She brushed the tears from her cheeks and took a ragged breath. “There was a girl in Newgate that reminded me of myself. Except she didn’t have anyone to watch out for her, like I had you. Her name is Grace, and I paid for her freedom. She’s with the Sinclairs as a kitchen helper. She won’t ever have to live the kind of life we did. I know she’s just one of too many, but maybe I can give her a chance. Like the one you gave me.”
She hesitated, then kissed her fingertips and pressed them to the stone letters of his name.
Finally, she stood. A slight breeze wafted across the cemetery, lifting the ribbons of her bonnet to dance along her shoulders. The day dress in a matching shade of blue had been a traveling gift from Sophia; Becky’s skilled needlework made it fit to perfection in only one afternoon.
To anyone watching, she was just a normal girl. But, for the first time in her life, she felt normal as well. Nic had given her this opportunity for a better life.
Strangely enough, Wild had given her a family.
And Grae: he had given her unconditional love.
Arista glanced toward the carriage. Grae stood with his arms crossed over his chest, watching her. They were meeting the family at the docks in an hour to say goodbye. Marguerite had been overjoyed by the news of the engagement, and had insisted that Grae give Arista a ring that belonged to his grandmother.
She glanced down at her finger. The beautiful sapphire glistened in the sun. The Sinclairs had welcomed her and Becky into their home; their family.
She would finally see India with Grae, and could not imagine sharing it with anyone else.
The thought filled her with excitement, but she felt she could find happiness anywhere now.
With Grae by her side, she would always be home.
First, I would like to thank the team at Hyperion for everything. I could not have asked for better editors; from the immediate enthusiasm of Emily Meehan to the kick-butt feedback of Laura Schreiber. With Laura’s help, Tangled Webs is a thousand times better than when I started and something I am so proud to share. Anna Leuchtenberger was the most amazing copy editor, and as for the cover—can you say LOVE!? Whitney Manger did such an incredible job capturing the story in just an image.
Next, I need to give props to Mandy Hubbard. When it comes to agents, she is a superstar, hands down. I would not be where I am without her guidance and support. She keeps me grounded, but encourages the crazy ideas I send her at midnight on a Sunday. And if all that wasn’t enough, she has cows. For real.
I have such an amazing crit partner and friend in Joy George. You rock, BéBé! I could not keep my head on straight if not for you. Keep on kicking my butt, and I will do the same for you! We got this!
Writing is such a solitary endeavor most days, and having a great support group makes all the difference. Everyone should have friends like the girls at YA Highway, if only to remind you that you aren’t alone. I am surrounded by such talented, amazing women: Kris, Kaits, Kate, KrJr, Sarah, Vee, Amy, Kir, Leila, Deb, Steph, and Sumayyah, I love you guys!!
Todd and the boys. My family is amazing enough to give me time to do this thing I love, and not complain when I forget to make dinner sometimes. I could not do this without their support, and I love you guys so much. The rest of you guys; my mom and step-father, sister, niece, cousins, and co-workers who read what I write, it is so humbling, and it means the world to me.
Finally, my readers. You all are the real superstars. I do this for you and still can’t quite believe people are reading my words. Thank you all so much!
LEE BROSS is the author of Fates and Chaos, written under the pen name Lanie Bross. Visit her online at www.leebross.com.