Feeling solemn and grateful, I nod. “I have the same feeling.”
EPILOGUE
NAIMA
Six Months Later
My grin threatens to split my face as I leap into Ace’s arms. He catches me, easily, stepping back to brace himself against the Harley as my legs wrap tightly around his waist. We’re eye level, and his gaze warms me.
“Hi.” My voice is a little breathless as I press my lips to his.
The kiss is everything. It always is with Ace. Blazing heat curls through me as he parts my lips with his tongue. I sigh into his mouth and our tongues dance, tangling in a languid duet. His hold tightens on me, and my thighs squeeze just a little harder.
When he pulls away from me, his eyes are aflame. “You keep that up, we won’t make it to your parents’ house for that graduation party.”
Sighing, I nod. “I already can’t wait until this night is over. Tomorrow, you and I are on the road to Nashville. New city, new life together.”
Ace’s smirk makes my stomach flip-flop. “Me, too, angel.”
At the top of my parents’ long and winding driveway, Ace and I stare up at the mansion I grew up in. My cap and gown are draped over one arm, and I clasp his hand in mine as we trudge up the stone steps.
My father opens the door, and his smile for me is warm. For Ace, its begrudging at best, but he does reach out to shake his hand.
“Welcome back to our home, Ace.” His Moroccan accent is thick, his hair the same color as mine but graying at the temples.
He envelopes me in a hug. “Congratulations my dear. Seeing you walk across that staeg was the highlight of your mother and my—”
A squeal erupts from inside the house, and Ace and I glance at one another.
“Get out of the way, Karim, and let my graduate daughter into the house. Ace, hello!” My mother, Rania, ushers us inside, wearing her traditional plum-colored kaftan.
I grab Ace’s hand and lead him through the house. In the backyard, Bryn and Jaxon, along with several of my favorite sorority sisters and Rose are waiting for us in the backyard. The party is in full swing, it just took Ace and I a little longer than everyone else to get here.
A white tent is set up to block the late afternoon sun’s glare, and traditional Moroccan food is being served by servers from a professional chef. Delicious smells are wafting over the grounds, and I sigh with happiness.
Before everything happened with Noah and the G-Ring, I felt a certain kind of way about my childhood home, my culture, my life. I felt wrapped in chains. But since everything happened months ago, my perspective has shifted.
My parents were ready to sit down with me and listen to all of the thoughts that have weighed so heavily on me for so long. Since then, they’ve been more present in my life, more supportive of my dreams and ambitions.
Ace leans over, his lips landing on the soft spot at my temple. “Happy?”
I smile up at him. “Very. Six months ago, I never thought I could get here. In a healthy place with my parents, them accepting my choices. I think a lot of that has to do with what happened with Noah and I think more of it has to do with you coming into my life.”
He leans over and kisses me on the lips, this kiss sweet and lingering. “You’ve changed me, too. You might be gearing up to start your record label in Nashville, but we’re a team. You and I are in this together, baby. You know hat, right? The degree I’m getting can only help us, and I want to take over the world with you.”
My smile grows. “Let’s start the city of Nashville.”
Ace has been working on a business degree, one that he’ll finish up in the next couple of years in Nashville. We fully intend to run the record label together, and with his savvy business skills and my passion for music, I have no doubt that we can start an empire.
On our own terms.
The End
Acknowledgments
Through Christ I can do all things, and I’m always mindful and thankful for the talent provided to me by Jesus.
To my kiddos, Carrington and Raleigh-thank you for your patience every single time Mom needs to write, edit, and promote. You’re my everything, and it’s all for you.
To my agent, Stacey Donaghy- thank you for everything you do. You’ve become more than an agent over the years…you’re now someone I can call a true friend.
To my best friends in this business, Kate Mary and Sybil Bartel. It’s amazing to have two talented writers I can share the ups and downs with, and I couldn’t ask for better besties than the two of you. Keep those late night texts and messages coming, this bond is everything!
To all the writers in this wide arena who give me advice, support, and motivation-thank you. You are all my role models and my encouragement, and I couldn’t do it without you!
To my Dolls-you’re the best reader group a girl could ever ask for. Let’s keep it going strong in the year to come!
To the readers who find their way to Ace and Naima’s story-I hope you love them. I fell for this couple the second my mind started to form them, and I’m so very excited to share them with you. Also, I don’t think their story is quite finished.
