Shannon stares up at the large beast, and I see the fear in her eyes. I wonder if she'll really be able to do it, is she ready? As if in answer to my question, she shakes her head lightly and grips the saddle. I stand behind her as she pushes up, giving her a boost. She sits atop her horse, dead silent. Not moving. “Shannon?” Zeke asks, his young face full of worry. “Are you okay? Do you want to get down?”

We stare at her for a long moment, until she finally blinks. A slow smile spreads across her face as she looks at both of us. “Are you fucking kidding me?” she laughs. “I never want to get down!”

She squeezes her thighs together and the horse moves at a slow trot around the corral. I grin as Zeke laughs at her delighted face, and I throw an arm around his shoulders. I have the feeling everything is going to be okay.

Maybe it’s not the fairytale romance you dream about, but this isn’t a fairytale. This is real.

Real life, real love, takes commitment, trust and hard work from two people willing to put aside their issues and fight together, side by side.

Now, we’re taking on the world one war at a time, just Shannon, Zeke, and their damaged soldier.

Our love will never fit the cookie-cutter mold of a perfect relationship or family. We will fight, there will be tears … but there will also be joy, laughter, and so much more.

Because at the end of the day, what is love, except perfectly imperfect?

THE END.

Cherry Shephard loves Jared Leto, that’s no secret.

She also writes beautifully dark erotic romance stories, focusing on honour and redemption. Her men are dark and strong, with just enough vulnerability to make you believe you could save them. Her women are tough, beautiful and can hold their own.

When not writing, Cherry can be found indulging her other obsession, watching horror movies.

Cherry lives in Australia with Mr. S, her three children, three cats, three dogs and four hermit crabs.