I'll Be Seeing You (21 page)

Epilogue

Katherine sat at the vanity, her lips turned up in a tiny, contented smile as she watched Cole walk from the bathroom, only the towel wrapped around his lean waist covering up that body that she knew by touch. He caught her eyes in the reflection of the glass and gave her a wicked grin.

“Who was on the phone?” he asked, walking over to her and laying his hands on her shoulders. He leaned down and gently kissed her neck.

“Mmm, what?” she asked dreamily as she lifted her arm to wrap it around his neck, her fingers toying with his damp hair.

It had been just over six months since that night, and in that time, Cole had made her happier than she had ever thought possible. She had sold her house and settled in at Cole’s easily, as if they had always lived together. It was perfect and comfortable… and she loved him more with each day that passed.

Cole had gone back to work and Katherine, after much thought, had re-opened her store. She would not let the ghosts of her past hinder her future any longer. Being with Cole had shown her a strength that she hadn’t even realized that she had. He made her strong, confident, and completely content. Life was good.

Stewart had been released from prison and Cole had made some calls and gotten him set up with a job and a place to live and Katherine could not have loved him more for it. Stewart finally had a chance to live a good life, and it was all because of this amazing man.

Cole chuckled against her neck, his mouth, so very warm and tempting, still ignited that ever present flame within her, and she had no doubt at all that it always would.

“I asked who was on the phone.”

“Oh!” Katherine said, a small, content smile lighting up her face. “It was the doctor’s office.” She had gone in for her final check-up and was happy to say that she had gotten a glowing report. Her scar was barely visible now and there had been no permanent nerve damage. Not to mention, the little surprise that she had received.

“Is everything all right?” Cole asked; worry instantly marring his perfect features. She had told him that the doctor had said that everything was fine when he had asked after her appointment, and now… Damn it! He
knew
that he should have gone with her! But she had been so damn stubborn and had insisted that she didn’t need him there.

Katherine burst out laughing, her eyes sparkling. “Everything is wonderful…” She caught his gaze once again in the glass and broke out into a full-fledged smile, her green depths locking with and holding his blue ones, “
Daddy
.”

Cole’s head jerked up as his mouth dropped open, doubting that he could have heard her correctly. “What did you say?” He breathed out slowly, his body as still as if it were made of stone and he held his breath.

“I said everything is wonderful…Daddy.”

“Katherine…do you mean…” he shook his head, hoping and praying that he wasn’t hearing her wrong.

“Cole, I’m pregnant.”

Cole was quiet for a long moment. Finally, he turned and walked silently over to the dresser, opening the top drawer and taking a deep, shaky breath.

“Cole?” Katherine questioned, suddenly worried that his silence meant that he wasn’t happy with the news. They had never really discussed the possibility of children, and with everything that had happened and all of the medications that she had been on; her birth control had been completely forgotten in the shuffle.

Cole came walking back and dropped down to his knee beside her, holding up a small black box. Katherine’s hand shot up and covered her mouth as the tears started to flow in earnest now.

“Katherine Chastain, you are the absolute love of my life. I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love another person and I cannot imagine my life without you in it. You are my very breath, my heart…my
soul
. And over the past few months, I have been going slowly but surely
completely
insane, anxiously waiting to ask you this again. I wanted the time to be right. I wanted to make sure that you were ready…that you wouldn’t turn me down again,” he said with a small chuckle. “So, will you please
finally
agree
marry me, Sweetheart?”

He opened the box and a beautiful square diamond twinkled back at her, causing her breath to catch in her throat.

“Cole…” she gasped, her hands beginning to tremble as she stared down in wonder.

“Katherine, I understand that when I asked you before you were afraid of everything that was going on. But, now…damn it, Baby, I can’t wait any longer. I need you. I want us to be a family. Honey, I love you with my entire being and I swear that I will spend the rest of my miserable life making you and our children as happy as humanly possible. I just…”

Katherine placed her finger over his lips, effectively silencing him. She watched him a moment, her eyes shimmering with her tears. “Cole…yes! Oh, yes! I’ll marry you. There is absolutely nothing that I want more,” she laughed, her voice husky as she sniffled.

Cole slipped the ring on her finger with a loud whoop and pulled her into his arms, his mouth seeking out hers in desperation. He groaned deep in his chest when he felt her arms slide around his neck as she pulled him closer and her tongue slid against his in silent promise.

“Christ, I love you,” he murmured against her mouth.

Katherine smiled.
This
was life.
This
was love. There would be no more looking over her shoulder. No more being afraid to live. This man had entered her pitiful little bubble and had showed her what it was like to
feel.
He had turned her world upside down, but in a way that had been her salvation. He was unexpected, and perfect…and all
hers
.

“I love you, Cole,” she whispered back. “And, Little Bean is going to be the most loved baby on the planet.”

“Little Bean?” he laughed in response, his eyes gleaming in nothing less than pure wonder and utter happiness.

“Well, at least until we find out what we’re having…yeah.” She laughed back and realized with a grin that she had never laughed more in her entire life than she had in these past few months spent with this man. He made her feel safe, secure. She laughed, she loved…she
lived.
This was life. And it was spectacular.

The End

Darlene Kuncytes is also the author of The Supernatural Desire Series. If you love romance with a touch of paranormal, please make sure to check them out on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Please feel free to contact Darlene. She loves hearing from her readers! Here are her links:

https://www.facebook.com/AVampiresSavingEmbrace?ref=bookmarks

Amazon:
http://t.co/crlnP5fvyH

Goodreads:-
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7013486.Darlene_Kuncytes

B & N:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Darlene-Kuncytes?store=allproducts&keyword=Darlene+Kuncytes

Follow her on twitter  @VampireEmbrace

There are so many people I want to thank for supporting me on this wonderful, crazy, amazing journey. My brother Den, who I miss each and every day. I miss your smile and your “Awe…Sis’s” I miss your laugh and even your lectures. To have such an amazing man in my life has marked my life in a way that is incomprehensible. I am a better person because of you. I miss you, Brother.

To the most amazing people in my life–my family:  Deb, Sue, Nick, Chris, Erin, Audrey, Sam, and Ben!  You all have encouraged me and loved me through all of this so much and I could never thank you enough for that. We are family, and that is the most cherished thing that you can have.

To Sue, Angie, and Bobby–you guys are an amazing gift that I am grateful for every day. You all are family, and I love you guys so much!

To my editor–Lisa Angel Miller, What can I say! You are beyond amazing! You are always ready for my insanity and your exuberance and love is infectious! You are still my number one stalker and I love you for it! I am so lucky to have you as a friend and editor!

To Stacy Bradley for my spectacular cover. You nailed it my beautiful Fey!! Thank you!

To my assistant, Crystal Clifton, who is always there for me whenever I need you and goes above and beyond for me and blows me away on a daily basis–all the while keeping me sane and laughing in the process! I am so blessed to have you in my life and to call you my friend! I would be lost without our daily talks and chuckles!!!

To Kelli Smith, my partner in crime! Thank you for doing all that you do for me!!! And for making me laugh at all of your crazy antics! I snort more when I talk to you than I ever have! You encourage me and support me, and never let me give up. You are my very own little ball of sunshine! You rock it sista! And I love your guts!

To my Fabulous Fey, who are the most amazing group of sisters to me! My Queen Fey, Janna Ward…you amaze me daily!  To Tess Quarles, who is there whenever I need you! To Crystal Clifton for always being ready to step up and be there for me. To, Belinda Gallant, Agnese Kohn, Charisse Hall, Sheila Isbell, Penny Brosze, Rene Mahood, Stacy Bradley, Jacklynn Sizemore, Lilian Jade, Kelli Smith, Karlin Green, Jennifer Prouse, Karen Horton, Mary Woldering and Erin Kuncytes!!!!!  Your selflessness and love is awe-inspiring. You girls are my support system, my strength, and I could never thank you all enough!!!! I would be so lost without you all! You girls keep me laughing and smiling when I feel as if I am at my wits end, and you ALWAYS make me feel special, and most importantly…loved! I adore you!!!!

To Virginia McKevitt and Julia Lake Mills, oh you girls are amazing! There are no words to express how lucky I am to have you in my life!

To the amazing Willow Cross! Honey, you are amazing!! And, I adore you! Your wonderful spirit and kind heart blows me away!

To my fans…wow! Where do I even begin? Because of your love and support, I am living a dream that I thought was unreachable. I am doing what I love more than anything, and I could never thank you enough! It is absolutely because of your love of my storytelling that I can live out my dreams and I will always be so grateful to you all for that. From my heart…thank you. Without you, I would not be doing what I so love.

I hope that I haven’t forgotten anyone, although I know that I have. I have made so many wonderful friends on this journey, who I now consider family, and it means the world to me. You all are so special, and I adore you so much.

Remember to always chase your dreams; you just never know when you will finally catch up to them!!!

Kisses and pounce-hugs!!

Darlene

Other Books

By

Darlene Kuncytes

A Vampire’s Saving Embrace (book 1) (The Supernatural Desire Series)

A Wolf’s Savage Embrace (book 2) (The Supernatural Desire Series)

Marcus’ Mortal Embrace (book 3) (The Supernatural Desire Series)

Mystical Royal Love: Paranormal Romance Anthology Box Set 1

Mystical Xmas: Paranormal Romance Anthology Box Set 3

Make sure to check out an excerpt from A Vampire’s Saving Embrace below!!!

A Vampire’s Saving Embrace (Sample)

It’s time to join the Journey... The Supernatural Desire Series! Get yours today! Fall in love!

Chapter 1

Abigail Montgomery blew a stray strand of hair away from her face as she glared across the crowded bar - her eyes narrowed in frustration.

“I swear to God, Abs - you’re going to scare Mr. Hottie away with those looks you keep shooting his way. You look like you could peel the paint right off of the walls for crying out loud!” Kat, her co-worker yelled at her over the noise – gracing her with her best no nonsense scowl.

Abby gave Kat a disgusted grunt as her eyes stayed on the disturbingly handsome man sitting alone at the table on the other side of the bar.

He had been in Echo’s every night for the past three that Abby had worked. Sitting at the same damn table - nursing a bourbon, and
watching
her. He never approached or spoke to her - he just watched her work - his oh, so sensuous, full lips set in a grim line - and it was beginning to un-nerve her. This man was beyond model perfect, and it made Abby feel utterly intimidated and completely lacking. Just what in the
hell
was this man’s problem?

She took a deep, steadying breath and tore her eyes from him - trying to concentrate on something -
anything
other than his disturbing presence. She stooped down to grab a tray of clean glasses from beneath the bar, and unceremoniously dropped them with a resounding crash when she turned to find Mr. Gorgeous standing at the bar directly in front of her - his eyes locked on her face.

“Easy there, sweetheart,” he whispered - the smooth, silky timber of his voice causing her to shiver slightly. Damn, but the man was delicious, she thought sourly.

He stood about six foot two and was unbelievably muscular – but not the steroid addled muscles of a body builder, she thought with a twinge – no… his muscles were real. Un-Godly real and painfully apparent beneath the very expensive shirt he wore. The man just reeked class and money. Cripes!

His hair was jet black and cut short to where it just touched the collar of said shirt in sexy, messy spikes. And his eyes - oh Lord, his eyes were sea blue and framed by unbelievably long, thick lashes. It should be illegal for a man to have such beautiful eyelashes she thought with a grunt. Yet, he was completely and irrevocably all man.

Abby felt a sudden surge of heat run through her as his eyes traveled over her face as he thoroughly appraised her - and she bit her bottom lip to stop her wayward thoughts. “Can I get you something?” she croaked out - immediately wincing at the tremor in her voice. Crap.

He smiled, his perfect white teeth glistening slightly - his eyes capturing and holding hers. “That depends, my pet - on just what it is that you are offering.” The wicked smile that came to his face caused Abby’s cheeks to burn, and an unwelcome heat to spread through her stomach as her entire body began to tingle.

Her hackles rose at the unwanted onslaught of it all and she glared. Abby did not like the effect this man was having on her in the least!

“Do you want another drink?” she ground out - her emerald eyes snapping fire as her cheeks blazed red – damn, was it getting warm in here? She silently wondered - hating how awkward and unsure she felt under his close scrutiny. He was holding her gaze as if he were looking into her very soul - and it was making her beyond uncomfortable in a completely embarrassing way. The guy had her entire body trembling.

“Actually…”

“Oh! Christ, Abby,” Kat said, squatting down and starting to pick up the broken pieces of glass from the floor. “Are you all right?” Abby looked down at the fiery red-head and grimaced.

“Damn, Charlie is going to have my hide,” she whispered before glancing back up. She was startled to discover that Mr. Gorgeous was gone; and quickly searched the pulsating crowd on the dance floor - then the table where he had been seated for the past three days – but he was nowhere to be seen.

Abby felt a sudden rush of something that she wasn’t sure was relief or disappointment. She shook the thought off and bent down to help Kat with the mess she’d made; and groaned softly when she noticed that her hands were shaking. Damn, just what in the hell was wrong with her?

Abby was what most would call classically beautiful. She was 27, curvy in all the right places - five foot four inches tall with golden hair that hung to her shoulder blades in luminous waves; and deep emerald green eyes that took everyone who met her back instantly with their beauty. She was sweet and funny and seemed to put the people she met at ease immediately. Even though she closed herself off from any outside activities. She always turned down the many dates she was asked on - preferring to keep her distance.

Kat on the other hand was full bodied and boisterous. Her flaming red hair matched her flaming personality and wild ways.

The two were complete opposites; but yet had quickly become best friends. Kat was Abby’s yin to her yang - the regulars at the bar calling them fire and ice.

“I saw you talking to that gorgeous piece -
please
tell me he was hitting on you.” Kat said, laughing happily - her eyes gleaming mischievously as she waggled her eyebrows at her friend.

Abby shook her head - not exactly sure what he
had
been doing. “No, he just wanted another drink,” she replied half-heartedly, and realized with a start that there was disappointment in her voice. She cursed herself again for her reaction to the man.  Good Lord!

“Damn it, Abs.” Kat reprimanded, her eyes narrowing. “You really need to quit playing the nun and flirt a little. That gorgeous drink of water has been here watching
you,
and only you for the past three nights,” she bit out in a huff. “This self- imposed celibacy of yours is wearing thin. You are just too damn beautiful to let all that go to waste.” Kat placed her hands on her hips and glared at her.

Abby shook her head and shrugged. She was doing just fine on her own. In fact, she
liked
her solitude. She always had. Even as a little girl, Abby was more comfortable strolling alone in the woods near whatever house they had been living in at the time - listening to the sounds of the forest, than spending time with others.  Although, if she were to be honest, she never really had the time to make any real friends. She and her mother had moved around often, and making and losing friends had just become too much for her. It was so much easier to be on her own. No attachments meant - no hurt. “I’m fine.” She grumbled irritably – gracing her friend with her best scowl. “I am
completely
content with my life. Thank you very much!”

“Oh, come on Abigail!” Kat bit out, glaring right back at her. “You are one of the best people I know, and you deserve to be happy. Yet, you just continue to hide yourself away and wallow in your loneliness.”

“I am not lonely!” Abby snapped, her eyes blazing. “And I am not
wallowing
in anything!”

“Really? Well, that is definitely not how I see it. Honey, you need to kick up your heels a bit - and that man was about the finest specimen of the male gender that I have probably
ever
seen,” she continued – her voice softening a bit. “And, Abs, he was so totally into you. You have to move on for God’s sake. He’s not Eric. Not all men are sadistic assholes.”

Abby grimaced at the mention of her ex-boyfriend. She had worked extremely hard the past year to erase that abusive bastard from her life
and
her mind. Even though they had only been together for a little over four months, the damage he had done to her mentally and physically remained, and she caught herself touching the tiny scar under her chin with her finger. No! She silently reprimanded herself. She was
not
going there.

She had purged him from her life and had accepted the fact that she was better off alone. Dating had never been her thing anyway, and she had accepted that. She was a complete jerk-off magnet – and she had discovered the hard way that it was best just to stay away from men in general. Love was all an illusion anyway - Abby thought with a grunt. Men said all the right things
until
they got what they wanted from you – then all bets were off. Eric had painfully proven that. Before she could say anything else, Abby felt a hand on her arm and her body tensed - a creepy chill crawling up her spine.

She turned her attention to the man standing at the bar and inwardly cringed as he blatantly looked her up and down with a hunger that did nothing to reduce Abby’s unease. He was a thin, scruffy guy with dirty brown hair and eyes that looked… almost black - and intense in a way that caused her to immediately stiffen. “Hello, my lovely,” he purred, his voice guttural and raspy.

Abby pulled her arm from his grasp just as a blinding headache hit her full on – almost knocking her to her knee’s. Holy hell, she thought, bringing her fingers to her temples as she winced in pain. Just where in the hell had this come from? She looked at Kat, her face set in a grimace. “Kat, could you help this
gentleman
,” she choked out. “I think I might need to go home. I seem to be getting a migraine.”

“Oh, sure,” Kat said, quickly glancing at the man standing there. Her smile faded as she watched him look at her - then back to Abby. He was looking her friend up and down as if she were on the damn menu, and it caused Kat to grow extremely uncomfortable. “Go on, get out of here,” she whispered, ushering Abby toward the back room. “I’ll take care of this jerk. You just go on home and get some rest.” She pushed her through the door and turned back to the bar - realizing with a deep feeling of dread that he was gone.

Abby grabbed her purse and walked out of the back door and into the alley beside the bar. She took a deep calming breath and closed her eyes, inhaling the fresh air deeply. As soon as she got outside, her headache began to subside and she thought about going back in and finishing her shift, but the creepy guy at the bar convinced her that she should just go home, take a couple of aspirin and go to bed. Tonight had been one hell of a doozy! First, tall dark and gorgeous – then Freddy
freaking
Krueger!

Abby shook her head and began walking toward the park that would take her home. Bed was definitely what she needed.

As Abby entered the park she shivered with a sense of foreboding. The place was completely deserted – the cool winter air and late hour keeping even the most avid nature buffs from venturing out. She pulled her sweater tightly around herself and shivered – knowing that it was from more than just the night air. What had she been thinking! She should have just called a cab to take her home, just this once. It wasn’t that far of a walk - but after the night she had just had, walking alone at midnight was not the smartest thing she had ever done.

She took a deep, steadying breath and walked on, “knock it off scardey-cat,” she whispered to herself – but the loud beating of her heart didn’t seem to listen. As she headed up the path that would take her to her tiny one bedroom apartment, she saw a shadow dart behind a tree and gasped.

“Imagination Abby,” she murmured, desperately trying to slow down the rapid pounding in her chest- but a moment later another shadow darted across the path and the guy from the bar stepped out from seemingly nowhere and stood in front of her, his mouth set in a triumphant grin and his eyes gleaming with nothing less than pure malice.

“There you are, my lovely,” he hissed, taking a step forward and blocking her path. “You left before we could get properly acquainted.”

Abby swallowed the lump forming in her throat and the panic running through her entire body, and jutted out her chin - summoning up every ounce of courage that she possessed. “Get out of my way,” she said, with much more force than she actually felt. In fact, what she was actually feeling was extreme terror.

There was just something so off with this guy, that it had Abby’s knee’s knocking together - and every single thing that she had learned from the few self-defense classes that she had taken to go flying out the window.

He just laughed and took a step closer to her. She could smell his fetid breath, and the distinct aroma of rotten eggs. She bit back the bile that rose in her throat and took a deep breath through her mouth, her eyes watering from the stench. Holy Hell, didn’t this creep ever hear of taking a shower?

“Oh, I don’t think so, my lovely,” he whispered, lifting his hand to show her the long knife he held; and Abby’s heart stopped. “You and I have some business to attend to.”

Oh shit! Abby silently screamed. She was going to be raped! She felt the blood draining from her face as her legs began to shake uncontrollably, threatening to give out from under her as she fought desperately to calm herself.

No! She silently screamed - she was not a victim anymore, and would not give in - well, not without a fight anyway, she decided defiantly. Summoning up every ounce of courage that she could muster, she took a deep, calming breath.

She would sure as hell go out kicking and screaming. Abigail Montgomery was not one to back down without getting in at least
one
good kick! She had fought too long and too hard to survive, and was not about to let some half-witted scumbag change that now.