There is a low murmur of agreement and even an amen from Karyn, aka, Hot-Dog-Hairzilla. I still call her that in my head, but she was the one who arranged the surprise wedding shower for Aidan and I. She was also the one who caught the bouquet at our wedding. Watching Leonard put the garter he caught on Karyn's leg, while she was simulating an orgasm, was something to remember.
"Tell them the best one, Lydia," Aidan pipes up from his seat. "The one we talked about last night."
Edith shushes him for speaking, but I nod. It is the best lesson, the one that I told him when we were out walking, hand in hand. It came to me as he rubbed my ring finger.
"I was telling my husband last night," I say, with a smile to him, "I've learned that I...we...are all stronger than we ever give ourselves credit for. Too often we believe that we are alone and fighting our own battles by ourselves, when the truth is that we're all in this together. Just about everyone in this room has fought and is still fighting alcoholism. Or narcotics. Or both. Or something else, even. We may not have fought our battles together, but the we're all in the same war and we need each other to win. We're here to draw on the strength of others in this room and give it back to whoever needs it too, because that's what makes us all stronger than the obstacles that come our way. The world is filled with addictions and it really doesn't matter which particular one grabs your steering wheel. It matters more that when you lose your grip, you know who can help you get it back. Addictions might feel overwhelming, but we are all stronger than that."
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you, God, for putting all these people in my life. It is always about you.
Thank you Pook, Little Rocker Chick, and Poley, for dealing with this crazy job I do. I love you guys more than anything.
Thanks to the back table at 5:45! This book would be nothing without your wisdom. Thank you for so much for openly sharing your insights and stories. I am humbled by your journeys and honored that you would trust me with your personal histories. Your candid truths helped me to create what I hope are authentic characters and an authentic story that captures the same type of bravery each of you exhibit in your daily lives. Thanks again for your help.
Love and kisses to my incredible Beta Babes: Candace Selph, Delphina Miyares, Jackie McPherson, Lisa ‘Pisa’ Ammari, Heather Love King, and Kathryn Grimes. Your enthusiasm and willingness to help is above and beyond, your suggestions always make my books stronger. Thank you for getting on my roller coaster ride, yet again!
Huge thanks to Tom, Kenny, Bill, and Paul for taking the time to hang out.
Thanks to Starla Huchton for helping me spruce up my cover design. You rock the Photoshop!
Thanks to my mom, for always listening to the ideas, and to my dad, for always handing over the phone. It’s no small job.
MORE BOOKS
BY MISTY PROVENCHER
Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy
THE CORNERSTONE SERIES
(#1 Cornerstone, #2 Keystone, #3 Jamb, #4 Capstone)
New Adult, Contemporary Romance
HALE MAREE
FULL OF GRACE (companion book to HALE MAREE)
New Adult Urban Fantasy
MERCY, A GARGOYLE STORY
New Adult Post-Apocalyptic, Science-Fantasy
THE FLY HOUSE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Misty Provencher is a long-term wife, mama, and author. The first two are a bit more recent, but Provencher's writing roots date back to hieroglyphics she left in her mother's womb.
While Provencher can ride a motorcycle, knows how to Karate chop, and has learned enough French, Spanish, and Sign Language to get herself slapped, Misty's life is actually just the ruse she uses to connect with people. She is totally enchanted with them and spends her days trying to translate the soul bouquets of her muses into words.
Misty Provencher lives in the Mitten. You can find her books online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ibooks, Smashwords, Kobo and CreateSpace.
She also welcomes your knock on her internet blog door at: http://mistypro.blogspot.com/ or find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, Google+, Tumblr, Pinterest and other social media sites as Misty Provencher.
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