A Cross to Bear (24 page)

“Please,” said Gabby’s father. “I’ve seen shit that would make your painted nails curl.” He turned back to Gabby. “I just want you to know what you’re getting yourself into. Once you go down this path, there is no turning back.”

“I turned down that path when I killed Victor,” said Gabby. “And I don’t intend on turning back. I want to continue my mother’s work. And I would like your blessing, Dad. It would mean a lot to me.”

He pursed his lips and shook his head. “I’m so damned proud of you, Gabs. You know you’ve got my blessing, and that of your mother’s.”

Gabby teared up and rose from her chair to hug her father.

He embraced her like he thought she might blow away. “I love you, Gabs.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

“Damn it, you two,” said Quip, fanning himself with a napkin. “You is going to ruin my makeup.”

Gabby laughed and wiped at her eyes. She raised her glass in a toast, and the two men did the same.

“To new beginnings and happy endings!”

They clanged glasses and finished their wine.

Gabby couldn’t help a wide smile. She felt as though her life had just begun. And it was a life filled with possibility, magic, and wonder.

Welcome to my blog. I doubt that any of you will believe what you’re about to hear, but I’ve just got to tell someone—the story deserves to be written.

I’ve debated publishing my collection of entries gathered over the last few months, but I’ve finally decided to do so. Those of us who walk in the light should do so with no shame. What I’m about to tell you will piss a lot of people (and creatures) off, but then again, that’s the point. You are hereby put on notice—there is a new guardian in Chicago. If you serve the light, know that you have an ally and a friend. If you serve darkness . . . may God have mercy on your soul because I will not.

Dear Reader,

Thank you for purchasing
A Cross to Bear
. I hope you enjoyed this book.

I would love to hear what you thought of the story, good or bad, so please feel free to leave a review. I also invite you to join my
mailing list
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Facebook
page for updates on upcoming book releases, contests, giveaways, and much more.

I want to thank all the Kindle Scouts who helped get this book published by Kindle Press. You made all the difference.

To everyone who nominated
A Cross to Bear
, left a review, shared my books on Goodreads, posted on Twitter or Facebook, or simply just enjoyed the book and told their friends—thank you! I hope to have Book 2 out for you soon.

With humble appreciation,

M. J. Lovestone