Page 125 of Sweet Madness

This woman in my arms saved me from a sad and miserable existence and has shone light, chasing the dark away since the very first meeting.

I never believed in fairytales, nor did I believe in soulmates until her.

She made me believe in unconditional love and magic.

Around us, her family wipes away tears and exchanges knowing smiles as they watch Raiza play the violin.

As the final notes drift into the evening breeze, a hush falls over the tulip field, filled with awe and beauty.

From what I gather, Raiza Solonik is a ball buster like both her parents, yet she blushes under the affectionate applause that follows her performance.

“Beautiful…” my wife whispers, still looking at her cousin.

I, on the other hand, look down at her. “Yeah, so beautiful.”

My wife tears her gaze from her cousin and smiles at me with stars and hearts in her eyes. In that moment, I vow to love only her and only her—to protect her and be the man she not only needs but deserves.

Her friend.

Her lover.

Her home.

Because she is all of that to me and more.

She is my happily ever after.

My favorite chapter.

Space Note

“Hey, princess… I love you.” — S

And Then There Were Three

ELLA

“Life is sweeter with you both in it.” — S

You wanted this. You craved this, and now the moment is here. So suck it up and bring this perfect child into the world, Ella.

Forget about the pain and just think about the feeling of holding your baby in your arms. I give myself a pep talk as I lie propped up in the hospital bed, clutching my husband’s hand tightly as I breathe through the agonizing pain of labor.

But then I think of my baby—a piece of me and Shaw. It couldn’t get any better than that.

“Breathe, princess.” Shaw stands beside my hospital bed and holds my hand, offering me strength and support. “You got this.”

Nurses move about quietly, preparing for the arrival of the baby, while the doctor is between my legs, coaching me through it.

“Ahhh,” My brow furrows as another wave of pain washes over me, and I squeeze Shaw’s hand tighter, drawing strength from him.

How the hell did Mom do this more than once?

“You’re doing great, Ella,” Shaw murmurs, his voice a soothing anchor amidst all the pain I feel. “Fuck, you’re so strong, cupcake. You’re almost there.”

I nod weakly, my focus alternating between the pain and the overwhelming anticipation of meeting our baby.

“It hurts,” I say through gritted teeth, looking up at my husband. “But it’s so worth it.”

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