As everyone prepares to leave, my friends come up to say goodbye.
"I got back with my mystery man. It's not so much of a mystery anymore. I'll fill you in when you get home." Pierce kisses my forehead and as much as I'd love to hear who the mystery man is, I'm tired and will probably forget by tomorrow.
"Sooooo . . . guess who's opening for one of the hottest bands in the US over spring break? This chick!" Melody points her thumbs at herself and smiles widely.
"That's amazing, Lo! Who's the band?"
She shrugs. "Oh, just a small band called Lyrical Revenge! Can you believe it? I'm touring with L.R.! Anyway, I start rehearsals in two weeks, so I'll tell you more later. Love you." She hugs me and leaves with Ben.
"You're amazing, Harbour. You even make cute babies. Bonus!" Art giggles. "I'm heading back to Rome tomorrow. There are some issues with an art installation. They need me there." She sighs and runs her hand over York’s little head. "I'm sorry I won't get to spend more time with you guys. This week has been amazing." She hugs me and promises to call next week to fill me in on the latest gossip from Rome.
After everyone has left, Lincoln climbs onto the bed next to me while I feed York.
"This is it, Harbour. We came in as a couple; we're leaving as a family. Thank you for giving me everything I ever wanted. I love you both more than life." I kiss him and smile contently.
Who would've thought that my life would turn out this perfect?
I guess fairy tales aren't so unbelievable after all.
The End.
Acknowledgements
Writing Harbours story has been quite a journey for me. The day I finished it I broke down and cried. I fell in love with these characters and saying goodbye to them was hard. It's like saying goodbye to friends, wishing them a good life and knowing you will only see glimpses of them in the future.
I have a lot of people to thank but I'll begin with those who inspired the Runaway Home series. Emeli Sande's album, Our Version of Events played a huge part in inspiring this series. I pretty much have a story for every song on the album. She is a lyrical genius with the voice of an angel.
Thank you to E.L.James, Abbi Glines, Melody Anne, Sylvia Day and the thousands of other authors who make me want to read and inspired me to write. You’re all rockstars to me.
The following thank you's are in no particular order. You all helped and supported me and I'm forever grateful to you all.
Jade and Becca, my two best friends, my cheerleaders, my emotional crutches. The support you've shown me has been overwhelming and I don't think I could've finished this without you both behind me cheering me on. I love you both.
My girls from the Fictionally Yours, Melbourne team.
Melanie Lowery, thanks for always making me laugh and reminding me to #calmthefarm! You're beautiful nature and seriously awesome dance moves draw people to you. Thanks for supporting me and putting up with my irrational mood swings.
Tina Gephart, an amazing friend and author who is always willing to give advice and share her knowledge of the sometimes overwhelming author world. Thank you for helping me understand this craziness a little better.
Simone Nicole, who would've thought after meeting at a signing that we'd be published authors two years later? Your advice and random but brilliant thoughts helped make Harbour the story it is. Thanks for your support and the hysterical laughs!
Kelly Rudge, the girl I called a nerd because she always had her pretty face in a book and I never understood it. Jokes on me now. Thanks for being my first reader and encouraging me when I was about to give up. Nerd sisters for life!
Lorraine Rudge, thank you for always encouraging my writing. From buying me a proper desk chair to helping choose my cover picture; your support has been amazing.
Thank you to my parents Socrates and Mary for looking after Athena so I could spend many nights focussing on writing my 'sex book' (Lol!) or just to go out and let off some steam.
Rachael Brookes, another amazing author who offered her assistance when I first set up my author page. She didn't know me, I was a stranger, but she contacted me and offered to help whenever I needed it. Women like you are an asset to anyone who has the pleasure of meeting you.
Angel Steel and her hubby Gav who formatted my book, helped pick my teasers and also kept me entertained on the Gold Coast. You guys are fantastic and I think it's a good thing we don't live closer to each other. One word. Shenanigans.
A big thanks to my awesome editor, Lauren McKellar. Wow. Your honest feedback and spot on suggestions helped me release a book I'm very proud of.
My cover designer Rebecca Berto. She got it first go. I love my cover!
Mary Manfield, Kat Papadopoulos, Aunty Colleen, my sister Lola Nicolouleas, Vicky Rudge, Shaun Owen, Ryan Micallef, Liz Lovelock and Kristine Barakat, you're all amazing and your support has been a blessing. Each one of you have helped me along the journey (in many different ways) and I appreciate it more than you know.
My beta readers, Larissa Johnston, Shannon Salazar, Alisha and Celena Thomson, Peggy Garnes Brooks, Cher Ann Kay, Hayley Thinnesen, Marcia Driver and Kelle Seals. I never expected to receive the support I have from all of you. Your kind words, ego boosts and occasional kicks up the butt are what got me over the finish line. I'm so happy that I met you all! You inspired me to keep going and write at a speed I never thought I could! I love you all. #betababes
Finally, I want to thank my amazing husband, Antony. The ultimate book husband! He kept our daughter Athena occupied night after night and then on weekends, he'd let me sleep in because I'd been up late writing. You've always supported my dreams, no matter how far-fetched they may be. I could thank you for another 50,000 words but I'll just leave it with this, I love you more than life. Thank you for being my number one fan.
Thank you everyone for taking a chance on a newbie author, I hope you love Harbour and Lincoln’s story.
Xxx Penelope
About The Author
Penelope Louleas lives with her husband and daughter in Melbourne, Australia. Born and bred in the literary capital of Australia, it was only natural Penelope would fall in love with the written word.
Penelope began writing several years ago but only recently decided to try her hand at independent publishing. When she's not hanging out with her family or writing, Penelope reads and daydreams. She is constantly coming up with a new story-lines for next books.
Coming soon in the Runaway Home series:
Pierce (book #1.5)
Artemisia (book #2)
Melody (book #3)
Where to find Penelope:
Facebook: Penelope Louleas Author
Goodreads: Penelope Louleas
Instagram: penelopelouleasauthor
Harbour (Runaway Home #1) Page 26
