Vivid (29 page)
Authors: Jessica Wilde
Two years later
Merrick
We are all broken, that's how the light gets in. – Ernest Hemingway.
I kept staring at the quote on the wall of my mother's living room. It had hit me like a brick wall the second I walked in the house.
While everyone else sat around the dinner table talking about their plans for the summer or what movie they wanted to see next, I kept thinking about that quote.
I had come back from war a broken man. Living in a darkness I thought would never end. But there was a reason for everything that happened back in that desert.
The things that broke me, actually saved me. Because I could feel the light seeping in through those cracks.
Every time I looked at my wife, our beautiful baby girl nestled against her chest, I could feel that light shining through me.
The day Grace said yes to marrying me, I felt one of those cracks seal up tight. The night she told me she was pregnant, happy tears filling her eyes, another one sealed. More cracks opened up here and there. Struggles and obstacles we faced together would always leave us a little scratched, but they wouldn't break us.
The night Grace shook me awake, telling me it was time, I felt one seal up while another opened.
We were both scared, neither one of us knowing what to expect. Grace confided in me that she didn't think she could handle anything like the loss of her child ever again. She wouldn't have to. At least, not alone. Not ever again.
That trip to the hospital was tense. The ride up to labor and delivery even more so. But the moment we both heard that tiny heartbeat, strong and steady, we knew everything was going to be just fine.
Another crack sealed.
Then, every trial either of us had ever faced in life finally made sense. Every single one of them led us to that moment. I thanked God for giving me a second chance.
Seeing our beautiful daughter – this tiny miracle – come into this world, I broke down. And Grace was right there with me.
Who was I to raise a child, so perfect and pure, in a world with so many rough roads? But she was my future and so was Grace. They were both given to me to protect, to love. I'd fight for both of them, as long as I was breathing.
"It's time for a nap, I think," Grace said quietly. The conversation around us continued as she stood to take little Erica to a quiet room.
I followed after her, always eager to hear her sing our daughter to sleep. It had the same affect on Erica as it did on me. She always immediately calmed, her precious face relaxing from the sound.
I spent most of my nights following these two around, making sure I didn't miss a single thing.
I stood in the doorway, watching my beautiful wife rock our child to sleep. That soothing voice sending warmth through me for the millionth time in my life.
I'm trying. The images from being overseas still haunt me, but that's because I don't want to forget what happened. I want to live through it and know that those men died for me. I want to honor them for their bravery and remember them for everything else.
I'm going to live for
them
. For Grace and Erica.
For me.
The End
###
Thank you so much for reading Vivid. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer.
Thanks!
Jessica Wilde
Like many other foundations, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides assistance to injured soldiers as well as their families. SOWF also focuses on one of the most important challenges those families face; 'getting to their hospitalized loved ones as quickly as possible'.
With grants immediately provided to the family, they can travel to be bedside with their loved one, especially for those crucial first days.
SOWF also provides a scholarship program, family services (including clinical social workers, scholarship counselors, and family services counselors). With on-going support and helpful counseling to all families of fallen members in every branch of the military, they are able to help in all the ways that count.
The SOWF was highly recommended to me by a recent veteran who served in Iraq. Therefore, I am thrilled to be able to help them in any way possible.
Every little bit counts.
SOWF Mission Statement
The Special Operations Warrior Foundation ensures full financial assistance for a post-secondary degree from an accredited two or four-year college, university, technical, or trade school; and offers family and educational counseling, including in-home tutoring, to the surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
The Special Operations Warrior Foundation also provides immediate financial assistance to severely wounded and hospitalized special operations personnel.
Damien Rice - I Don't Want To Change You
Weezer - Say It Ain't So
Weezer - Hold Me
Bright Eyes - First Day Of My Life
Bright Eyes - An Attempt To Tip The Scales
I live in Morgan, Utah with my husband, beautiful daughter, and a couple of spoiled pups. If I'm not deeply involved in writing my next book, then I'm probably reading in the safety and quiet of my closet. I love yoga – which I now practice regularly – playing hide and seek with my daughter (only to have my hiding spots revealed by one of the pups), and I love Fruit by the Foot, Twizzlers and Peace Tea. These are great ways to bribe me into revealing secrets about what's to come.
I have an unhealthy obsession with Supernatural, The Walking Dead, and The Big Bang Theory. I also enjoy talking about them, so if you like them, too, come find me.
Writing has become an enormous part of my life and every book I write holds a special place in my heart. If you read one of my books, I hope you have the same experience.
Connect with Jessica Wilde
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7373464.Jessica_Wilde
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJessicaWilde
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Wilde/e/B00GM4YNWO
Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Jessicawildeauthor
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JessicaWilde9
TSU:
http://www.tsu.co/JessicaWilde
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/jessicawilde27
There are quite a few people to thank, but first and foremost, I want to thank my brother, Jeff. For your service in the Army National Guard, the sacrifices you made to protect this country, and the never-ending devotion to your family. I love you and I am so proud and honored to be your little sister. Thank you for being so willing to share your experiences in Iraq with me and allowing me to make an attempt at putting those experiences into words.
To my husband. I honestly don't know how you put up with me and my constant habit of burying myself in a story. Your patience and support means the world to me. Thank you for always being a sounding board and a reminder that true love is
completely
possible. To my baby girl, I love you more than anything. You are the light of my life and I am so grateful for the privilege of being your mommy.
To Erica. I honestly don't remember life before you! I don't want to! You've been my rock through this entire journey. Not only with writing, but life in general. Thank you for the late night conversations that end with my face hurting so much from smiling and laughing. For the encouragement and support you have always given me. For your devotion to getting the word out there about my books. Like I always say, YOU ARE SUPERWOMAN! Without you, I wouldn't know what the hell I was doing. You are my best friend and you mean the world to me. I love you! This just isn't enough, I feel like I didn't even hit the nail on the head. So I'll show you! I'll cherish your friendship and hopefully one day you will understand how much you mean to me. A shout out to your beautiful blog, Always Behind a Book. Thank you for all the cover reveals, blitzes, spotlights, tours, trailers ... everything! You are amazing!
To Keara. Seriously, where do I begin? What would I do without you? Your friendship means
everything
to me. You have changed my world so much just by being you. Thank you for always being there for me, for your enthusiasm, and your never-ending support. For being the Keara that
this
Grace will never stop loving. Without you, my world would be dark and lonely, sad and Dean-less (*wink wink*). Thank you! I love you! I cherish your friendship, and since words are never enough, I'll show you, too!
To Tracie, Jess, Amy S., Blythe, Amie, Jamie, Loraine, Amy A., Kass, Ginelle, Lisa R.D., Leah, Christy, Sarah, Joy, katz, Tricia, Samantha, my Wilde Ones Street Team (you know who you are), and so many more! Thank you for your friendship, your shares, your encouragement, and your support. You help me more than you realize and I'll never forget it.
To all the beautiful bloggers out there that have stuck with me through it all - I just can't thank you enough. Each and every one of you has helped me and so many other authors tremendously! Without you, the book world would be bleak. So, thank you. Please keep doing what you're doing. Whether you are big or small (To me there are no 'small' blogs! You all rock!), just starting out, or have been around for years, you make a difference! You make THE difference!
To my gorgeous readers. Thank you for sticking with me. For taking a chance on me. For your messages and love, your reviews, your bribes to get me to finish the next one (Yes, I said that), your shares and comments. For being the reason I do this! I love each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for reading my heart and soul, and for handling them with care.
And finally, to the men and women in all branches of the military – past, present, and future – and to your families, wherever you are. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your courage and commitment. Thank you for being the strength that holds us together through the good and the bad. Our prayers are with you.
Leverage (The Brannock Siblings, #1)
Print ISBN-13: 978-1495276989
ASIN: B00J8766O0
eBook ISBN: 9781311640024
Adventure. That's all Aislinn 'Ash' Brannock wanted in her life. Her dad and two brothers – all cops – got to see it all, but their over-protectiveness made her feel like she had been locked away in a tower with three fire breathing dragons watching her every move. Yes, it was that bad. The only silver lining? Lucas Shade. Her brothers' best friend growing up, and apparently the only man she will ever love because let's face it, none of the others even come close. After an unfortunate mistake lands her back in her father's home, her world is turned upside down and Lucas is there in a tightly wrapped package of serious with a big red bow on top. Life just got interesting, but it comes with a price, one she never wanted to pay.
Detective Lucas Shade never had a real family, but the Brannocks took him in as one of their own and he never took it for granted. Ash was a big reason for why he stuck around, but in order to save himself the beating of a lifetime from her two older brothers, he kept his feelings for her hidden. When the case he has been working on for months takes a turn, Ash could become the leverage the bad guys have been waiting for, but keeping her invisible may destroy everything Lucas has worked so hard for. Good thing Ash is the only person he would give up everything to protect.
Conned (The Brannock Siblings, #2)
Print ISBN13: 978-1499363180
ASIN: B00L2FQE9I
eBook ISBN: 9781310302473
Conall Brannock takes his job seriously. He doesn't get attached, he doesn't ask questions, and he protects his family at all costs. Nothing will change that. Not even the sweet, green eyed witness that just burst into his life and shifted his world. He has one job to do; protect Emily until she can testify. He can't let his interest in her get in the way, but the more he finds out about her, the more he can't help but wonder how the beautiful broken girl got into this mess in the first place. And the longer he takes to learn the truth, the deeper he falls for her.
Emily Dawson has a job to do. Stay off the grid, testify, and hopefully get her brother back. He's all she has left of the family she struggled so hard to hold together and she would do anything to keep him safe. Even if it means she has put herself in harm's way or that she has conned everyone into believing she saw something she didn't. She knows where her loyalties lie, but her stoic yet gentle protector and his crazy family makes her question everything she once knew.
Loyalty can be one sided.
Family isn't always blood.
And honesty can destroy everything she has come to love.
Missing (The Brannock Siblings, #3)
Print ISBN-13: 978-1500858032
ASIN: B00N505Q06
eBook ISBN: 9781310343186
There are two things in this life that Gus Brannock truly loves; his family and his job. His family is growing and he wants what his brother and sister have before the job he's worked so hard for takes its toll. The woman he's got his eye on, however, isn't interested in being with a man who risks his life every day. When the unexpected friendship with the sassy red head he used to hate turns into something Gus just doesn't want to live without, he will do whatever it takes to have her. The hazards of his job as a detective for missing children may end up proving to be too much, but there's a reason Aiden was brought into his life and nothing will stand in his way to keep her there.
Aiden Murphy used to hate the handsome jerk next door until a surprising discovery spun her world in another direction. Her life of devotion to her sister and niece has been her biggest strength with the exception of her art. That is, until Gus turns out to be the one thing that has been missing from that life all along. Aiden must decide if the unknown is worth the risk of loving the dedicated detective or if being pulled into his world is more than she can handle. When Gus becomes the only way for her to keep the people she loves most safe, will she understand why he treasures her untried strength or will she let her fear of the unknown decide
for
her?
Protector (The Brannock Siblings, #4)
Print ISBN-13: 978-1514699454
ASIN: B010E3RG68
eBook ISBN: 9781310030772
Isabelle Brannock was adored by her children in every possible way. Her ability to love reflects in each of them and to this day, they remember the never ending happiness she and their father, Liam, shared. However, life wasn't always beautiful and their magnificent mother kept her dark secrets buried away so her children would always remember that family is the most important thing.
Liam Brannock has watched his children find that same happiness he knew so well and, as a father, he couldn't be prouder. Knowing that the struggles each of them endured were worth the sacrifices they made to find the love of their lives, he finally feels content with revealing the secrets Isabelle worked so hard to keep.
Liam tells his children the story of how he met their mother and the secrets they never suspected would be possible for a woman who lived each day showing her children that love conquers all.
Ricochet (Rise & Fall, #1)
Print ISBN-13: 978-1507574621
ASIN: B00SJ2A8MQ
eBook ISBN: 9781311230010
Fear.
It's the last thing I remembered.
I was afraid.
Afraid to fight, afraid to run… afraid to breathe.
Then, everything had gone dark. As if life was finally hearing my pleas, my cries to end the torment. To end the fear.
But even in the dark, I still felt it.
I always felt it.
My life had been a ricochet of one event leading to the next. Bouncing back and forth from good to bad. Happiness to despair. Hope to fear.
My name is Arianna West. I'm stronger now. Steady. Alive.
I can find a way to survive on my own. I can see what is coming for me. I can channel my fear into strength.
Except… I didn't see Jack.
And Jack changed everything.
Our Time
Print ISBN13: 978-1494310219
ASIN: B00H1AJCTC
eBook ISBN: 9781311364517
Jocelyn White's only priority in life is her daughter, Olivia. As a single mother, with no family and the only friends she had now hours away, life isn't easy. But the last several years taught her what is truly important and she plans on spending the time she has loving her little girl and keeping her safe and happy. She doesn't plan on her new gorgeous, blue eyed neighbor turning out to be the one thing her and Olivia have been missing.
Andrew Carter has been waiting his whole life for a woman like Jocelyn. After his parents died years before, leaving him to care for his little sister, Madison, he spent years patiently waiting for a family of his own. When Jocelyn and Olivia completely steal his heart, he knows his patience has finally paid off and it's time for his life to finally start.
What he doesn't know is that Jocelyn is keeping something from him. Something she learned a few years ago.
Life is short and sometimes, time isn't on your side.
Every One of Me
Print ISBN-13: 978-1493758302
ASIN: B00GG6AO5I
eBook ISBN: 9781311259479
Five years ago, Tessa Marshall turned her back on everything she once knew. She left behind her friends and family hoping they would be better off without her in the way. Now, after being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and determined to set her life straight, she is going back. She doesn't expect her best friend growing up, and the only man she has ever loved, to be waiting for her.
Charlie Mackenzie never knew the real reasons why Tessa left, but because of the promises he swore to keep, he feels responsible. He has spent the last five years staying distracted, and trying not to chase after her and drag her back to him. Now that she is finally back, he won't allow her to push him away without knowing how he has felt about her all along. The only problem? He's not just dealing with Tessa anymore.
The two of them must decide if their love is worth fighting for and Tess has to learn to just let go, because Charlie won't let
her
go. He won't let any one of her go.