Bliss House: A Novel
Page 39
“I invited him.” Ariel turned to Gerard, looking very proud of herself. “I’m so glad to see you.”
Bertie noticed that the girl’s quick, impulsive hug seemed to please him, and she liked him all the better for it. Even Rainey smiled a little.
“Shall we sit?” Bertie said.
Gateshead Country Estates Realty, Ltd.
Available now: Sixty-two acres of prime farmland and orchards in south-central Virginia, located less than an hour from Charlottesville. Beautiful home site, valley views. Water, electric, and cable available. Quaint carriage house with apartment and four bay garage suitable for vehicles or equipment storage.
Attractively priced.
Acknowledgements
With Deepest Gratitude To . . .
Susan Raihofer, my dear, indefatigable Agent Susan of The David Black Literary Agency, who has never said the words that sounds crazy to me. She makes my dreams real in the real world, and does it with a brilliant ferocity that would scare the hell out of me if I didn’t know what a sweetheart she really is.
Eleanora Benedict, the first and most beloved reader of my every manuscript, who fills my life with music and wit. She keeps me grounded with her favorite question: “you’re kidding, right?”
J. T. Ellison, wielder of tough love, wise words and a killer golf swing. Her generous spirit and extraordinary work ethic inspire me every single day. It is no exaggeration to say that I would never have finished Bliss House without her telling me again and again that it could be done.
Maggie Caldwell, who always makes a difference with her California sunshine positivity, boundless determination, and subtle wit. Everyone she touches grows through her encouragement and kindness. I’m so proud to call her my friend—and I don’t just say that so she won’t spill all my secrets.
Yolanda Gunzel, who listens and guides and makes me laugh.
Kevin Winchester, Sue Spina, and Ruth Mercer for responding enthusiastically to my Facebook call for a few select character names, and letting me use their suggestions.
Anneliese and Alexander Wilmsen, who made the summer brighter and shared their great ideas.
Kermit Moore, one of my favorite humans, for his keen reader’s eye and always-generous advice on firearms, police matters, and all things ghost-hunting.
Cleveland Benedict II, who not only endured a lot of late dinners and cheered me up when I got stuck, but also made it through middle school over the course of the writing of Bliss House. He had the tougher job.
The lovely folks at Pegasus who gave Bliss House a happy home: Publisher Claiborne Hancock, and Jessica Case, Associate Publisher and editrix extraordinaire, who asked all the right questions and gently demanded answers that would make the story whole. Also Maria Fernandez, who made it beautiful with her interior design and typesetting, and Deb Anderson, for her excellent proofreading.
You, the reader, for letting my work occupy your mind for a while. You’ve given me such a gift. Thank you for trusting me.
Pinckney, who is first, last, and always.
BLISS HOUSE
Pegasus Books LLC
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
Copyright © 2014 by Laura Benedict
First Pegasus Books cloth edition June 2014
Interior design by Maria Fernandez
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review in a newspaper, magazine, or electronic publication; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other, without written permission from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-60598-572-5
ISBN 978-1-60598-601-2 (e-book)
Distributed by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.