Through all the hurt, they’d grown, moved forward. The ugly past, now only a memory to remind them how far they’d come.
She finished her last step, passed her flowers to Katie, and stood face to face with the man she’d love for the rest of her life. They’d been baptized together just last Sunday, a profession of faith they’d both been eager to make. This time would be different, and not just because they were different, but because they had a new foundation, one so much stronger than anything on earth.
He took her fingers in his. Sturdy, strong.
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you,” he said, lifting her left hand to his lips.
“You’ve quoted that one already,” she teased. “You’d think I’d get something new at our second wedding.”
He smiled, a gleam in his eye that said he accepted her challenge. He slid a hand around her waist and pulled her tight against his chest. Their guests snickered at his boldness.
“I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be . . . I loved her none the less because I knew it, and it had no more influence in restraining me, than if I had devoutly believed her to be human perfection.”
Laila felt the heat rise in her cheeks, not just from his beautiful rendition of Charles Dickens, but from the vow laced through each word.
“I suppose that will do,” she whispered, her own heart ready to promise forever one last time, and to embrace the unexpected hope of a new beginning no longer a dream too far to grasp.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Before I ever wrote the last word in My Hope Next Door, I knew I wanted to give Laila and Chad their happy ending. I hope their journey was as fun to read as it was to write. And to all those who helped me along the way, I am truly grateful.
To the Waterfall Press editors and staff, working with all of you has been a wonderful ride. Thank you for respecting my voice, for giving me plenty of say in every aspect of publication, and for your steadfast professionalism. I have learned so much from all of you.
To my fabulous agent, Jessica Kirkland, for bearing with me as I wrote and rewrote the concept for this book. Thank you for always striving for greatness. You inspire me to do the same.
To Sgt. Alan Eddins, for giving me insight into drug law enforcement and helping me tackle a very difficult scene. Your help was immeasurable.
To Nicole Deese, for being the best writing partner a girl could have. Thank you for your honesty, encouragement, forever-long phone calls, and laughter. You make writing fun.
To my sister, Angel, for being my very first beta reader and never caring that you get the “worst” version. You are my champion and I love you so much.
To my amazing writing critique partners—Connilyn Cossette, Dana Red, and Lori Wright—your love for writing makes me love my job. Thank you for pushing me, for your constructive criticism, given so carefully and with genuine kindness, and for helping me make this book one that I will always feel proud of.
To my magnificent readers—you have allowed me to share my life with you, and in turn have shared yours with me. I call some of you friends now, and appreciate all the ways you lift me up and push me forward. Thank you for your e-mails, notes of praise, and consistent reviews. You are the reason I write.
And last, but absolutely not least, to my incredibly patient family—you give me lots of material for my books. Your sense of humor, crazy stories, and never-ending affection make writing about unconditional love very easy. You are my greatest joy in life and my heart. Love you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2015 Karen Graham
Tammy L. Gray writes modern Christian romances with true-to-life characters and culturally relevant plotlines. She believes that hope and healing can be found through high-quality fiction that inspires and provokes change. Writing has given her a platform to combine her passion with her ministry. She lives in the Dallas area with her family. They love all things Texas, including the erratic weather patterns. Visit her online at www.tammylgray.com.
My Unexpected Hope Page 28