Epiphany: The Destined Series, #4

By Ashley Suzanne

Epiphany, the final installment of The Destined Series, concludes the stories of four best friends from college who are making decisions which will set the course for the rest of their lives.

These core four have had their share of painful pasts, troubled presents and unknown futures. Since college graduation, Skylar’s gotten more involved with the MC, creating turmoil in his relationship. Mira’s quickly learning trust isn’t as easily given as she would have thought. Danny’s life’s on the rocks as he continues to grasp at straws, desperately trying to find his place in a world more unforgiving than he imagined. Kylee’s success is causing Jacoby to feel left out and he’s beginning to resent her career.

With all the ups and downs, will these relationships survive and allow everyone to make it out unscathed? This group of friends, who have become family, is searching for signs to lead them in the right direction. Let’s hope a moment of déjà vu will be the epiphany they all need to move toward the happily ever after they deserve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashley Suzanne
• Release date: Feb 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386147237

Ashley Suzanne

Ashley Suzanne has been writing as long as she can remember. As a youngster, she was always creating stories and talking to her imaginary friends. Thankfully, her parents also carried this love of fiction, and helped her grow into the writer she is today. Ashley is a bestselling author and spends equal amounts of time writing and reading. Being the true book whore she is, Ashley would rather dive into a good book before going out of her house. Giving up her career in Real Estate, Ashley has officially moved to hermit status. When Ashley isn't coming up with her next story, you'll most likely find her on the couch with a kindle in her hand (probably watching some crappy reality show while , annoying her husband by telling him all about her new book boyfriend or spending quality time with her two gremlins ... Sorry, I mean adorable children. You can find Ashley on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and/or her blog.

Book preview

For my children

Who have no idea how much I miss then when I’m writing.  Each and every day I push myself to be better for THEM.  It’s because of THEM that I have dreams and aspirations.  And it’s for THEM that I want to be a better mother, provider and inspiration.  I hope that one day, they will be able to look past the time that I didn’t spend with them and realize it was for the greater good ... and video games of course.

Tyler and Brayden – you’re my world and this book ... this series ... my life ... it’s all for you <3

Also, another very special little boy who changed my life for the better almost 9 years ago.  Elijah Jeffrey, you’re an exceptional young man and have provided me with an understanding of something that’s so wonderful and powerful.  You, young man, are the luckiest little boy on the planet.  Your mom and dad CHOSE you ... they handpicked the most precious angel and brought you home with them.  I’m only part of the miracle, son, it’s you who makes every day for your mommy and daddy worth living.  One day I hope you read this message and know exactly how loved and cherished you truly are.

There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved – George Sand

CHAPTER ONE

Mira

Mira, I keep asking myself the same questions.  Why me?  How’d I get so lucky?  Can I make you happy for the rest of your life?  Skylar pulls a small velvet box from the front pocket of his jeans and starts to kneel in front of me.

My mouth instantly goes dry, tears well in my eyes and my heart hammers inside of my chest.  I know I want this, but it’s so surreal that it’s actually happening ... well, maybe.  Let me not get ahead of myself.  I literally have to sit on my hands and bite the inside of my cheek so I don’t wrap my arms around his neck and scream YES! for all the world to hear.

Sky ... I whisper as his right knee hits the ground.  This.  Is.  It.

Sweets, I can’t answer those questions, he says, not missing a beat.  He’s going in for the kill—I can feel it in my bones.  I don’t think you can, either.  But there is one that you can.  No longer able to hold my emotions at bay, the warm tears slide slowly down my cheeks and into the corners of my mouth.  Wetting my lips, the salty fluid brings me back to present—the beautiful man in front of me, getting ready to ask me the most important question any woman will ever hear. 

"Yes, yes, yes," I scream over and over in my head.

I can only see as far as the horizon and I can’t tell you where this road leads, but what I do know is that I want you.  By my side for it all.  The ups and downs.  Good times and bad.  Rich or poor, it’s you.  It’s always been you.  Mira Rae Adams, will you take this journey with me ... as my wife?

Thank God we’re not in a crowded restaurant or other public place.  Knowing me, I would have been too embarrassed to even look him in the eye had some huge flash mob come out of nowhere dancing to a Bruno Mars song.  Something about being in the comfort of our home makes this absolutely perfect; just right for us. 

"Yes!" I yell again, but only inside my head.  I let my thoughts get away from me, thinking of something as equally profound—something that will reach to the depths of his soul.

I’ve done this before.  I’ve had a wonderful man down on one knee, telling me all the things I wanted to hear—needed to hear.  I said yes.  I started planning a wedding and a future with him.  Things didn’t go as planned, but I can’t let the crippling fear lead me away from my forever.  Skylar is it for me.

What didn’t happen last time I received a proposal? I didn’t feel complete.  I couldn’t see a dark haired, green eyed little girl bouncing on her daddy’s knee or a similar looking little boy tossing his father a football in the front yard.  There was no feeling that if I didn’t say yes, I would most certainly die.  The last time I said yes to a man, I think I did it out of my fear for the unknown and no safety.  Danny would have provided me with a safe life—mediocre at best. 

Skylar’s bound for greatness and I know there’s never going to be a dull moment with us.  Our relationship started off on a strange note, and even though it’s not the safest route, it’s one that will give me the most amazing stories to tell to my children and grandchildren.  The stories that show them what true love is and never to settle for anything less.

There was never any question, Skylar.  Yes.  A million times yes.  Not as profound as I would have liked, but I need him to know he’s my heart and soul.  I’m so happy I finally got the words out of my head.  Throwing myself in his arms, I can show him how much I love him rather than tell him, anyway.

Sweets, ya have to let me get the ring on your finger.  I was so worried you wouldn’t say yes, I forgot to take it out of the box, he chuckles nervously, shifting my body to the side so he can use both hands to open the box, presenting the ring to me, never breaking his gaze into my heart.

Completely speechless.  Never in my life have I ever seen something so beautiful.  So perfect.  Like it was hand crafted for me by the person God created just for me.  The black diamond sitting in the middle, almost shimmering between the red rubies surrounding it on the platinum band is just ... perfect.

Skylar slides the ring over the most important finger, eyes gleaming with pride and unconditional love.  More tears of happiness stream down my face, my heart threatening to beat right out of my chest, I glance at my finger as the ring glides into place. 

To think, last night I was sitting in this very living room, dancing around to Pitch Perfect with my best friend.  Never did I expect that twenty-four hours later I’d be one step closer to sealing the deal on my future with Skylar.  I had almost expected him to propose on Christmas.  I knew he and Danny were up to something a few days ago.  When it didn’t happen, I figured his story was true—that he didn’t find what he was looking for. 

Grabbing the side of his face, watching his pupils dilate with hunger as the smooth side of the ring grazes the stubble on his jaw, my body hums with want.

You’re my world, he whispers as my lips softly glide across his, shutting him up so I can take what I need.  I readjust myself, straddling his lap, showing him my love the best way I know how.

Pressing closer, his embrace tightens.  Running my tongue against the seam of his lips, I coax him to open for me.  It doesn’t take much, and I’m a fool for thinking he’s going to give me the upper hand.  Trying to remain somewhat in control, our kiss turns into a match of wills.  I lose, terribly I might add, when his hand grips the underside of my hair, pulling gently, showing me exactly who’s in charge. 

Always.  Him.

His dominance excites the needy girl inside me, leaving me moaning softly into his mouth, trying to climb his body, to get as close as humanly possible.  I won’t even lie and say that if it were possible, I would crawl inside of him, just to get as close as I can.

"Sweets, you have to slow down.  I’m trying my hardest to make this special for you, but I’m still a man.  Not sure if you realize it or not, but you’re grinding your tight little ass on my cock and purring in my mouth.  I’m contemplating throwing you to the ground and fucking the sense outta you."

Pulling back, panting, wishing we were still connected and not talking, something I heard somewhere pops in my mind.

No matter who wears the pants in a relationship, it’s the one with the vagina that owns the situation ... any situation.

I’m sure there’s a devilish gleam in my eye by the speculation rolling thickly off Skylar, and my smirk isn’t far behind.

Mi.  I can see your wheels spinning over there.  I know you’re up to something.  Just tell me what your devilish grin’s about.  Fantastic plan, but showing him sounds like so much more fun.  Operation ‘I’m Taking the Reins’ shall begin in three ... two ... one.

Babe, I’m wearing your ring.  I have a cut with your name on it.  I’m gonna be your wife, I say, leaning in, pressing my breasts against his chest.  I’m sure he can feel the hardened ridges of my nipples even with our clothes in the way.  As far as I’m concerned, I belong to you.  If you wanna fuck me right here, I point to the sofa, over there.  I open my arms wide and wave them around, really, anywhere you’d like, I’d say that’s well within your rights.  Wouldn’t you?

Sklyar’s jaw draws tight, outlining the most perfect chiseled face I’ve ever seen—male models be damned—and his cock jumps beneath me, stirring even more longing in my own body.  He’s going to need to make his brain and dick get on the same wavelength.  A girl can only be patient for so long before she snaps.

Do you know what you’re saying, Mira?  Can’t lie.  I only have so much self control left.  Oh, you’re almost there, Skylar.  Take it a little bit further.  Come on.  You got this.

Babe, I’m not sure how much clearer I need to be.  Follow closely, yeah? I mock.  I’m.  Yours. There’s never a reason to think about fucking me when you can just do it.  So, in other words, as obvious as I can say it—if you want me, then take me.

Funny story, that’s all the encouragement he needs to chuck whatever self preservation he’s been holding on to out the window.  Within seconds, I’m flat on my back, the cool, unforgiving hardwood floor flush against my flesh.

I desperately try to regain control of the situation.  Reaching up, I wrap my hands around his neck, pulling him down to me.  After a few light pecks around his mouth and jaw line, I take his lower lip into my mouth, biting hard enough to inspire a growl from deep within him.

My victory is short lived.  Every time I win a battle, Skylar takes the next two.  I’m pretty sure that when the war is finished, he will be the only one left standing.

Another blink of times passes and Skylar, not so gentlemanly, divests me of my pants and underwear.  Pushing my shirt and bra above my tits, he skillfully takes a nipple into his mouth, running his teeth against the pebbled peak.  The mixed sensations—cold beneath me and hot on top—have my senses running wild.

Ladies and gentlemen, he finally gets it, I joke, half sarcasm, half desire pouring out with every syllable. 

Okay, funny girl, try this one on for size, he says, still attached to my tit, plunging two fingers into my opening.  My legs fall open even further, encouraging him to deeper.  Unashamed, I moan and writhe beneath Skylar and his overly skilled fingers.

With the bottom of my feet pressed firmly on the ground, grinding my pelvis against his hand, I arch into his touch.  I try to hold a strong front, but my body shows its true colors.  United front we are not.  Again, one step forward, two back.  However, I can’t complain—those two steps are proving to be glorious.

What happened to comedy hour?  Done telling jokes so soon?  Damn the betrayal of my overly needy body.  There’s no doubt he’s satisfied with the results of the power shift.  As my thighs start to quiver and my eyes slightly roll back in my head, his manipulations become more determined.

"Yeah, yeah.  Just keep doing that.  Fuck, Sky, just keep doing that."  His fingers are working with the rhythm of my hips.  Whoever said finger fucking stopped being amazing after high school has never had it done right.  I could do this for the rest of my life.

"I’m never gonna stop.  You get me and this forever.  You already agreed," Skylar keeps his pace, angling his digits to hit the most sensitive spot inside me, giving me everything that I need until I’m ready to fly over the edge.  I’m going to break a nail trying to grip onto the hard floor.  What I wouldn’t give for a sheet to wrap my hands in and hold on for dear life as the most wonderful sensation starts low in my belly, threatening to shatter me apart.

My orgasm crashes over me like a tidal wave, stealing the breath right from my lungs.  Without my knowledge, the sneaky ninja that is Skylar kneels above me, naked as the day he was born.  As he palms his cock, priming himself, I lick my lips in anticipation. 

Playing my sated body against me yet again, he slowly pushes inside me.  My thighs try to lock around his waist, but after such an intense orgasm, my legs refuse to cooperate, lying like jelly on each side of his hips.

Raking my nails lightly over his muscular arms and shoulders, I dare a peek into the eyes of my forever and I see ... everything—our past, present and future.  It’s a glorious sight, both breathtaking and intimidating.

I’d agree a thousand times over.  You’re my always.

Slow, deep thrusts have me on the brink yet again.  Finally regaining some control of my lower extremities, I wrap myself around him, digging my heels into his backside, begging him to get deeper and faster.  He doesn’t comply.

Keeping his current pace, every stroke sending both of us higher each time, his crystal blues never break from my emerald greens, intensifying the experience.  It’s cliché to say that he’s showing me his love through sex, but that’s exactly what’s happening.  He’s sealing the deal, making promises and giving himself to me.

Forever, Sweets.  Forever.

Lifting my hips, putting more pressure on my upper back and neck, I’m ready to complain when Skylar’s thrust hits places in me I didn’t know possible.  At this angle, there’s not much of him I don’t feel.  The depths he’s reaching and being stretched to the max, I can feel each time I clench around him.  I need to remember this moment if the sex ever becomes monotonous—new positions make such a difference.

Skylar let’s my hips fall to the floor, then grabs only one leg, hoisting it over his shoulder.  I grab hold of his back, anchoring myself and meeting him thrust for thrust, each time his pelvis rubs feverishly against my clit.  We both fall over the edge of the cliff at the same time.  Panting and growling my name, he rests his forehead against mine, trying to catch his breath.

I can really get used to this, he chuckles.  Skylar lets my leg down easily, careful of my overly used muscles, but stays inside me as his erection starts to reduce in size.  The vulnerability in this exact moment is what I crave most.  Nothing between us, completely open with one another and staring into each other’s sated eyes.

Me, too.  Now, you should be a good fiancé and make me a sandwich.  Yeah, I just role reversed his ass.

Laughing, he pulls out of me and I rush to the bathroom as quickly as my legs that seem to be locked at the knees will allow.  Cleaning up, I spare a glance at my disheveled appearance, and strangely, I feel like I look different.  Like I’m finally a whole person, finding the other half of my soul.

Yeah, I can get used to this, too.

Once my business is handled, I contemplate putting a tee shirt or something on, but I know how much Skylar likes it when I sleep naked.  Something about having access to me at any point in the night.  It rarely happens, but I think he just likes to know that if he wants it, he can get it without any extra effort.

Climbing under the covers, the sex coma starts as a small yawn.  I shouldn’t lie down, but the sheets and blanket are fresh from the laundry, the lavender scent from the fabric softener still lingers, and it’s been an emotional day.  I take the chance, resting my head on the pillow that feels like heaven and close my eyes, just to rest them, not to sleep.

I should have known better.  Should have known that with all this extra comfort plus a sated body, I wouldn’t last that much longer.  The thought of a sandwich only keeps me awake for an extra few minutes, but not enough to lure me from the pull of an excellent night’s sleep.

CHAPTER TWO

Skylar

She has the strangest habits—usually a grilled cheese and a glass of milk after sex.  It’s better than the alternative—a woman who’s embarrassed to eat in front of a man.  So, if it’s a sandwich that will make her happy, who am I to deny my girl?

My girl.

Still to this day, I have a hard time comprehending those simple words ... my girl.  After five years, Mira’s mine.  And now, it’s official ... almost, anyway.  I still have to get her down the aisle, but that’s just a formality.  I really am the lucky one, though.  Mira claimed my heart when I first saw her without even knowing it, and finally, after everything—college, the accident, and all the craziness that lead us to this exact point—hers belongs to me as well.  It’s a damn good feeling.

Walking back to the bedroom, her after sex snack and drink in tow, I softly laugh as to not disturb the most beautiful sight before me.  There’s only one thing she loves more than food and me ... sleep.  If left to her own devices, she would go to bed early, sleep late and take as many naps as possible.

Mira’s lying on the bed, my side albeit, legs all spread onto her side.  I couldn’t have been gone more than ten minutes, enough to make a grilled cheese and my girl’s sprawled all over, down for the count.  If she was actually hungry, there’s nothing that could keep her away from a grilled cheese. 

Setting the sandwich on top of the dresser, I hit the lights and start my attempt of getting into bed.  I start on the left side—my side—but quickly realize there’s no way I’m getting any kind of room to sleep comfortably.  Next, I move to the right.  It’s a shot in the dark, but I think I can make it work.

After using a few maneuvers that have worked in the past—yes, Mira and I have an issue with personal space and what side of the bed belongs to who—I’m met with a growl, cute and non-threatening, but a growl nonetheless.  I can only imagine ... had we dated in college and had to sleep on her small full size bed, we would have been in serious trouble.  Not even this California King is enough room for her, let alone me.

Laughing lightly, I weigh the only two options I have—sleeping on the couch alone or on the small sliver of bed that my girl’s affording me.  I choose the latter.  Anything to be close to her and eventually Mira will roll over and I’ll have space to