Lost Without You

By Krystal Latrice

The strongest love is formed between two broken souls...

At only twenty-five years old, Nolan Darcy has his entire world in sync, he’s married to the woman of his dreams with a bright future ahead of them. 

Unfortunately, a chain of events rips it all away...

In 2005, one of the biggest cyclones hit the gulf coast causing many to lose their lives and forced families to deal with the aftermath. Now thirteen years later, Nolan Darcy has relocated to one of the smallest towns in Northern Louisiana, a town where loss isn’t foreign. Grieving his loss with the help of whisky and shattered memories; Nolan hits rock bottom without the drive to ever make it out.

On the other side of town, Josie Anderson is dealing with the loss of her twin brother, Joey. A youthful night filled with fun and heavy drinking claimed his life with the impact of a terrible car crash. The tragedy shook the small town of Frierson; it was a lesson that taught numerous young drivers to be more responsible.  

Now, five years later, Josie is hiding behind a daring personality with a smile that the most vicious storm couldn’t wash away. She’s drowning in a dark pot of her own demons. Demons that are destined to consume her soul until her path crossed with the town’s widower, Nolan Darcy.

In the wake of an instant flame, a love of the decade is formed. A love so prestigious it can mend broken souls.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pretty Booked, LLC
• Release date: Dec 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637181690

Book preview

PROLOGUE

13 YEARS AGO

Nolan woke before the sun broke through the gloomy clouds while his wife slept like an angel. He sometimes watched her sleep early in the mornings as specks of sun danced around the room. He wondered what he’d done right in life to deserve a woman like Lacey. She was the kind of woman who a man prayed about and hoped God listened. He never thought he’d fall in love or be deeply rooted in holy matrimony. Lacey caught him by surprise; one minute he was living out his bachelor days, not caring if he found the right woman, then the next he was willing to give up his boyish fun to be her husband.

As a boy, nobody could’ve made him believe that he would settle down, become a husband, and want to start a family. He always pictured himself being single, traveling across the world without caring about anyone else’s needs.

She changed that about him, though. When he met her, he started to see the world for more than what he thought it had to offer him. She taught him that there was more to life than being wild and free.

Before hopping out of bed, Nolan planted a kiss on Lacey’s forehead like he’d done hundreds of times. No matter how many mornings passed, none of his routine would ever grow old. As long as Lacey was by his side, he could carry out the same routine until his end.

Tiptoeing across the room, Nolan grabbed his coat on a mission to head out in the windy, New Orleans’ air. He set out to get a nice jog in, then head down to Jason’s Lumber to pick up a few necessities for the hurricane that was causing the locals to panic. However, he grew up in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and storms were not something that frightened him.

You’re up early, Lacey said through a yawn and a stretch.

Yeah, we need to get a head start on this storm. It’s classified as a category one hurricane. But if I learned anythin’ from my dad, it’s better to be prepared. Nolan strolled back over to Lacey. He took a seat on the edge of the bed, grabbing her hands into his. Why don’t you stay home today? The weather is gon’ be kind of ugly later.

I wish I could, but I have last minute business to tie up. I promise soon as I’m done, I’ll head home, Lacey replied, keeping her eyes on Nolan. The expression that washed over him showed his disapproval, however, she couldn’t dwell on it. Whether there was a storm or not, she was still a career woman who took pride in her job.

I just… Nolan trailed off, backing down from the conversation before an argument started. Just be safe.

I will. I swear you worry too much. Lacey climbed out of the bed to get a start on her day. She turned to Nolan with the biggest smile that ever graced her face. Happy anniversary.

Happy anniversary…and I swear I didn’t forget.

Nolan kept his eyes fixed on Lacey as she walked over to the closet to find something to wear. It was crazy to him how much he adored even the smallest details about her. The way she placed her hair behind her right ear whenever she was nervous, the way she took her precious time to get dressed in the morning. It was a sight he wanted to see until God called him home.

I have somethin’ to show you. Lacey retrieved a small, red box wrapped with a white ribbon from the top of the closet. The bow was loose and leaning; something Nolan teased her about every Christmas.

I was gon’ give you this later but I think it’s good luck to start the day with a surprise. Lacey tossed the box across the room to Nolan.

Tell me what it is before I open it, Nolan said as he shook the box.

No, open it and see for yourself, Lacey said and placed her hands behind her back as she approached him with the same smile as before.

Obeying her rules, Nolan opened the box. And when he saw the positive pregnancy test, his breath seemed to get caught in the moment of excitement and fear. He thought, do I have what it takes to be a husband to Lacey and a father to some small human?

You’re—oh, God! You’re pregnant, Lace?! We’re pregnant! Nolan grabbed Lacey into his arms. There wasn’t a gift he could’ve given that ever compared to the news he received that evening. Nolan Darcy, a father, lingered in his mind. They prayed and visited quite a few doctors trying to conceive without any luck. But the cosmos shifted in their favor. It was like God looked down on them and decided to answer their prayers after they’d been let down so many times.

Yes, and the doctors have no doubt that I’ll carry to term. We gon’ be parents, Nolan Darcy, Lacey said.

This is great. Oh, God. This is the best news I’ve ever received. Lace, we gon’ be parents, Nolan exclaimed, picking her up and swinging her around in excitement as the rest of their lives came into focus.

Nolan backed up, ignoring the car horn that wouldn’t let up. He wheeled the car to the left, crossing over the median and heading back downtown to their apartment. His thoughts raced while stomping on the gas, going from ten to sixty in a matter of seconds.

After preparing for the storm all week and hoping that it didn’t rise to a category five hurricane, Nolan was forced to get his family to safety. It wasn’t the storms he grew up waiting out back home. It was something much bigger.

Lacey stared out the window, water working its way into her eyes. I told you, we should’ve stayed home.

For heaven’s sake, Lace, stop the bullshit. We’re in a fuckin’ storm, and you want to argue ‘bout who's wrong, or right? Nolan fussed.

I was only sayin’, this was a waste of time. Lacey ignored whatever Nolan babbled after her words.

They made it home in under fifteen minutes despite the traffic. The whole ride back home, Nolan kept thinking of other ways to possibly protect them. But nothing came to mind, it was his first time experiencing a category five hurricane. Hopefully his last.

I’m sorry, Lacey brought herself to say.

Nolan paused in his tracks on his way up the stairs, Lacey’s voice always made his heart soften and nearly skip a beat. He grabbed her into his arms. Her lying against his chest, made the fast-approaching storm seem nonexistent. The hurricane couldn’t overpower his sympathy for her sadness.

Nolan prayed to God that He protect them and saw them through the terrible storm that hovered. If only he didn’t wait for the Mayor to issue an evacuation or think for a minute that he knew what the hell the weather would do.

In the middle of their embrace, a loud explosive noise caught their attention, instantly making the moment real. They were in the middle of a storm that was coming to wipe away everything in its path.

What was that? Lacey asked.

I don’t know.

Nolan grabbed Lacey’s hand and led them both up the stairs to their apartment. By the time they made it upstairs, everything below the floor of their apartment was under water. Water rushed through the neighborhood with a vengeance as the wind blew without a moment of slack.

We have to get up to the roof, Nolan said, trying this best not to panic. They were going to survive. They had to.

Nolan, I’m scared. I don’t want to die, Lacey said through the saddest cry.

You’re not gon’ die. Nolan continued to hold Lacey’s hand, leading them both up another set of stairs.

While he focused on getting them to the roof as quickly as he could, the strong wind caused Lacey to miss a step and fall into the water that kept rising. Lace! Nolan yelled.

The wind swept her further away as more water poured into the city, causing debris to build up and become harmful. The wind blew stronger, the water moved faster, and pushed Lacey’s body into an iron pipe.

Lacey! Nolan sobbed.

ONE

Nolan picked up shifts at a family-owned diner in Keithville, just fifteen minutes from where he stayed. He met the Andersons three years after moving to Frierson. They were easy-going people who had all the southern values. They treated people with respect, treated a stranger the same way they treated their family. Leaving not one person to feel left out.

Mornin’. Josie skated across the checkered floor in a mini skirt that showcased her slim figure and long legs.

Josie lived on the edge, making her own rules, in and out of trouble while trying her best to live up to the expectations that her parents had for her twin brother, Joey. Her parents were still too broken to speak on him. Even on days she felt like giving up and spiraling, she showed up at the diner for her parents, knowing Joey would be happy with her one good deed.

Good Mornin’, Nolan greeted her.

He tried not to look at her too long, so his mind wouldn’t linger on what he would do to a woman like Josie. Besides, she was too young for him, at least that was what he told himself every time inappropriate thoughts surfaced.

He grabbed the apron from the unsteady hanger and tied it against his masculine frame. Nolan Darcy was one to die for; he had that devilish smile like Joseph Morgan and a rocking hard body.

Flipping burgers at a diner was never a dream of his, but he needed something to occupy him during the day. Money wasn’t an issue because of the insurance Lacey had willed to him long before the storm, and had he died back there, she would’ve been well off too from his life insurance. At one point, he thought about donating it to charity, but he decided against it because he knew Lacey would’ve rolled over in her grave and haunted him to the ends of the earth.

Are you alright? Josie asked, as she leaned against the counter, showing off her exposed legs.

Yeah, I'm okay. Why’d you ask? Nolan pulled an order from the rusty spinner that hung above the grill.

You look a bit rough is all. Josie continued to lean against the stainless-steel counter while holding her gaze on Nolan. She liked a challenge, and Nolan wasn’t anything less. She peeped how he kept his guards up, living a private life, brushing everybody off who tried to help. Can I come by tonight and cook for you?

Nolan raised his brow. Cook for me? Are you feelin’ alright?

Yes, I thought you could use a good meal and some company. Josie traced a finger over his neck.

Stop it, Nolan warned, a smile blessed his face.

Can I? Josie stared at him with her adorable, puppy dog eyes.

Fine. But that’s it. We have dinner then you leave. What would people think of me havin’ such a young woman ‘round? They’ll think I’m one of those guys…some predator. Nolan fired up the ancient grill that has seen better days, trying his hardest to be an asshole to Josie so she could get the memo. He wasn’t into her the way she’d hope. And if he was, he refused to show it.

You don’t have to be a hard ass to everybody you encounter. And last I checked, there’s no saints in this town. To hell with their judgment. The sooner you forget ‘bout what others think of you, the quicker you’ll find happiness. Josie stormed away from Nolan with her heart punching her throat.

Josi— Nolan shook his head in defeat. It was barely lunchtime and the afternoon rush was in full swing, the problems he had with Josie had to wait until later.

The oil field workers took no time to fill the diner; sweat drenched their bodies and dirt covered their clothes. That didn’t stop them from entering the restaurant. The Andersons welcomed their business with magnificent pleasure. Rather thankful that the drilling had begun in the Haynesville Shale, an oil company paid them a significant amount of money due to natural gas and oil drilling. They owned fifty-two acres of land in Keithville that they purchased five years before oil drilling became prominent out that way.

The afternoon rush was nearly over and soon the high school students from around the area filled it; ordering milkshakes and fries while they gossip about youthful situations. It sometimes made Nolan wonder how those very children would grow up. He rather thought about the child Lacey was going to bring into the world, how he or she would’ve turned out. But he managed to keep those very thoughts buried.

I’m leavin’ for today, Josie said, leaning over the counter.

Yeah—yeah that’s fine, gives me time to close up the place. Nolan never looked over to Josie as he spoke.

See you whenever, Josie said as she rolled her eyes and headed on her way out of the diner.

Wait, wait! Josie! Nolan chased after her in a half attempt to stop her.

Yeah? Josie stopped in her tracks without turning to look at Nolan. The last thing she expected was for him to say anything else to her after he acted like a jerk earlier.

I apologize for the way I behaved earlier. That wasn’t very nice of me. Now, you offered to cook me dinner and I should’ve accepted that more gracefully. Nolan took a deep breath trying to get the rest of his thoughts in order.

Sure, I’ll still stop by to cook for you. Josie looked over her shoulder and gave a sly smile then she started back on her path out of the diner.

God, what am I doin’? Nolan said under his breath, knowing that nothing good was going to come out of him falling for a woman like Josie.

Nolan let the last bit of customers in at seven-thirty; he had the waitress take their orders, and he whipped up whatever they wanted; taking his time to prepare the meals to the best of his ability. Everyone in town complimented Nolan on his cooking skills. All the people in town praised his cooking over the owner’s; had Steve known the people’s opinion, he would’ve been highly offended. So, Nolan refused to accept such compliments altogether.

The last waitress left at eight o’clock on the dot along with the customers, leaving Nolan to close up alone. That was the usual though. He grew used to the routine, because sadly, that’s how his life had become. He seemed to wake at the same time, get ready for bed like clockwork. Nolan’s life was simple nowadays, and he wasn’t interested in much.

Before Nolan left the diner, he always double checked the back door to ensure it was locked and made his usual stroll around the building before he left the premises for the evening.

Nolan Darcy? a brown-haired woman questioned. Her eyes were gray like a gloomy day, eyes that left many men in question.

She wore a black leather jacket with storm washed jeans, a skull tattoo inked neatly on her neck. Nolan and the woman hadn’t been standing in front of each other for five seconds and he’d already started to try and read the story behind her eyes.

You are? Nolan viewed the woman in the bit of light that was left over as the sun slowly vanished from sight behind the large oak trees.

Amethyst Bedford, she answered extending a hand to Nolan.

I’m sorry have we met before or somethin’? We haven’t slept together have we? Nolan rested his hands inside the pockets of his jeans.

No—I mean we have met, but never slept together. I met you back at Lacey’s funeral. I used to work for her back at the office in New Orleans. Amethyst thought that would shuffle his memory.

Forgive me—my memory isn’t that good. I can’t recall that far back, but what are you doin’ up this way? Nolan replied.

Well, I’m here on business, I was ‘bout to grab a bite to eat, but I see the diner’s closed for today. Just my luck, I guess. Amethyst removed the strand of hair that had fallen in her face, interrupting the view of Nolan. Are there any other places down here that serve decent food?

All the restaurants are closed by now, but you can drive up the road, take I-49 North to Shreveport, there are lots of choices up there. Nolan then strolled to his truck. Amethyst