by Freya Barker
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“The North Star,” Leelo says, pointing up at the sky.
Quiet has returned with the departure of the last of our guests, half an hour ago, but we weren’t ready to call it a night yet. When Leelo suggested doing some stargazing from the water’s edge, I willingly followed her out there.
The surface of the lake is smooth, the only ripples caused by our movement on the dock.
I lie down on my back and pull Leelo down with me, her head resting on my shoulder.
“It’s a wonderful life,” I mumble.
“I love Jimmy Stewart,” she says and I turn my head to grin at her.
“I love you,” I fire back and soak up the smile I get in response.
“You weren’t talking about the movie, were you?”
I shake my head.
Leelo snuggles back into my side, her hand resting loosely on my stomach as we ride the gentle bobbing of the dock.
“Roar?”
“Mmmm.”
“It is a wonderful life. The absolute best.”
THE END
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am blessed with a contingent of awesome and loyal people who help me bring a book to the point of publication.
These are names you will find in most every single book I’ve released thus far, simply because they share a common love of the written word, and they are as loyal to me as I am to them.
Thank you to my editor Karen Hrdlicka, my Alpha reader Natalie Weston, my proofreader Joanne Thompson and my fantastic Betas: Deb, Debbie, Catherine, Nancy, Lena, Chris, Sam and Pam. These fabulous women are always ready at the drop of a hat to scrutinize my words and share their opinions. I adore each and every one of them.
Thank you to some very wonderful author friends I’ve been fortunate enough to make in this industry. Without their encouragement and support I’d be nowhere.
I have to thank Dana Hook, who is always and will ever be, my highlight. She is imperative to my mental health and looks after me like no other can.
I’m frankly not sure what I did before Natalie Weston became my PA. She keeps me organized and on track, which is something that is very hard to do! She is also one of my staunchest supporters.
To Ena Burnette and her team at Enticing Journey, as well as the countless amazing bloggers, thank you for sharing my books with the world. I am forever indebted to you.
My readers. I continue to be humbled by your love for my characters and your passion for my stories. You have no idea how important your encouragement is to my ability to write!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Freya Barker inspires with her stories about 'real’ people, perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy. She is the author of the Cedar Tree Series and the Portland, ME, novels.
Freya currently has two complete series published, and is working on two new series; the Snapshot series, and Northern Lights. She continues to spin story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Stay in touch!
https://www.freyabarker.com
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ALSO BY FREYA BARKER
NORTHERN LIGHTS Collection
A CHANGE IN TIDE
CEDAR TREE Series
Book #1
SLIM TO NONE
Book #2
HUNDRED TO ONE
Book #3
AGAINST ME
Book #4
CLEAN LINES
Book #5
UPPER HAND
Book #6
LIKE ARROWS
Book #7
HEAD START
PORTLAND, ME, Novels
Book #1
FROM DUST
Book #2
CRUEL WATER
Book #3
THROUGH FIRE
Book #4
STILL WATER
SNAPSHOT Novels
Book #1
SHUTTER SPEED
Book #2
FREEZE FRAME