Deciding Tomorrow (35 page)

These are my loves.

Author’s Note

It all began with a run and a girl by the lake.

What started as a conversation in my mind about a life overshadowed by insecurities turned into an epic love story on its own accord. I have lived with Ruby in my thoughts for well over two years, so it’s a little strange to say good-bye to her and Brent, but I know they’re happy in the truest sense.

Writing a series that crosses genres and age levels was never my intent. A young adult novel, new-adult topics, and adult storylines all come with different voices, and showing that progression was definitely a challenge at times. However, it was the only way to get this couple where they needed to be. I always wanted their story to have a realistic feel, so that span of time and aging was necessary.

Throughout this entire series, I drew upon moments in my own real-life experiences, but this was never an autobiography in any way. My stories and characters are a part of me, but they are not me.

These characters, all of them, have been a family—my family. I have loved them all and continually hope the best for them throughout all their ups and downs. It was forever my goal to show their humanity and beauty, even if they were in the wrong. They are flawed. They are real. They are only human. Life is a challenge, and we learn from our mistakes.

Finally, I want to take a moment to touch on the fantastic, all-encompassing love shared between Ruby and Brent. Is such a love possible? Absolutely. It exists. For some, it’s just waiting for the right moment to be found.

I should know. It found me.

Acknowledgments

Ruby and Brent have had many people with them along this journey, and so have I. Some of them were there from the beginning, and others have joined the fold along the way. In any case, we wouldn’t have made it without them.

Alyssa—I will never forget that moment I handed over the first chapter of
After Tuesday
for you to read. No one had laid eyes on my words before you. You have been there from the beginning, through my many tears and falls with this series, and you’ve helped me so much with bringing this story full circle. There are smatterings of you throughout this entire series, especially in this final installment. Those tiny suggestions helped to shape this story into the heartfelt tale that it is today. You are beautiful, kind, and giving, and there are no words for all you have done for me along the way. Thank you for your ear, your eye, and your friendship.

MJ—It’s been such a pleasure sharing my imaginary family with you. With each chapter you read, you provided impeccable feedback that helped to shape this story in ways you might not even know. In one instant, you pushed me, asking for more from Brent, even though I wasn’t sure I was ready. That moment—in the hotel with this beautiful couple—would never have happened if it weren’t for you suggesting that something seemed to be missing. I will forever call that my MJ chapter. Thank you for loving these two so much, for listening to my random babbling, and for becoming a wonderful friend along the way.

Mendy, Amanda, Cassie, and Maranda—Your cheering and your support helped to lift me daily. Thank you for answering my many questions, even the silly ones, and for your little tidbits, the messages, and the swooning along the way. I love you all.

Evette, Kimberly, Bobbie Jo, Laney, Cherry, and Peggy—I can’t express how much I appreciate you taking the time to look at this book in its many forms. I appreciate your eagerness to read this story and your help with sorting out the details. Thank you.

Jovana, my wonderful editor—Thank you for taking my words and making them shine and flow.

My husband—I just love you so much. Thank you for you.

Thank you to everyone for loving Brent and Ruby and their beautiful journey.

Finally, Patience—We generally don’t see eye-to-eye because I often refuse to listen to your point of view, but you are persistent. Thank you for not giving up on me. This story and my own journey would have been much more frustrating without you.