The Do-Over(81)

I knocked on the door to Scarlett’s cabin shortly after she went to bed.

“Come in.”

“Shove over.” I got in next to her. “Well, this has been pretty exciting.”

“This trip has been so much fun. I wish we would have won though.”

“Oh baby, we did win.” I rolled onto my back and fluffed the pillow beneath my head. “We’re healthy and happy and on a boat in the Caribbean with one of the greatest guys in the world who cares about the both of us deeply. I think we won big time.”

“You know what? I think you’re right, Mom.” She snuggled closer to me.

I laughed, “Wow, was that your Christmas gift to me? Teenage daughter tells mother she is right.”

We both giggled.

“You guys did a really great job, sweetie. Be proud of it, because I’m really proud of you.”

Wes was up on deck enjoying the night sky when I emerged from Scarlett’s cabin. I took a moment to watch him, enjoying the realization that here we were beneath the Caribbean night sky again, and the man I once thought was the best friend I was meeting for the first time, was, in fact, my best friend, my love and my lover. I let that sink in before grabbing his cable knit sweater and heading up the companionway.

“Hey,” I came up behind him, rubbing his back. “Thought you might need this,” handing him his sweater.

Leaning down to kiss me. “You take such good care of me.”

“I’m glad that you let me.” I smiled.

Stepping behind me with his hands on my shoulders, silently, we watched the night sky.

Tara, take care of my brother. The very last words Stacy spoke to me flashed through my mind just as the sky lit up, as if synchronized with my thoughts.

“Whoa,” Wes grabbed my shoulders tight.

“What was that?” We watched the bright light arc across the sky, leaving a dimly lit trail in its wake, before disappearing into the sea.

“Wow, we have not seen anything like that in the sky before,” Wes finally let up on his grip.

“What do you think it was? A shooting star? Meteor?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything that bright before.” He wrapped his arms around me and rested his chin on the top of my head.

Putting my hands over his, I slipped my fingers into his warm palms.

Tara, take care of my brother.

I got this, Stace.

I got this.





Authors Note


Breast cancer is an epidemic. I cannot imagine anyone reading these words has not been touched by it – a friend, a family member, you. In the U.S. alone, one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. 1 in 8. And the U.S. ranks 9th in world standings, so it is even more prevalent than 1 in 8 in eight other countries. That is just wrong.

Additionally, 85% of breast cancers occur in women that have no family history of the disease. And the two most significant risk factors – two things you can’t do shit about – gender and age. So, if you are a woman, getting older (which sucks, but is preferable to the alternative) – you are at risk to develop breast cancer.

As with any cancer, early detection generally has the best outcome. Take care of yourself and get screened. Don’t forget your self-exams.

If you have questions, need information or want to aid in the fight, there are many wonderful organizations ready to help you and that always need a helping hand.

American Cancer Society – http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/

Susan G. Komen – ww5.komen.org

These are just two of many fine organizations providing information and support and conducting research.

Wishing you good health and good reading …





Till we meet again…

~Julie





Acknowledgements


I don’t even know where to begin with this. During the writing of The Do-Over, I experienced a health speedbump that I didn’t see coming and it totally took me out for several months. When I picked up the half-finished manuscript again, I was absolutely riddled with anxiety that I would no longer be able to pursue my lifelong passion of writing. But when my energy level returned enough, I began adding to my Excel Word Count spreadsheet on a daily basis with decent numbers, and Tara and Wes’ story began to share itself once again.

I have a lot to be thankful for and a lot of people to thank.

First and foremost my family, who I put through Hell this year. The lingering effects of this summer surface at turns we don’t expect, but I have to believe the worst is already behind us. I just won’t accept anything else. Mark, Max and Mom, thank you for everything, every day. Shelly, nice to have you back. I love you.

Mindy, Robin, Eve, Mary, Judy and Linda… Thank you for surrounding me near and far when I needed you most.

Vi and Penelope – You two are my safe place in this crazy land. Thank you for repositioning me when I jumped the tracks or this manuscript would still be sitting on my computer.

Kristen and Cleida – Always my sunshine. Always my reason to smile. So glad to have you two by my side.

Thank you to Kristin Nelson for believing in my writing, even when it doesn’t fit neatly into a box.

To all the Rogue BBCs for the continual support – even when I don’t release a book for a year. That group has been my “go-to” place and all of you make it so special. Your cards and notes this past year propelled me to keep swimming hard on days when the riptide was sending up red flags.