Cousins.”
Hayley grabbed Seth’s hands. “And ours will be born close just like the three of us.”
He nodded.
Hayley nodded.
Even Finn nodded—with a grin.
Then the whole family started to talk at once.
When he could, Seth pulled Julianne aside. “I’m awed. And happy.” He brushed a hand down her hair. “But I have to ask you one thing. Is that why you put the ring on your finger Friday?”
“No, of course not. I only found out last night when I did the test. Believe me, Seth Casella, I want to marry you.” She kissed his mouth. “I always have.”
“All right. I’ll believe you, love. And boy do I want to marry you.” He caressed her stomach. “And this little one.”
His voice caught on the last words. And just like Johnny had on Friday, his eyes filled and tears fell down his face.
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Author’s Note
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For me, the biggest question in this book is: was it believable that Julianne was the love of Seth’s life, even as he cheated on her? I know some of my readers won’t buy that, but I hope I made most of you see the possibility as the story unfolded.
And I recognize from the outset that some people won’t read books about cheating in romance novels. This novella isn’t for them. But in defense of Seth’s book, I strongly believe that cheating happens in good relationships for a variety of reasons. And—this is more controversial—I believe cheating can be forgiven. I believe most things that trouble relationships, except child molestation, can be forgiven. In any case, if this all didn’t turn you off, I hope you appreciated Seth’s road to recovery.
Because Seth is a good man. He’s selfless in so many ways, cares about people to a fault and walks the talk with helping others. So, when he figures out why he’s been doing what he’s doing, I loved him even more.
Julianne was likable right from the start. She’s toughened up over the years and became a strong woman. She’s great with her students, and her goal of using music with troubled kids is selfless, much like Seth is. Didn’t you love it, though, when she stood up to Seth?
Troubled kids seem to be a theme in some of my work. Which is why Johnny Cordello meant so much to me. Here’s another good person, trying to make the best of the hand he was dealt. I cried at the end where the kids run to him.
I hope the sightings of all the Casella cousins didn’t confuse you. I wanted them to appear, especially the upcoming ones. And that Ronan—I felt like strangling him when he wouldn’t see Finn or Hayley at the party.
So, stay tuned. Finn’s novella is next. I’ve got his story roughed out and am doing revisions, but you’re in for another roller coaster ride with him and, of course, his manager Millie Morrison.
Take care and best to you all,
Kathy
Visit or contact Kathryn at www.kathrynshay.com
Don’t miss the other books in
THE CASELLA COUSINS Series
Available Now—Hayley Casella loves her job as an Assistant District Attorney—everything but facing Paul Covington, her nemesis, in court. She’s fought with him in trials for a year. What will they do when attraction sparks between them one moonlit night?
Find HAYLEY on Amazon
August 21, 2020—Finn Casella, a mild-mannered guy, owns a bookstore in New York. He’s content with a quiet life and casual dating. Until he begins to see his young, sometimes infuriating assistant in a new light.
Find FINN on Amazon
September 22, 2020—Alessia Casella Benatti married the love at of her life at eighteen. And he died young. After several years, she goes back to finish college. She meets dashing Dylan Davidson, a fellow student, and begins to see love in her future again--though something isn’t quite right about him.
Find ALESSIA on Amazon
October 20, 2020—Gideon Casella is a top cop in the Hidden Cove Police Department and in line for a promotion. It comes as a shock when the brass gives the position to Anabelle Sanders, a tough-as-nails female detective—and then assigns him to work for her.
Find GIDEON on Amazon
November 17, 2020—Ronan Casella left home twenty plus years ago, abandoning his beloved sister and brother—until now. The mystery as to what’s happened to Ronan in the intervening decade is revealed in book six.
Find RONAN on Amazon
Excerpt
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