Out On a Limb

“I said, are you ready for me? Because I don’t plan on being gentle with you.”

Bo is clearly the type of guy who takes people under his wing. A natural caretaker type. It makes me glad to know that my kid will have a dad who goes above and beyond for the people he cares about.

I wanted to write a book for anyone who’s let fear of failure slow them down. Not just for those of us who choose to have kids, or those of us who are disabled, but for anyone who’s been thrust into something new that took them so far out of their comfort zone they no longer recognized their past, afraid self. I wanted to write something about two people who love each other so much that they’re able to change the negative thought patterns they’ve held on to and embrace their differences fully. Where love is shown to be validating, kind, considerate, joyful, patient, and gentle.

I, like most women my age, have learned to hate myself just enough to appease others. If you’re too fond of how you look, you’re told you’ll be unlikeable. Labeled as self-involved, egotistical, or stuck-up. But it’s purposeful – pitting us against one another.

The abruptness in which he stands and walks over to the counter to order makes me shake my head, a small smile forming.

He turns to face me, and his eyes are darkened, enlarged pupils and tight-knit brow. “Why was that so hot?” he asks, whispering, his voice near disbelief.

He’s so completely unaware of his own charm it’s comical. He’s shy, almost. I could see him asking for my number, but I doubt he’d be bold enough to ask me back to his place.

He’s so completely unaware of his own charm it’s comical. He’s shy, almost. I could see him asking for my number, but I doubt he’d be bold enough to ask me back to his place.

“Caleb Andrew Linwell, this is not a kickboxing class.”

“And I miss you so much, even when you’re just a few feet away. I think about you every second of the day and struggle to think of much else. I meant what I said that first night. You are maddening.”