Текст книги "Beautiful Storm"
Автор книги: Megan Isaacs
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Текущая страница: 21 (всего у книги 21 страниц)
I swallow hard before I respond. “Okay, I’ll call him.”
Spud does a double take. “You will?”
I stride over to where my phone is and pick it up, waving it at him. “Yeah.”
Walking out of the room and into the kitchen, I sit down on the table and rest my feet on one of the chairs. I rotate the phone in my hands before staring at the screen. The sound of Lizzie’s laughter floats in from the lounge, and it’s all I need to spur me on.
I scan through my contacts and find his name, then press the call button. The dial tone begins as I’m still staring at the phone, then I raise it to my ear.
“Hello?” The question in his tone says it all. He thinks something’s wrong for me to be calling him.
I take a deep breath. “We need to talk.”
“Oh, right. And what do we need to talk about?” He’s challenging me, and I don’t blame him. If it were me, I’d do the same.
“A lot of fucking things, Bear.” I suck down my pride. “But the main one… there’s a wedding coming up, which you’re going to have to show up to.”
“Yeah?” I can hear the humour in his voice.
“Yeah. So, are you ready to sort this shit out?”
“Mate, I’ve been ready for months. But I couldn’t hold a conversation with myself.”
It’s a fair dig. “Can you meet me and Spud at Macy’s in—” I glance at the clock on the oven. “Half an hour?”
“Yes, mate.”
“Okay, bring Zan if you can.”
“Done.”
I hang up. The weight I’ve carried in my heart since the incident lifts as I stare at the phone in my hands. I’d never admit it to anyone, but I’ve missed him.
Spud’s leaning against the doorframe as I return. “Everything okay?”
“It will be.”
He nods and lets me past him. Kai’s playing on the floor near the TV and Baby Em’s back in Cait’s arms. I walk over to Lizzie and pull her up off the couch and into my arms.
“I’m going out for a while.” I pull her tighter against me, and turn to my sister. “Can I borrow Spud?”
“You can keep him if you like.” She laughs and sticks her tongue out at Spud.
“Where are you going?” Lizzie’s voice pulls me back to her.
“I’m making your world right. You’d better ring Layla.” She knows me well enough to understand what I’m telling her.
Her expression softens and those sparks in the grey glint at me. “Really?”
Tight in my arms, I can feel the buzz of excitement flowing from her pores. “Yes, angel.”
She launches herself at me, claiming my mouth with her own, and I let her.
This day is hers.
I’m hers. I always have been.
Finally, one of my demons will be laid to rest, because at last she’ll be mine.
Against my chest, her heart beats a little faster and then she pulls away. “Noah?”
Her face is serious. I furrow my brows, worried about what comes next. “Yeah?”
“I love you.”
“Yeah?” The worry vanishes from my system.
She opens her soul to me. Lets me see deep into her storm.
“Yes. With all my heart.”
I give her my lazy smile, but this one’s filled with every emotion raging through my veins. Everything I want to say but can’t find the words.
Until I do.
“Angel… you’re my fucking world.”
THE END
If I thought writing a book was difficult, it was nothing compared to writing these acknowledgements. It’s hard to know where to start, so I thought I’d begin with you guys…
To the people who got this far, you, my readers (never in a million years did I ever imagine saying that). It’s been a long journey and a major achievement for me. For you to have read this far, reached the end, means more to me than I can ever express, so whether you loved Beautiful Storm, hated it, or were indifferent, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’d love it if you could take a few minutes and write a review. Reviews are like gold dust to authors and it was something I never realised as a reader.
To my critique partners and beta readers. Anna, Bigga, Kelly, Marianne, Nikki B, and Tina, you stuck with me from the beginning to the very end, you helped shape this story into what it is today. A simple thank you seems insufficient, but it’s all I have.
To all the people who encouraged me. Sha, Kate, Taylor and to anyone else who sent me words of wisdom, urged me on, dropped in to crit the odd chapter, or just generally supported me. Thank you.
To my editor, Marilyn of Eagle Eye Reads. You kick ass. Thank you for putting up with my Briticisms, and me for that matter. Your expertise has been invaluable.
To my proofreader, Bree of Vivid Words Editing. I thought my work was done after editing; I couldn’t have been more wrong. Thank you for all your catches on my mistakes and for making me laugh while putting me right. You are amazing.
To my photographer, Lauren of Perrywinkle Photography. You took what very little information I gave you and turned it into a vision I never thought possible. You nailed it, and made me cry happy tears.
To my cover designer, Sarah of Okay Creations. Just WOW. I LOVE MY COVER. I could never have imagined anything as perfect.
To my formatter, Stacey of Champagne Formats. Thank you for making my book look awesome! I have no idea how you do it.
To my All Over Ink girls, Anna, Kelly and Marianne. What can I say? You girls are my rocks. You’ve held me together, laughed with me, at me, and supported me all the way. I can’t wait for the day we meet in person, what a fucking amazing day that will be. Someone was shining down on me the day you all came into my life. I love you guys. We’ve come a long way together. #TheAwesome
To my family. I didn’t reveal I was writing a book to you until very late in the process but your support has been nothing short of amazing. I love you all.
Extra note to my niece. What are you doing reading my book?! Are you thirty yet? Put it down and back away.
To my little man. I’m sorry you suffered a boring mum who told you time and time again, “Mummy will be there in a little while,” when you asked if I could play. By the time you are old enough to read this you may have forgotten, but I never will. Thank you for being my little ray of sunshine. Love you Buddy.
And finally…
To my husband. Your encouragement and support have been never-ending. When I wanted to give up, you wouldn’t let me. When I didn’t want to write, you made me. When I typed ‘The End’ you told me how proud you were. Without you pushing and prodding I probably would never have finished. You put up with more takeaways in the time it took to write Beautiful Storm than an average family consumes in a lifetime, dirty dishes hanging around when I did cook, and a laundry pile that still to this day resembles Mount Everest. I never tell you enough, but I love you more than you’ll ever know. Now and Always.
Megan Isaacs lives happily in the UK with her husband and son.
If you asked her about herself she would say she's completely crackers. Always the introvert with an extrovert exterior. A complete mash up of improbabilities.
She loves her family, but that goes without saying. She loves reading and tea. Lots and lots of tea. She used to be pretty good shot with a shotgun, but hasn't shot since she was five months pregnant when she beat her husband for the one and only time. Hanging up her barrels seemed like a good idea after that.
If you would like to find out more about Megan please stalk the links below:
www.meganisaacsauthor.com
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