Excerpt of Forever in My Heart by Maria K. Alexander

“What happened today between us can never happen again.” “Because of your sister?” “Because of my entire family. Kate isn’t the only member with a grudge against the DiSilva family.” Just his bad luck. “My parents and I have never done anything to warrant being shunned by them. Our parents were best friends.” “That doesn’t change what your brothers did or how it’s impacted my family. It’s one thing to deal with you living in the same town. It’s another for them to accept what just happened between us.” “What happens between us has nothing to do with your family,” he snapped. He was tired of being judged. It wasn’t like she didn’t feel something for him. He lowered his voice and cupped her cheek. “Things can be good between us, Vick. You know it.” She held his gaze, and he felt her tremble. He leaned forward, determined to convince her to give them a chance. Her hand shot out and stopped him from doing more than graze her lips. “Stop. Nothing good will come of this.” She rolled off the bed and kept her back to him. “You’re choosing them over your own happiness?” She wiped at her face before turning to him. Despite the tears that dampened her eyes, her answer was clear from the stubborn set of her chin. “What choice do I have?” “There’s always a choice.” “And a price to pay. They’re my family. I pick them. I’ll always pick them.”