Almost Goodbye

Copyright © 2023 Black Heart Publishing All rights reserved The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher or author. River City Series Violent Life A friends to lovers romance Violent Night A second chance, secret baby romance Violent Truth An enemies to lovers romance Violent Victory A sister’s best friend romance Sons of Sin Goodbye is a Second Chance A second chance romance Bed of Nails A friends to lovers romance Shooting Star in the Rain A best friend’s little sister romance, single dad romance Break Me Down A second chance, secret baby romance Shed My Skin A soul mates/accidental pregnancy romance WARNING: This book features a twelve-year age gap between the MMC and the FMC. When he meets her, she is under 18. There are also secret babies, lies, and manipulative parents. If any of that offends you, don’t read it. Dedication To Henry: The next time you decide you want your story told, either get the facts straight before you start, or find another author to haunt. It’s because of you I’m more being stalked by white coats rattling bottles of happy pills Contents Dedication Prologue Ashleigh Henry Ashleigh Henry Henry Ashleigh Henry Ashleigh Ashleigh Henry Henry Henry Ashleigh Ashleigh Henry Prologue I run through the front door, slamming it behind me, flinching at the noise that echoes through the seemingly empty house. Spinning to the left, I race up the stairs, taking two at a time until my feet hit the top landing. Soft sneakers sound like metal boots as my feet pound the wood flooring. I knock twice on the white wood door before I hurry into my room. I’m panicking, freaking out. I should be on my way to work, but I only made it a few miles before I turned around and went home. The conversation—conversations I’ve had today taunt me. Lies were spoken and uncovered. Secrets were threatened and kept. My bedroom door opens, making me jump in fear, but it is Ashleigh Five years ago… I stare at myself in the mirror, my eyes tracking the length of my legs to the denim skirt that hits mid-thigh with a frown. It felt like… too much. I don’t know what’s right. I’ve never been to an outdoor bonfire party before. Though, most assumed I hadn’t been to many parties at all since I was a preacher’s kid. Little did they know. I walk to my bed and throw myself across the purple duvet. I flip to my back and drop my arm across my face with a whining groan, then kick my feet in a frustrated growl. “Oh my God, Ash. It’s a party at the lake. Not a nightclub. Shorts, shirt, done.” My best friend Darcy pops