Three months later I pulled my bike behind Cotton and waited for Dallas to get Dusty’s helmet on. The loud rumble of motorcycle engines surrounded me as I looked around the town square. I was amazed at the crowd that showed up for the event. There were over six hundred people lining the streets and another two hundred on bikes. I never expected to have such a huge turn out when I suggested having a charity run for children with Down’s syndrome. I had gotten the idea when Dallas started having issues with her insurance company and mentioned how quickly Dusty’s medical bills were adding up. I thought this might be a way to help her, and other families with children like Dusty, but I never imagined it would turn into something this big.
The run would last about six hours, and I planned to take Dusty along with me. I knew he wouldn’t be able to make the entire trip, but I wanted him to have the chance to see some of this for himself. He was the main reason we decided to do this, so he should be here to enjoy it. Dallas finally had him ready to go, and he was busting with excitement. His little eyes sparkled with eagerness as he looked around at all the people, but Dallas was determined to get all of her rules in before she released him to me. She was going over all of her last minute warnings when I noticed Henley standing in the crowd. She was now wearing my name on her back, and she stood there smiling as her hands rested on her small round belly. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She was everything to me and in that moment, everything became clear to me… it was right there all along. I got off my bike and she smiled at me as I walked over to her.
“I finally see it.”
“What?” she asked.
I laid my hand on her pregnant belly and said, “I finally see my silver lining.”
The End
Excerpt of Summer Storm after Acknowledgements
Dusty was just a character in a book, but the struggles he faces are real. There are so many excellent programs available to children and adults with Down’s syndrome, but I wanted to let you know about a wonderful center that is located in my area. CS Patterson Training Center provides services for children and adults with a variety of challenges, and helps families learn to cope with the obstacles they may face. The CS Patterson Training Center provides access to group homes and employment opportunities for adults and early intervention for children. They work hard to provide their clients with a sense of independence, and people in the community have been great to support them. Unfortunately, each year the state has their typical cutbacks, and the center has faced some financial struggles. They do so much to help, and it would be awesome if you would check out their webpage. Thanks so much.
CS Patterson Training Center:
www.pattersontrainingcenter.com
Acknowledgements
Followed by an excerpt of Summer Storm
I would first like to thank my mother for all of her help and support with my writing. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without her. Thank you for being such an awesome mom.
I would also like to give a special thank you to my new PA, Amanda Faulkner. I’ve heard authors brag about their PA’s, but I really had no idea what I was missing until I met Amanda. She’s always one step ahead of me, and I don’t know how I ever made it without her. Posts, teasers, blogs…. It never ends. Thank you so much, Amanda!!
Marci Ponce is awesome! I truly wouldn’t know what to do without her. She continues to push me as a writer and accepts nothing but the best with each and every book. Thank you so much for always being there and sharing your talent with me. You are truly an MC guru!
Danielle Deraney Palumbo is a true life saver. There are just no words to describe how thankful I am that you agreed to take the time to help me with Maverick’s book. With everything that you have going on, you still managed to find the time to help me. Thank you so much. You are amazing!
I would also like to thank all of my readers. I have loved all of your comments and posts. I am floored every time I see one of your comments about liking my books. You have all been so supportive, and your comments always leave a smile on my face. When my life gets a little crazy, your kind words have given me the encouragement I’ve needed to continue on.
My Wilder’s Women Street Team is amazing! Thank you all for your support. It means so much to me that you continue to help me with reviews and posting all of my teasers. Elizabeth Thiele, Neringa Neringiukas, Dawn Bryant, Mary Orr, and Rosetta Wagers are such a huge help to me. I am always amazed each time I see one of my teasers or my links that they have shared. Thank you for taking your time to help me. It means more than you will ever know.