Peace swelled inside Valerie as she took in the beautiful African sunset. The children had been fed. And they ran in the dust, playing and laughing, their bellies full. In a few minutes, she and her mom would gather all of the children and begin the nightly ritual of washing, putting on pajamas, and reading a bedtime story. Maybe even reading two, if they were especially quiet and good during the first one.
As she rested against the side of the building and watched the horizon, Valerie smiled. She had chosen to be alone, but she wasn’t lonely.
Here in Africa, her life counted in the way she wanted. She wasn’t defined by her looks or her talent. But by her heart.
—End of Fifth Avenue Princess
by Dancy Ames
Tabby’s wedding day arrives on a beautiful sunny December Saturday, with snow blanketing the ground.
Last year, Tabby’s sister got married, and David proposed at the wedding. I have no illusions that Jack will follow that example. As a matter of fact, I’m not ready for that step. After all, we’ve only been dating about a month. But what a month it’s been!
My condo—can I just say that again?—my condo was finished last week. Thank goodness Brynn had only done a little painting, so there wasn’t much to redo. And I thought the place nearly perfect the way it was. It didn’t need much change, other than a cosmetic touch here and there.
And speaking of cosmetics, Laini and I are finishing up our makeup and staring in awe at beautiful Tabby. Today, she’s beautiful Tabitha, the bride.
I have to say, over the last few weeks, I’ve made a lot of changes. Mostly to my manuscript. Under Jack’s expert editing, I’ve revised and revised and revised. I even rewrote the ending so that Valerie ends up with—who else?—John Quest. According to Sheri, readers will want that happy ending with a man. I suppose she’s right. Who doesn’t want the fairy-tale ending?
Tabby is radiant as she walks down the aisle to her man, and after the preacher pronounces them husband and wife, I only have to wait a little while before Jack shows up at my side. “No fair,” he says in that gorgeous accent.
“What?”
His fingers barely brush my elbow and he leans in, his lips close to my ear. “No fair to be more beautiful than the bride.”
Reaching up, I touch his face. “No one is more beautiful than a bride.”
“Then when that day comes for us, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay on my feet.”
“For us, huh?”
“Don’t you know?” He takes me in his arms.
“Don’t I know what?”
“That someday I intend to ask you to be my wife.”
Oh? I clasp my hands behind his neck. “Well, I think you should know, then, that I intend to say yes. Someday.”
“Okay, my love.” He dips his head and presses his lips to mine. “Someday.”
With the promise of someday still tingling in my ear, I surrender to his kiss.