Tempting Tatum (37 page)

Authors: Kaylee Ryan

I’m sitting in Tate’s private room holding my son and my daughter as I watch my beautiful wife sleep. I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off the three of them. My family, my heart.

I hear a soft knock on the door. I look up and see Asher. “Hey, bro. Congratulations,” he says softly. “Everyone is here, and they’re chomping at the bit to meet the newest members of the Richards clan,” he tells me.

I look down at my children sleeping peacefully, and then up at Tatum. Her eyes are watching me. “Hey you,” I say to her.

A smile graces her lips. “Hey, Daddy.” She pulls herself into the sitting position. I watch as she winces in pain. My girl is amazing. Twins, six pounds one ounce and six pounds three ounces, my son and daughter, and my wife delivered them both naturally. Lucky for Tate the delivery was quick. Within an hour of checking in, they were in our arms and welcomed to the world.

“Hey, sis,” Asher says, kissing her cheek. “The mob is getting restless. I say we keep with tradition and sneak them all in.” He winks at her.

“Sure,” she says with a bright smile. I carefully stand and walk to the bed. She reaches for our baby boy. I sit beside her, holding our baby girl, while Asher ushers in the troops.

“I love you, Tate, so damn much. Thank you for being you, for being my wife, the mother of my children,” I say, kissing her softly.

“Hey, now, isn’t that what got you in here today?” I hear Brent say as he walks in.

I chuckle.

Once everyone is in the room, I introduce them to the newest members of our family.

“Everyone, I would like for you to meet Gavin Michael and his sister Addyson Renee.” I look down and see Tate’s eyes fill with tears.

She looks up to our family. “Michael and Renee were my parents’ names,” she says softly, barely holding her emotions in check.

My mom comes to the bed and hold hers arms out for Gavin. “Let me give this little guy some loving on behalf of me and his Grandma Renee,” she says.

My dad follows suit. “And this little angel needs a kiss or two from me and Grandpa Michael,” he says as he takes Gavin from my arms.

Emotion clogs my throat and I fight back tears. I look down and find Tatum watching me. I lean my forehead against hers. “Hey you,” I whisper softly.

“I love you, Blaise,” she says through her tears.

“I love you,” I reply as we settle back, watch our family fuss over our children and pass on the love from those who couldn’t be with us, but who I know are watching over us each and every day.

Where to begin?

My family. You make it possible to follow this dream. I have received nothing but love and support from day one on this journey and for that I am eternally grateful. I love you!!

I have met some amazing friends throughout this process. The indie community is amazing and I am proud to say that I am a part of it. Every time I see a fellow author share my work or that of our peers I can’t help but be honored to be a part of this Indie Family.

To my AS101 peeps. I love you all. I have learned so much from all of you. It’s a huge relief to be able to bounce ideas and gain suggestions from those of you who are in my shoes or have been there recently.

Toski Covey and Sommer Stein you ladies took my vision and exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much for the stunning cover! The custom photography was exactly what I had in mind and summer…your design blew me away. I can’t wait to work with both of you again.

Tami of Integrity Formatting you make my words come together in a pretty little package. Thank you so much for making Tempting Tatum look fabulous on the inside!

Saoching Moose I don’t even know where to begin. You have become such a great friend to me. From our daily chats, to our marathon sprints, you are there supporting me every step of the way. You played a huge role in helping me mold Blaise and Tatum’s story into one that I am proud of. From the bottom of my heart Thank you for always being there. I love ya, girl!

Mary Tatar, I am blessed to call you a friend. You have been with me since my first release and I am so grateful to have met you. Your trailers make my stories come alive. Thank you for your continued support and trailer making skills!

Love Between The Sheets, thank you for hosting the cover reveal and blog tour. You ladies are amazing and I don’t know what I would do without you!

To all of the bloggers out there
…Thank you so much. Continued never ending support of myself and the entire indie community is greatly appreciated. I know that you don’t hear it enough so hear me now.
I appreciate each and every one of you and the support that you have given me.
Thank you to all of you! There are way too many of you to list…

To my Kick Ass Crew, you ladies know who you are. I will never be able to tell you how much your support means. I will never forget all that you have done for me. Thank you!

Last but not least, to the readers. Without you none of this would even be worth the effort. I truly love writing and I am honored that I am able to share that with you. Thank you to each and every one of you who support me and my dream.

With Love,

Kaylee Ryan