“Good. Because I happen to like that little piece of land with our names on it.” I actually really love it. It’s ten acres that’s about twenty minutes from campus where we’re having a house built. He hated that I wouldn’t let him put any money down for the down payment, but he’s investing in his education now. That’s part of our future. And I have a great-paying job at the moment. Still, I wanted both of our names on it, and they are. Because it’s ours.

I think about my grandpa, lying there, dying, and his last words to me. Making me promise to have fun. Maybe I took it a little too much to heart, but I still believe he was right. That we have to have fun while we’re here. And go after what we want.

I wasn’t having fun in Kensley, knowing the man I loved was here without me, probably not having fun either because he missed me.

And that was all it took. I saw my grandpa’s face and heard his soft laughter, telling me to go for it. And I did. I didn’t really have to think too much about it because I knew if I was missing any details, Camden would remind me.

He’s the logical one who I was meant to show he also has a fun side. And I’m the fun one who he shows I need to think about some things and go after what I want.

He makes me want to be better. To do better. Everything is better with him.

And I’ll make damn sure the rest of my life is totally full of him.

My best friend. My whole world.

The End

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed these boys as much as I did! I’d planned to work on Spark of Hope Book Three, but this song came on the radio—song one on the playlist—and this entire story just popped into my head.

I’m from a small town. I know firsthand how ignorant people in these towns can be, but I’ve also been really surprised by how good and kind they can be too. There’s still something beautiful about small communities that come together.

And I wanted to write a series about it. It was kind of fun going back to my roots in that way. I live in a small town now, after living in the city for years, and there’s a peacefulness to it. I still say, though, no matter what, no matter where you are, stand up for what’s right.

Be loud and proud, no matter where you’re at. Do the right thing, even when you don’t have to. Speak up and make your little part of the world better. Always.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for being there!