We'll Begin Again Read online

  Epilogue

  When I look back on my life, some of the first things that come to mind are sorrow and heartbreak. I lost my father when I needed him most. I lost my mother when she needed me the most. I lost Spence and Hudson when our brothers needed me the most. So much loss and death—it was enough to shatter anyone.

  Living on the streets, I grew thankful for the little things, like waking up with sunshine kissing my face and being able to find scraps of food every few days. But, through it all, I never gave up hope. I knew somehow, someway I'd find a way to stay alive and start again. I wasn't sure when or where my fresh beginning would come until I met Amelia.

  This woman opened my eyes to a whole new world. She accepted me and helped me when no one else would give me a chance. She opened her heart to me with no strings attached. She loved me unconditionally and helped me start over, helping me begin again.

  Snowflakes floated down from the cold, gray sky and landed on our heads. We sat on the bench I used to call home. Amelia rubbed her belly and squealed with delight.

  "He's kicking!" she cried.

  Charlie and I carefully put our ears against Amelia's belly, and the warmth of happiness melted the winter around us. My son would arrive in a few short weeks, and our little family would grow by one.

  I was terrified of what was to come, but I knew with Amelia by my side, we could accomplish anything we set our minds to. Charlie couldn't be more ecstatic to be a big brother again. His half-sister carried a special place in his heart, but he secretly told me he always wanted a little brother. I told him I always wanted a son, and now I had two.

  Even when life kicks us until we're down, it always finds a way to pick us back up again. Two years ago, I slept on this very bench with nothing but a tattered coat and my dog tags. Now, I had a beautiful wife and a family. While my material possessions significantly grew in quantity since my days of homelessness, there was one valuable lesson I learned that trumped everything: it's never too late to start over, and it's never too early to begin again.

  The End.

  Acknowledgments

  Let me start by saying that writing in a new genre was incredibly terrifying, yet exciting. This book wouldn’t have turned out the way it has without my incredible beta readers. Mary, Sylvie, Chelsea and Sal, I couldn’t have done this without you!!! Thank you for your guidance, suggestions and support.

  Krista, thank you for your continued support and for being my editor. I’m so happy to have met you!

  Lindsay, Gino, Nathan, and Jordan, thank you all for your service and for providing insight to help me build William’s story. Couldn’t have done it without you!

  Thank you, Julie for creating my beautiful cover and always helping me with my never-ending design questions. Grateful to have you in my life!

  Thank you, Mike for supporting my passions and dreams! I love you so much.

  Last, but certainly not least, thank you to all of my dedicated readers!!! I wouldn’t be where I am today without you and all of your support.

  About the Author

  Laurèn Lee was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. She loves hockey, chicken wings and craft beer. She enjoys spending time with her friends, family and boyfriend.

  Reading and writing are her life’s passions. As a child, Laurèn became enamored with the Harry Potter series. As an adult, she loves psychological thrillers and mysteries with a twist.

  We’ll Begin Again is Laurèn’s fifth book.

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  Also by Laurèn Lee

  Charlotte’s Pact (Demons in New York Book #1)

  When Houses Burn

  Cranberry Lane

  Running in Circles

  Liam Rising (Demons in New York Book #2)