In a Heartbeat by Adina D. Grey
Jace
I knew things were bad with Natalie… you have a third sense for this sort of thing, I guess. But I never expected to find a newborn baby in front of my door, certainly not my own.
Maddison
It was the cries that drew me. For once, my terrified and broken heart lurched at the thought of another innocent life needing my help. No longer held back by the fear of my past but being dragged by a maternal instinct that’s always been lurking under the surface.
What will happen when my past catches up? Do I even deserve a chance to be happy? And am I willing to drag them into it with me?
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Description
Find more from this author on:
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Adina D. Grey is an Italian romance author, a mom, wife, avid reader, blogger, and reviewer. She loves all adrenaline sports, cooking, and baking. She loves music and karaoke despite being out of tune as a bell. No one is perfect.
What inspired you to write your book?
It was a challenge actually. My best friend dared me to publish one book, and guess what?! I did! I released three books so far, and I'm really enjoying this amazing adventure.
Here is a short sample from the book:
Chapter 1 Maddison
“You have to move, Maddie. You can’t live with the fear that he’ll find you. You were lucky today. He just pushed you. But tomorrow?”
“The police are taking care of it, Lorie. I can’t leave home and work and just move.”
Lorie snorts, getting up from the sofa and pacing back and forth. “They’re taking care of it, you say? It’s the second time he’s tried to hurt you this month. Trust me, please. At work, they’ll understand. If you need money for a new house, I’ll help you.”
“Money isn’t a problem, Lorie, but where should I go?”
She stares at me, then takes out her cellphone and smiles. “Give me a letter, without thinking about it, the first one that comes to your mind.”
“I don’t know. N.”
She starts typing on her phone and smiles. “Here you are. Nanteville. It’s a beautiful town in New Hampshire, not too far from here but safe and small.”
“I don’t know, Lorie…” I say as I try to get up from the sofa. The pain in my side takes my breath away. “Okay, if it has a hospital, I can be transferred there. Tomorrow, I’ll start looking for a house.”
“No need. I just filed a request with the real estate agent on your behalf. With the characteristics of this house, more or less.”
“Thanks, Lorie. You’re an angel.”
“I know, but now let’s go to the ER. I don’t like seeing you in pain.”
“I just need some ice, and I’ll be fine.”
“Get your ice and your jacket, and let’s go to the hospital. I’m not taking no for an answer.”
I give up. “Okay,” I reply, sighing.
Chapter 2 Jace
“Jace, man, you need to slow down. Take a break!”
“I’ll do it, I promise!” I say, stopping the treadmill.
“So, you have a new neighbor now?”
“I don’t know. I’ve seen the real estate agent there often these two days.”
“If he sells the house, you’d know. They can’t do it without telling you. It’s yours.”
“Yes, I know, but I’m also curious.”
“Go home, Jace! How is Natalie?”
“She’s still with her mother. She says she needs time.”
“Time? What for? When is the due date?”
“I think there are a couple of weeks left. Apparently, she’s confused and doesn’t feel ready for a family.”
“She should have thought about that before you two decided to have a baby.”
“Yeah, I told her, but apparently she has other ambitions. I’m tired, Chris. I’ve been fighting with this shit for months now. This situation is killing me.”
“I know. We’re always here for you.”
“Thanks, bro! Okay, I’m going home.”
“See you tomorrow, and try to sleep.”
I raise my thumb and get in the car.
How the fuck did we get to this point?
While I’m heading home, the real estate agent calls me.
“Hello?”
“Mr. O’Neill, I’m calling to inform you that we have had an offer for your house. The buyer would be willing to take it right away. From what I understand, she’d like to move as soon as possible.”
“That’s great.”
“Can you come to the agency?”
“Sure, I’m on my way. See you later.”
I would have expected a ridiculous offer like the previous ones. Still, I was surprised to find that she offered only $10,000 less than the selling price. We signed the papers. I find it odd that Ms. Wyatt didn’t come in person to sign, but it’s none of my business about why she chose a tight deal.
As soon as I open the door, I go home, and all the loneliness hits me like a slap. I pick up the phone and send a text to Natalie:
‘Hi, Nat. How are you feeling today?’
I’m heading to the shower. I already know that she’ll answer only when she feels like it. If it weren’t for my daughter, the one she carried in her womb, I would have told Natalie to go fuck herself. I’m almost 35 years old, and I don’t need to play games. I want a family.
I get into bed when my phone light up.
‘I’m a whale. The baby kicks more and more and doesn’t let me sleep. What do you say? How can I feel, huh?’
‘Nat, come home. We can go through this period together.’
‘Jace, I’m not coming home! It’s over. Stop trying to sweeten this truth. IT’S OVER!’
I have a bad taste in my mouth, not because I have feelings for her, but because I want a united family for my daughter. I’m afraid that she’ll take her away from me.
‘Nat, I’m not giving up on the baby, and if you try to keep her away from me, I’ll drop hell on you!’
She doesn’t answer anymore. Despite several attempts to call her, the bitch doesn’t pick up my call.
Fuck my life!
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