to the next page and immediately recognize what the book is.
“It’s someone’s journal,” I murmur.
I know I probably shouldn’t read it, but something induces a need in me to do so. The date at the top of the page is March 1990.
Dear Linc,
I’m so excited to start writing in my new journal. I got it for my birthday today, and it was my favorite gift. There’s a new boy who moved in down the street from me. His name is Lincoln and he’s the one who gave me this journal. The cover is so pretty with a purple and blue sky with a bunch of fireflies. I promised I would write all the things we do together in it. He also painted my lunch box and made it so much prettier than what it was. He says we’re best friends now. I’ve never had a best friend before. I know I’m going to like having Lincoln as mine. He’s so nice and fun to play with. I wish we could play together all of the time. I can’t wait for tomorrow when I can see him again. When I was standing at my window last night, I saw a shooting star. I wished that Lincoln never moves away, and we’ll always be friends. I don’t ever want to be without Lincoln.
I don’t know why, but after reading the entry, my eyes fill with tears. I sniff and blink them away. Slowly closing the journal, I set it back inside on top of the others.
Aiden and I met when we were twelve. I remember feeling the same way this Molly girl felt about her Lincoln. Hoping and praying that Aiden and I would always be friends. After living in the same house up until that point and leaving my friends behind, I hated being the new girl around. It was scary at first, but meeting Aiden made things a lot better. We became instant friends, then became more the night I turned sixteen. I look down at my stomach. Now we’re married and are expecting our first child. A little boy we’ve already given a name too.
Grayson Carter Scott.
Aiden turns me around by my waist, and I’m left staring up into his concerned gray gaze.
“What’s wrong?”
I smile. “Nothing.” I look at the box over my shoulder, then back at him. “That entry was just so sweet. That Molly girl seems like she really likes Lincoln. I hope they remained friends.”
“Only one way to find out. You gonna read them all?”
Biting my lip, I think about his question for a moment. Should I read them? Probably not. These are obviously someone’s private thoughts. Will I read them? I don’t think I have a choice. I don’t know what the odd feeling is, but I feel compelled to read them. Like I’m supposed to.
“Yes,” I finally answer.
Aiden smiles. “I’ll grab the rest from the attic for you.”
Excitement bubbles inside me. Since I was a little girl, I’ve written in my own journals. It may be wrong of me, but I’m looking forward to reading someone else’s. And I’m anxious to see if Molly and Lincoln stayed friends, or possibly became more.
Aiden’s palms surround my face and he leans down, pressing a sweet kiss against my lips.
“I love you,” he says once we break apart.
“Love you too.”
He grins, his eyes so full of love. “Always.”
I smile back. “And forevermore.”
Afterword
There are so many things I could say about Lincoln and Molly’s story, but I’ll keep it short and sweet. Their story came to me over three years ago. It’s changed a lot in those three years. It started out as simply as a girl writing her imaginary thoughts to her future husband in her journals, never knowing those innocent fantasies would become a reality when she grew up. Unknowing to her, the words she wrote for years as a girl were actually premonitions of past lifetimes she spent with her soul mate. When I started writing their story, it exploded into so much more. I adore each and every book I’ve written, but this series consumes my heart. Despite the tragedy that happens to Molly and the emotional turmoil Lincoln goes through, to me, their love is the most epic kind of love two people can have. It has no end and will forever live on.
I truly hope you love their story as much as I do.
Alex
Acknowledgments
This will always be the most difficult part of finishing a story. I’m always so fearful I’ll leave someone out. If that happens, please don’t think I’m not grateful. It’s just that my memory sucks. I truly am grateful to every single person who took part in the Ever Series.
First, I want to thank my husband and daughter for always understanding how much writing means to me, and how patient you’ve been while this series took over my life.
To Allison and Melissa, thank you for being the very best book besties a girl could have. I have no clue what I would do without either of you.
To Emma Rider. Thank you so much for both of these stunning covers!
To Erin and Amy. Thank you so much for the spectacular editing job! I know I didn’t make it easy on you two.
To Marjorie and Rox. You ladies rock when it comes to spotting those pesky leftover grammar errors! Thank you for polishing up my book babies!
A huge thanks to Mary with Grey’s Promotions and their crew. Thank you for working so hard to promote Forevermore and Everlast.
To all of the blogs who took part in promoting this series. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
To my Alex’s Jaded Angels. You guys fill my heart with so much warmth! Thank you for everything you do!
Patricia, with River Designs. There are no words to express my gratitude for everything you do! I am eternally grateful to have you in my life!
And finally, to my readers. You give me a reason to write, and to me, that’s priceless. Thank you so much!
Also by Alex Grayson
THE JADED SERIES
Shatter Me
Reclaim Me
Unveil Me
Awaken Me
The Jaded Series: The Complete Collection
THE CONSUMED SERIES
Sex Junkie
Shamelessly Bare
Hungry Eyes
The Consumed Series: The Complete Collection
THE HELL NIGHT SERIES
Trouble in Hell
Bitter Sweet Hell
Judge of Hell
Key to Hell
The Hell Night Series: Complete Collection
STANDALONES
Endless Obsession
Whispered Prayers of a Girl
Pitch Dark
The Sinister Silhouette
Treacherous
Malicious
Lead Player
Forevermore
Everlast
About the Author
Alex Grayson is a USA Today bestselling author of heart pounding, emotionally gripping contemporary romances including the Jaded Series, the Consumed Series, The Hell Night Series, and several standalone novels. Her passion for books was reignited by a gift from her sister-in-law. After spending several years as a devoted reader and blogger, Alex decided to write and independently publish her first novel in 2014 (an endeavor that took a little longer than expected). The rest, as they say, is history.
Originally a southern girl, Alex now lives in Ohio with her husband, two children, two cats and dog. She loves the color blue, homemade lasagna, casually browsing real estate, and interacting with her readers. Visit her website, www.alexgraysonbooks.com, or find her on social media!
Sign up for Alex’s newsletter HERE!
BookBub
Newsletter