If it was only about her, she might never have come back to Rose Bend.
But it’s not only about her anymore.
Sydney Collins left the small Berkshires town of Rose Bend eight years ago, grieving her sister’s death—and heartbroken over her parents’ rejection. But now the rebel is back—newly divorced and pregnant—ready to face her fears and make a home for her child in the caring community she once knew. The last thing she needs is trouble. But trouble just set her body on fire with one hot, hot smile.
Widower and Rose Bend mayor Coltrane Dennison hasn’t smiled in ages. Until a chance run-in with Sydney Collins, who’s all grown-up and making him want what he knows he can’t have. Grief is his only connection to the wife and son he lost, and he won’t give it up. Not for Sydney, not for her child, not for his heart. But when Sydney’s ex threatens to upend everything she’s rebuilt in Rose Bend, Cole and Sydney may find that a little trouble will take them where they never expected to go.
Cole’s Note is absolute perfection!
Keep reading to see the full Love Note!
Dear Sydney,
Do you know what day it is? Our anniversary. No, not our wedding anniversary. Give me some credit. I’m too afraid to forget that. No, it’s two years to the day that you returned to Rose Bend.
The day my life began again.
Have I ever told you that? I think you know. But I doubt I’ve said the words. That day on the hill in back of the church, I went to visit my dead wife and child, to lose myself in my grief and the past. But little did I know, I was there to meet my future. One I didn’t see, and if I’m honest, I didn’t want, but God knows, I needed. Like air. I needed you, the proud, gorgeous, newly divorced, pregnant rebel returning home after so long. We were on a beautiful collision.
Our road hasn’t been easy. But damn, has it been hard fought. Every mile. You terrified me at first—showing me this life of second chances, of family that I was so damn afraid to reach for. But your limitless, uninhibited love showed me that I was worthy of being a husband and a father again. Thank you for never giving up on me. Even when I gave up on myself.
Sometimes, when I’m sleeping, I’m afraid in those moments just before waking. Afraid that this new life with you and the daughter of my heart is a dream, and when I open my eyes, you’ll be something my mind conjured to get me through the long night. Then I feel your hand on my chest and your body pressed to mine. Your warmth chases away the chill. And I know… God, I know, this isn’t a dream. You’re real. I’m whole, complete and not alone in this world anymore.
Two years, Sydney.
Two years to the day my life began and my heart started beating again.
I love you, Sydney Dennison.
To forever. Because that’s what you are for me. My forever.
Cole
P.S. – Love is giving your husband those John Coltrane records. Just putting that out there…
Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
OMG my favorite love note so far. The PS about the John Coltrane records was the perfect icing on the cake!
Cole is my favorite hot hero, I love how strong Sydney is as well.