She had always longed for her mom, and hated that she was right in front of her but wasn’t really there. She had lost her a long time ago. She turned back toward the door and stared at it, wishing that Brynn would walk right out.
But she didn’t and she never would.
Eva turned around and walked toward her new groom, her own life, and her own happiness. She knew that was what Brynn would have wanted.
Kelly watched the door close behind her and sighed. She loved Eva, almost as much as she loved her own children. It was sad watching her grow up without her mother, but she had tried to help as much as she could. She could have left a long time ago, but she couldn’t leave Brynn. She spent hours with Brynn, talking to her, reading to her, watching the lines on the monitor, and praying for a miracle. But she had given up on miracles a long time ago.
She stood up and cracked her back. The room was too dark and she walked over to the curtain to let some light in. “Well, Brynn, your baby is married. You should be very proud,” she said staring out the window wishing her friend understood what she was saying.
Suddenly, Kelly froze.
Someone was in the room with them, she could tell. She could feel it.
The hairs went up on the back of her neck, and she turned around slowly. She scanned the room, feeling as though someone were watching her. She stood stock still, not daring to move. Time passed slowly, and the sensation eventually disappeared.
She chuckled at herself for her foolishness and sat back down in the chair next to Brynn’s bed. This house is getting old. I’m getting old.
“Brynn. We’re getting old, girl,” she said glancing over at the lifeless body of her friend, knowing that she wasn’t going to answer. She looked at Brynn not believing what she was seeing.
“Oh my God, it can’t be!” she whispered, jumping up out of her chair, her heart beating wildly in her chest.
When Kelly looked at Brynn, all she could see were her huge brown eyes staring right back at her.
Acknowledgments
The sequel to Leaving Eva flowed quite a bit faster than the original. Even when I began, I had no idea where or how it would end, and may not have gotten there if it weren't for a few key people.
My family, as always, gives me encouragement and support, but at the same time they completely ground me. As I can have a bit of an obsessive personality, I sometimes become completely consumed by a story when I am writing. They remind me that my true life's story is about them, and not about my characters. I love them for that.
My in-laws, John and Andrea, have been wonderfully encouraging in this writing process from the moment I shared it with them. They are truly Mom and Dad, and I am thankful for them every day.
I have to thank my editor, Rogena Mitchell-Jones, who makes the story flow better, making it more concise and clear. She is wonderfully supportive and encouraging, as well, as both an editor and as an amazing person.
I’ve had the wonderful good fortune to work with some incredibly talented women who I’ve found through Booktrope Publishing. Brenda Gonet is an amazing designer with a unique vision. She has designed beautiful covers for the Eva Series, which I absolutely love. J.C. Wing is not only a talented author in her own rite but a wonderful proofreader, and an even more amazing friend. Samantha March is a multi-talented woman who effortlessly keeps things moving in the right direction. I am thankful for all of these women, as well as Sarah Strawinski, who is passionate about books and authors. None of this would be possible without any of them.
If not for Rick and Kim Miller, I don't know that Losing Eva would have come to such a riveting conclusion. Rick gave me some great feedback along the way and challenged me to think carefully about the direction of the story. They have been stalwart supporters through Leaving Eva, and I am so grateful for the time they take to read my work and to give me feedback.
And last, but not least, I want to thank my cousin, Lara Robins. From our childhood days of dress up and singing along to Madonna, she has always known me so well. Giving her Losing Eva to read, and to give feedback on, was one of the best things I could have done. She has an amazing eye for detail and, as an avid reader, always asks the questions that the reader would want to know. I loved hearing her thoughts on a character or a scene, and having her help really enhanced the story.
Since the release of Leaving Eva, I've met and have been able to interact with so many wonderful people. I want to thank anyone who has ever read my work! I am still overwhelmed and amazed that people take a chance on my books. I love the opportunity to share my writing and am so grateful anytime anyone finds it worthwhile. I am looking forward to growing in my continued journey with all of you.
ALSO BY JENNIFER SIVEC
Leaving Eva
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