by Robin Caroll
Her real true love.
Epilogue
Personal Journal of Addy Fountaine
Her wings curl over her back not clipped
just not tested
Waiting for the perfect time to unfurl.
She takes a step
then two, full of confidence surety of self.
Steps she knows where the path leads. Success.
Her wings stay folded—feathers smooth and in place.
The seasons change
One segueing into the next the rites of passage of time of accomplishments
of victories
of disappointments.
Feathers a little ruffled
but still in place over her back.
Storms of life ravage years pass
She grows older learning
But still close to the nest Lest she fall.
The taste of the future sits on the tip of her tongue— sweet, yet tangy
inviting, yet scary.
She takes a cautious step into unknown territory
a place where her certainty is unsure her confidence
not proven.
Her wings quiver as they slowly Unfurl.
Massive span as they spread.
She takes another step into the uncertain into the risk.
The strength of her wings lift her holding her securely
even as she looks back over her shoulder
to what is sure. What is safe.
But love looks back at her Smiling through tears
as pride lines the creases
of the weathered face of support.
And she knows.
She has been given
the support to forge her way Into the future.
She turns with a smile and strength in her wings.
She flies.
Dear Reader:
Thank you for returning to New Orleans with me and the crew of the Darkwater Inn. Louisiana is in my blood, and Cajun country has a large piece of my heart. If you get the opportunity to visit the area, I encourage you to do so. The laid back, generous, and hospitable attitudes of most of the people who live in south Louisiana will steal part of your heart too.
I’ve loved sharing this second story of Adelaide, Beau, and Dimitri with you. Each of these characters surprised me with their growth and depth from the first book. They pushed me as an author to create their journeys filled with struggles and joys, just like we all face in life. I’m looking forward to the last book in the trilogy, to see how they all turn out . . . And yes, to see who Adelaide chooses romantically.
Family dynamics can be some of the most complicated relationships ever—I know this from experience. As this story came to life, I wanted to show how many instances can alter the course of people, even family who are loved. Thank you for letting me share these insights with you as the characters worked out their family issues.
The Romanov family history has always intrigued me. I took liberties in writing in the missing diadem. The photos in the album vs the book are real, but the outcome of it being in the hands of any royal family is totally fiction.
Additionally, I took GREAT liberties in portraying characters from Liechtenstein. While it is factual that all in the royal family are princes and princesses, I twisted many more details to best fit my story.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading the Darkwater Inn series, and the companion Recipes from the Darkwater Inn available for free on my website under Extras. I would love to hear from you. Please visit me on social media and on my website: www.robincaroll.com. I love talking books with readers.
Blessings,
Acknowledgments
Each book marks the accomplishment of an entire team who made it possible. I’m blessed to have worked with such an amazing group of talented people on this second book in the Darkwater Inn series. My editor, Leslie Peterson, whose talents helped make my book shine! I thank you so, so much for all your insight, suggestions, and accommodations.
Thanks to my agent, Steve Laube, who manages to keep me on track and sane in this ever-changing industry, and who respects my business decisions.
This book was brainstormed with some pretty amazing writers at a private retreat. My thanks for their input and excitement: Colleen Coble, Carrie Stuart Parks, and Lindsay Harrel. I had a great time hanging out with y’all and always look forward to being able to brainstorm with you. Thank you to Kara and Mark Davy, for letting me stay with you and play with Elijah. Thanks to Dave Coble, for carting us around and making sure we didn’t get lost—because I have no sense of direction.
Huge thanks to fellow author Pam Hillman, who was the best sport on our research trip to New Orleans. She let me drag her through cemeteries, the French Quarter, and on tour buses. I’m so glad I didn’t have to go alone!
Thank you to Tamara Büchel-Brunhart, Assistant to the Ambassador, Embassy of Liechtenstein, for information. The details I twisted were all mine to best suit the story, not a reflection on the information Tamara provided.
I’m forever grateful to my circle of “my people” who are amazing prayer partners, beta readers, and encouragers. Thank you so much, Pam Hillman, Heather Tipton, Tracey Justice, Cynthia Ruchti, and Cara Putman. You ladies don’t let me get away with anything or take any shortcuts, and I appreciate each of you for that!
To my immediate family, who help me brainstorm, plot, and cause havoc in my poor characters’ lives: Casey, Remy and Bella— thank you for taking the active part in my stories. I can’t tell you how much it means to me for y’all to rock the fiction process with me.
Lots of love for my extended family’s encouragement. I so appreciate your continuous support: Mom, my grandsons—Benton and Zayden, Bubba and Lisa, Brandon and Katie, Rachel and Thomas, and Wade (because you are more family than not).
To my true north, Casey…there is no one I’d rather walk through life and love with than you. Every day, you remind me of what is good and pure in this life, and how blessed I am. Thank you for encouraging me to fly higher in chasing my dreams, every single day.
Finally, all glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Also by Robin Caroll
Stratagem
Darkwater Inn Series
Darkwater Secrets
Darkwater Lies
Darkwater Truth
Companion Cookbook: Recipes from the Darkwater Inn
The Evil Series
Deliver Us from Evil
Fear No Evil
In the Shadow of Evil
Hidden in the Stars
Torrents of Destruction
Weaver’s Needle
The Bayou Series
Bayou Justice
Bayou Corruption
Bayou Judgment
Bayou Paradox
Bayou Betrayal
Bayou Blackmail
Dead Air
Justice Seeker Series
Injustice for All
To Write a Wrong
Strand of Deception
The Christmas Bell Tolls
For Middle Grade/YA Readers
Samantha Sanderson At the Movies
Samantha Sanderson On the Scene
Samantha Sanderson Off the Record
Samantha Sanderson Without A Trace
Don’t miss the exciting conclusion to the Darkwater Inn trilogy…coming soon:
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About the Author
Best-selling author of more than thirty novels, ROBIN CAROLL writes Southern stories of mystery and suspense, with a hint of romance to entertain readers. Her books have been recognized in several awards, including the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and more. Robin serves the writing community as Executive/Conference Director for ACFW.
For More Information
www.robincaroll.com
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