Fated to be Yours (34 page)

My unsteady hands unfold it as I read the heartbreaking note written in her beautiful script.

The note falls from my hands as I sit on the edge of the bed, feeling more like I’m sitting on the brink of a precipice, waiting to fall. I cannot accept this brush off or believe she doesn’t care about me. I know better. I know she’s scared and feels like she’s alone. But she’s not. Even if I’m not there physically, I will always be there. I just need to show her.

My head hangs in my hands, propped up on my knees as I think of a way to get her back before it’s too late.

This book has been a process and an adventure, to say the least. I started writing it in October 2013 because I had this story stuck in my head and it wouldn’t be happy until it got onto paper. The thought of ever publishing it didn’t cross my mind at first. But after the many persistent voices of my friends who encouraged me to take the leap, here we are today. It has been an amazing journey from the beginning, one that I will definitely not forget. And I am so thankful to those that pushed me to this point because this truly is a dream come true.

There are so many people to thank that I really hope I don’t forget anyone! If I do, please know that I love you more than life itself!

Of course, I’d like to thank my husband first. He’s been a great source of support, telling me that whatever I need to just take it. Whether it comes in the form of him taking the kids for a while or emotional support when I’m feeling down, I know he’s got my back. And from that support, I found the courage to believe that I could do it and that he will support me in my crazy adventure.

Billie, you’ve been with me from the beginning, reading this book chapter by chapter, even through the incredibly rough draft that I picked apart and put back together. Without your help and insight, I probably wouldn’t be here. You’ve been one of my biggest cheerleaders and one of my best friends. Thank you for pushing me to do this, for believing in me and for picking me up when I was having my down days.

Patricia, Tara, and Stacy, you have been my lifesavers! The amount of support that you have given me is unbelievable at times and I have no idea how I was ever fortunate enough to find you all! All your help, all the notes and suggestions and offering to help me when I needed it means more than you will ever know. Your support and friendship have been a lifesaver and I love you hard for it!

Amanda, Andi, Gloria, Heather, Jenn, Melissa, Samantha, Stephanie, and Stephanie: your videos and messages of encouragement have helped me so much that words don’t even exist to describe it. Your love and support show me the true power of friendship and faith. I have no idea how I was lucky enough to become friends with all of you but whether you like it or not, you’re stuck with me for life!

And, of course, I need to throw a shout out to the Vixens because they truly are the nicest and most wonderful people that I know!! Thank you for showing your support and keeping everything positive! #VixenLoveForever

Murphy, you have no idea how happy I was that Tara suggested you to me. Your work on this cover is absolutely amazing! I came to you with zero ideas of what I wanted for the cover and you turned it into the most beautiful creation, capturing the feel of the book entirely! Thank you for all your help and for putting up with my non-stop emails.

And to you, my readers, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for taking the chance on this book! Without you, this wouldn’t even be possible. This has been a dream come true and I’m so happy to finally share Tessa and Andrew’s story with you!

Jodie Larson is a wife and mother to four beautiful girls, making their home in northern Minnesota along the shore of Lake Superior. When she isn’t running around to various activities or working her regular job, you can find her sitting in her favorite spot reading her new favorite book or camped out somewhere quiet trying to write her next manuscript. She’s addicted to reading (just ask her kids or husband) and loves talking books even more with her friends. She’s also a lover of all things romance and happily ever afters, whether in movies or in books, as shown in her extensive collection of both.

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