Authors: Felicia Lynn

Love's Learning Curve (33 page)

“Buttercup, I always thought my biggest dream was to be drafted into the MLB, but I was wrong. My biggest dream is making you mine. Everything else is just a bonus. Be mine. Take my name. Love me forever.”

He’s so close, and I’m definitely close to falling right over the edge. The burn of tears builds in my eyes. “Yes. Make me yours. You’ve owned me from the day we met anyway. You’re everything to me with or without a contract. I want nothing more in life than you just as you are. You’ve brought my world to life. I can’t live without you.”

Together, at that moment, we launch into a new adventure in life, and nothing is sweeter. I can’t wait to reap the rewards of this next learning curve.

The End … for now.

To my family: I love you both more than I ever thought humanly possible. I’d be lost with you. I know it and I promise to never forget it. You’ll never know how much your love and support means to me.

Thanks for tossing food into my office occasionally, when I’m locked behind closed doors pretending the outside world doesn’t exist. The late nights are torture for us all and I miss you guys terribly. Vacation time will be coming soon and I’m all yours, - no distractions (except fruity drinks).

To my mom & dad and grandmother: Hi, I’m still alive and I love you all more than words. Thank you for loving me and supporting my work. I promise to climb out of my hole after LLC and call more regularly. I owe you so much for all that you do for me.

To Harper: Just kidding, this is for Jason. Thanks for stocking up on Sprite and crackers.

To Christy & Jessica: Where do I begin? All the late nights, the writing fuel - food deliveries, insane messages at all hours of the night, the gifts, the funny memes, status updates on life on the outside, and so much more. I’ll never be able to thank you for what you do for me. You guys are the best, most loyal supporters in the world. Thank you will never express how much I appreciate all you sacrifice for me.

To Sommer Stein: Your creativity amazes me. Thank you for designing the most gorgeous cover in the world for me with no direction or help from me. Your talent is endless and I can’t wait for the next beauties you create. You’re the best!

To Jenny Sims: Thank you for taking my very rough draft and polishing it. You are incredible. Thanks for working extra hard to help me meet deadlines and helping me think about things a little more precisely.

To Emma Mack: I will be your hermit forever. Thanks for reading my words at the drop of a hat. Your time and effort to proofread is priceless to me and you’re amazing at your craft. Thanks for the chats and making me smile when I always need it most. You feed my Alex & Ani obsession and I’ll think of you every time I wear my special surprises.

Kimberly Dean: Thank you for your insights into the behind the scenes world of baseball. I’ve learned so much from you. Baseball knowledge feeds my soul and you’re an amazing educator in that department.

J.M. Walker: Thank you for making pretty things for me and formatting this book so amazingly. Most of all, thanks for not screaming and quitting when I ask for 136 million changes all the time. You are patient and kind. I appreciate your willingness to fit me into your schedule without ever complaining. I’m lucky to have found you. #FriendsForever

Barbara New: You simplify my life. You spoil me endlessly. You’ve become family in a big way. YOU ARE AMAZING! No words can express all that you mean to me. Seriously. I love you and Don like crazy!

To the Book Splashers: You guys rock my world. I can’t wait for the next journey with you all.

To my Heartstrings Girls (and 1 guy, Dave): Thanks for keeping my secrets and supporting me in our little group. I have big plans for that group.

To the bloggers: You have more value in this community than you realize! Thank you for doing what you do and loving it.

Last but not least, to my readers: My world would be nothing without your support. Thank you for every minute you spend reading my words. Thank you for every share, tag and like in the social media madness. Thank you for traveling to meet me at signings; meeting you means so much. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU again and again and again. You make writing possible and that is the most amazing gift possible.