Illusion (33 page)

             
My Momma comes in a few minutes later and gives my Poppa a look, which has him standing and following her without a word to us. "That was weird," I say.

             
Brice agrees with me then gives me a few kisses. “How did it go with Kirt’s family?”

             
I smile at the fact he was so accepting of me going over there, alone at that. In fact, he completely encouraged me to go. That was all the proof I needed to know I’ll have a happy life with him. “It went well. I’m glad I got to see them. They’re coming to the wedding, too.”

             
“I’m glad to hear.” He pulls me in and kisses the top of my head as I relax into him.

My sister and Quade come in a few minutes later, laughing and talking about something, then they take a seat on the love chair together. M
omma and Poppa walk back in a few minutes later, holding an envelope. "I'm not sure if you noticed or not that your sister kind of got a little more than you this year for Christmas?" my Momma asks me.

             
"I guess I didn't pay attention," I admit honestly.

             
She hands me the envelope then takes a step back. My Poppa holds her to him as they both watch me. I open it up with Brice, and I gasp at what I see. "Mom, Dad, this is a lot of money. Way too much money."

             
Her eyes water and she looks at my Poppa as she starts to speak. "We decided," then she looks back at us, "that we're ready for grandkids whenever you're ready. Your father cashed in some of his retirement. You don't have to spend it now, you both can get married and buy your home or whatever, but when you're ready, we want to help y’all in adopting a baby. We both know how much you want that."

             
I drop the envelope and look to Brice, who has water in his eyes. He hugs me and kisses my mouth softly before standing up. He walks over and shakes my Poppa’s hand, then gives my Momma a hug. I sit here speechless, watching them.

             
Snapping out of it, I stand up and hug both my parents, giving them both a kiss. "Wow, seriously, both of you thank you. Thank you so much. This means so much to me." I can't stop shaking and Brice grabs me and holds me tight.

             
"Ready to be a mommy?" he whispers.

             
"So much," I reply back with a thick voice.

             
"Let's get married first so we can have a romantic honeymoon. What do you say?" He pulls back and looks at me.

             
I smile, even through the tears. "Can we move the wedding to next week?"

             
"No way. We'll be married in April, we'll start the search in May. Deal?"

             
Of course I agree.

             
That night while lying on the couch, watching a movie with my family and cuddling close to my fiancé, I look over to the Christmas tree. That emerald ornament is hanging off one of the top branches. I'm not sure how my parents ended up with it, but it feels like a sign. I smile while looking at it and feel warm all over. Brice's lips come to my ear and he whispers how much he loves me. I close my eyes and fall into him, knowing my life is exactly where I want it to be.

             
"You said I could come say hi whenever I wanted to."

             
I run up and wrap my arms around Kirt's shoulders. "I didn't mean you had to tonight, but thank you."

             
"Merry Christmas to you, too, by the way."

             
"I saw your mom and Colt." I step back and look him in his beautiful gray eyes.

             
He nods his head. "I know, I was watching. Congrats on the future wedding and baby." I love the fact he has a genuine smile on his face.

             
"Do you mean that?"

             
"I do." He tugs on some of my hair then runs his hand down my arm. "If I didn't get a chance to give you everything you wanted, I'm happy to step aside and allow Brice to. He is a good guy."

             
"He really is."

             
"Thank you for moving on, baby."

             
"Thank you for helping me."

             
He pulls me in for a long hug. We stand here for a while, just holding one another. I don't feel tingles run through my body but I do feel a warmth. Something I'll always get when it comes to Kirt.

             
"I'll see you again," he whispers.

             
I pull back from him, holding his hand while I reply. "I hope not too soon."

             
He laughs softly. "I agree."

             
With a kiss to the forehead, he steps back even more, separating our hands, and points over to a shining light. "It's time for me to go now."

             
"Bye Kirt."

I wave as he walks away from me for the very last time. His head turns to look me over one final time before disappearing into the shining light, which fades seconds later. This time I'm not a sobbing mess, or begging him to come back. No, instead, I'm smiling. It's time for me to let him go while I live my life. While I live it for the both of us.

Thank you for taking the time in reading my story of Illusion. I do hope you enjoyed it! I want you all to know how much I greatly appreciate all the support, encouragement, and involvement when it comes to my novels. I enjoy interacting with all of you, and hope to hear more stories from you. Feel free to contact me any time- whether email or Facebook, I’ll get back to you when I can. I’ve gotten to know so many wonderful people over the last several months and now I couldn’t imagine life without you all in it. My life has altered in so many ways since releasing Burning Attraction in July 2013, and I’m enjoying each and every moment of it- all in great thanks to you!! Fans, bloggers, family, friends, promoters- you all rock! Keep being awesome.

I want to take an additional moment to give an extra-large thanks to all the blogs who did a tremendous job helping me in the release of Illusion! Over thirty blogs took the time out of their busy schedules to read the ARC of Illusion and gave an honest review on my work. A few of them made me tear up, all of them put a giant smile on my face, and every single one of them warmed my heart in one way or another. Also, to anyone who has given a review on any of my work- it means the world to me!! I appreciate your feedback and honesty. Again, thank you all!!
List of blogs involved: Enchanted Book Blog, Hopelessly Hooked on Books, Amazeballs Book Addicts, G & C Book Blog, Book Drunk Love, Devoured Words (Book Blog), Forbidden Book Blog, It Started with a Book Blog, Abby’s Book Blog, Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews, Love Romance Book Blog, Snarky Bloggers, Rose’s Book Blog, Me Myself and Books Blog, Book Reviews and Giveaways, Panty Dropping Book Blog, Author Groupies, Book Bitches Blog, Cajun Book Lover, Read and Share Book Reviews, BookEnd 2 BookEnd, Momma’s Secret Book Obsession, Nette’s Bookshelf Reviews, Wicked Book Blog, Dirty Hoe’s Book Blog, Book Lover Tells All, Zakirrah’s Book Blog, Three Chicks and Their Books, Promiscuous Book Blog, I Choose Books Over Sleep, Forever Me Romance, Book Reviews by Lexi.

NOTE TO READERS
:

I wanted to take the time to clear a few things up, give some facts from my research, and talk to my readers a moment.

First off, my story is not to scare you but to inform you.

I did a lot of research on hallucinations in people who have suffered from PTSD. It actually states that 50-55% of people who have suffered through PTSD do in
fact have illusions- although typically just visual (seeing) or auditory (hearing). Less than 27% of the world can feel as though they are being touched, feeling, and/or having sexual relations, with said hallucination- so although it's rare, it can happen. It does happen. When taking certain medications, especially one not suited for your situation, it can increase these statistics.

Many people associate illusions with someone who suffers from Schizophrenia, as well as other mental disorders and diseases, but less than 30% of people that have hallucinations have a disease. Its very common for people who have been raped, abused, experienced a death of a loved one, have social anxiety, been in combat, have an addiction to alcohol/drugs, as well as many other [usually traumatic] events.

Please, when talking to a doctor about prescriptions and things happening in your life- be honest. They are not there to judge, but to help. Taking a prescription can be very serious, and you should always be put on one suitable for you and any situation you find yourself in. Also, prescription drugs should never be abused.

If you're ever feeling suicidal, please talk to someone you can turn to. I hope to have inspired people in believing that life does move on and it does get better. Everyone has their own battles to fight, and pain can be worse for some more than others, but suicide is never an answer. You are not alone! There is always a help line, where you can talk to someone about any thoughts you are having or any situation you are going through. Your calls are always confidential and free.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

You can also visit:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) can happen to anyone for many different reasons. You are not alone in this. There are many people out there to help you through and find the right way to heal. Everyone suffers differently, and everyone heals differently. Please seek someone you trust (family member, doctor, psychiatrist, friend) to help you through your PTSD. If you know someone who is going through this, please help them in any way you can.

These situations are all very serious. Sometimes people don't get the chance to heal. I'd love nothing more than to help even just one more person to push through with their own battles and find a way into a happier life. I encourage you all to help those around you, as well as help yourself.

As I stated previously, these facts are all formed from numerous hours of research, and although I sought out many different sites/books for information, I'm not a doctor and don't know the exact number in statistics. Thank you all so much for your time.

Ashley Beale is an indie author and self-publisher from the beautiful state of Maine. She comes from a large family, full of support and love, and couldn’t picture living any other way. She is a mother of two wonderful children, who help keep a smile upon her face each and every day. Together they enjoy going on adventures, learning new things, making crafts, reading, watching movies, and being surrounded by family and friends. When Ashley gets a moment to relax late at night, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, either reading or writing. She has a love for great movies, addictive TV series, lots of laughter, and wonderful people. Ever since following her dream of writing and publishing a novel, Ashley is determined to cross more items off her bucket list!

To find out more about Ashley, as well as her plans for upcoming book releases, please visit any of her official pages or simply email her at
[email protected]
.
Facebook fan page-
www.facebook.com/ashleybealeauthor

Twitter-
www.twitter.com/author_abeale

Goodreads-
www.goodreads.com/ashleybealeauthor

Personal Website-
www.ashleybeale.com