“There we are then.” Dad had stared at the painting for some time, and then stared at her, his eyes bright. “We’re a good bunch, aren’t we Bizzy-Lizzy?”
Liz wiped her eyes and filed the memory away with all the other good ones.
“Hello, gorgeous.” She jumped as Matthew’s arms came around her waist and he nuzzled her neck. “That was quite a wedding. Congratulations.”
She made a slow turn in his arms and admired him not for the first time that day. She’d never seen him in a suit, and he wore it well. The way he’d stared at her when he’d first arrived made her stomach flip. In her opinion, he was the best looking man in the room. But then she was slightly biased.
“Thank you for all your help the last couple weeks. Especially with everything going on with Mia. She’s been such a help too.”
His face lit with the smile she was getting very comfortable with. “It gave her something else to focus on. And you know she loves Gray.”
“That she does.” Liz laughed.
He tucked a loose curl behind her ear and gave a low whistle. “Did I tell you how amazing you look today?”
She smoothed down her green satin dress with a smile. “Yes, but you can tell me again.”
His eyes crinkled. “What are you thinking about out here all alone, Elizabeth?”
She leaned into his embrace once more. “A few things. How lucky I am. How much I love my family. How I’ll never take that for granted again. And . . . that no matter what happens with the court case next week, it’ll be okay. I’ll be okay.”
“You will.” He nodded. “And I’ll be right there with you. It’ll be over before you know it. And then we’ll come home.”
“Home.” She smiled at the realization. “I haven’t thought of Nantucket as home for a long time. But now it’s the only place home could be. Funny, isn’t it? I think I’ve finally figured out where I belong.”
“I think you have too.” He touched the top of her nose with his. “What else?”
“Oh, you know.” Laughter bubbled upward as she basked in his smile and the sparkle in his eyes. “I was thinking this whole wedding thing might not be so bad after all.”
“What a coincidence.” Matthew grinned, kissed her full on the lips and his smile broadened. “I was thinking the exact same thing.”
thank you!
Each time I come to this point in a book’s production, I choke a little. Because how do you adequately thank so many people in such a wee space when there really aren’t enough words in the world to express my heart . . . but I must try anyway.
First of all, my long-suffering family. I think they’re all used to this routine by now, and my two kids are fortunately long out of the house, so no longer have to suffer burned dinners, no dinner, takeout dinner . . . so the real thanks must go to my husband, who still graciously puts up with all the craziness, and steps in to make dinner more times than I can count, and that is why we’re both still alive, really. And he insists that I model all my male heroes after him. Well. Why wouldn’t I?
Sarah, Randy, Annabel, and baby who will have a name and a face at the time of this book’s release—your unwavering support of my writing means more than I can say. My ‘Annabel days’ make up for any stress-inducing days, and I’m so grateful to be her Mimi, and can’t wait to meet our next bundle of joy! You are truly amazing parents and I’m so proud of you both.
Chris and Deni – your artistic talent still blows me away. I love that we get to be fellow storytellers together. It’s an incredible privilege, and I’ve so enjoyed listening to your music mature right along with you over the years. We are always looking forward to the next thing from The Western Den! Your beautiful souls inspire me, and we can’t wait to watch your marriage unfold, with all the joys that married life will bring.
Rachelle Gardner, my agent, my friend—what an honor it is to be able to say that. I can always count on you to give me the straight talk, encourage and lift me up, and remind me that things aren’t as bad as all that on those days when I’m fully convinced they are. None of this would be possible without your support and belief that I have a place in publishing! I am so beyond grateful to have you as my cheering section and partner on this often crazy journey!
So many friends to thank and I’m always afraid of leaving someone out . . . yikes!
Mick Silva, for taking on the editing of this novel, and making it even better. It’s always a pleasure to work with you and learn from you. Yvonne Parks at pearcreative.ca for coming alongside me on another project and knocking it out of the park with such a beautiful cover, wow! Rel Mollet for all your encouragement and hard work on my behalf, I am so fortunate to have you on my team, (and we can all thank her for keeping my scattered brain organized). So many writing friends who truly get me and stay with me and talk me down from all the ledges – Beth Vogt, well you’re just an angel, that’s all there is to say. Jennifer Major, ditto, our chats and enthusiasm have helped me keep going more times than I can count. All my ACFW friends, I’m so glad we’re all in this together. Katie Ganshert, Rachel Linden, Lindsay Harrel, and so many others. I love that we’re strapped onto the same rollercoaster and enjoying the ride, even with all the ups and downs!
My Dad and Vivian, you’re always there to lend support and cheer me on, and I’m so grateful for that! Thank you! LeeAnne, my BFF, I don’t know what I’d do without you. Probably just lay on the couch and cry. My sister, Pam, I can always count on you to be there for me, and I still marvel that that miracle. All my family far flung across the globe, I love you all.
And finally to my wonderful readers . . . thank you, thank you, thank you. For every email. For every shout out on social media, for everything you do to help boost my books and get them into the hands of more readers. You allow me to continue to write, and your support is something I definitely could not do without. So thank you and I hope I continue to give you stories you love.
Until next time!
About the Author
Catherine West is an award-winning author of contemporary women’s fiction. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her border collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband reside in Bermuda, and have two adult children and one beautiful granddaughter. Visit her online at catherinejwest.com.
You can connect with Catherine on social media:
CatherineJWest
@cathwestwrites
@cathwest
The Things We Knew
MEET THE CARLISLE FAMILY!
As their father’s failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets surface that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever.
www.catherinejwest.com
Where Hope Begins
SOMETIMES WE’RE ALLOWED TO GLIMPSE THE BEAUTY FROM WITHIN THE BROKENNESS . . .
“Where Hope Begins will take you breath, and quite possibly your heart.”
–Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author.
www.catherinejwest.com
As the Light Fades (ARC) Page 30
