One Moment
Page 21
Adam raised his eyebrows, his eyes widening. “Wait. What are you—”
“I’m saying I’m ready. I am so ready. To try this thing with you. It’s going to have to be slow, right? And I’m pretty sure that I’ll have some total freak-out moments along the way. But I can’t seem to get you out of my mind. And if you feel the same way, doesn’t that mean we should just …”
“Give it a chance.”
“Something like that,” I said, laughter curling over my words.
“You’re sure? You’re ready?”
I nodded. “I feel like I shouldn’t be. Not so soon after my relationship with Joey. But there were so many lies. I needed to come to terms with it all before I could move on.”
“And you have? I don’t want to rush you.”
“You’re not rushing me,” I said. “I can’t wait. Not one more minute.”
Adam ran his thumb along my forehead, slowly pulling back my bangs.
“Can I show you something, Maggie?” Adam’s eyes lifted, his hands hovered in the air just under my chin.
I nodded. I hoped. But I didn’t know.
We stepped closer then, our faces tilting together, closing out the rest of the world.
And this time, this moment, I got everything right.
So very right.
acknowledgments
The overall concept of this book was inspired by several people I’ve known who moved on before their time should have been up. In their honor, I want to acknowledge everyone who has lost a life too soon, and all of those who were left behind.
Writing a book is an incredible process that comes with many highs and lows. It’s also something that I couldn’t do on my own, and I’m grateful to have many people to thank for their support.
To Amy Eckenrode, who gave me excellent feedback on police procedure. Also to my team of medical advisors, Tim Beach, Jim Loki, Dr. Tim Schoonover, and Dr. Debra Sowald. Any mistakes in these areas of the book are mine and mine alone.
To Jason Behm for sharing his knowledge of all things motorcycle, and for finding me one that needed a key. And to his lovely wife, Lori, for always being there and knowing the perfect thing to say. (It’s time to celebrate, right?)
To Melanie Singleton, one of the only people I know who reads as much as I do, for always being there to brainstorm ideas, for your interest in my stories and characters (I know they keep you up for some late-late nights), and for always giving me incredible feedback.
To Jenny Cooper, for being one of my first readers and my number one musical advisor. Love all of our brainstormy dinners. Those SHS yearbookers rock, too!
To my very first reader, Janet Irvin, who plows through early chapters that should never see the light of day, for your skillful story problem-solving abilities, unwavering support, and for always giving me encouragement to keep going when I need it most.
To Katrina Kittle and Sharon Short, two very talented authors who have become like family over the course of writing this book. I am so lucky to have you to share with and seek advisement when it comes to … well, everything.
To the remainder of my friends (who are like family) and my family (who are like friends) for always being there.
To all of the supporters who enjoyed The Tension of Opposites—your feedback keeps me going when I need motivation. Also to the Class of 2K10 and the Tenners, two groups of awesomely supportive authors—I am proud to be part of your lives.
To Jay Asher, my very first blurber, for a talk in the park, a salted caramel hot chocolate, and all of that lovely praise.
To Regina Griffin, Katie Halata, Mary Albi, and everyone else at Egmont USA for everything that you do. Especially to Alison Weiss, whose phenomenal feedback, guidance, and support helped me wrangle the earliest draft of this book into something I am proud of.
To my mom and dad for always nurturing my love of books. It’s because of you that the first glimmer of this dream to become a published author came to life in my mind.
To my children, for your love and for always believing in me. Nothing beats having you in my life.
To Eric, my husband and best friend, you have this crazy way of getting better with each passing moment. Thanks for supporting this dream of mine. For so many reasons, I couldn’t be happier.
To my kick-ass agent, Alyssa Eisner Henkin, for always being there, for always inspiring, and for always pushing me to do my best.
Thanks to all of you for believing in me, and for helping me believe in myself. Much love.
Table of Contents
Front Cover
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
1. So Close to Flying
2. The Ripple of My Fear
3. The Whole Spinning World
4. Hands Clasped Tight
5. Waiting for His Touch
6. A Punched-up Shade of Blue
7. Crashing Onto Me
8. A Whole New Normal
9. Forget You
10. All We Have in Common
11. Secrets of My Own
12. Shaky Fingertips
13. Hiding Out
14. His Too Blue Eyes
15. The Countdown
16. A Slice of Something Beautiful
17. The Earth Spinning Beneath Me
18. Then Suddenly I Stopped
19. Releasing Their Grip
20. Surprises in the Strangest Moments
21. Independence Day
22. All the Pieces
23. The Very Center of Our Lives
24. Back to the Beginning
25. Spinning Through the Stars
26. All Tied Up
Acknowledgements