The slamming of their doors was loud, but the rumble of the engine was deafening. His shoes slipped and crunched on the collection of empty chip packets and coffee cups strewn on the floor of the passenger side. Harvey looked over to investigate, propping his sunglasses on his nose. “Sorry ‘bout the mess. I needed sustenance to get me through the long hospital waits. Just kick it out of the way.” He waved his hand as if brushing the offending items away, stirring the smell of sweat and stale coffee.
Aiden took in the scenery as the old truck bumped along; its shock absorbers not up to the task. The town had changed in his absence. Grassy fields had made way for new housing developments. The single traffic light had spawned some friends, though the center of town had mostly remained in its time capsule.
Aiden’s knee jiggled against the door as his nervous energy found an outlet. He was still reeling from the weirdest moment of his life. Seeing his friend put underground, and experiencing what felt like salvation all within moments of each other. He had to put her out of his mind and focus on Hank.
“How long was he ill?”
“Oh, he had the first stroke about a month ago. It wasn’t too bad. He could still talk, though his words were slurred. We thought he’d recover. He was starting rehab, but then he had a massive stroke. Turned him into a vegetable. No coming back from that. He was in a coma for a week before he died. Nasty business, seeing a strong, proud man brought to his knees. Even more horrible, seeing a brother suffer.”
Aiden kept a steady eye on the road, using the horizon to ground him, and stop the flow of tears that threatened. He swallowed against a tight throat before attempting to speak. “I didn’t know.” He cursed under his breath. “I would have come.” I should have been here.
“I just happened to look up the local paper online. I don’t even know what made me do it. His name caught my eye while I was skimming.” Aiden swallowed again, and turned to the window to squeeze his eyes shut.
He felt a firm grip on his shoulder. “Per’aps you wanted news of a certain young lady, as well as her pa?”
Hank’s daughter, Angel. If he weren’t in the habit of denying his true desires, he’d admit that he’d been searching the group of mourners for her. The girl he would never forget no matter how hard he tried. Angel. An appropriate name for the girl who weaved through his thoughts whenever he let them drift.
He sucked in a breath. Light dawned, and memories of green eyes that used to be shadowed behind glasses rose abruptly into transparency. Climbing trees and fishing, later became holding hands and kissing.
Angel.
His plans just changed.
As always, thanks to my wonderful, beautiful family. I love you guys to the ends of the Earth. I hope you know that. Sorry for all my absent/ zombie moments. Sorry for the toasted sandwich dinners and the weekends we can’t do family outings because I’m working to a deadline. Kids, I hope when you’re older you can understand why I do this and find something of your own that drives you and fulfils you. (What are you doing reading this? Put the book down!)
This book took years to come to fruition. During that time, I suffered several life changing blows and some wonderful surprises, too. This book was definitely an emotional journey in itself. I probably poured too much of what I was feeling onto these pages, and gave my editor a hell of a job. To my exceptional editor, Eeva, thank you. Thank you. Thanks for talking me down from the ceiling and up from the floor. Thanks for being tough and honest. Thanks for not sleeping so you could finish editing this beast. Mostly, just thanks for being there.
My friends, you know who you are, you’re so patient and understanding with my frazzled self. I thank you for lending your ears, your shoulders, your support, and your love. I apologise for the sparse communications. Know that I think of you and only wish the best for you, and that your support means so, so much to me. I should tell people that I come with a bad friend warning—goes months without communication. Will dance on the fringes of your life, but will jump in when you need me. Massive hugs to you all!
Mum and Dad. Sorry for the shock. I hope your Kindle recovers. Thanks for being proud.
Jennifer at More Than Words Promotions. You’re a gem. A talented gem. I’m so glad that I found you.
To the ladies from the USQ library, thank you for your invaluable information and assistance.
To all the awesome bloggers. What a fantastic community, I’m so proud to be a part of it. I’ve said it before, but I didn’t truly understand it until I published my own work. What you contribute to this industry makes a massive difference. And you do it tirelessly, and often thanklessly. Please know that you are appreciated so much. The word ginormous isn’t even big enough to describe the magnitude of thanks you deserve.
To my lovely readers. This is for you. It’s all for you. I sincerely hope you’ve managed to escape for a while. I can’t thank you enough for choosing to read my story out of a sea of others just as worthy, if not more worthy of your attention. If you loved it, or even if you didn’t, let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
