Flint: Book 1 (Freedom In The Cage) Read online

  He had done it.

  Stone was on him with congratulations, but it was her voice that he focused on. Jade called his name.

  “So how does it feel, man?” Stone pulled his attention back from the cheers.

  “I’m tired,” Flint managed. He was more than ready to go home and figure out what was next. Jade had made her way to him, but just as soon as she did, her telephone rang.

  In her distracted state, she answered. He watched as her smile turned and her eyes filled with tears. She dropped to the mat, and as hard as Flint tried to reach her, he was too late.

  His mind raced. What was happening? How could his world crumble and soar in seconds? How could a happy time for him spin out into immediate tragedy? How would they move on from this? Would they be able to?

  Epilogue

  Jade’s mother was gone, but with tragedy came hope. So much had changed. Eight months after Flint’s epic fight, they welcomed a baby girl—Hannah Celeste—named after Jade’s mom and Flint’s sister. Baby Hannah came into the world kicking and screaming, and everyone instantly knew she would be a fighter. The struggles that most preemies must push through. She had defeated, able to come home in just weeks.

  The whole crew was all in attendance for her arrival, having dropped everything at the incoming text. Stone, of course, arrived first and paced the floor as if he was the grandfather. In a way, he was, and when the couple presented her, he was the one in tears.

  No one had ever seen this side of Stone before. Flint and Jade had agreed early that they wanted Stone to be their child’s godfather. They even gave him a hat to commemorate the day. Flint had wanted to propose, but he did not want it to be cliché. Then the timing never seemed to be right.

  After the baby, Jade began training again, and Flint was determined to be with her every step of the way, just as she was for him. He took on the daddy duties, so Jade could focus on her dreams.

  This is what Jade had fought so hard for. She stood in her corner, ready. Determined, faithful.

  The bell rang, and with a glance to Flint and Stone, her family—she started her assault. The match went on for three rounds. Her opponent was good, but not good enough. Jade was able to repeatedly knock her down, and finally, using a takedown move, wrapping up her legs in the middle of the mat so she could not grab hold of the rope. The ref began to count down, and Jade found Flint in the crowd. He was grinning from ear to ear.

  The fight was not easy, and Jade still did not believe she won until the official held up her hand as they stood in the middle of the ring.

  “The winner of this three-round bout, by submission, is Jade,” The official leaned over and whispered in her ear that someone else wanted to make an announcement. Jade nodded.

  A commotion came from behind her, and as she turned, she watched Flint climb through the ropes with a fast approach.

  Taking the mic from the referee, Flint ensured he was center stage. He waited a moment until Stone was there beside him, holding Hannah, grinning wildly.

  “Babe, I am so proud of you. This is where you have wanted to be since I first laid eyes on you. Over this last year, you have sacrificed so much for Hannah and me. We can never repay you. You have shown me what determination means, as well as you have made me a better man. I will be forever grateful that you helped channel the anger that had begun eating me up inside. Still, you saw the good in me,” Flint dropped down to one knee before continuing. “In front of all these people who are here for you, I need to ask you something, baby. I know what I want the answer to be, but I need you to say it. Jade, will you marry me?”

  Jade fumbled to remove her gloves. She bent down, grabbed his face, and kissed him feverishly. It took a moment to realize where she was—though the eruption of hoots and hollers did help. She pulled back with a smile and a short chuckle.

  Flint’s eyes searched her own. He had asked her a very important question.

  “Yes, my love. I will marry you. I’ve won it—all of it.” Her hand trembled as Flint took the ring from Stone, slipping it to her finger. “Now I am complete.”

  The End

  Although DaKiara is still considered new to the publishing world, she has hit the ground running full speed ahead. In her first year, she independently published her first work. Soon after, she decided to form Mind Flow Publishing, LLC, a small publishing house, to work with other authors. DaKiara has recently earned a spot on the Amazon International Bestsellers List. She has become a frequent flyer on the Amazon US Bestsellers List. Each time for her feels as if it is the first all over again. Her works are spread across genres such as Poetry, Inspirational, Urban Fiction, Paranormal, Contemporary Romance, Suspense & Thriller, and Christian Fiction.

  DaKiara’s love for writing started when she was about twelve, writing poetry and writing speeches for various oratorical contests. Inspiration for her craft is pulled from her own life experiences, as well as others. She has been featured on several podcasts, as well as Up and Coming Authors Newsletters. When she is not writing, she loves to design shadowboxes and create personalized greeting cards.

  Thank You for Reading….

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