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Epilogue

After her conversation with Nic, Aspen hung up the phone. Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, and she leaned against his hard chest, a smile playing on her lips.

"Any news?" he asked, his voice rumbly in her ear.

"We sold the first three books," she said with satisfaction. " Zany Zoo is an official series. They're not going to use my drawings, but I think a professional illustrator will do my characters justice."

"You did it. Congratulations." She turned her head, and he kissed her. "Did you get the terms you wanted?"

Pleasure speared through her. After months of submissions, they'd found the perfect publisher for her books. It wasn't one of the big five, but the terms were generous, and they had a stellar reputation for putting out books that consistently won awards and gained a solid audience. "I got to keep media and audio rights, and Nic negotiated a seven-year term. So, if they don't work out, I get them all back and can publish on my own."

"Smart. What about the sequel?"

Aspen sighed, still a bit unsure. "Nic had a conversation with my editor. She read it, and they want to offer."

"Why don't you sound happy?"

She got up and walked into his open arms. With a sigh of contentment, she murmured against the soft cotton of his T-shirt, "Because I'm still worried you'll regret it."

He tipped up her chin, and she fell into his ocean-blue eyes. A smile curved his lips. "Baby, you owe your fans that book. Besides, it's not our story anymore. Is it?"

She smiled back. "No, it's not."

"Then you're going to sell it and give readers a great gift. It's a beautiful book and meant to be in the world. Okay?"

Emotion choked her throat. "Okay."

"We have to celebrate. Call the gang?"

"Yes. We haven't seen everyone in a while."

"It's been an off month. I wanted to keep you to myself until the spring season began and we're both working nonstop."

"Oh, I wasn't complaining," she purred, leaning in for a second, deeper kiss. "I intend to have our own private celebration after."

He laughed, easing away. "You're killing me. Gotta run a few errands. I'll be back soon."

Aspen sighed with contentment, alone at her desk.

She'd done it.

It had been a difficult process. Brick had pushed her to publish the book, but after looking it over, she realized it wasn't right any longer. Too many things had changed, and Aspen didn't feel the story did justice to Mallory.

So, she'd re-written it.

The sequel was different from the original she'd written six months ago and walked away from. Aspen had been able to connect because Brick had taught her about real love, and Aspen no longer equated pain with good writing. The result was a book she was proud of and loved writing.

There was more space and breath within the passages as Mallory fell in love again and relearned how to not only stay true to herself but honor her scars without living in their shadow, as well. The previous pages were soaked in pain and growth.

With this one? There were more lulls and flow, ups and downs, and scenes of silence that Nic said she'd never read before in Aspen's work, bringing the emotions to a higher level. Plus, she'd changed the ending. Her fans deserved happiness and hope with Mallory's story.

So did Aspen.

With Brick's full support, Aspen had her agent handle the delicate negotiations. Now, she had a contract for a sequel worthy of publication and a new endeavor with her beloved characters of Zany Zoo . She lived in a place with family and friends and the man she loved with all her heart.

Aspen had created her very own happy ending.

Her life turned out to be the best book ever.

Are you ready for Sierra and Kane's story?

Turn the page for a sneak peek!