Promises to Keep

by Patricia Sands

  “I guess that makes sense, but it doesn’t feel right,” said Philippe, hesitating, his voice tight. “But you must go to be with Molly and to take care of any decisions. I promise to be with you as soon as I can or as soon as you say.”

  Kat gulped back tears, drawing strength from his calm support.

  “What matters now is Molly, Kat. You are the most important person she has in her life. I know that. She needs you. Let’s call the airline now.”

  “I know, I know. I want to be there with her. I need to . . . I just can’t believe this is happening.”

  All flights to Toronto were full for the next day, but the day after was fine, although she would have to wait three hours in Paris between flights. Philippe made a decision and booked two flights to Paris the next day and then one for Kat to Toronto the day after.

  “At least I can do the Paris part of the trip with you and we will have a quiet evening there. Then I’ll see you off on your flight to Toronto. That will be less tiring for you too.”

  They both knew they would not fall asleep for a while. Kat warmed some mugs of milk, hoping that would help, and they phoned Terrence with the flight information.

  “We’ll call you tomorrow as soon as we know what is happening,” he said, “and I’ll meet you at the airport. She may be transferred to a Toronto hospital but that decision hasn’t been made yet.”

  They sat at the kitchen table in silence for a while, sipping the milk.

  “The unpredictability of life . . .” Philippe muttered. “We thought we had problems but they were nothing compared to this.”

  “Promise me we will talk at least once a day.”

  “Probably more, mon amour. We have to deal with it moment by moment and trust all will be well. We have to do everything we can to help Molly get better.”

  Resting her head on Philippe’s shoulder, Kat wept quietly. She could feel the love and concern in his embrace, and she took comfort from the strength of his body pressed to hers.

  “Molly has to get better. She just has to. I need her in our life.”

  “Molly will be part of our life for a very long time to come. The rest is unimportant. We must believe that.”

  “We must . . .” Kat was sobbing again, as much as she tried to stop.

  Rocking her gently, he continued. “And you will be back here in my arms before we know it. We have a life to live together.”

  “Yes, we do,” she stammered through her tears. “And promises to keep.”

  “Oui, Minou . . . my sweet Kat. Sans aucun doute. Of that there is no doubt.”

  A NOTE TO YOU, DEAR READERS

  Thank you for reading Promises to Keep.

  When I finished writing The Promise of Provence, I thought that Katherine’s story had ended. (I loved writing it, by the way!)

  But then your e-mails began arriving—by the hundreds and then thousands—asking what happens next. I was touched that so many of you cared about Katherine and Philippe and the other characters so much that you wanted more!

  I thought I would write a short follow-up story, describing the life Katherine and Philippe began after they walked out of the airport to begin together. But that was not to be.

  As I wrote, I began to discover more about the characters, and the story became increasingly complicated. New characters appeared, and it was as if Kat and Philippe took hold of the story and carried me along.

  I also learned from your responses that you share my love for the South of France. That particular part of the world, with its beauty, culture, and history, has become a character in its own right.

  As a result, I’m going to continue writing about Katherine and Philippe and the South of France, as well as Molly and Andrea and Terrence and Joy and Adorée and François and all the others you first met in The Promise of Provence. Now Simone, Véronique, and David as well as Annette and Gilles have joined the cast. I think you will be happy to get to know even more intriguing characters making their way into the narrative.

  I’m excited to keep writing about them all, and I’m full of ideas for what happens next. I sometimes feel I’m simply a bystander who has been invited along on their adventure. The stories will continue until they—or you—let me know they are over.

  What do you think? Have I made a good decision? I value your thoughts and opinions, so please share them with me right here: patriciasandsauthor@gmail.com.

  Have you signed up for my newsletter? It goes out once a month with all sorts of contests and information about what’s coming next. The subscription can be found at my website: http://patriciasandsauthor.com.

  If you have time to write a brief review I would be most grateful. Comments from readers are so helpful and inspiring. You are the reason I write and your words encourage others to read my books.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I want to express my sincere thanks to my family and friends for their ongoing enthusiasm. My husband’s patient support, encouragement and eager first look at my words means everything to me. My appreciation and thanks go to my editor, Dinah Forbes, for her wisdom and guidance. I owe a big bouquet of gratitude in particular to Magali Prince and Ida Young-Bondi for their valued guidance with all things French. Thanks also to my advance readers who offer me honest, helpful comments and lots of laughter! I can never repay my brother, Terry Murphy—a writer of nonfiction and highly praised educational texts, as well as a voracious reader—for his priceless assistance, opinions, and superb proofreading skills . . . and he keeps reminding me of this! Thanks to Amy Cooper and Barb Drozdowich (my tech angel!) for their dedication and active involvement in all I do. Kudos to Scott Collie and Carrie Spencer for another fabulous cover!

  And now . . . on to the next book!

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, Canada, when she isn’t somewhere else. An admitted travel fanatic, she can pack a bag in a flash and be ready to go anywhere . . . particularly the South of France.

  Her award-winning debut novel The Bridge Club was published in 2010, and her second novel, The Promise of Provence, the first in the Love in Provence Series, was an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, a USA Best Book 2013 Finalist and a 2013 Finalist in Literary Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards.

  Celebrating the rewarding friendships and bonds women share, her stories examine the challenges life often throws in our paths. Location features prominently in all her novels.

  For book club discussion questions or to contact Patricia, please visit patriciasandsauthor.com.