8…
The darkness surrounds me as I take twelve long strides and I hit center stage. Time is beginning to slow down as everything falls into place. I want this. I need it to move faster so it can make me fly like it always does.
7…
My chest is pumping harder than ever before. I’ve done this routine a million times now, but this time is different. I’ve never allowed her to come to a show before. It’s the one place where I can drown only in my music and forget the world. Now I’ll be breathing under water to the beat of her next to me and still be flying high.
6…
She begged, and I said no. Pleaded, and I still said no.
5…
The nerve endings in my fingers twitch and play the notes on my guitar without making a sound. My knee starts bobbing.
4…
Floor level can see a shadow on the stage, but no one else. I take my stance and drop my chin to my chest. They’re screaming my name as I grip the lip of my hat and slide it way down low.
3…
Wait. For. It.
2…
A faint chord rings almost silently through the air letting me know we’re about to play. I start a new count in my head. 3...2…
1…
The first chord ripples through the air and all hell breaks loose. The lights go up and the band plays the first note. The crowd is growing larger as the stadium lights up, the roar at its highest. I step into the one place that has always been my comfort zone.
“This one goes out to my whiskey girl…” I fling my pick across the strings and let it rip, letting Livy hear a song solely meant for her. I know she’s watching from the side of the stage, I can feel her gaze on me. Turning my head, our eyes lock and I blow her a kiss. The crowd roars even louder and she blushes. The smile that glides across her face puts everything into perspective for me. Why I do what I do. And why things happen for a reason.
Damn, I love that girl. And I’m never letting her go again.
My Goodness, what a journey this has been. There were quite a few people involved in the creation of this story. Without them, the book would not have been possible. Each one played a monumental part. I know I will forget to mention someone, but it’s not intentional. I am really thankful for every single person who helped me bring this novel to fruition.
My husband- The ungodly amount of hours I spent on the computer was a bit disturbing, but you never, not once, complained. Some days I noticed it in your eyes, but you never said a word. I can’t thank you enough for that alone. And when I stressed out trying to make the final changes with the kids around? You swooped in and took over. Having a supportive husband is the key to it all, and I’m one lucky chick. I love you! And to my wild and crazy boys who drive me insane everyday- I love you more than you’ll ever know. I know you’re probably never going to ever read this, but you two are my inspiration and make me want to be all that I can be for you guys. Dad- Thank you for believing in me, for your stories on how you got your business started, and giving me the inspiration to keep trekking ahead. I knew you would support me in anything I did, but the way you were with me with my writing really moved me. Thank you so much!
Nadine Winningham. You’re a woman of many roles. I often wonder if it wasn’t for you, would I have completed this book? There are not enough words in the dictionary for me to express how much I appreciate you. From cheering me on, asking to read everything I wrote, your surprise promo pictures…everything you did made a difference. You’re my biggest cheerleader and have supported me from the beginning through all my crazy changes and ideas. You held my hand when I panicked, and gave me motivation when I needed it the most. Thank you for remembering the scenes I forgot, sending me links, highlighting the funny typos I made and making me laugh. Most of all, your friendship means the world to me. I give you two nipples up!
Rachel- Girl, there are no words. I don’t know who read my book more- you or Nadine. Each time I had a question, you were there. Thank you for critiquing my work early on, but more importantly, being my friend. Let’s be real, my book was a disastrous mess when you got your hands on it. But you never gave up on me and suffered chapter by chapter giving me such in depth feedback for each chapter as the book progressed. I can’t thank you enough for all of your help.
Author Claire Contreras. Where do I start? There are so many things I want to say but I fear I will get sappy so I need to keep it cool. First and foremost, your friendship is invaluable. It really is. You’re the kind of friend that doesn’t come around often. Thank you for getting my wicked and warped sense of humor, but for also having the same kind as I do. You stood by my side and always gave me straight talk even when I didn’t want to hear it. Thank you for remembering my characters names when I couldn’t, helping me work through plot holes and supporting me. You inspire me to be strong like you.
Author Tessa Teevan. You jumped right on board without giving it a second thought and sailed right along with me. The support you showed me was overwhelming. I was blown away by it, truthfully. Your enthusiasm is contagious and your heart is big. Thank you for lending me your shoulder to cry on over and over. Lord knows I did it A LOT. You never complained about my freak outs or told me to suck it up. And for that alone, you deserve a box of wine! Thanks to you, there are a few songs that will always make me think of Luke and Livy.
Autumn Hull. Thank you for setting up my blog tour, dealing with the setbacks, laughing with me at the amount of copies I sent you and for listening to me bitch and whine. You’re the kind of friend who when days and months go by in which we don’t speak, we find a way to pick up like no time has passed. There are no awkward gaps in our friendship, and I love that. The amount of time you put into your blog and helping authors doesn’t go unnoticed. You care and it shows. Thank you for all your help.
Anne Woodall. I can’t thank you enough for taking a chance on me and suffering through the first few drafts of this book. I know it was a daunting task, but you did it with a smile and helped me so much. Your feedback helped form my story into what I envisioned. Thank you for being my friend and for your constructive criticism. There were many days when I didn’t think I could do it anymore, but you gave me the courage to keep going. Your advice, sometimes just a few short sentences, made all the difference to me. You’re a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you! And I’ll be sending you a print copy soon!
Author Beth Ehemann. I can’t thank you enough for answering all of my questions while you screamed at your kids at the same time. Half the time, I didn’t know if you were yelling at me or at them while having consumed more than one 5HE. Those calls were some of my favorite calls ever! Thank you for being a real friend first, and allowing me to vent during my various stages of writing and publishing. A real friend is hard to find these days. You had my back every step of the way and that means more to me than anything. I can’t wait until February to see you! #boner #saliva
Alyssa West. Alyssa West, aka gif queen aka hype killer. You, my friend, are one crazy and brutally honest person, but it’s what I value most about you…plus, your friendship. I know how stubborn you are with your reads, so when I say thank you for beta reading for me, I really mean THANK YOU SO DAMN MUCH! You were one of the firsts to suffer through my messy rough draft and I can’t thank you enough for doing that.
Author Elizabeth Lee. Thank you for answering all my questions, and for being so supportive of me. You gave me motivation and planted a seed in my brain…I don’t know whether to be happy about that or feel stressed since all I want to do is write it now! I guess I’m thankful. While I may have written a sweet country boy, yours are WAY better.
Bridget Peoples. I know you were worried about your feedback in the beginning, but you helped me mold Luke into the character I had imagined. Thank you for making beautiful graphics, for your updates and feedback. You’re a good person with a kind heart. Thank you.
The unbelievably talented Regina Wamba of Mae I Design. Thank you for the countless cove
rs you made until I was happy. I honestly thought you were ready to give up on me, but you never did. Thank you for my beautiful cover! I love it so much! Emily Mah Tippets of E.M. Tippets Book Designs. Thank you for fitting me into your schedule to format my book. I’m sorry I asked so many questions, but thank you for answering them so nicely.
My fairy Godmother, Roxie Madar. You came in when I needed you most! Maybe I’ll write up a pregnancy just for you. Thank you for all your feedback. Author Pamela Sparkman. My goodness, what you did for me! Your suggestions early on made my book better and I couldn’t be happier. It just goes to show what a good beta can see and suggest. I love the beginning of my book now—and I owe that all to you! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my really rough (quite embarrassing) draft. Katie Pruitt Miller. You are such a beautiful person inside and out. You encouraged me the very first day, and for that, I am thankful. To the first blogger to reach out to me, Trisha at Devoured Words. I will always remember that. Thank you for reading for me and being patient with all the docs I sent you. Amanda Cantu. Thank you for attempting to read my book and then not because I changed it so many times after I sent it. I pray you threw out that paper copy! Janna Sierens. You’re the only one who I can go head to head with and not win. Feisty brat that you are! Thank you for being so enthusiastic about reading my book and giving me updates, even if you wanted to throw your kindle. But more importantly, thank you for being YOU, very honest and real. Author London Miller. Thank you for giving me great feedback at the last minute. Khriste Close. Thank you. To all the bloggers who took a chance on me, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! When I started out, I prayed that five would help promo me. That’s all I hoped for. I was blindsided by the amount of bloggers who were willing to take a chance on me. Thank you all so much! <3 And last, but certainly not least, Amanda Hootie Clark. Even though you had absolutely nothing to do with this book, I have one word for you: Click.
Edee Fallon. Thank you is just not enough to show how much I appreciate everything you have done. When I found you, I was such a mess. I didn’t know where to go or what to do. I felt like a lost puppy wandering the streets alone. It was a difficult time for me. Thank you for answering every single one of my many, many questions- and repeatedly too! I’m sure I annoyed you to no end with the same questions, but you never showed it and were happy to answer each one with patience. You’re knowledgeable in so many areas and have taught me so much. Thank you for everything.
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