Both children take a step forward, eyes asking the unspoken question. I open my arms, and they fall into them with a force that sends me back into Mason’s chest. Tears drip from my eyes as I hold my son and daughter for the first time, knowing that everything in my life has led up to this moment. Led here by not only Svetlana’s life, but by her death.
My husband’s arms wrap around us protectively. Comforting and holding us together as we allow the first few threads of our family bond to weave together.
As if I could feel her joy from heaven, my heart swells, knowing that Lana is rejoicing in this. Her death was not in vain if it meant bringing us to this moment.
Thank you, moya sestra.
We sit like this for a long time, as little hands hold us tight as if they’re afraid this is all a dream, like we might walk away and they’ll be stuck without parents, without our love. So we wait, we hold our son and daughter while leaning on each other, and we do it until they feel safe. If it takes days, we’ll do it until they know that they are ours. To love and protect.
Feliks is the first to peer up, his eyes going right to Mason’s. “Navsegda, papa?”
A tear drips down Mason’s cheek to disappear between his smiling lips. He cups his son’s jaw and nods. “Yes, syn. Forever.”
The End
Acknowledgments
First off, I want to thank God for allowing me the ability to tell stories, even though I’m sure he rolls his eyes at most of what I write.
Thank you to my husband who is and always will be the only hero in my life. It’s your love that inspires me and your support that anchors me.
Thank you to my babies, who have made me feel like I’m the greatest novelist the world has ever seen, even though they have no idea what I write. I love their blind faith.
To my parents and my brother for being the best pimps and my number one fans, thank you. I’d never have the courage to do this if it weren’t for you.
A huge thank you to Evelyn Johnson for always having my back and for allowing me to drag her all over the country for signings and events. Your friendship and loyalty are unparalleled.
Thank you to my partner in crime, Cristin Harber. Your friendship has meant the world to me over these last few years, and I look forward to many more.
Big ole high-five to my Critter Crew: Claudia Connor, Cristin Harber, Racquel Reck, and Sharon Kay. You girls know I’d never publish a book without having your eyes all over it. I appreciate you all more than words can adequately express.
To my friend Amanda Simpson at Pixel Mischief Design, thank you. It’s your creativity that has molded the face of my brand. Your brilliance and skill are awe-inspiring, and I couldn’t have hand picked a better or more talented person to work with.
Always a huge thank you to the talented Elizabeth Reyes. I’d never have had the cajones to write if it weren’t for your encouragement and support. Thank you for your time and, more importantly, your friendship.
Thank you to Theresa Wegand for editing and proofreading all my books and for not firing me for forcing you deep into the Urban Dictionary. It’s been such a joy to work with you, and I look forward to tackling many more books together.
None of this would be possible if it weren’t for the readers who’ve given my books a chance. There are so many incredible authors out there, and I’m humbled and honored every time a reader picks one of my books. Thank you for taking a chance on me.
Last but not least and probably the most important, thank you to all the Fighting Girls who support me and the books with the kind of steadfast love only an FG is capable of. I’d be nowhere without you girls. You mean the world to me.
Fighting for Forever Playlist
“Shadow of the Day” by Linkin Park
“Hit or Miss” by New Found Glory “Hold My Hand” by New Found Glory “Shameless” by All Time Low “Dance Inside” by The All-American Rejects “Drunk in Love” by Beyoncé “Thunder” by Boys Like Girls “You Had Me at Hello” by A Day to Remember “Work” by Jimmy Eat World
“I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” by My Chemical Romance “Waiting Game” by Yellowcard “Shadows and Regrets” by Yellowcard “Stickin In My Eye” by NOFX
“Wasting Time” by Blink 182
“Caress Me Down” by Sublime “Same In the End” by Sublime “With You Around” by Yellowcard “Surfer Girl” by The Beach Boys “I Wanna” by The All-American Rejects “About a Girl” by The Academy Is . . .
“Situations” by New Found Glory “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park “One Grain of Sand” by Ron Pope