by B. N. Toler
“He had it cleaned and everything.”
“It’s perfect,” I rasped through my emotion.
“Oh, honey,” my mother cooed. “Are you okay? Hormones are crazy after giving birth.”
I nodded as I twisted the knob to wind the watch. When it started to tick, I smiled. “It’s amazing. Really.”
Leaning over she kissed my forehead, then kissed Jennings head gently. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
She slipped out as quietly as she entered. I held the watch in my hand and stared at the ticking second hand. I smelled my son’s head again, breathing in his life and the gratefulness I felt. And I thought of Ike. All of this joy…Ike gave to me.
Because of Ike and his love, I lived. Ike didn’t just save my life, he gave me a life. Ike led me to Warm Springs, to friends, to family. I found with him and George, a love that couldn’t be explained because, as cliché as it sounded, it was like no other. These men were my heart, and as arduous as it had been, it was so tragically beautiful.
People spend their whole lives searching for the love of their life; their soulmate. Many move on to the next life never having known the bliss of that kind of love. Then there’s me: Charlotte McDermott—a woman who sees the dead and lost souls—with a love of my life and a soulmate. Maybe it wasn’t fair that I had one of each, but if I learned anything from my time on the other side, it was that while life may not be fair, it was always exactly what it should be.
In the end...it all comes down to one definitive and constant conclusion…
Love.
First, and foremost, a huge thank you to every reader and blogger that read Where One Goes and shared it with others. You guys are the best, and I am forever grateful for the support.
To my sister, Amy Jo, with OneJosiePhotography and Design. The covers for Where One Goes and What Lies Between are amazing. I love you so much and thank you for your stellar work.
My editor, Rae. I know Where One Goes was special to you and because of that you worked so tirelessly on editing What Lies Between. I could not have completed this story without you. Thank you for your brutal honesty and patience.
Tami, with Integrity Formatting. You have always provided fabulous work and been so patient with me when I change everything. Thank you for all that you do.
B N Toler’s Tribe, I love you guys. Seriously. Thank you for all of the support, love, and encouragement.
To my friends and family who have supported my writing through the years, I am grateful. I love you all.
Authors Hazel James and Kim Holden. THANK YOU for beta reading. I know life is so busy and I am grateful for your time and thoughts. You ladies rock!
Jackson, Gracey, and Brey, the best kids ever. I love you so much.
And lastly, Dave, thank you for all the support and love. From helping me ship books, to making me address labels, to buying me a Mac for Christmas so I could write at my best, you have been amazing to me. I love you, and I am grateful for all that you do.
B N Toler lives in central Virginia with her three children.
For more information on B N Toler, please visit her social media sites.
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