A Masterpiece Of Our Love (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 1) Read online

  Blurb

  Two Lives Torn by tragedy.

  Eight-year-old Becca and twelve-year-old Hunter cling to each other and life after surviving a plane crash which stole their families.

  Two Souls Seeking Love.

  Each year, from the time she was old enough to travel on her own, Becca met up with Hunter on the island that altered their lives forever.

  Until he stopped showing.

  Her constant. Her link to the past. Gone in the blink of an eye.

  Two Lives Bound by Secret.

  Suffering more heartbreak, Hunter returns to the one place he’s always sought comfort, the island where he and Becca met. It was the place that stole from him, and in the same instance gave to him. He hasn't been back or spoken to Becca in four years.

  Though he’s sure she must hate him for disappearing, Hunter discovers the girl gone, now a woman in her place. Hunter is determined to prove to Becca he isn’t the same twelve-year-old boy of yesteryear.

  But someone isn't happy about their reunion...

  Strange things begin happening. Letters start showing up in their hotel rooms and at home with cryptic messages.

  Two Broken Hearts Heal as One.

  With the mystery unsolved, Hunter convinces Becca to spend the remainder of the summer back home with him, both for safety and to give them a chance to discover the adults they’ve now become.

  Will love get a chance to blossom, or will the past come back and tear the masterpiece of their love apart once and for all?

  A Masterpiece Of Our Love

  by

  Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Copyright March 2014, Nikki Lynn Barrett, First Version.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Acknowledgements

  The writing process can be tedious and time consuming, sometimes even frustrating. I have to thank my husband Robert for putting up with my craziness when it comes to writing. If I'm not writing, then I'm thinking about it. He hears all about my fictional characters and I still live to tell about them! Really, he's been an amazing part of this process. Even if he likes to make me squirm a bit (reading my book while he's right next to me..!), he puts in so much time and effort to help me make my book the best it can be. Thank you for another cover for me to drool over and show off, too. You really are a keeper! I love you!

  To my family for their continued support. You rock, and I love you! Daddy, here's my first contribution to your reading goal. You know I'll raise that number next year if you put this in my hands again!

  Jen Berg ... once again, you put so much insight and thought into the beta read, and hey, this time you didn't even have to fuel my muse with MORE story. I did that on my own! You're an influence on me!

  Jenny and Nina ... this story is a reflection of us in many ways. I hope you know what an inspiration you are to me. We're a crazy bunch and no one else may understand our wackiness but it's all right, because we've got each other's backs. Love you both always.

  To my early ARC reviewers - you rock. That's the sum of it! I love that you took the time to be a part of this process and give me early feedback. So far this book has been so well received and I love that! Definitely doing this with every release!

  Last, but most certainly NOT least - my readers. I can't do this without you! I love your comments, reviews, and enthusiasm. It's been an amazing ride and really, it keeps getting better and better, which blows my mind. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  Dedication

  This one is for you, Jenny and Nina. I never realized how much Becca carried such a part of both of you in the beginning, but she does. I hope one day you find your own Hunter to support your goals and dreams. You go out there in the world every day and do what you do, and you do it well. When life gets out of control, I always have you two to make me laugh and take my mind off things. I really don't know where I'd be without you.

  Praise for books by Nikki Lynn Barrett

  On the 12th Date of Christmas

  The season of Christmas truly shows in this sweet romance of two people lost and once again finds each other to make a love grow stronger than ever. Loved it. - Melena's Reviews

  The Secret Santa Wishing Well

  Take my word for it. Grab this book or any other by this author, get the tissues ready and fall in love with her books like I did. - Racing to Read

  There comes a story that when you start reading the author gets your attention right away. Well Nikki Lynn Barrett did this in a sweet romantic holiday theme story that will melt your heart. - Melena's Reviews

  The Melody In My Head

  I got lost in this book. I forgot I was reading and fell in love with the characters playing in my head. My favorite part is the way Nikki's heart is seen in her writing, the songs, and the characters. She's a true storyteller. - Kimmie Easley, author of SOULS SET FREE

  Baby Stetson

  What a fun and beautiful read! Just what I expect from Nikki! - RomanceBookworm's Reviews

  I started this book with the intent to just read a few chapters before I went to sleep. That didn't happen. I stayed up till I finished the whole thing. I loved all the characters and the plot of the story. - Racing To Read

  This was a very well written book with great characters and a great story. It had a very good balance of romance, suspense and action. It is a page turner, with a good plot that keeps you guessing about all the characters true stories and their motives. - The TBR Pile

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for taking a chance on this story. Hunter and Becca are two characters that inspire each other every day without even realizing it. When writing this story, I realized there's such a personal touch with it. These two have obstacles in life they had to overcome after an accident changes their lives forever. To think, if it never happened, there wouldn't be a story to tell for Hunter and Becca, despite the drastic changes it brought to their lives.

  I was born with a visual impairment. Some days, even in adulthood, it's frustrating. Childhood days had their rough days as kids tend to be mean, especially when they don't understand. Sometimes I wished I was someone else and that I didn't have to have this "disability".

  But if I wasn't me, I wouldn't have met some amazing people in the journey we call life. Two of my best friends are such a reflection of Becca and I realized that more and more as the story went on. Becca suffered from traumatic brain injury after the plane crash and she went through so many things. Despite them, she tried to be as normal as possible, and she didn't let anyone bring her down. Is she still afraid of things? Yes, but she's overcome so much. That's exactly how my best friends are, and every day they inspire me to be better. When the world gets to be too much, we always have this understanding and we know we can lift each other up. Hunter and Becca have that kind of relationship, too.r />
  The thing about brain injuries is that there are no two alike. I hear stories where people wake up after a crash and they have these abilities they didn't before. Maybe musically, or they could do something they never did before. It's fascinating.

  One way or another, I use the theme of inspiration in my stories. A character is inspired by another, but it's really felt in A Masterpiece Or Our Love.

  I love connecting with readers. I love chatting books and other fun things. You can email me at [email protected]. You can also find me on my page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor. I also have a group where we can chat books, too. Nikki's Book Nook on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/713425282019067.

  I hope you enjoy the love, the mystery and the great moments that make up Hunter and Becca's life.

  Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Chapter One

  Rebecca Lange walked along the stone pathway with one burning question in her mind. Would Hunter show? Hope flickered through her like a candle as she pictured him waiting for her with his usual goofy grin. She missed that grin. There was so much about Hunter that she missed.

  Another year, another mystery. Her heart did a nervous dance as she moved a little faster, eager to get there and find out.

  The island hadn't changed much. One of these years, she wouldn't be surprised if she came back here to an empty, torn down pile of dirt or some new development that would forever scar the land, taking away it's natural beauty. Despite the haunting memories she carried about this place, it truly captured the beauty that still resided in the world.

  If she didn't hate airplanes so much, she'd spend her days flying to various locations with a camera in hand. She'd have to just stick to art, painting the scenes from her mind and exploring the canvas.

  "Rebecca, are you listening to me?" Vince lost his patience with her, heaving a sigh on the other end of the phone.

  "Sorry. I got lost in the memories," Becca responded quietly, searching the grounds for what she wanted to see the most. Had someone finally taken it down?

  No, there it was. The swing. The decayed wood would break through eventually, and the frayed, worn out rope could put a splinter even through gloved hands. The sunlight streaked through the trees, sending slivers of orange and yellow spotlights on the swing and the ground below it. Night showed signs of fast approach. Despite that, there were a lot of people still enjoying the day's last moments. In fact, she was surprised when a young girl in pig tails ran over to the swing before she reached it. With a smile, Becca changed directions and headed for a nearby bench. She watched the girl as she kicked her legs to get the movement going. That could have been her, years ago. Young and carefree, before her world crumpled and changed. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as a boy a few years older ran over to the swing and gave the girl a push. His smile was wide. Becca sighed. This only made her miss Hunter even more. Everything reminded her of him. She wondered what had changed. He'd always been there. Then one day, he just wasn't. No explanation, no reason, no returned messages.

  Becca could have come out tomorrow like she'd planned to do, but something called to her ever since she'd stepped foot on the island. She had even debated coming straight here, but decided to check in at the hotel first.

  Mount Desert Island was a beautiful place. The memories she held of a nearby island were not so beautiful.

  How could a place that held terrifying memories also be one that captured her heart every time? Could it have been because of Hunter? Because of him, they had created some decent memories from this place. If it weren't for their yearly meetings here, their need to come back and revisit, she'd never have come this far north again.

  But it called to her, even when Hunter never showed the past four years. He'd stopped writing back. He never answered her calls.

  Maybe he'd been able to let go and move on.

  This should be the last year she came back, too. If her grandparents had their way, she'd be married off to Vince soon. He had already shown his true feelings about her coming to the island.

  "Are you walking around? When it's dark outside?" Vince slammed something down on the other end. An image of him rubbing his temple with a sigh of exasperation filled her mind. He treated her like a child, just as her grandparents did. Just because she'd been traumatized and injured from the stupid crash didn't mean that she was incapable of things. Why didn't anyone understand that?

  There had only been one person that ever understood.

  Why did you stop contacting me, Hunter?

  "Vince, it's not even dark yet. The sun is still shining." Barely, but it still rang true. "And I'm sitting right now, enjoying the sunset."

  "How are your knees? Are you wearing your brace? I hate to think of you falling and being stranded out in the middle of that place."

  There went that condescending tone again. Becca fought the urge to end the call and chuck the phone in the nearby water. Self control won. Instead, she rolled her eyes, almost giggling at the childish gesture that he couldn't even see anyway.

  "My knee is feeling fine, and yes, I have my brace on. I called to let you know that I'm here. I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to get off the phone now and take a walk before it gets too late." Truth be told, her knee did hurt, but she ignored it. She'd take it easy later. She cradled the phone between her ear and shoulder. The swing and the two young kids continued to capture her attention.

  "Please let me know when you've made it safely to your room. I hope this is your last visit, Becca. There are no good things to remember there."

  Easy for him to say. Vince would never understand. She knew he cared, but he really needed to loosen up a bit. Okay, maybe a whole lot, but she'd take anything over no budging at all.

  "I'll be sure to leave you a message," she promised. Anything to get him off the line. She would definitely let him know later. Otherwise, she'd have a hundred texts and phone calls throughout the night until she finally answered.

  "Kiss kiss, my dear."

  Becca made a half hearted kiss sound and disconnected. She tossed her phone in the large handbag and gave her undivided attention to the swing.

  "It's a beautiful end to the day, isn't it?" A man, looking to be in his mid-thirties, smiled as he perched on the bench beside her.

  Becca grinned. "It sure is. It doesn't get better than a sunset overlooking the ocean."

  "Do you vacation here often, or are you a resident?" His warm eyes searched her face.

  "Vacationing. It's a yearly tradition with a good friend." She flicked her gaze back to the swing for a moment. The kids were still there, the girl giggling as she moved back and forth.

  "It's my first time out here. Truth be told, I'm a bit nervous. I'm actually going to propose to my girlfriend this weekend." The man stared in the same direction. "See the kids over there? The little girl is my girlfriend's daughter. The boy is her neighbor."

  Becca smiled. "That's wonderful! Good luck, congratulations and many well wishes."

  "Thank you. It's been a rough few years. It'll be nice to have some good changes coming. Are you waiting for your friend here? How did you come across this place for vacationing? You seem a little nervous, as well." He was full of questions, but Becca didn't mind. The conversation and the distraction of the kids on the swing helped keep her mind from wandering off so much. But now that the subject had changed to her, it brought it all back.

  "I'm waiting for a friend of mine. This is our usual meeting spot. I'm a little restless because I've been driving all day, but I have bad knees. As much as I want to move around, I'm trying to take it easy." No need to get into how she wondered if he'd show. She still held that flicker of hope and held onto it tight. "We both have longlasting memories here. We come to reflect." Sadness crept into her voice.

  "Oh. That sounds a little haunting. I bet there are tons of haunting stories to be told. One of the things that draws me to the coast of Maine is the thousands upon thousands of islands to be discovered.
Each one probably has untold secrets. Wouldn't it be amazing to uncover them? I guess my mind likes to wander. I love learning stories. And this place ... well, I'm already finding many. Oh! I see my girlfriend now. Time to get some late dinner. Thanks for the conversation. Have an enjoyable vacation." The man stood, brushed off his pants and lifted his hand in a wave before jogging over to the shadowed silhouette. The girl bolted from the swing. Her friend followed.

  Becca watched them disappear, the two younger ones joining their hands and swinging them gleefully. She thought back to what the man had said about untold stories. She bet he'd be fascinated with hers, but it was a story she hated to tell. Still, she came back year after year to keep the memory of her family alive.

  The last of the sunlight created a world of shadows. Twilight blanketed the sky. She'd have to leave soon. Safety first. She knew this island, but the night held a different promise. She should have hit the road a lot earlier.

  Just one little push on the swing. Would it even hold her weight? Why it called to her so deeply tonight, she couldn't say. It's not like Hunter didn't know where to find her if he made his way to the island, after all.

  Becca fingered the wooden swing, careful not to press too hard. Without another hesitation, she perched on it and wiggled. So far, so good. It held her just fine. She kicked her good leg to give herself a push. Becca tilted her head back, loving the way the breeze blew through her hair. She lost herself in the moment. If only she was as young and carefree as the little girl who'd been on the swing prior. Becca envied those kids. They still had so much of their youth to look forward to.

  "You and that swing. It never fails. You always have this sense of peace. Why can't I be an artist like you so I could capture the sights I see?"

  She recognized that deep baritone voice. Becca whipped her head up and almost lost her grip on the side of the swing. Of all the living, breathing, beautiful faces, the last one she expected to see was Hunter Beckman's. Not after all the years he'd missed their meetings. She'd hoped, but this year she had just about given up. Was it really him, or did her imagination create an image of the man she'd longed to see so badly? There he stood, right in front of the tree. He slid her one of those beautiful grins that lit up his entire face. Becca stopped the swing and shot to her feet. He made it! Hunter was here!