Nashville, Tennessee. 1995
April stared at the ceiling, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. So many doubts, so much uncertainty, so many possibilities flashing through her head like a movie—a cruel prank played by her own brain.
And by her heart, too, because it wouldn’t stop pounding with anxiety. It was as if the calm they’d finally found was just the ominous prelude to a storm that would destroy everything.
James stirred beside her as the alarm blared. His heavy arm draped over April’s stomach, pulling her closer. He cracked open one eye when he heard her laugh. Lying on his stomach, he lifted his head slightly to get a better look at her and gave a sad smile.
This was the last time they’d wake up like this, and what made it worse was not knowing when—or if—they’d see each other again. James could see that fear in April’s eyes. He kissed her, trying to silence her worries with love.
The young woman closed her eyes, savoring the touch, but it didn’t stop the lump from forming in her throat. When James pulled back and rested his forehead against hers, she couldn’t hold back the shaky sigh that escaped her lips.
“James…”
“I know, sunshine,” he murmured, his brow furrowing even with his eyes closed. “I’m heading to Los Angeles to chase my dream. Today.”
“And soon I’ll be off to Boston to chase mine,” she reminded him, brushing her hand against his cheek.
James opened his eyes, gazing at her so closely that April felt like he could read every single thought in her mind, each one more devastating than the last.
“You’re scared, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Of course I am. Aren’t you?”
“Yeah. Of course I am. There’s a voice in my head telling me we’ll never see each other again,” he admitted. She sat up, pulling the sheet over her bare body. He sat up too, taking her hand and playing with her fingers. “But…”
“But…?”
“There’s also another voice, deep down inside me, the one I choose to hold on to. It tells me we *will* see each other again. Even if things get tough, even if it’s hard to get back on track, even if we go through stuff that makes us think we’ll never be together again. That voice tells me we can handle anything, April. Absolutely anything. And do you know why?”
She shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears.
“Because I love you with all my heart, and I know you’re the love of my life. The only woman I want to be with for the rest of my days,” he assured her, gently tilting her chin up. “Because this love I feel for you is gonna last forever.”
“Do you promise?”
His heart clenched at the small, fearful tone in his girlfriend’s voice, but he wanted to erase every insecurity from her mind. He kissed her again, moving the hand on her chin to her waist and lifting her to straddle him, drawing a tiny gasp from her lips.
“I promise, April Cooper. And you? Do you promise to love me forever?”
“I promise, James Walker,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I love you today, tomorrow, and always.”
“Then… I think we can skip the promises and get straight to the action,” he murmured against the skin of the blonde’s neck.
He wasn’t looking at her face, but he knew her eyes were closed.
“Make love to me, James. Make me yours one last time… for now,” she added, tilting her head down to meet his gaze.
He glanced at the clock on the nightstand, then back at her, a smile spreading across his face.
“We’ve got time, so your wish is my command, Miss Cooper.”
He laid her back on the bed, chuckling at the surprised squeal that escaped the blonde’s lips. She started laughing too. Their mouths met in a deep kiss, a testament to the intense love they felt despite their youth.
Their paths were about to diverge—there was no doubt about that—and countless possibilities could emerge over the years. But if there was one thing they were also certain of, it was that their love, so powerful, couldn’t fade away.
Of course, as teenagers, it was only natural to believe their love was invincible…
IMPORTANT WARNING:
This story contains scenes of domestic violence, alcoholism, drug use, and death. While the descriptions are not graphic, they may evoke strong emotions. Readers should be prepared to explore profound aspects of the human condition, including pain, loss, redemption, and hope.
Book divided into 2 parts. This is the first volume.