Cupid's Christmas (Serendipity #3)(52)

The same thing happened with the Becker’s, in fact Emily Becker reached into the bottom drawer of her dresser and pulled out a black lace trousseau nightgown that she’d never worn and packed into the suitcase. She wore it on their first night at sea and …well, I don’t need to tell you what that led to. Sam Becker, who was somewhat of a skinflint, promised Emily that they’d be going on cruises twice a year from now on.

Cassidy and Jack Taylor were younger than most of the other couples, but they were both workaholics who had little time for each other. Because of the schedule they kept, I questioned whether or not they’d be able to stay with the passion they had on the cruise, but Life Management took care of that. Cassidy had twin boys nine months later and she quit working. They settled into a life of dinner at six and evenings with the boys. In fact they even bought a German Shepherd and when they went for evening walks, he held the leash and she pushed a double stroller.

Not one of those couples proceeded on to divorce court, which was where they were previously headed.

I expected The Boss to give me a gigantic attaboy for my handing of this project, but when I told Him how I’d done it, He rolled his eyes and asked if I’d ever heard of a little thing called fraud.

“It was a next day sailing,” I explained, “and those cabins were gonna be empty anyway.”

“Not acceptable,” He said, but I noticed a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“What about Lindsay Gray?” I asked. “She was headed down the road of unhappiness and look at where she is now.”

He smiled. “Yes,” he said. “You did a good job with Lindsay.”

When He turned and walked away, I noticed the stork headed toward Lindsay and Matthew Mead’s house.

That’s it for this story, but don’t think I’m leaving. I’ll be around. Just wait until next Valentine’s Day and see what I’ve got in store for you.





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A Special Note About the Dog



The dog featured on the front cover is Katie, a rescued Bichon who has been with us for over nine years. We adopted her when she was just under a year old and at that time, she was terribly underweight, her hair tangled and knotted and her skin covered with fleas and ticks. The day we picked her up, she was trembling like a frightened rabbit.

All that changed. Over the years she learned the joy of tummy rubs and treats. She became my constant companion and spent most of her afternoons sitting in my lap as I worked at the computer. At times, she was also my muse. In the novel Spare Change, the name Scooter Cobb was taken from Katie’s boyfriend, another Bichon who visited Katie often and spent a fair bit of time at our house.

Katie was the inspiration for this book and the picture used on the inside pages was taken by Heavenly Acres Rescue on the day they picked her up. It’s hard to understand why anyone would neglect a sweet little dog like this, but the sad truth is it happens.

As this book goes to press, my heart is heavy because our sweet angel has been diagnosed with an inoperable carcinoma on the underside of her tongue. I know our days with her are numbered and it is breaking my heart. This book is my final tribute to the sweet little girl who has been such an important part of our life. I will love her always.

In an effort to help other rescue dogs find their forever people, a percentage of the proceeds of this book will go to the Treasure Coast Humane Society to support their no-kill shelter.





Acknowledgements


I am eternally grateful to the many people who contributed to the inspiration and success of this book. I must first thank my early readers who believed in the story even when I faltered. A special thank you to Alle Wells, for providing insight, critique and lots of commas. Although we have never met face to face, I consider Alle so much more than a colleague, she has become a true friend. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Lucille Schiavone—my eagle-eyed reader who can spot a typo at fifty paces and always makes time to read my work. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my sister Geri Conway for listening to my quandaries and coaching me over the stumbling blocks.

Regardless of how wonderful a story may be, it is the painful process of marketing that ultimately puts a book into the readers hands. A special thank you goes to Naomi Blackburn for the expert marketing advice she shared so willingly. She is a true asset to authors.

I am also indebted to the members of Destiny Makers, a group of friends and colleagues who together have waded into the waters of publishing and set sail valiantly. I am truly honored to be part of this group of dedicated authors.

There are no words adequate enough to thank my husband Dick for always believing in me, and for putting many of his own interests aside so that he could help me to grow and spread my wings. But most of all, I thank our Glorious God for sending my Perfect Match and giving us all these wonderful years of happiness.





Introducing

SPARE CHANGE



Winner of…

2011 Reviewer's Choice Award for Fiction





2010 Royal Palm Literary Award


2011 Reviewer's Choice Best of the South

2011Jack Eadon Contemporary Fiction Award

Voted #1 Goodreads Best Unknown Book

A BookBundlz Finalist