Take Me with You

Michael Robert Take Me with You Copyright © 2023 by Michael Robert All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission. This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book. First edition Editing by Ebony Stokes This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy Find out more at reedsy.com For Anja Jensen, a new author. Our friendship is proof that Instagram knows no distance when it comes to finding wonderful relationships. Contents Acknowledgement PROLOGUE: Bo CHAPTER ONE: Bo CHAPTER TWO: Hayes CHAPTER THREE: Bo CHAPTER FOUR: Hayes CHAPTER FIVE: Bo CHAPTER SIX: Hayes CHAPTER SEVEN: Bo CHAPTER EIGHT: Hayes CHAPTER NINE: Bo CHAPTER TEN: Hayes CHAPTER ELEVEN: Bo CHAPTER TWELVE: Hayes CHAPTER THIRTEEN: Bo CHAPTER FOURTEEN: Hayes CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Bo CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Hayes CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: Bo CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: Hayes CHAPTER NINETEEN: Bo CHAPTER TWENTY: Hayes CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: Bo CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Hayes CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: Bo CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: Hayes CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: Bo CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: Hayes CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: Bo CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: Hayes CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: Bo CHAPTER THIRTY: HAYES CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: Bo CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: Hayes CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: Bo CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: Hayes CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: Bo CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX: Hayes CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN: Bo CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: Hayes CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: Bo CHAPTER FORTY: Hayes CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: Bo CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: Hayes CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: Bo CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: Hayes CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE: Bo CHAPTER FORTY-SIX: Hayes CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN: Bo CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT: Hayes CHAPTER FORTY-NINE: Bo CHAPTER FIFTY: Hayes CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE: Bo CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO: Hayes CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE: Bo CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR: Hayes CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: Bo CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX: Hayes EPILOGUE: Bo About the Author Also by Michael Robert Acknowledgement Thank you to my husband, author Garry Michael. I love you in a forever sorta way! I couldn’t do this without your love. Thank you for always being the number one fan of all things I attempt in life. To the friends that have joined me on the journey of writing my ninth novel. I thank you for your love and support. I came to writing later in life and appreciate the encouragement and support as I make my way. To Tina A, Lyndsay, Dawn B, Vince, Gena, Stefka, Melony, Laura, Lucy T, Nedra, Ebony, Renate, Zane, Emma, Emma-lou, Anja, Amy C, Missy K, and Pat J, thank you for being such tremendous supporters in my writing career. I’m sure I’ve missed several people who support my work but thank you for your continued support. To my favorite couple on our planet, Sam/Dar, thank you for always supporting my endeavors and truly wanting the best for my career. I know you’re both reading way out of your normal genres, but you do it for love and I appreciate you. To the best ARC Team. Thank you for taking your valuable time to read my latest book. Your words of encouragement and willingness to help are always appreciated. To Garry, thank you for the amazing cover design and promotional edits you created for this book. Once again supporting your husband like only you can. To all the Indy authors out there, thank you for sharing and posting. You have been the best hype team for my novel. To all the bloggers, bookstagrammers, and book fanatics, I thank you for everything you’ve done to help promote my new PROLOGUE: Bo Two Years Ago “I got accepted,” Jamie said, catching me off guard with his sudden announcement. My small boat glided across the river while we headed to the shack after selling our latest catch in town. The day’s fishing had been epic. What came after, not so much. I was aware that he’d applied to colleges but secretly hoped he wouldn’t be accepted. The wish was a shitty one considering I was in love with him. I turned toward him as he steered the boat, using the engine tiller as a rudder. He looked tired after a long day of fishing and checking lobster pots. I crouched so as not to block his view and scooted to the bench seat, sitting beside him and reaching for the handle he held while he guided us to what I considered our home. “It’s my turn,” I said, tapping his hand. He made way and I took over, but he remained by my side. “When were you going to tell me?” I asked, forcing myself to look at him while keeping my emotions in check. I was terrified of losing Jamie. He looked away and toward the shoreline. I knew he didn’t want to have this conversation but he owed me an honest answer. “I’m telling you now, ain’t I?” he groused. “What am I gonna do without you?” I asked, biting the inside of my cheek so I wouldn’t tear up. “You said we’d be together at the shack forever, J.” Jamie didn’t handle difficult talks well. In fact, he preferred avoiding them at all costs. But this time he found his voice and it was surprisingly