this profession, and there's no one I would have rather been on this journey with than you. Brook, you inspire me. Truly. Your vision impacts me, motivates me, and does not compromise. You are gifted and I am so lucky that you lend your gifts to my stories. Thank you both for making me better.
To my street team, the original members and the new, I love you all so much! You make me laugh, smile, and sometimes cry – but in a good way. I appreciate every one of you and hope you understand that I know the work you do for me. I see it and I feel it and I am thankful for it.
To Lesley, I'm not sure if you'll read this, but if you are I know you're probably shaking your head and thinking how unnecessary it is. But I wanted you to know how many times I've been thankful for you while writing this book. Every time you sent me an encouraging message, or just chatted with me about nothing relating to the book, it's helped me. I value your friendship.
To all the blogs, I have no way to name all the blogs that have promoted me, or helped me, or mentioned me. There are too many and I am too blessed. So, here are some that I feel like I can lean on, blogs I feel have my back: Prisoners of Print, Two Book Pushers, Once Upon a Crush Book Blog, A Literary Perusal, 50 Shades of Gabriel's Crossfire Unscripted Destiny – Book Club, Book Boyfriend Hangover, Randy Raunchy Romantic Book Blog, Reading Amore, Author Stalkers, Romance Obsessed Book Blog … and I'm sure I've missed a few. Know that I appreciate all the blogs and am so thankful for all of you!
Carrie, thank you for using your talent to bring my words to life! You are awesome!
Rhiannon, again, thank you for reading this book in pieces as I wrote it. Thank you for being trustworthy and for loving Charlie and Asher as much as me.
To my mom who will always be a source of comfort and who I will always go back to when I'm feeling insecure or unsure. Thanks for always reflecting back to me my best self, for ignoring my weaknesses, and highlighting my strengths. You're awesome. Thank you.
Lastly, and most importantly, to my readers. You have all changed my life. You have no idea. I am the luckiest person I know and I appreciate every single one of you. Every time you send me a message, or talk to me on Facebook it makes my day. I wouldn't be doing any of this if it weren't for you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I hope you keep reading my books and keep giving me a reason to write.