he could remember it some far-off day when he was wearing a badge and the worst call came in and he was running toward the bad guys.
And when he would take her to the hospital for yet another scan and he would sit in the waiting room, praying and pacing and wishing with all his heart she’d finish, already. So they could get another clean report and go on with their lives.
So that when the hard times came—whatever they were—he could remember to keep walking… keep seeking… keep believing. So that this moment with Annalee would get him through whatever was ahead… every time.
He smiled and kissed her once more. Then he led her to his Jeep again.
Somewhere in time not yet lived, he would remember today. On a very special tomorrow that he believed would come in the next few years. A moment he knew would happen because he would pray it would happen. And whenever he was afraid of the future, he would just keep walking. God was in the lead, after all. They were just following Him.
And in that beautiful once upon a time still to come, before their first dance, he would remember this one. Here at White River Park at the end of January.
The day God gave him Annalee Miller back.
It would be the best day of his life. Their wedding day. And they would live and love and laugh till the end of time. Because their life together would never be ordinary. Rather the years would be unforgettable. The way the two of them already were.
Tommy and Annalee.
A love story for the ages.
Forever and ever, amen.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A book doesn’t appear in your hands without an entire team taking part in the process. A team of passionate, determined people working behind the scenes on a dozen levels. On that note, I can’t leave this novel and the deeply emotional journey it’s been without thanking the people who made it possible.
First, a special thanks to my amazing Simon & Schuster publishing team, including the keenly talented Libby McGuire, Trish Todd, Suzanne Donahue, , Lisa Sciambra, Paula Amendolara, and Dana Trocker, along with the rest of my gifted S&S team! I think often of our times together in New York and the way your collective creative brilliance always becomes a game changer. And to Carolyn Reidy, I miss you dearly. Your passing came far too soon, but I will do as you asked. I will keep writing the best possible book God places on my heart. To everyone at Simon & Schuster, you clearly desire to raise the bar at every turn. Thank you for that. It’s an honor to work with you!
Also thanks to Rose Garden Creative, my design team—Kyle and Kelsey Kupecky—whose unmatched talent in the industry is recognized from Los Angeles to New York. Very simply you are the best in the business! My website, social media, video trailers and newsletter—along with so many other aspects of my touring and writing—are top of the book business because of you two. Thank you for working your own dreams around mine. I love you and I thank God for you every single day.
A huge thanks to my sisters, Tricia and Susan, along with my mom, Anne. You give your whole hearts to helping me love my readers. Tricia, as my executive assistant for twelve years; and Susan, as the president of my Facebook Online Book Club and Team KK. And, Mom, thank you for being Queen of the Readers. Anyone who has ever sent me an email and received a response from “Karen’s mom” is blessed indeed. The three of you are making a tremendous impact in changing this world for the better. Love you and I thank God for you always!
Thanks also to Tyler for joining with me to write screenplays and books like Best Family Ever and Finding Home—the Baxter Family Children books. You are a gifted writer, Ty. I can’t wait to see more of your work on the shelves and on the screen. Maybe one day soon! Love you so much!
Also, thank you to my office assistant, Aurora Galvin. You create space for me to write! My storytelling wouldn’t be possible without you.
I’m also grateful to my Team KK members, who step in at the final stage in writing a book. The galley pages come to me, and I send them to several of my most dedicated reader friends. My nieces Shannon Fairley, Melissa Viernes and Kristen Kane. Also Hope Burke, Donna Keene,