I inhale her exhales. I live and breathe her. I can’t even move a muscle nor do I want to.
“Merry Christmas, baby.” No sooner are the words out of my mouth when I hear our baby’s cries from the monitor. For once, his sense of timing is good but even so I groan and feel Lila’s body shake with laughter. A few weeks ago I joked that we should give him a new middle name. Levi Cockblock McCallister.
“Merry Christmas, Daddy Jude.”
And that’s my cue to get dressed and jog up the stairs to rescue my son from his crib. Then I’ll do everything I can to make him happy and keep him safe.
Life doesn’t get much better than this. I know better than to take my good fortune for granted. Some people never get this lucky.
When I lift my baby boy into my arms, I hold him close. Maybe you have to go through hell and come out the other side to fully appreciate the little piece of heaven you’ve been given. I have, and I do.
“Did you know that the stars shine brighter here?” I ask Levi as I carry him to the window and raise the linen blind. I hold him in the crook of my arm so he can gaze out at the inky blue sky reeling with stars on this cold, clear Christmas Eve.
“It’s true,” Lila says from the doorway and then she’s by my side, guiding Levi’s tiny hand to her lips for a kiss.
“Mommy! Daddy Jude!” Noah races into the bedroom and skids to a halt next to us.
“What are you doing awake?” Lila asks, lifting him into her arms so he can join our little circle.
“Levi was being loud. Is Santa here yet?”
“What’s that?” I point to the sky. “Is that Santa’s sleigh?”
“Oh,” Noah says, his eyes wide as he gazes out the window. He still believes in magic and miracles and Santa Claus. I hope a part of him always will.
Life is hard but it’s these moments of joy and wonder that shine the brightest, even on the darkest nights. And I don’t want to miss a single one. I have found my way home and the journey I took to get here made the reward so much sweeter.
Acknowledgments
I have so many people to thank for taking this journey with me, for helping to make this the best book it could be, and for holding my hand and talking me down from the ledge when I let my crazy get the best of me. Which unfortunately was more often that I’d care to admit.
A huge thank you to Jen Mirabelli. Where would I be without you? Thank you for loving Jude and Lila as much as I do, and for believing in me and this story. You made this book so much better and I’ll be forever grateful to you. Not to mention the daily chats, and for organizing all the promo and marketing. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. You’re amazing and I’m so glad we found each other. All the x’s AND the o’s.
To Aliana Milano. Thank you for beta reading, always telling me like it is, and for sending the best care packages. A day without our midnight chats is like a day without cake. You never saved me any so thanks for that. Still waiting for that birdseed salad recipe. If you ever leave me again, I’ll hunt you down. You’ve been warned. Love you Dork.
Carol Radcliffe, thank you for the music, your friendship and your unwavering support. You are such a beautiful soul and I’m so lucky to call you a friend. #soulsister
Monica Marti, thank you for helping me find my muses and for always volunteering to read for me, even when life gets crazy busy and hectic. I’m California dreaming – can’t wait to see you again. #love4evah
To Emily Meador, thank you for being such a fab admin and friend. You do such an amazing job of keeping things going in my Reader Group and reminding me which day of the week it is. Just a heads up, we’ll be in Texas for the foreseeable future.
Ellie McLove, thank you for the editing and for always squeezing me in even when it’s down to the wire. Which, let’s face it, is every single time. I vow to do better next time.
Lori Jackson, thank you for creating this gorgeous cover. It’s so beautiful I want to cry. You are such a joy to work with, thank you. Thank you to Michelle Lancaster for taking this stunning photo that graces the cover. You’re a true artist.
To all the book bloggers who took the time to read and review and share, thank you so much! I appreciate you and everything you do for the indie community.
A big thank you to my family, especially my kids who put up with my crazy on the daily. We have fun though, don’t we? You are my reason. Love you forever and always.
And last but certainly not least, a huge thank you to the readers. Writing is a dream come true and I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you so much for reading my words. Whether you liked When the Stars Fall or not, please consider taking a few seconds to leave an honest review. All reviews are appreciated. They mean so much to indie authors.
Thank you so very much.
Emery Rose xoxo
About the Author
Emery Rose has been known to indulge in good red wine, strong coffee, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.
When she’s not writing, you can find her binge-watching Netflix, trotting the globe in search of sunshine, or immersed in a good book. A former New Yorker, she currently lives in London with her two beautiful daughters and one grumpy but lovable Border
