I know I told her in Thailand I’d wait however long to start trying for a baby. I know I said the timing was completely up to her—“whenever,” I said—“work for a while and figure your shit out, Miley,” I told her—but I suddenly feel like I’ve got to get home and convince Sarah to start trying for a family right away. I’ve got to make her understand there’s nothing to be scared of. I’ll tell her the family we’re gonna create together won’t be anything like what either of us knew as children. Our kids won’t live in fear or cower in closets. Our kids will know security and love.
Our kids will make us whole.
I practically stumble down a grouping of rocks and race back to Josh.
“Josh,” I blurt. “I’m ready to go home.”
“What?”
“I’ve got to get off this mountain. I’ve got to get back home.”
“Oh. Okay.” He pulls out his phone from his pocket and begins dialing.
“What are you doing?” He knows full well there’s no cell service up here on the top of the world.
“I’m calling you a cab.”
We both burst out laughing. “Holy fuck. I can’t wait to get home,” I blurt. “I’ve got something I need to tell Sarah.”
“Bro, I told you. This is a Sarah-free zone.”
I smile broadly. “Josh, fuck you. When it comes to me, there’s no such thing.”
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, this book is dedicated to my loyal readers, the Love Monkeys. Thank you, as always, for being my dear readers and friends, and especially for inspiring me to write this particular book. I didn’t know I had another installment of Jonas and Sarah in me. But you asked for them, so I decided to give it a whirl, and I’m so glad I did. I’d initially thought Jonas and Sarah’s proposal and marriage was the ultimate HEA, but I was oh-so wrong. I love you, Love Monkeys! Ooooo oooo eeee eeeee eeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Monkey shriek!
Thank you to Damian DeCantillon, my cover model for all of The Club books. You’re a trooper and a friend. You are and always will be my Jonas.
Thank you to OB-GYN Dr. Lisa Johnston for providing me with so much information about Sarah, the babies, and their recovery. Thank you also for mentioning, “Well, yeah, he could go down on her, but she’d still be bleeding a lot...”
Thank you to the real-life “Sam” who so generously talked me through his technique for culling a package of Ding Dongs out of literally any woman’s vending machine, on command. Fascinating stuff, sir. You made me laugh so hard I peed a little. Oh, how I love my life.
To Adina and Chris. Thank you for your funny “Jack Faraday” suggestions. You’re both hilarious. It’s good to have funny friends.
Thank you to Christine Azcona for your generosity and kindness, for believing in me like you do, and, especially, for naming this book.
To the talented Audra Mae and my beloved Baby Cuz, thank you for coming up with Will’s rapper moniker for me. I knew if I turned to the experts, you’d style me.
And, finally, thank you to my husband. You always go along for the ride, even when the ride emphatically reveals I’m a total weirdo. My favorite thing you said when I was writing this book, after I’d read you a small excerpt? “Oh my God, no. Babe, no one wants to read that.” Bwahahahahaha! Silly man. Of course, they do. *wink*
Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes original songs, takes embarrassing snapshots of her ever-patient Boston terrier, Buster, and narrates audiobooks. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRowe Books.com. Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, follow her on Twitter @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe author.” (The actual Facebook link is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lauren-Rowe/1498285267074016).
Books by Lauren Rowe (available in ebook, print, and audiobook):
- The Club (The Club #1)
- The Reclamation (The Club #2)
- The Redemption (The Club #3)
- The Culmination (The Club #4)
- Countdown to Killing Kurtis (a stand-alone psychological thriller featuring Lauren’s distinctive humor, unique characters, “what the fuck!”-inducing plot twists, and a touch of steam)
- The Playboy and The Party Girl (Josh and Kat’s story) is coming in November 2015.
Table of Contents
The Culmination Copyright © 2015 by Lauren Rowe
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Bonus Scene: Peru
Acknowledgments
Author Bio