by Brooks, Anna
Something Old
He continues to amaze at every turn. Surprises me with the kinds of things that blow me away. Instead of buying me a new, larger pair of diamonds, he gives me the ones that mean something to me.
On the other side of the glass is my future. Brandon. I’m supposed to walk out these doors and down the steps. But I can’t make my feet move.
It’s not a big wedding. Not fancy. Only family and a few close friends are here. All of them his except for Betty. She was able to get a flight in last night. Otherwise, it’s all his family and his friends. Well, I consider Char and Kelsey my friends, but it’s through him that I know them so, technically, they’re his. And I’m fine with that.
I saw the backyard earlier from the bedroom window. It looks beautiful—white fabric draped over the bushes and trees, twinkling white lights, and an arch with sweet peas woven throughout.
I’m so ready. All I have to do is open this door, turn right, and walk down the stairs. I can do it.
I take a deep breath and slide the door. I pivot in my heels, hopefully the last time I ever have to wear shoes like this, and almost fall on my face. Not because I trip but because Steve is waiting for me at the bottom. And he’s standing, leaning on a cane.
I look up and find Brandon watching me, a reassuring smile on his face. He gestures toward his dad, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from crying.
When I get to the last step, I lean over and hug him as carefully as I can. “What are you doing, you crazy man?” I chuckle through the tears that refuse to subside.
“Walking my daughter down the aisle.”
A cloud bursts open in the sky and a streak of sunlight shines through, perfectly symbolic of this moment—the light entering my life of darkness.
I accept his left arm and don’t even flinch at the scar on my right one anymore. We’re both a little unsteady on our feet, and slowly but surely, we make it to the end where Brandon takes me from his father and kisses me. He wraps his arms around me and buries his face in my neck.
“You’re supposed to wait to do that.”
He chuckles and pulls back then rests his forehead against mine. “I’ve waited for you my entire life, Mary.”
Acknowledgements
I can’t start my acknowledgements without thanking my husband. He’s put up with so much from me ever since I started writing, and I couldn’t do this without his support. So, thanks babe. I love you. Of course I’d like to thank my kids and the rest of my family for their support and encouragement.
To all my critiquers and beta readers, I can’t thank you enough for all of your help and advice during this book. Megan, Kelly, Marianne, Nikki, Nancy, Kishan, Jen, PM, Polly, and Becky. You all are so wonderful and I appreciate you more than you can ever know.
My AOI girls for always having my back, giving great advice, and encouraging me when I question everything. They push me when I doubt myself and there are no words to describe their support. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I love you guys. #TheAwesome
And to all of my friends who have backed me and shared my work, thank you so, so much. To Erin Spencer: Because you are fabulous and I love you.
Also a big thanks to Kishan for helping me with the therapist questions I had. KJ for answering my hospital and nurse questions. And Investigator Castillo for answering the huge list of police/detective questions. I appreciate you all taking the time to help me. Thank you.
To everyone at the clinic who read my book(s). You guys humbled me when I saw it being passed around and loved hearing what you thought. I’ll miss you all!
The bloggers. Your endless work to get the word out there about my books has blown me away. I’m essentially nobody in this indie world, but you don’t make me feel that way. Especially to Day Reader Reviews, Three Chicks and Their Books, Escape N Books, Summers Book Blog, Give Me Books, and the One-Click Addict Support group. I know there are so many more that I didn’t mention. Please know that I appreciate your support and all the hard work you put in. If it weren’t for you, I couldn’t do what I love. Thank you.
It astounds me the support other authors give me by answering my questions and sharing my work. This community is incredible, and there are so many magnificent people who have been there for me. I’d like to give a special shout out to KC Lynn. I absolutely adore her and her writing, and have found that she is just as wonderful of a person as she is a writer. KC, thank you. From the bottom of my heart.
Kari at Cover to Cover Designs: Thank you for another beautiful cover. I’m so appreciative of all of your hard work. Especially how quick you are when I need something changed.
Mandy at MHPhotography: I love how you listen to what I say and are able to capture it perfectly. Thank you so much.
Models: Ashley Edmund and Steven for taking such a great picture. You guys rock.
Jenny at Editing 4 Indies: You are so great to work with, and I can’t thank you enough for the amazing work that you do. I’m so lucky to have found you.
Bree at Vivid Words Editing: You are a miracle worker and I love what you add to my books. I’m blessed to have found you. Thank you so much for working so quickly and efficiently.
Stacey at Champagne Formats: Seriously, you are just the best. Not only with the formatting, but all the changes I throw on you last minute. I just can’t thank you enough. You are appreciated so much.
Karen at Sparkle Book Tours: Thank you for doing my cover reveal. It was more than I expected and I appreciate it so much.
Nazarea at Ink Slinger PR: Thank you for putting together my blog tour. I’m so grateful for everything you have done for me.
And the band Breaking Benjamin for recording the song “So Cold.” Because to me, it fits this book perfectly and was inspirational while I was writing.
Last but certainly not least, to my readers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Author Bio
Anna has always had a passion for writing, and is thrilled to be able to bring her stories to life. Born in Wisconsin, she’s lived in several Midwestern states. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her husband and two boys.
She’d love to hear from you. Please visit her website for contact information, and while you’re there, please sign up for her newsletter.
www.annabrooksauthor.com
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