I finally got to my feet, and everyone surged forward. The half-Walker bond kicked in, our energy happily mingling with each other. It wasn’t as strong as it used to be, but we still wore the marks of the originals, and we still had our bond. It was more than enough.
I found myself decorated up like the tree, but in colors of red and green. Lucy fluttered up and threaded tinsel through my curls. There was food and sweets everywhere. Not to mention alamonlette, First World’s version of chocolate.
Later that day, feeling stuffed and satisfied, I stood beside the roaring fireplace, Brace’s arm around me, Lucy on my other side. The sacred animals were asleep by the fire and the rest of our family played some sort of weird charade game.
The joy in the room was contagious, even for those who didn’t understand what this holiday represented. Ladre especially was confused as he stood there with his spray bottle of water. But still, he was happy.
Then, like a smack in the face, everything became so startling clear to me.
This was the reason we had fought. For moments like this. This is why I had never given up. If I had stopped fighting I would have missed this. And this was the part of the story I loved the most.
We were finally at the Happily Ever After.
The End
Please keep reading for a special little scene just for all of you. This was the best way I could think of to thank you for the love and support of the Walker Saga. You mean the world to me!
J <3
Acknowledgements
Whoa! I almost can’t believe it, but the Walker Saga is finished. This baby has been a part of my life for ten years – and now it’s done. When I started writing First World, I wasn’t sure I’d ever actually make it to Earth. It seemed almost an impossible task for someone who had never written anything before in her life. I was a reader, not a writer. But my Walkers changed all of that for me.
I have so many people to thank. Firstly the biggest thank you to Travis, Lola Eve and Silvie-lace. You guys are my world and I love you more than words can express. Thank you for understanding that sometimes Mummy is absent, weird, talking to herself, locked in the study, terrible at cleaning and forgetful of meals. The unwavering love you all shower me with is what gets me through every single day.
To Debbie, my mother and friend. Thank you for being an amazing Gran and always helping me with the girls. And I want to especially thank you for giving me a well-deserved kick in the butt all those years ago. From the moment you read that first draft of First World and informed me that Abby was both annoying and overly chatty, I knew my writing needed some hardcore work. Your words (and look of pain while reading) were enough that I took a long hard look at my book and knew I could do better. So I did. You have never sugarcoated things for me; your love is unwavering, but your words are honest. And I appreciate that more than you can imagine.
To my dad, you’re the best Poopy (kids’ name not mine) the girls could ask for. Thanks for the unwavering support and bragging about me to everyone. No, I haven’t made a million dollars yet, but I totally love that you believe I can. One day, Dad.
To my brother, Cody, and sister-in-law, Laura, you two are amazing and I am so grateful for the support and help with my kids and books. I’m going to miss you when you don’t live with us and the kids will miss you even more.
To the rest of my extended family, thanks for always having my back; thank you for reading my books and acting like I’m the most talented author you know. My sensitive artist soul thanks you for the gushing.
To my betas, Marice, Andi and Laura, girls – you all rock my world. Thank you for the love and support you have shown my Walkers. Your generosity in helping me and in showering praise and criticisms when needed has been instrumental in shaping this series. A double special thanks to Marice and Laura. You have been with me from the very start. We made this journey together and I love you both.
Also thank you to my editor, Kathy Stewart. You were the first person to professionally help shape my words. I have learnt so much from you. From the very first edit you helped my writing shine. Your patience and expertise is very much appreciated, not to mention the support and faith in my work.
And lastly, thank you to every single one of you out there that have taken the time to read my books. Thank you for the messages, emails, GIFS, pics, quotes, drawings, reviews and love. The way you have embraced this series leaves me beyond words – there is nothing I can say to express the way you have made this author feel every day since hitting ‘publish’ on First World. I heart the heck out of every single one of you and am giving you all a big Walker bear hug right now. As Lucy would say: You’re the effing best. Word!
A little something of the happily ever after <3
Lucy