A Mother's Choice
Page 23
Like Autumn and Kyle, my husband and I married before medical school, and like many couples, we struggled to balance family with a demanding profession. We’ve been blessed with six gorgeous children, and their cute antidotes provided the inspiration for many of the details in the lives of Logan, Zane, and Aubrey.
Jules Dahlager, one of Alaska’s most beloved artists and my great grandfather, gave me the idea for the hidden messages in Jude’s postcards. I love using the magnifying glass to decipher his secret notes to his future wife Eva. If you’d like to see some of the postcards, please visit me on my website or join me on Facebook.
The best way to keep up with my new releases is by subscribing to updates at my website.
Again, thank you for reading my book, and I look forward to hearing from you. If you enjoyed A Mother’s Choice, keep reading for a sneak peek of my book Forgiving Natalie.
Kristin Noel Fischer
Convicted felon Natalie Jones once gave her heart to Gage Merona. Now her heart belongs to eight-year-old Dash, the son Gage doesn’t know about. Determined to face the criminal charges against her, Natalie moves Dash across the country to meet his father for the first time.
Although Dash is Natalie’s whole world, her plan for redemption involves the heartbreaking task of leaving him with Gage. Will Natalie be able to forgive herself for what she must do? Will Dash?
And what happens when emotions between Natalie and Gage rekindle? How will Gage react when he learns the actual truth of what happened all those years ago?
“Forgiving Natalie is an unforgettable love story about forgiveness and second chances. An intense read, this latest Kristin Noel Fischer book will stay with you long after you finish the last page.”
“Perfect for fans of Karen Kingsbury and Diane Chamberlain.”
Chapter 1
Natalie – 2017
To-Do List
1. Sell everything.
2. Drive to San Francisco.
3. Introduce Dash to his father.
4. Leave Dash with his father.
5. Return to Chicago alone.
6. Go to jail.
“It’s Alcatraz!” eight-year-old Dash shouted from the back seat of the rental car. “Do you see it, Mom?”
Shuddering, I tightened my grip on the steering wheel and focused on driving across the Bay Bridge. Maybe bringing Dash to San Francisco was a mistake. Maybe this time a list wouldn’t solve my problems and I should just turn the car around and go back home to Chicago.
Except, after selling everything, I no longer had a home. No longer had anything but Dash, his dog, and a determination to face my past instead of run from it.
Through the rearview mirror, I watched Dash pull his labradoodle, Roxy, onto his lap and point out the window. “This is San Francisco, Roxy. Our new home. Do you see all the buildings? Do you, girl?”
In response, Roxy began barking and racing across the back seat from one window to the other. I pressed my fingertips to my temple. The dog’s constant yapping drove me crazy.
Still, I was grateful Dash had her. Everybody needed a faithful companion when on the verge of a major change in life.
“How long until we get to our new house?” Dash asked once Roxy stopped barking.
I turned on my blinker to exit I-80. “The rental is just a few minutes away, but we’re not scheduled to meet the landlord for another hour. I thought while we still had the car we’d drive down to Fisherman’s Wharf and find a place for Roxy to run around.”
“Do you mean use the bathroom?” asked Dash, never one to mince words.
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
“I thought so. I have to go, too. Hey, look. There’s the Ferry Building.”
Glancing to my right, I spotted the historic clock tower as Dash began spouting off everything he knew about the Embarcadero, which was a lot. Before leaving Chicago, we’d checked out several library books and had watched hundreds of YouTube videos about San Francisco. If things didn’t work out with Dash’s father, I joked to myself, Dash could always earn a living by becoming a tour guide.
Yet, as my son continued talking, I once again questioned the sanity of my decision. Would I actually be able to follow through with my plan? Would I actually be able to leave Dash with Gage?
The thought of being separated from my son was unfathomable. Dash was my whole world, and I’d do anything for him, which was why I had to turn myself in and go back to jail.
I couldn’t live with this constant fear anymore. I couldn’t continue having panic attacks every time I encountered a cop or saw the flashing lights of a patrol car.
“There’s Coit Tower, Mom.”
I looked to my left and swallowed hard. Years ago, Gage had kissed me on the top of that tower. He’d told me he loved me and that we’d be together forever. Unfortunately, forever turned out to be much shorter than either one of us had imagined.
As if reading my mind, Dash said, “Do you think my dad’s ever been to San Francisco?”
The knot in my stomach tightened. Dash’s questions regarding his father had increased lately. Hopefully, that was a good thing, given the fact that Gage would soon have full custody of the son he didn’t even know existed.
What would Gage say when I told him about Dash? Would he despise me for keeping his son a secret? Would he refuse to acknowledge Dash as his own? Of course, none of that compared to what Gage would say when I told him why I needed to go back to Chicago.
Hands trembling, I reached for my water bottle, only to discover it was empty. Placing it back in the cup holder, I swallowed past my dry throat and continued driving.
In an ideal world, Gage would patiently listen as I explained everything. While he might disapprove of my actions, he would at least try to understand and be supportive.
Most importantly, he would embrace the son who grew more like him every day. He would welcome Dash into his life and promise to take care of him while I was gone.
“I think Roxy and I are going to like San Francisco,” Dash said, his voice full of hope and enthusiasm. “I can’t wait to get started on my new life.”
Glancing back at Dash, I forced a smile. If only I could borrow some of his optimism as I started my new life without him.
Forgiving Natalie
Available Now
Acknowledgments
I almost didn’t include an Acknowledgments, not because I wasn’t grateful for everyone who helped me produce this book, but because I was afraid I might leave someone out. If I did, please forgive me. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by so many supportive people.
First, thank you to my husband who’s been a constant source of encouragement and support. Thank you for cooking us wonderful meals, helping me brainstorm book ideas, and believing in me. You’re the best!
Thank you to our children: Frankie, Joey, TJ, Ben, Beth, and Sarah. You’ve always respected my writing time and been excited for me each step of the way.
To Barbara O’Neal, thank you for offering your voice class that taught me to believe in myself. To all the Mobsters in the Class of 2013, I love you, girls, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life!
Thank you to my original beta readers Joe Fischer, Phil and Jeanne Smith, Margo Hays, Sandy Carroll, Kendal Keith, and Sherri Graf. You read this book back when it was called The Girl in the Painting. Now it has a new title and no painting, but I hope you enjoy it even more.
Thank you to my recent beta readers Chris Campillo and Cerrissa Kim. This book would not be the same without you two.
I am deeply grateful to my wonderful editors, Valerie at Loud Lit Chicks and Jessica at The Editing Chick. Thank you Arianne, Jennifer Oliver, and Chrissy from EFC Services, LLC, for your invaluable help with proofreading. Thank you Paul at BB eBooks for formatting. All errors in this book are entirely my own.
Thank you Kim Killion for my gorgeous cover, and Cheryl Rae for my fabulous website.
A giant shout out goes to my 2013 Golden Heart sisters! I feel hono
red to be counted among so many talented writers. Thank you for your incredible support and advice.
To my ARWA chapter mates, I love you all! A special thanks to Emily McKay and Robyn DeHart who first introduced me to RWA, taught me GMC, and encouraged me to write the next book.
Finally, thanks to Jeanne and Phil Smith, aka Mom and Dad. You provided me with the best example that persistence and hard work pay off in the end. I’m so fortunate to have your love and support. Thanks for reading all my manuscripts and helping me become a better writer.
Love
Kristin Noel Fischer
Author Bio
Kristin Noel Fischer was born on the island of Guam and has always loved the water and sunshine. Growing up, she spent endless hours fantasizing about touring with the Harlem Globetrotters or becoming a circus performer. In fact, her childhood daydreams were so vivid, she seriously worried about her overactive imagination. Little did she know, despite her horrible spelling, she was, simply, a writer.
After high school, she lived in Costa Rica and later Japan, where she journaled extensively about her experiences. She worked as a nanny in Boston before obtaining a degree in Biology from Washington State University. Kristin now lives in Texas where she enjoys biking, yoga, and spending time with her husband and six kids.