Taking Connor

“Are you okay?” Wendy asks.

I pull away and wipe under my eyes once again. “I think so,” I murmur. But I’m not. I’m not okay. Because I need to see him. I should see Co

Looking around, I ask, “Where . . .”

“Right here, mommy,” his deep voice calls causing me to turn. “Someone needed a diaper change.”

Co

When he looks up and meets my gaze he stops. Then he lets the diaper bag drop to the floor and picks up the baby, handing her to Wendy, who takes her and grabs the diaper bag.

“We’ll meet you outside,” she calls as she shoos everyone toward the exit.

Co

I close my eyes and inhale deeply. I lost Co

“I’m sorry,” I weep just before he pulls me in his arms.

“Don’t be,” he says, before kissing my head. “The thought of losing you makes me feel the same way.”

“I know you have to be getting tired of it, though. I’m so clingy and panicked all the time. I just . . . love you,” I admit. “So fiercely that the thought of losing you terrifies me.”

His hands find the sides of my head, and he pulls me back so that I meet his gaze. “I’ll never complain about being loved too fiercely, especially by someone as amazing as you. I’m here, baby. Whatever you need, I’m right here.”

Then, he leans down and kisses me. When he pulls away, he looks down at me and smiles before sliding his hand down and resting it on my belly. I’m only two months along. We haven’t told anyone yet, and he’s chomping at the bit to a

“I did tell Blake and Grams today when I visited them this morning,” I admit.

Co

“Sometimes I think I did die, that day in the ambulance, and all of this . . . is heaven,” Co

I smile as I place my hand over his where it rests on my belly. “Heaven is your psychotic wife clinging to you like a leech because she’s terrified of losing you?”

He chuckles before giving me a chaste kiss. “No,” he says, thoughtfully. “Heaven is having the love of the best person I know,” he answers. “It’s being loved so deeply I feel it in my bones. Heaven is a woman that is way out of my league choosing me to spend her life with. Not only choosing me but gifting me with children. You are heaven Demi. You’re my heaven.”

“Wow,” someone says, jerking us from an incredibly romantic moment. No surprise . . . it’s Lexi.

“You’re so getting laid tonight with lines like that Co

I roll my eyes as Co

“Baby Co

“Can’t keep our girl waiting,” he beams his beautiful grin at me.

“Daddy’s girl,” I sigh. He takes my hand and pulls me with him as we follow Lexi out.

I let out a long breath and shed some of the worries I’ve been carrying.

Right now, he’s here.

I’m here.

We’re happy.

That’s all that matters.

First and foremost, thank you to my readers. You guys are amazing, and you have no idea how much your support, kind words, reviews, and sharing mean to me. There was a time not very long ago that I was begging people to read my work. It still humbles me every time one of you post on my page or send me an email. Thank you so much for everything.

Dreama Boo, I love you! Thanks for being my bestest friend and always having my back in both the real world and the literary one, too! I’m sorry I talk so much on the phone, but it’s not going to change anytime soon.

Meg Collett, thanks for looking at Taking Co

Legion of Moist, you ladies make me . . .

Kim and Clare, I love you ladies to the moon and back. Thank you so much for your advice.

Amy Do

J, thank you for your encouragement and for always pushing me. Your optimism and move on attitude is inspiring. I’ve really needed that in my life. I love when you find the best things, and you weren’t even looking for them. Ti amo!

Kari with Cover to Cover Design. Yesss!!!! Love this cover. You did an amazing job! Thank you a million times over.

Tami from Integrity Formatting. Dude. You are awesome, mate. Thank you for pushing this one through on the heels of your vacation. I am so grateful!

And to the bloggers. Yes, you lovely, lovely bloggers. What would we authors do without you? People think writing the book is the hard part. Nope. Getting people to buy it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Thank you for reading, promoting, and sharing my work. I am forever grateful.

Gracey, a.k.a, middle spawn. Little girl, you amaze me every day. I hope by sharing some of what we went through together it might help another family take a closer look at their own child and maybe catch the signs of autism early. It’s been a long road, and you’re only five right now, but we’ve got this. I will fight with you and for you every step of the way, because you, countless times, have shown me no one can set limitations on you. Autism does not define you in any way. Sometimes, I wish I could see the world through your eyes. Sometimes, you look so in awe of something, and I just want to know what you see or how you see it. I love you a million times over, Popeye. Thank you for teaching me what real determination is.

To my eldest spawn and youngest spawn, Jackson and Brey. Dudes. You’re awesome, and I’m so grateful for your love and understanding. I know it’s hard when Mommy is working, and you want to play, but you guys are champs and let me get it done. I love you both to the moon and back.