They are a mess.
“Daddy, why did you marry Mama?”
“Because she made me.”
I snort. “Yes, the hardship.”
“It really is hard being married to her. Did you know that she tricked me?”
“She did?”
Oliver nods. “She did. One day, she showed up at my job and said: ‘Oliver, I need you to marry me, but it won’t really be a marriage.’” He leans in and whispers. “But the joke was on her because we’re married still . . .”
“That can be rectified,” I warn.
“And you said yes?” Brynn asks with wide eyes, ignoring me completely.
“She’s a babe. Of course I said yes.”
I sigh. “Don’t let him fool you, Brynnikins. He didn’t say yes at first.”
Now her eyes narrow as she turns back to him. “You said no?”
“Well, a man has to have some pride.”
Brynn purses her lips, probably not understanding. “But you love Mama.”
“With my whole heart.”
I walk over to them and wrap my arm around Oliver’s waist. “And we love you.”
“I’m glad you married Mama.”
“Why is that?” Oliver asks with a chuckle.
“Because she’s the best.”
Who knew? She compliments me. Miracles never cease. “Thank you.”
She turns to me. “Because Daddy is the best, and he would only pick the best.”
I sigh. “Of course.” The man walks on water. “How about you go finish getting ready for school.”
She wiggles her way down and rushes off.
Oliver grins. “I love that girl.”
“Because she thinks you’re the best?”
“Partially.”
“Well, what about me?”
He turns, pulling me into his arms. Instinctively, I rest my arms on his broad shoulders, as his hands press against my spine. “I think you’re the best too.”
I smile. “So, do I get all your heart?”
“Sweetheart, you have had my heart since the day you stepped out of that car. I fell in love with you before you ever said a single word.”
Silver-tongued as ever. “And why is that?”
He leans in, his lips grazing mine. “Because when you got out of the car, it was as if the whole world stopped and all I could see was you. I knew it then, and I know it now. You are everything I want in life, and as soon as our daughter is on that bus, I plan to prove it to you. I’m going to enjoy not needing to be quiet.”
I grin. “I look forward to it.”
“You should.”
And I know I will because life with Oliver is one word: perfect.
Thank you for reading Oliver and Maren’s story. I truly hope you enjoyed it as much as I loved writing it. It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to a series. My heart is torn between being overjoyed that the family I loved is settled where they should be, and also beyond sad that I must leave them. However, I don’t know I really ever do that, as you see in this novel, my characters tend to show up in other books years down the road.
I know many have asked about Alex, and I hope you understand that at this time, I just don’t have it in me to write his story. I can’t explain it fully, other than, he’s not strong enough in my heart or head to write. I never say never, but I know it’s not meant to be right now.
After typing The End on this book, I wasn’t ready to let go! Swipe to the next page for access to an exclusive Bonus Scene!
Bonus Scene
Dear Reader,
Thank you again for reading A Chance for Us! Oliver and Maren were a story I was beyond excited about. I love them so much and this entire family. I wanted to write a scene that would give me the closure I needed and I hope this does that for you as well! I have an EXCLUSIVE bonus scene as a thank you! All you have to do is click the link below, sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll get and email giving you access!
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Books by Corinne Michaels
The Salvation Series
Beloved
Beholden
Consolation
Conviction
Defenseless
Evermore: A 1001 Dark Night Novella
Indefinite
Infinite
The Hennington Brothers
Say You’ll Stay
Say You Want Me
Say I’m Yours
Say You Won’t Let Go: A Return to Me/Masters and Mercenaries Novella
Second Time Around Series
We Own Tonight
One Last Time
Not Until You
If I Only Knew
The Arrowood Brothers
Come Back for Me
Fight for Me
The One for Me
Stay for Me
Willow Creek Valley Series
Return to Us
Could Have Been Us
A Moment for Us
A Chance for Us
Rose Canyon Series
Help Me Remember (Coming 2022)
Give Me Love (Coming 2022)
Keep This Promise (Coming 2022)
Co-Written with Melanie Harlow
Hold You Close
Imperfect Match
Standalone Novels
All I Ask
You Loved Me Once
Acknowledgments
To my husband and children. You sacrifice so much for me to continue to live out my dream. Days and nights of me being absent even when I’m here. I’m working on it. I promise. I love you more than my own life.
My readers. There’s no way I can thank you enough. It still blows me away that you read my words. You guys have become a part of my heart and soul.
Bloggers: I don’t think you guys understand what you do for the book world. It’s not a job you get paid for. It’s something you love and you do because of that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My beta reader Melissa Saneholtz: Dear God, I don’t know how you still talk to me after all the hell I put you through. Your input and ability to understand my mind when even I don’t blows me away. If it weren’t for our phone calls, I can’t imagine where this book would’ve been. Thank you for helping me untangle the web of my brain.
My assistant, Christy Peckham: How many times can one person be fired and keep coming back? I think we’re running out of times. No, but for real, I couldn’t imagine my life without you. You’re a pain in my ass but it’s because of you that I haven’t fallen apart.