*~*Love Notes – Ben to Lauren – Sensational by Janet Nisssenson*~*

Title: Sensational (Inevitable Series Book #4)
Author: Janet Nissenson
Genre: Contemporary Romance

THEY SAY YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE…

Lauren McKinnon has always prided herself on never backing down from a challenge, living life to its fullest, and refusing to be ruled by her emotions. She is the quintessential wild child who became a bold, fearless woman, she doesn’t believe in regrets or second chances, and thinks that true love only happens in fairy tales. Except for the time it happened to her one magical summer. But unlike fairy tales, in real life love can also be cruel, and after having her heart broken Lauren has vowed to never allow herself to be vulnerable again.

Ben Rafferty has always been a loner, never truly belonging anywhere or to anyone, until the summer he visits Big Sur and meets the girl he immediately recognizes as his soulmate. But Lauren’s star shines far too brightly, and to stay with her means the real possibility of dimming that brilliant light. The decision to leave her behind will be the most difficult of his life, and for years later he’s left to wonder what would have happened if he’d stayed.

When their paths inevitably cross again, Lauren’s pride and refusal to forgive continues to keep them apart, as does the new woman in Ben’s life. As truths are eventually revealed, and emotions can no longer be denied, will Lauren and Ben finally find their way back to each other, or will they be destined to forever remain apart?

Check out the other books in the Inevitable Series!

Ben gets super swoony!

Keep reading to see the full Love Note!

Lauren McKinnon-Rafferty scowled darkly at her husband as she reluctantly took the small, burlap-wrapped box and vellum envelope from his outstretched hand.

“Ben,” she reminded ominously, “we agreed not to exchange Valentine’s Day gifts this year.  Everything has been so hectic this year that I didn’t finish putting away the Christmas decorations until last week.”

Unconcerned with his wife’s stormy expression, Ben merely smiled at her serenely and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I was starting to think you were just going to leave them up until next Christmas. And this was actually supposed to be a Christmas gift, but the person who made it for me – well, let’s just say he works at his own pace and won’t be rushed. Open it.”

She shook her head. “Silly. Everyone knows you’re supposed to read the card first before you open a present.”

Instead of tearing the envelope apart as would have been her norm, Lauren for once was careful as she opened it and then withdrew a sheet of folded parchment.  Ben’s bold but artistic handwriting filled more than half the sheet.

Lauren,

This small token can’t begin to express all of the love I feel for you, nor how grateful I am to have you in my life. As you know, I was alone and lonely for a long time before you came into my life, never really feeling as though I belonged anywhere or to anyone. The moment I met you, and the moment I walked inside this house, I felt like I had arrived home after a very long time away. You’ve given me so much more than just your love – a family, a sense of belonging, a real home, and more laughter, joy, and happiness that one man could ever dream of experiencing in one lifetime.

And the gifts you gave me last spring – our two beautiful, amazing little girls – are the ones I cherish most of all.  The four of us are a unit now, and when I saw a photo of us with the twins it gave me an idea for the perfect gift for you. Now, I know you don’t like jewelry very much – it’s a wonder you actually agreed to wear a wedding ring – but I do think you’ll like this particular piece. I had it made just for you, but know that it’s much more than just a piece of jewelry.  It represents all that I feel for you and the girls, and that the three of you are, simply, my heart.

With much love,

Ben

Lauren furiously blinked back tears as she set aside her husband’s brief but deeply touching note, and carefully unwrapped the small box. Inside, nestled on a bed of soft cotton, was a narrow brown leather cord necklace from which was suspended two exquisitely carved double hearts.  She touched each of the hearts, which she recognized as having been carved from local Monterey cypress.  As she turned each of the hearts over, her eyes filled with tears once more to realize that they had been personalized with each of their names.  One of the double hearts bore the names of their twin daughters – Summer and Daisy – which the engraving on the other heart read Lauren and Ben.

“The one for the girls is because they’re twins,” explained Ben quietly. “Because they’re two halves of the same whole. And while you and I certainly aren’t twins, you’re definitely my soulmate, Lauren. The other half of me. I – I hope you like it. I mean, I know you don’t – ”

She flung her arms around his neck, pulling his head down to hers for a long, passionate kiss. He was gasping for breath when she finally released him, but grinned when she looped the leather cord around her neck.

“I love it,” she whispered, not bothering to wipe away the tears that trickled down her cheeks. Her slender fingers closed around the twin hearts, pressing them against her own heart. “Just like I love you and our girls more than my own life. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Janet is a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, and currently resides on the northern California coast with her husband Steve and Golden Retriever Max. She worked for more than two decades in the financial services industry before turning her focus to producing running events. She is a former long-distance runner, current avid yoga practitioner, is addicted to Pinterest, likes to travel and read. She has been writing for more than three decades but Serendipity is her first official published work. There will be a total of six full-length books in the Inevitable series, plus one novella. Up next is the release of book one in the new Splendor trilogy!