These days, however, Grace wasn’t getting tossed around at all. In fact, Kalev was treating her as if she were the most fragile of crystals. She laid a hand gently on her swollen belly, greeted by a soft little kick. She couldn’t help but smile, although as soon as she went to sleep that soft little kick would turn into a somersaulting dance routine. This little one was always energetic.
While Kalev was both excited and nervous about the prospect of having a baby, Matty was thrilled beyond belief that he would soon be a big brother. He had begun to take the roll very seriously, trying to learn everything he needed to know. He had already set aside some of his own toys he thought the baby would enjoy. Grace wasn’t sure that a newborn would fully appreciate a scooter or a dump truck, but the mini basketball or the wooden car might do.
Tired, Grace began to step back into the hallway and close the small gap in the door.
“Before I go to sleep, will you tell me the story again?” Matty asked. Kalev’s soft chuckle carried out into the hallway, warming Grace’s heart. She knew exactly what story Matty wanted to hear. He wanted to hear it every night before he went to bed. It was his favorite ‘fairytale.’
“Once upon a time, there was an angel who fell in love with the most beautiful woman in the world…”
Grace left the door open a crack so that she could listen as she walked down the hallway back to her bedroom. Completely content, she curled up under the covers and fell into a peaceful and dreamless sleep.
Acknowledgements
When I began the journey of writing this book, I’d never imagined how many people would become a part of the process. I would like to thank my “alpha reader”, editor, sounding board and cheerleader, Ashley. This book would not have happened without you. I can’t begin to count the number of hours you’ve dedicated to this book. I hope one day I can do the same for yours.
I’d also like to thank my biggest fan and other “alpha reader”, Colleen, for her unending support and enthusiasm. There were many times that I thought about giving up and you’d always help me return to the page.
A huge thank you and love you to my Darling Husband, who’s constructive criticism, encouragement, love and toddler wrangling were essential to making this novel happen. You are never afraid to give me your honest opinion, and while I may give you a hard time about it, I do appreciate it. It always helps me see my book from a different perspective.
Thank you to my first beta reader, Jennifer, whose feedback brought this novel to the next level and whose encouragement kept me digging deeper into the editing process.
Thank you also to the rest of my beta readers, Christine, Denise, and Lisa for your excitement and suggestions.
My RWA chapter, particularly my mentor Stephanie – you all have provided so much support, wisdom, encouragement and advise. I can’t thank you all enough for welcoming me with open arms.
I would be remiss not to mention my first writing coach for this novel, Dan, who gave me the confidence to finish writing the book. Your guidance got me past the first 10,000 words to the end of the first draft. Thank you for all your help!
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