It was the winter of 1986 and I was eight years old. The stage that had held beauty contestants all night changed and suddenly there was a band. Five … or was it four… I can’t be sure… teenage boys filled the stage. I don’t remember much about that night except one thing – A blonde boy who was sixteen on that stage and I was sure I was in love with him.
My father was a teacher at the high school so I sent my mother to get the band’s signature. Not because they were famous because they weren’t – after that night they’d never perform again. They were a simple high school rock band. But that blonde boy would stick in my head for years to come just as his signature would hang on my wall until I became a teenager.
Time went on and whenever I heard my older brother or father mention the boy’s name I clung to every word. His life was one of adventure. I was fascinated by the places he went and I loved hearing about him.
Eventually I grew up and moved on in life.
Fast forward to four years ago, I received a hand written letter from the blonde boy who was now a man. He was congratulating me on my success. He too had a book published and he knew how hard it was. We had never actually spoken before. I still didn’t know him personally, I was just an old friend’s little sister, but reading his words was like closing a chapter from my childhood. I figured we would never speak again.
That was the history.
This is the present.
On September 1, 2015 I separated from my ex husband and filed for divorce.
The first of November 2015 he began openly dating a woman from his church.
Up until that point I hadn’t dated. I took his decision to date as my pass to send a letter to the man who had sent me one a couple of years ago. He was no longer the blonde boy from my childhood crush but a man who shared my love of the written word. We began emailing once a week about writing, books, and eventually life.
November 29, 2015, I was driving home from Nashville and stopped for the night to stay with my Aunt in the town I had grown up in. I asked him if he’d like to go to dinner to finally meet in person after all these years.
He said yes.
And as he likes to tell it, lightening struck that night.
He was by my side the entire month of December while I sat in a nursing home with family watching my grandmother slowly fade away.
He became a constant in my life. Someone I could count on and I missed him when we were apart. He made me smile and laugh, while never expecting anything in return.
In January, when he stood beside me at my grandmother’s grave saying whatever he could to make me smile while my heart was breaking, I realized I loved him. It was real and true love, not the little girl infatuation from 1986. So when I found out that I was pregnant with his baby, I didn’t freak out or panic. I knew everything would be okay. When I told him we were going to have a baby, his eyes filled with tears of joy and that was all I needed to know.
Since I filed for divorce, I’ve tried to keep things private but opening my world to my readers is a part of my life. My life is changing in so many positive ways and it was time I shared it with you. Our little girl is due November 10 and, even though the situation might seem less than ideal to some, we can’t wait to hold her in our arms. Things happen for a reason and I’m thankful for the gift of another daughter.
Life takes so many twists and turns. I’m so happy for you! Sending you love and hugs! <3
Abbi! Congrats! Some things are meant to be and it’s all about timing. Wishing you the best! xo
Awww, I’m so incredibly happy for the both of you and your family! Congratulations!!!!!
OMG. Amazing story. Life always full of surprises. God bless this new beginning. Congrats on the new baby to come
Congratulations, Abbi! I wish you much happiness with your new man, and the new version of your family your are embarking on. So happy for you!
am so happy for you ! you got ur love story (‘:
That is so romantic! Congratulations 🙂
Awe. Missed connections/second chance romances are the best! Congratulations <3
Congratulations!
Congrats!
Wow! Seriously beautiful!
Congrats to you and yours 🙂 x
Wow. This so romantic. Congratulations to you and I’m so happy for you as well!!!
A beautiful story to be continued. Congratulations
Congratulations! A romantic story emerges from a bit of sorrow. Poetic. Much luck to you both on your new addition.
Wow, that is your life??? Awesome! I thought I was reading the beginning of a new series. What a wonderful story for your daughter. Congratulations!!!
Congratulations Abbi on not only the new life inside you but also the new life you are living and is ahead of you! ❤️
Congratz to you both… True love waits it’s turn and then BAM! x
I knew from posts that you were going through some stuff though I never knew what it was. Happiness is the single most important thing and I’m glad you have found it x wishing you health and happiness
I am so happy for you. You’re so lucky to find love again. I wish you all the best Abbi. Bless your heart. Love from Jane and Andy (who gave you a lift to the signing in York when it was pouring down) lol.
I love this! You deserve to be happy and to live your life the way you want to. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
Very happy for you that you get a fresh start and a new life. Thrilled for all of you!
Very happy for you Congratulations
Wow! I felt like I was reading one of your wonderful stories, but it’s actually your life. Congratulations Abbi! So happy that you found love and happiness and will be blessed with another daughter. God Bless!!
Congratulations, what an amazing story. You are both truly blessed to have found one another and to bring that beautiful little life into the world. You have a beautiful beginning and wishing you both many more wonderful memories to come.
CONGRATULATIONS ABBI! Your story is beyond beautiful and I am so happy you’ve found your home and happiness, after all, you deserve it! Congratulations to the both of you xx
Congratulations to all of you and no doubt she will be a bookworm
Thank you for sharing Abbi! Im so happy of you, isn’t it funny how life works. You think Divorce is the end and then bam, life surprises you and you find happiness again. SO happy that it worked out for you just like it has work for me. Congrats and cant wait to see the new bundle of joy!!! – Yara
Congratulations!
Aww! Y’all met agian in November and you’re due in November. Beautiful symmetry!
Thank you for sharing Abbi! Congrats on your precious little baby.
This is an amazing story. I’m sorry to hear about your divorce but so happy to hear that you are moving on and have a wonderful baby girl on the way. Many blessing to you and your family.
Like everybody say life always give you second chances and I’m so glad you find the love you deserved!!!! Congratulations on your baby!!!!! We love you Abbi and take care of yourself ❤️❤️❤️
That is the most beautiful thing i have read ! Reminds me of one of your books ! Congrats to you both !! Hope to still see plenty more books ! Love you abbi !!
Oh my goodness you deserve this so much after writing such amazing books for us to read! It’s like destiny! I am so happy for you! I live in Monroeville and have been most everywhere you have referenced in your books. Love you Abbi and congratulations!
Wow. What a gorgeous story. Congrats!
Omg congrats! I’m due in Novemmber as well! Between the 13th and 24th (: that was a touching story. I loved it.
I agree. There is a reason for everything and it’s Gods plan. Congradulations on your baby girl!!!
Aweee congratulations abbi !(: and no worries as long as tour happy that’s what matters and neveer forget god always knows what he’s doing.(:
OMG Abbi.. You own love history…I hope with all my heart that you’re very happy in this new stage .. You deserve your own happy ending …Thank you very much for sharing this with us and for all those beautiful stories that we give away .. I love every one of your books …Soon we’ll celebrate the arrival of your little baby and many more successes yet to come .. xoxo
Thank you for sharing when you did not have to. You have every right to a private personal life. I wish you much love and happiness. Congrats <3
Abbi,
Thank you for sharing, when you most definitely did not have to share and have every right to keep your personal life personal. That is an amazing and beautiful love story! I could not be happier for you and your growing family. You are by far one of my top two favorite writers and I am honored to have met you in the past and to be a supporter/fan of what the future brings to you. I look forward to seeing you again when you make it back to Houston! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing! I’m glad you have a novel romance 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you!!
Congrats to you Abby on finding new love and your new baby girl! You deserve it!
Congratulations, I’m so happy for the both of you. You’re little girl will be so lucky with two loving parents!
Wow now that’s a love story congratulations on new love and a new baby.
So happy for you, Abbi. You’ve become like a friend to so many of your readers. Thank you for filling us in on your adventure. It reads a little like one of your books:-)
Abbi, I haven’t been following you for a while and i’m not sure why. Maybe my life got int he way and I’ve been so busy but when I happen to come across your name on Goodreads, I decided to look at your Instagram and saw you had another beautiful baby girl. This was a huge surprise to me because I knew you filed for divorce. Now that I have read this it all makes sense and this makes me believe even more in fate. I am so happy that you found your happiness. Best wishes to the new baby and your family <3