Holly's Heart Collection One (71 page)
California had been lots of fun, but returning home to Dressel Hills was even better. On my first night back, I was helping Mom prepare supper when the doorbell rang.
A quartet of kids raced to investigate. Phil and Mark swung the door wide. Carrie and Stephie grabbed Jared’s jacket—the visitor—fighting over who would get to hang it up.
Mom shooed everyone out of the living room, assigning tablesetting chores to the door-greeters. Thank goodness for savvy moms.
“Welcome home, Holly-Heart,” Jared said, holding out a large silver box with a sprig of holly on top.
“Thanks,” I said. “Should I open it?”
“Why not?”
Untying the bow, I looked up at him. Jared was grinning, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
When I opened the lid on the box, I gasped and turned red. It was a brown suede boot—just like the one I’d baptized in the toilet!
“It’s the right boot,” he whispered. “That’s the one you needed.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “Who told you?”
Just then, Stan emerged from the coat closet. “Sorry, little sister,” John Wayne, alias Stan Patterson, remarked. “Couldn’t help myself.”
“Who else knows?” I demanded.
“The buck stops here, pilgrim,” Stan crooned, pointing to the two of them—Jared and himself.
Then Jared reached into the boot and pulled out a teeny red box. “Voilà!”
“What’s this?” I asked, delighted.
“Open it and see for yourself,” Jared replied.
Happily, I opened the lid. Inside, a bottle of perfumed toilet water awaited. The word
Always,
in Jared’s own handwriting, covered up the original brand name. I turned the dainty lid and put my nose down close, breathing in the fragrance. “Mmm, nice,” I said, smiling at him.
With a single wink, Jared said it all.
Quickly dabbing perfume behind both ears, I began to hum “Jingle Bell Rock.”
“Nice song,” Jared said. He began to hum along, harmonizing with me.
I sighed happily. “Nice blend.”
“No kidding,” said Jared.
Even if I
had
been the slightest bit California crazy while I was gone for Christmas, I was definitely cured. Things were going to be fabulously fine now. I was perfectly sure.
Thanks to all who have helped to make the Holly’s Heart series a successful reality. I’m forever grateful to Charette Barta and Sharon Madison, who believed in Holly-Heart from her earliest beginnings, as well as to my superb editor, Rochelle Glöege, whose suggestions and encouragement are so valuable to me.
Big hugs to my terrific teen consultants—Amy, Allison, Becky, Janie, Julie, Kirsten, Larissa, Mindie, and Shanna. You always have wonderful ideas, including the Meredith family cat playing the
purr
fect part at Holly’s mom’s Thanksgiving Day wedding.
Hurrah for my SCBWI critique group, as well as my reviewers, Barbara Birch, Barbara Reinhard, Madalene Harris, and Lorraine Pintus, for valuable assistance. Three cheers for my husband, Dave, whose thoughtful comments, loving support, and super sandwiches made this series possible.
My sincere appreciation to Del Gariepy and Carolene Robinson for their medical expertise.
And finally, my deep appreciation to my many fans who think Holly really
does
live somewhere in Colorado. I’ve enjoyed every minute spent writing Holly’s Heart just for you!
I’m thrilled that you’ve chosen to read Holly’s Heart. As my first young-adult protagonist, Holly Meredith remains dear to my heart, and I laughed and cried with her as I wrote every one of these books.
Holly-Heart and I have quite a lot in common. While growing up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I wrote zillions of secret lists and journal entries (and still do!). I also enjoy my many e-pals, and sending snail mail letters and notes to encourage family and friends has always been one of my favorite things to do. And I know all about the importance of having a true-blue best friend. Mine was Sandi Kline, and while we didn’t have Loyalty Papers, we did write secret-coded messages to each other. Once, we even hid a few under the carpet of the seventh step leading to the sanctuary of my dad’s church!
Thanks to my books, I’ve had the opportunity to develop friendships with people of all ages, from the grade-schoolers who love my picture books to the teens and senior adults who enjoy my novels. Through the years, some of you have even written to confide in me or share some of the difficulties you’ve faced. Growing up can definitely be tough sometimes. I’ve always found hope in the words of Psalm 139, which describes the amazing love of our Creator-God. It’s comforting to know that the same God who formed us in our mother’s womb, who knows the number of individual hairs we’re washing and blow-drying each day, also sees the fears and concerns of our lives. Our heavenly Father sees and understands. What an enormous blessing that is!
To learn more about my writing, sign up for my e-newsletter, or contact me, visit my Web site,
www.beverlylewis.com
.
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