Twice in a Lifetime (Love Found) (47 page)

Addie and Aiden squirm in Jake’s arms but he holds on tight and steps into the dining room right behind my mom, with Merrie right behind them. There are still quite a few people standing around outside, but everyone else is in here.

Jake makes a little speech—like he always does whenever there’s a big group of people—and everyone gathers close. A minute later everyone is singing loud enough to wake the dead. “Happy Birthday to you—”

The process of writing this book was a thrilling ride. It started off fun and exciting. Eventually became frustrating and maddening. Was often lonely and exhausting and even sometimes frightening… and then it was back again to exhilarating and fulfilling. If you knew me during this period of time, you got to witness that. Lucky you.

There were a couple of special women along with me on that roller coaster, both wonderful authors who understood exactly what I was going through—Jes and Carol, you saved my sanity and my book more times than you know. Are you ready to do it again?

It takes a village to get a book from rough draft to publication and if I attempt to thank everyone I will fail miserably. But for my family and friends who jumped on board and encouraged me from Day One, I love you all. Everyone’s support is truly inspiring. Mark, I’m sorry but I will probably never write a thriller. Bobby, you can relax, I promise I’ll never try to be the next E.L. James. And Jo, you have the nicest way of telling me my character needs work. Thank you.

For the handful that offered themselves up as beta readers, Allie, Ben and Jake are better for you. For the bloggers and reviewers who tirelessly promote indie authors and their books, you guys are seriously awesome! And for ICR, our little group of indie authors scattered all across the country and even a little further… sister chicks rock!

Hi there, thanks for picking up
Twice in a Lifetime
! I’m an Arizona girl, married to my high school sweetheart. I write contemporary romance and romantic women’s fiction under the pen name Ruthie Henrick. Like many of you, I have a one-click compulsion. I’m also in a committed relationship with coffee. And Facebook. Stop by and say hi. I love to chat with readers.
https://www.facebook.com/RuthieHenrick