Oh, well now, maybe I don’t want him to stop talking after all, I think to myself as I sigh contentedly and melt in his arms.
Sitting in this chair and watching the pain in Tara’s eyes is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s even more nerve-racking than singing on that awards show a few weeks ago, when I was nominated as Best New Artist of the Year for my cover of Holy Water. I know all the stars joke about it being an honor just to be nominated, but in my case it really is true. Cover songs are rarely ever chosen, especially when an artist has very little other work out there. Tara gave me permission to release the single I wrote for her, So the Heart Can Dance. Even though the song is incredibly personal, Tara thought that the message was important enough that she wanted to share it. To my surprise, it’s quickly traveling up the charts.
Today, dressed in a conservative suit, Tara is doing one of the bravest things I’ve ever seen her do. She is staring down her own personal nightmare eye to eye. That scum-ball had the nerve to ask for a parole hearing based on the fact that he’s good with kids in the prison ministry program. He represented to the court that he wants to start a ministry program for at-risk youth upon his release. Tara decided the best way to prevent this from happening was to tell her story in person. So we drove to Portland so that she could appear in court to tell her story under oath and face down this evil monster.
My muscles are cramping from the effort it takes to hold myself back from lurching out of this chair and seriously messing up the smug bastard. Yet, I know Tara would be extremely upset with me, if I stoop to his level.
Right now, the lawyer for Warren Jones is suggesting that perhaps Tara consented to the sexual activity.
Tara answers in a strong, clear voice, “No, sir. I did not consent to any kind of sexual activity. I was 14 years old. I had never even been kissed. I did not consent to having Mr. Jone's knee placed in the middle of my back and my arms constrained behind me with a leather belt while he repeatedly violated me with his penis, fingers, and a beer bottle. The only thing I consented to that night was to go see a PG-13 rated movie with Warren and a couple of his friends. It was supposed to be a group date, not the worst day of my life that would have repercussions for the rest of my life.”
The colleague of the attorney doing the questioning shoots to his feet and yells, “Objection, non-responsive.”
The person leading the parole board hearing merely glances over at the attorney and tells him to sit down. “First of all, this isn’t Court TV. Secondly, you can’t object to your own question, just because you don’t like the answer. Perhaps you’ll pick your battles more carefully next time.”
The attorney sputters, “But that’s not what he told me happened—”
The audience titters with laughter as the panel calls a recess to deliberate. Tara steps off the stand and comes to sit next to me. “Boy, he’s not nearly as sexy with cracked veneers, receding hairline, and middle age paunch, is he? It appears prison life has been a little tough on him. He’s looking a little pasty. He’s missing that bronze ‘I’m-a-sex-god glow,’” she signs with a smirk. “Win or lose, I’ve won. I have everything I’ve ever dreamed of, and he looks like a deranged mole.”
I squeeze her hand as the parole panel files back in the room and we all stand. The court official directs us to sit as we await the verdict.
“Warren Jones, although we applaud your volunteer work within the prison system, it is not enough to demonstrate that you have changed your behavior. You are not attending mandatory counseling sessions as you’ve been ordered to do, and you’re causing disciplinary problems in the prison system. According to the testimony of three women, you are somehow finding a way around the security measures and allowing other prisoners access to the computer even when their computer privileges have been revoked.”
I can see Tara’s knuckles turn white as she grasps the edges of her chair in anticipation.
“Therefore, in light of your irresponsible behavior in violation of our rules, Warren Jones, your parole is denied and any personal belongings you’ve purchased in the prison commissary will be confiscated until your release.”
Just then, Warren stands up from where he’s been sitting, turns around and faces Tara, “You’re a dead woman walking. I hope you know that.”
The room erupts in chaos, but my eyes are on Tara as she turns several shades whiter and sways in her chair. Eventually, order is restored to the room. One of the panelists on the parole board addresses Tara and asks her if she’s okay, and she responds, “Yes ma’am. I’m fine. Last time I was not prepared for a monster like Warren Jones. This time, if he decides to come after me again, he’d better be worried about his personal safety, because I know a thing or two about defending myself now, and none of them would be pleasant for him.”
The person who handed down the decision turns to Warren Jones and says, “That was an incredibly stupid thing to do. But I’d venture to guess you didn’t get here by making smart decisions in your life. I recommend that instead of trying to pretend you’ve made progress, you put your energies into actually making some progress. Take responsibility for what you did. If there is help and counseling offered to you, take it. Let this young lady move on with her life, while you try to improve your own.”
With that pronouncement, he bangs the gavel on the table beside him and says, “The parole hearing of Warren Jones is now concluded. Parole is denied.”
The atmosphere today is completely different. What a difference two days can make. Tara is flitting around my house like a hummingbird, in a stunning green dress and frighteningly high heels. She’s trying to put in the earrings Rory gave her for Christmas.
I don’t even try to hide my desire as I stand in the doorway and watch the intricate process. When Tara finally looks up, I remark, “Gracie, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look more beautiful.”
Tara touches her earrings and responds, “Aren’t these stunning? I am really surprised how easily Rory has accepted me back in his life. His wife, Renée, is really sweet. Can you believe she’s going to have the girls sign up at my dance school? She says Rory has a tendency to let cuss words slip out, so she won’t let him teach your nieces to dance. I feel bad for Rory; that had to sting a little.”
“Actually, I meant that you look absolutely gorgeous, but your earrings look fine too. I don’t think Rory will complain about you teaching his girls to dance. He’s a great dad to the girls, but being in a room with several of them is not really his thing,” I tell her with a chuckle.
Tara studies my outfit for a moment and returns the compliment. “Thank you, Aidan. You clean up pretty nicely yourself.” Abruptly Tara turns to leave the room, brushing a kiss across my lips as she flits past me. In a few moments, she comes stomping back in the room with her graduation cap in her hands. “Can you help me pin in this thing? My hair is so slippery, it won’t stay in,” she practically growls in frustration.
I shrug. “I can try. But just so you know, I’m no Jeff. I can’t work wonders with hair.”
Tara perks up immediately and remarks, “Oh, you’re right! He can fix it if it gets wonky, but go ahead and give it your best shot.”
I give her a teasing grin as I say, “I’m not an expert at this or anything, but don’t you want to get into your gown first?”
Tara looks down at herself in surprise as she exclaims, “Oh crap! I knew I was forgetting something.”
I walk over to the door where she had steamed the gown earlier. I help her step into it. She is so graceful that you would never guess that she has 5-inch heels on. I place the cap on her head, careful to center it as I gingerly pin it in place. I kiss her softly and say, “I’m so proud of you, Tara Grace. I’ll bet your parents are dancing today. In a round-about-way you became an interpreter like your dad, you just speak a different language—my language. In my book, it doesn’t get more perfect than that.” As she’s doing last minute touch ups like putting on her tassel, I pull out my camera and take several candid shots. I
still mentally pinch myself every morning when I realize the dream I had when I was six is coming true. We have been through so much in the last two and a half years. But most of all, we’ve survived, thrived, and found the love and music that ties us both together. Now that our hearts can dance, there is so much more to come.
Suddenly she looks at me with a surprised expression on her face as her lips curl up in a slow, contented smile. “Aidan, you’re right as usual. I was so busy falling in love with you, I forgot to notice the moment I found perfect again.”
The End (for now.)
Aidan and Tara’s story continues in Joy and Tiers available now.
Although at its core, So the Heart Can Dance is a love story, like so many of us, the characters deal with, and overcome pain and obstacles. As in real life, not every day is a perfect journey forward. Yet, they find strength in each other.
One of the reasons that I became a writer is that it gives me the opportunity to talk about things I really care about. Preventing sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse are among many causes that I hold close to my heart. I can't thank you, my readers, enough, for sharing my vision and supporting me by purchasing this book, leaving a review, and telling others about it.
For my friends and family members who shared their own personal, painful stories with me, I am profoundly grateful for your courage. I’m sorry for your pain, and I hope stories like this can help begin a conversation so that it won’t be quite so hard for others to listen and really hear what you’re saying. We may not say it often enough, but we see your strength and admire it.
If you are in a dangerous situation, there are people willing to help. I’ve included a resource list for survivors and their families.
On a personal note, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge some of the people that helped me put this book together.
Lori Castle, we share far more than just a birthdate. We’re more like twins separated at birth, even though you live far away in New York. It has been wonderful working with you as my creative sounding board.
I’d like to give a huge shout out to my creative team, Michelle Wagoner from Phlair Photography and fellow author Ada Frost of Kage Cover Design, who collaborated to put together a wonderful cover featuring the lovely Allison Crow on the front. Janey Jefferson from the Dance and Music Studio who graciously allowed us to use her facilities for the photography session.
Bobby Treat, your help as beta reader and emergency editor have been a lifesaver. You’re going to whip me into a writer yet. I found your personal reactions to the novel even more helpful. Thank you for sharing.
Erin McDade, thank you for getting me unstuck when I have writer’s block.
To my fellow writers that I keep in touch with via the Internet and occasional phone call or over Skype, thank you so much for your time. I know your time is limited and valuable. Your friendships mean the world to me.
~Mary
Because love matters, differences don’t.
If you need help immediately, call 911.
National Sexual Assault Hotline:
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TDD)
Domestic Shelters.org— A tool that enables you to find a domestic violence shelter in your area by ZIP Code or address. You can search by the specific service you need. There are also informative articles about how to help someone who may be a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network) — The nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org, and publicizes the hotline’s free, confidential services; educates the public about sexual assault; and leads national efforts to prevent sexual assault, improve services to victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
Take Back The Night—Media links, literature and other information about surviving and preventing date rape. Many of these resources are beneficial for helping survivors as well as their family and friends through the healing process.
When Georgia Smiled—A Foundation created by Robin McGraw to create and advance programs that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault live healthy, safe and joy-filled lives. Initiatives include a phone app that helps create a safety plan for use in domestic violence date rape situations, education initiatives for use in high school and college settings and support programs for women.
Loveisrespect.org— Our mission is to engage, educate and empower young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. Highly-trained peer advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. We also provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.
Band Back Together —A comprehensive community page with a variety of resources.
I have been lucky enough to live my own version of a romance novel. I married the guy who kissed me at summer camp. He told me on the night we met that he was going to marry me and be the father of my children. Eventually I stopped giggling when he said it, and we just celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. We have two children. The oldest is in medical school, where he recently found and married the love of his life, and the youngest is still in elementary school.
Presently I’m a stay at home mom, but I’m working on several other novels, and I volunteer my time to a variety of causes. I have worked as a Civil Rights Attorney and diversity advocate. I spent several years working for various social service agencies before becoming an attorney. In my spare time, I love to cook, decorate cakes and of course, I obsessively, compulsively read.
If you have questions or comments, please E-mail me at [email protected] or find me on the following social networks:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormarycrawford
Website: MaryCrawfordAuthor.com
Twitter:www.twitter.com/MaryCrawfordAut
Being an author is a very isolating endeavor, since by nature we live in a world of fantasy. I take fan input seriously and I would love to hear yours. Sites like Amazon and Goodreads give you the opportunity to rate this book and share your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter. If you like this book, please take a moment to share your review and encourage your friends and family to share in the love of reading.
Thank you so much.
~Mary
If you enjoyed Tara and Aidan’s love story, the adventures continue in the upcoming releases in the Hidden Beauty series titles:
Until the Stars Fall from the Sky (A Hidden Beauty Novel #1)—Jeff and Kiera—June 3, 2014
So the Heart Can Dance (A Hidden Beauty Novel #2)—Aidan and Tara—April 24, 2015
Joy and Tiers (A Hidden Beauty Novel #3)—Heather and Ty— August 15, 2015
Love Naturally (A Hidden Beauty Novel #4)—Madison and Trevor—Coming New Year’s 2016
Love Seasoned (A Hidden Beauty Novel #5)—Denny and Gwendolyn—Coming Winter, 2016
Love Reclaimed (A Hidden Beauty Novel #6)—Donda and Jackson—Coming Fall 2016
Introducing a new series, A Hidden Heart scheduled to debut in the fall.
Identity of the Heart (A Hidden Heart Novel #1)—Ivy and Marcus and Rogue and Tristan —Coming October 23, 2015
Sheltered Heart (A Hidden Heart Novel #2)—Jessica and Mitch—Coming Summer, 2016
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems – except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews – without permission in writing from its publisher, Mary Crawford and Diversity Ink.
All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade
names of their respective holders. I’m not associated with any product or vendor in this book.
Published August 5, 2015 by Diversity Ink
ISBN-13: 978-0692477465
ISBN-10: 0692477462
ASIN: B010FDWXPG
To all of the men and women that serve: There simply aren’t enough words in any language to say enough thanks for what you do.
To the families that hold their whole world together while they’re away, you give the term heroic a whole new meaning.
It’s hard enough to try to work in this shoebox-sized food truck while slamming my head on the ceiling every ten seconds, but right now I’ve got an overly helpful witness dogging my steps like a bloodhound. “Gidget, dammit. You have to let me do my job here. Do you go out of your way to annoy everybody or is it just me?” I glare at her, trying to get her to back away from the broken glass. True to form, she’s entirely fearless and crazy bossy. It’s always more difficult to be out on calls for people you know, especially when they are pretty little spitfires who make your blood boil—and not necessarily in totally negative ways.
“Hold your horses, Cowboy!” Heather argues. “Those may seem like a bunch worthless junk strewn all over the counter to you. It took me a week to make all those flowers by hand for a wedding this weekend. I’d like to save as many of them as possible before you go in there with those overgrown tennis rackets that you call hands and smash everything to smithereens.”
“Do you mind if I go ahead and take some pictures here? The evidence team is tied up doing a huge drug bust,” I ask, as I pull my camera out of my gear bag.
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