Save the Date (40 page)

Lucy frowned. “Puts him right to sleep.”

“Don’t let it get you down, babe.”

“You’ve spoiled him with SportsCenter. It’s all he wants.”

“Because my kid’s a genius.”

Lucy smiled as Alex sat down beside her, and Will gave a toothy grin. “Do you ever wonder what if?” She watched Clare make peek-a-boo faces across the table. “What if you’d gone to that debate, won the election?”

Alex leaned over and pressed his smiling lips to hers. “Then we wouldn’t have all this.”

And this was more than Lucy could have ever dreamed. Sweeter than Southern iced tea. Bigger than Dixie. And blessed beyond the Charleston treetops.

Tonight she would put down the book and tell her son a story instead. How once upon a time a handsome football star had walked into her office and asked her to marry him. How a first lady had invited Lucy into her aristocratic family. And God had told her to just let the past go.

And they all lived happily ever after.

Because Lucy Wiltshire . . . had said yes.

Acknowledgments

T
he author is just one of many involved in creating a book. I am very grateful to the following people:

The entire Thomas Nelson fiction team, for being a wonderful home for me and this book.

Natalie Hanemann, for hanging in there and pushing me to kick it up a notch. Or ten notches.

Becky Monds, for your help and input, as well as your brilliant reflections on YA lit and the WWE.

Jamie Chavez, for talking me off a few ledges, for your brain, your creativity, your encouragement, and for always being willing to brainstorm and help me make the books better. Even when I say things like, “I need an entire plot. Any suggestions?”

Chip MacGregor, for giving great award acceptance speeches and for thinking I’m a better person and writer than I am. Praying you continue to stay unenlightened . . .

Jen Deshler, for laughs. Also for laughs. And don’t forget giggles.

Katie Bond, for all your generous help in setting research. And for helping me plan a little vay-kay. You are one gracious Southern belle.

Ashley Schneider, for all you do and for being one of the funniest gals I know.

Erin Valentine, for reading every page. A million times. And not barfing.

U. S. Senator John Boozman, for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to me about the intense, demanding life of a politician. I so respect your values, your heart, and your generosity. You are a good, good man. Any errors in political facts can only be attributed to my gift for mistakes.

Jody McAnally, for going out of your way to help me research and talk to a real live politician. You are awesome.

Laura Jones, for loving foster children and providing me with much-needed information. And for always bringing cheesy potatoes to family dinners. And for helping me reign in Mother and Aunt Judy at concerts.

My mother, for being a good parent. It matters. It makes a difference. And I’m grateful and blessed.

Cara Putman, for being
THE
best prayer warrior, encourager, and friend. By praying over me many months ago, the theme for
Save the Date
was born. Your friendship blesses me beyond measure, and I am humbly grateful.

Writer Sisters, for brainstorming, praying, and listening to me whine. You ladies are ridiculously inspiring. And make me look like a total slacker. (But I’m still gonna be your friend anyway.)

Rachel Hauck, for your writing help and encouragement when this book was just a handful of pages. I appreciate your time and giving spirit.

Becky Schaffer, creator and mama of the real Saving Grace, for reaching out to young women without parents, without homes, without hope. You’re changing lives, hearts, and family trees, and I stand in awe of all you’ve come through and all you give back.

Tiffany Savage, for introducing me to Saving Grace. I would thank you for more, but I’m still mad at you for leaving the state of Arkansas. What some girls will do for an IKEA.

Kent Hughes, for calling and checking on me during deadlines to see if I was still alive. And for providing the occasional meal during those times when I couldn’t even dredge up the energy to wash my hair or prepare anything any more involved than a Lunchable.

Natalie Lloyd, for being an awesome writer, inspiration, and friend. I’m so grateful for your kind heart, sense of humor, listening ear, and mutual appreciation for things of high class. Like YouTube clips and inappropriate typos.

Leslie Sheridan, for your friendship and your football help. For answering all those questions that began, “Please don’t laugh . . .” and “I know I’m a sports idiot, but . . .”

Reading Group Guide

1. Sometimes we think we’ve moved on from things, but God puts us in situations to show us otherwise. What “baggage” did God bring back to Lucy?

2. Has there been a time when you’ve had to revisit an old wound from the past? How did God use that in your life?

3. Describe the difference between Matthew and Alex. Do you believe what Lucy felt for Matthew was truly love? Explain.

4. Describe Lucy’s motivation for the fake engagement. Describe some sacrifices you’ve made—as a mom, wife, daughter, employee, or Christian.

5. In what ways were Marinell and Lucy similar?

6. Imagine yourself in the shoes of one of the young women at Saving Grace. Describe what challenges these women face.

7. How can communities, churches, families, or individuals help kids who are in or have graduated from the foster care system?

8. How was Clare Deveraux blind to the truth of her son? Can you think of a time when you couldn’t recognize an obvious truth?

9. Describe the fears that were holding Alex back. How did he finally push through them?

10. As a teen, Lucy was greatly impacted by the opinions of others—so much so that she carried that trauma into adulthood. Why do women have such a hard time with this? Why do we need the approval of others? If God were sitting down to tea with you, what do you think he’d tell you?

11. If you could go back and talk to your teen self, what would you say?

12. In the end, Lucy surrenders it all to God. What did she gain?

13. Where do you see Alex and Lucy twenty years from now?

The only thing scarier than living
on the edge is stepping off it.

A Carol Award-winning novel

New York’s social darling just woke up in a nightmare:

Oklahoma.

Problem is, it’s right where God wants her.

About the Author

Jenny B. Jones
writes Christian Fiction with equal parts wit, sass, and untamed hilarity. When she’s not writing, she’s living it up as a high school teacher in Arkansas. Since she has very little free time, she believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as watching
E!
, going to the movies and inhaling large buckets of popcorn, and writing her name in the dust on her furniture. She is the four-time Carol Award-winning author of
Just Between You and Me
and the Charmed Life series for young adults.