She squirms and struggles to open her eyes, but they have so much goop on them she blinks over and over until she finds me. And the first time our eyes meet, I know I’m completely in love. “Your Mommy wants to meet you.”
I walk her to Kinsley, who’s been watching us the entire time. She cries harder when she sees us getting closer. I sit back down and bring the baby as close to her as I can get. Kinsley kisses her cheek and they lock eyes the same way we did.
“Your mom was so right, Rhett. I love her so much.”
“We got our little girl, Sunny. We got her.”
“Stop hogging the baby,” Becca says, as she leans over Wyatt’s shoulder and smiles at Katey.
We named her Katheryn Marie Taylor—after both of our mothers and in honor of Kate. I’m pretty sure both Kate and my mom cried for two days once we told them. We made our baby a Taylor, and soon, we hope to make Kinsley a Taylor, too. But no matter what last name Katey has, she’s a little piece of everyone.
“Wyatt, seriously! Let me hold the baby.”
Kinsley laughs from the kitchen where she’s helping my mom with some lunch. Wyatt has to go back to school later today, and Kinsley wants to have a little party before he gets busy with football camp.
Even though he’s been staying with Carson this summer, he’s been over at our house more than he’s been at his own. He can’t seem to get enough of Katey. I can’t say I blame him though, we make cute kids.
“You’ll be able to see her for like a month before you go to school. This is my last day.”
Becca nods her head and walks up the stairs toward our bedroom—pissed off.
“Rhett, can you come take your daughter. I have to go apologize for being a pain in the butt.”
I laugh at him because those two do more fighting and making up than any couple I’ve ever known. They’re either hot or cold, but when they make up, you don’t see them for days. He told me to use his imagination on that one, but Becca’s practically my sister, so I don’t necessarily want to do that either.
“Hand me my little nugget.”
Wyatt kisses Katey’s wrinkly little forehead before handing her back to me. She coos at me, and nuzzles against my chest. All those books we read warned us about holding her too much, saying it would spoil her. Well guess what, that’s exactly what I plan to do with my little girl—spoil the shit out of her.
I only get one chance to get this right and I’m not about to mess it up. Not when the two most beautiful girls in the world are counting on me.
This may not have been the path I envisioned for myself when the year started, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Not when I have a girlfriend staring at me like I hang the moon each night and a baby who gives me sweet kisses.
Before I met Kinsley, my life was full of loose ends. This past year, each one found its place—fitting exactly where it belonged. And now, I have it all.
My life’s no longer In Pieces.
THE BEGIN AGAIN SERIES
Lighter (The Begin Again Series Book 1)
Purchase on Amazon
Weightless (The Begin Again Series Book 2)
Purchase on Amazon
GIA RILEY IS from the small, but mighty state of Delaware. She’s a lover of all things romance—a firm believer that everyone deserves a happily ever after.
When she’s not writing, you can find her roaming the aisles of Kirkland’s, up to her elbows in Play-doh, or trying to hunt down spoilers for Big Brother. She loves reality TV almost as much as she loves a good chick flick. Her newest addiction is a Starbucks iced mocha—they keep her up late, doing terrible things to her characters.
You can connect with Gia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. She also has a reader group, Gia Riley’s Books, on Facebook. Stop by anytime, she loves hearing from readers!
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Once I finished Weightless, I was so excited to jump into this novel. It was sitting in my head for a while, begging to be set free. The journey started with a single word on my laptop, and morphed into what it is today. Of course, I can’t take all the credit. Publishing a book isn’t simple, and it takes a strong, supportive team to get it done. I appreciate each and every one of you who encouraged me along the way. Thank you for taking a chance on a girl from the country with a dream to write. Without you, none of this is possible.
To the creative forces behind In Pieces—Sommer Stein of Perfect Pear Creative Covers, thank you for understanding the concept for this novel. You didn’t give up until I had exactly what I wanted, and even then, you took it a step farther to add the personal touches that topped it off. Your work continues to amaze me, and I’m so thankful to have you on my team.
Christine Borgford of Perfectly Publishable, thank you for understanding when I needed to bump my date back. You’re always so accommodating and want the best for the project. You continue to light up the inside of my books, making them stand out in their own unique way. Your attention to detail makes my life so much easier.
Sassy Savvy PR & Marketing—Linda, you’re my PR goddess. From the moment we first spoke, your excitement was infectious. Your organization, timely responses, virtual high fives, and willingness to get the job done make my life easier. Thank you for embracing a new client—and thank you for sharing this journey with me.
To my readers–In Pieces is a little different than what I’ve previously written. Still, your excitement for my words blew me away. Your continued support means more to me than you could ever imagine. Thank you for wanting more. You challenge me every day to be more and more creative. I hope I’ve done you proud.
To every blogger who has supported me—thank you for taking the time to promote my work. A simple post or shout out makes my entire day. I’ve gotten to meet some of you at signings, and each one of you stop at my table with so much enthusiasm for books. It’s that spirit that pushes me to write more. Always remember, no matter how big or small you are, your voice matters! Thank you for all you do.
To my Bitchesnachos—Paypal loves you. Thank you for being totally inappropriate at all the wrong times. Even the right ones, too. You teach me new things every single day—though some are more useful than others. Thank you for encouraging me when I’m down, for making fun of me when I deserve it, and for encouraging me to find my inner dirty bird. P4D—hold on tight.
My betas—Tina, Kelly, and Ashley.
Tina, thank you for sneaking pages at work without getting fired. Your love for Rhett and curiousness about Carson had me laughing on a daily basis. I can always count on you to keep it real and I love you for it. You don’t always give yourself enough credit for the things you accomplish, but please know that you deserve all the good things that come to you.
Kelly, thank you for being so excited about this book. Every single day you pushed me to get it right. Each time I sent you something new, you jumped on it and fired back with messages. I can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your busy day to help me. We have a lot more to look forward to.