Ready or Not (The Ready Series Book 4)
Page 26
My breath caught, and my vision blurred at the mere sight of her.
My wife.
Our eyes met, and in their depths, I found the missing piece of my soul.
As our fingers touched and we spoke the words that would bind our souls together for eternity, I knew every decision in my life had led me to this moment and the path we were about to create together.
“You may now kiss your bride,” the minister announced.
Our new life had just begun, and it was time to start living it.
Happily ever after.
That was what we were supposed to have.
Pudding cups, sandy toes and a lifetime of making each and every one of our dreams come true—that is the future I’d promised her.
I could see it in my dreams, hold it in my hands, but then I watched as all of our hopes and wishes suddenly slipped through my fingers like sand.
I thought the worst was behind us, but what if we’d just delayed the inevitable?
They say love can overcome any obstacle. But can it survive death?
The breathtaking love story of Lailah and Jude concludes in Beyond These Walls.
Coming March 2015
Natalie – Bruno Mars
Not a Bad Thing – Justin Timberlake
Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith
Before I Ever Met You – Banks
Stay With Me – Sam Smith
(You Drive Me) Crazy – Britney Spears
She’s So Mean – Matchbox Twenty
Daughters – John Mayer
Boom Clap – Charli XCX
Flowers in Your Hair – The Lumineers
Lost Stars – Adam Levine
Aint Nobody – Jasmine Thompson
Right after I made the decision to move ahead with When You’re Ready, I came to my husband in a panic (this is normal in our household) and asked, “What if I can’t write another one? What if this is my only idea?” He pulled me into his arms (or at least that’s how I remember it now…he may have just looked at me strangely) and said, “Then make it a good one.”
Luckily, like most authors I know…the ideas didn’t stop after that first book. In fact, they just kept coming. Some are great, others are well—not so great. But, the point of this really long, seemingly pointless intro is that I followed a dream. And it led to such an amazing new life—one that I would have never imagined.
Like most dreams, I couldn’t have done it alone. So, let’s started with the acknowledgments!
First and foremost—my husband. Chris—I don’t know how you’ve managed to put up with me all these and stay sane, but thank you for figuring it out. I love you.
My girls—You always know the perfect ways to make me laugh—thank you. Oh and stop growing. Seriously, stop it!
My family—Thanks for being your weird, awesome selves. It’s great inspiration for writing.
Leslie—I love you. Hard. Oh and I just have one thing to say—Birthday Weekend 2015. It’s happening.
Melissa and Carey—There are too many reasons to list. You keep me sane.
Jovana and Ami—You are my editing wizards and I can’t imagine working with anyone else. Thank you for your devotion and love of my work.
Beta readers—Thank you for always being there to eagerly read my horribly unedited manuscripts and offer feedback and advice. Your help means the world to me.
Bloggers—I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for bloggers reading, sharing and loving my work. I appreciate each and every one of you more than I can say.
Tara Gonzalez—Worlds Greatest Publicist. That is all.
Kelsey Keeton—Shut up. Just shut your face. Every time I think there’s no possible way you could do any better, you manage to blow my mind again. I love you.
Sarah Hansen—Every day I get a cover from you is like Christmas, and you’re the grumpy little elf that delivers them. P.S. Jamie is mine.
Gabriella and Dusty—Thank you so much for bringing my characters to life. You truly are Liv and Jackson on this cover and I can’t thank you enough.
Stacey Blake—As always, thank you for making the inside of my book look amazing. You are a formatting guru.
Berg’s Book Junkies—You guys bring a smile to my face everyday. Thank you for your neverending support and constant love.
Last but not least, a huge thank you to my readers—both new and old. Thank you for falling in love with my characters, becoming part of their lives and walking this crazy journey with me.
Until next time,
JL
J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.