Shawndé - The Connect Who Took My Heart Away

2019

Published by Leo Sullivan Presents

www.leolsullivan.com

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the authors imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Unauthorized reproduction, in any manner, is prohibited.

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The Connect Who Took My Heart Away

I feel so blessed to be twenty-three years young and able to dive fully into my passion...into my career. Im steady growing, learning, and reaching for better through it all. I have to give all thanks and praise to the heavenly father because he truly been on my side! I am so very thankful for the creativity and strength to get up every day to do something I absolutely LOVE.

To my dear family, Im blessed to have you alllll. In this industry I witness authors struggle to receive support from their families, and I have to say that is not my testimony. You all have been in deep support from the beginning and I dont take it for granted.

To my mother, no one will fully grasp the deep connection and bond we have. A picture, a video, or even this acknowledgment could NOT express how much I love you. You are my dawg, my ride or die, my whole heart!! Growing up, I watched you fight to give me everything my heart desires, to growing up and watching you fight against cancer. I remember wanting to swap bodies so you didnt have to endure no more pain. You are my superhero. You stayed encouraged and you didnt give up. You told me you would fight the fight, and you did just that! We in this for the long haul and its forever fuck cancer!!! #MaMaCoCo

To my bestie boo, Shannon, you been with me since lovejoy days playing tetherball! We came a mighty long way together. Your a mother now, which rightfully made me a God mommy. Arynzi is truly a blessing from God, and she has two bomb ass mothers to call her own! Even though her bad butt likes to bang on my computer when Im trying to write lol.

To my niece Gabby and nephews Jhordyn and Collin Ace, your aunty loves you dearly. When Im down, its your faces that gets me on track to get back to the grind. No matter the mood Im in, you three can turn it around. The world is yours if I have a say so in it! S/O to all my babies! Kyn Doll, Tre Tre, Serenity, JaKoye, Jakyah, Jahlon, Mani, JuJu, Kiah, Trista, Nylah, and Jasheer! #CoCoLoveDaKids xoxo

To my brother, thank you for being a father figure I needed. You have always supported me and done your best when it comes to guiding me. You are more than my brother, you really my twin! Thank you for everything and keeping my best interest at heart! I love you so much and forever my favorite person!

To my cousins that are honestly just like sisters, Shareena, Justina, Brichel, and Kquemura, you all have had my back in the toughest of times in my life. I know I can count on you all when my world gets flipped upside down. You all come through without a doubt in mind! Even my sister Meagen, you are a big sister that I cant forget. We share no blood, but that alone couldnt make us any closer.

Paris, Books By The Mufukn POUND LOL...My sistacousinfriend, you have and will always remain family in my eyes. You are a dope author, and Im glad the book industry bonded us together. Whatever you face, you beat it. I see so much strength, greatness, and blessings over you. Our bond has grown and it aint shit nobody can tell me about my sistacousinfriend!! Love you luh bitty bishhhh!

Now to Dedra B, B Capri, Tina Marie, and Nakeria Hendley, thank you all for being in support of me. Whether it was books, or just letting me come to you about how my mothers battle with cancer was taking a toll, you all was there to listen to me. I appreciate it all and I know good friends are hard to come by. No matter what, know that you ladies have been a tremendous help to me personally and in my career! Love you alllll!

To my editor Secret, girlllllll! How I adore you and appreciate the work you put in for me! I couldnt have a better editor than you! Thank you for always being a listening ear and being there every time I call. I love working with you and how real you keep it! Thank you so much and nothing goes unnoticed.

To my bomb ass readers!!! Thank youuuuu!!!! Whether you read from my old catalog, new one, or this is your first book to try of mine, I thank you! I try my darndest to create something that we all can get lost into and love. I knew what urban books were to me growing up, so I attempt to give you that experience through my work. No matter my personal life, I will also try to give you my all and have a book for you all to open. Your patience with me has been wonderful as I made transitions, for that, I say thank you! Your shares, promotion, link clicks, and reviews are everything to me. If I ever missed telling you, Im saying it now, THANK YOU!! Special thanks to, Brandi Poole, Geneva Promise, Tina Nance, Sierra S. Dixon, Tootie, Sweets, Zatasha, and Tyesha Shaunae! You all are so very dope!!

Dice Howard debuted in the standalone, The Thug I Waited for. By no means do you have to reread her full story to dive into this series. Hope you enjoy!!

E aston, Im going to be late. Can you please get up for me? I begged my six-year old son. He was tucked away in his football covers as if he had no desire to get up for the day. Pulling the comforter back, and literally dragging him out of the bed was our daily routine. Since school had been out, he usually did get his extra sleep in, but this morning it wasnt happening for him. Mommy had to get a move on.

With his eyes closed, I had to walk him to his adjoining bathroom and get him together. By the time I had him dressed, he was racing down the double staircase full of energy. I was trying to see where it came from after he gave me hell to get him out of bed to begin with.

Good morning. I waved off to the early bird staff that basically kept the custom estate together for us. Lord knows I wouldnt be able to keep this twenty thousand square foot house up to par without them.

Morning Mrs. Francis. It seems as if you have a new gift awaiting you in the garage. the newly hired maid announced, taking a slight bow to me as I passed. It took some getting used to how my husband lived, and had his staff interact with us, but it was pretty much the norm now.

Easton was taking off as if the gift was for him. Taking a deep sigh, I took the winding hall down to the garage entrance. Before I could make it, I could hear my son yelling in excitement.