Publication date: November 2nd, 2021
Synopsis:
Two years ago, Tyler Reid left the California Coastline in search of a new start. One that didn't include Genevieve Lawson and the disastrous ending to their life together. Stubborn and alone, Reid is determined to move forward but remains haunted by his past and the events that occurred before he left the sleepy beach community.
Reluctantly, Reid finds himself in therapy, forced to deal with his past to embrace his future. But, as he begins to heal, the memories of his upbringing start to unravel, forcing him to question all he's known about his relationship with Genevieve and those around him.
Determined to make things right, Reid returns to California attempting to make peace with his past and provide both him and Genevieve closure. Only when he arrives, their encounter takes a turn neither expected, nearly derailing his progress and their plans.
Can the two put aside the past for a chance at a possible future?
What You Can Expect From, At Last:
~ Wounded Hero Determined to Heal
~ Torn Heroine Afraid of Being Hurt Again
~ Redemption Story
~ Two-Hour Short Read with All the Feels
~ Guaranteed Happily Ever After
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Excerpt - Chapter 1
Present Day, Nashville, TN
"Tyler Reid," I said, extending my hand. "Most people call me Reid."
"Yes, Reid." He smiled, returning my grip. "Hello, I'm Dr. Rodsen."
Dr. Rodsen was a small man who looked as though he'd spent most of his time indoors with a good book. He was maybe in his late 50's and wore navy khakis with a button-down shirt; his wire-rimmed glasses perched on top of his head. Our hands dropped, and I quickly placed mine into the front pockets of my blue jeans, looking around the room.
"Please," said Dr. Rodsen, gesturing to the sofa. "Have a seat wherever you're comfortable."
"Thank you," I replied, choosing a seat the furthest away from the good doctor.
"So, Reid, before we dive in here. I just wanted to say thank you for coming in and meeting with me today. As you know, this isn't a full session, but instead more of a 'meet and greet' if you will, to make sure you feel comfortable." He smiled. "Also, I wanted you to know that your files arrived from Dr. Garrison for my review, per your request, and I must say, it's somewhat unorthodox for me to receive such extensive files from another therapist."
"Well, Dr. Rodsen." I leaned in. "I wanted to start at the present instead of drudging back through my entire childhood and adolescence again. I've had a great life. I've lived it. I've talked about it. I want to move on."
"I see," he said, removing the glasses from atop his head and putting them on. He picked up a pad of paper and pen from the small table in between us and began scanning the pages. "Well, after reviewing your file, I did have a few questions that I found pertinent. And I'd like to begin with those, if I may?"
"Of course." I nodded.
"Now, your records indicate that you were adopted, however reading through your files, there isn't much mention of this."
"There isn't much to mention," I said, my hands folded on top of my lap.
"Well." He hesitated. "If I may?"
"Of course."
"At what age did you become aware of your adoption?"
"I believe I was fifteen at the time."
"Fifteen? My, that is an awfully long time to wait to tell you. How did your adoptive parents broach the subject?"
I shifted in my seat.
"You mean my parents." I corrected him, my jaw clenched.
"Oh, why yes, Reid." He looked up from his notepad, his brows furrowed. "Your parents. Does it bother you that I called them your adoptive parents?"
"No." I lied. "However, they are just my parents. No adjectives are needed."
"Thank you. That is noted." He cleared his throat before beginning again. "How did your parents broach the subject of your adoption?"
"Well, in all honesty, it was me who broached the subject Dr. Rodsen. I was a punk teenager and was digging through my father's study, looking for the key to the liquor cabinet, when I found the documentation."
"That must have been quite the finding, Reid."
I nodded.
"And what happened after that?" Dr. Rodsen asked. "You approached your parents?"
"Indirectly, yes."
"Indirectly?"
"I did eventually also find the key to the liquor cabinet." I paused a moment at the painful memory. "I opened the file and spread the paperwork, page by page, out on the floor of my Father's office, then proceeded to drink half a bottle of 30-year-old scotch. My parents found me that night in the office."
Krista Harper is a contemporary romance and romantic comedy writer.
The first in her family to attend college, she received a practical degree in nursing before pursuing her MFA at the age of 40.
A Chicago native, Krista currently resides in the Colorado mountains with her partner, two kids and four rescues, where she enjoys being nature adjacent.
