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by Sutton, Jacy

  “It’s fine,” Nancy laughed. “I was going to do it myself. That’s why it was out. C’mon, Olivia, you’re the one who wrote a whole chapter about them.”

  “True,” Olivia admitted. “That reminds me. Who is the woman over by the cake table?” She pointed at her fan.

  Nancy looked over but didn’t seem to remember at first. “Oh, I know. It’s the minister’s wife.”

  “Ahhh.” Olivia’s lips pursed matter-of-factly. “Good to know.”

  Marti returned handing them each a glass of the sparkly liquid.

  Nancy clinked her glass against each of theirs and said, “To love.”

  “To a great honeymoon,” Marti added, winking lewdly.

  They both looked expectantly at Olivia.

  “To?” Nancy asked her.

  “I’m not quite sure,” Olivia said, caught off guard, the glass of sweet champagne halfway to her lips. “How about to happy ever afters.”

  THANK YOU

  Thanks to all who’ve inspired me and supported me on this amazing journey. I am a published author now, thanks to your insight, encouragement, gentle suggestions and harsher ones, too.

  Huge thanks to my writing group: foremost among them Kara, who not only provided monthly critiques, but detailed insights and completely edited this manuscript from top to bottom, at least three times. Also thanks to Skye who saw exactly who Olivia was and what she needed. To my other partners in crime: John, Karl J, Karl M, Kristin and Lynn — your edits and affirmations encouraged me.

  Thanks to my book club and other beta readers who read this in its infancy and gave me such great feedback: Beth, Donna, Edith, Eve, Julie H, Julie O, Krisanthy, Mary, Sarah, Therese, Todd, Vicki and Vikki. And special thanks to Jill who told me to describe the men in more detail and to Krista who made me feel like the book was awesome. For Nancy C. who inspired me and Nancy W. who gave me one of my favorite scenes. Thanks to Anne, my best-read friend, when you survived reading it I knew it was publishable. And thanks to Janice and Stacy for your final edits. If I have forgotten anyone, know that your name may have not made the list, but your suggestions made the book.

  Thank you especially to the amazing team I met through Booktrope. Michelle, my first team member who has most amazing sense of color and style. Thanks to Jeanne and Jennifer and to Bronwyn for your insights and warm, welcoming nature, and finally to Melissa, who did so much more than was required, not just for me but for the entire Booktrope community. I am so lucky to have met you all.

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