The Songs in Our Hearts: A Young Adult Romance(70)
“I don’t know, something good.”
“Let me pick,” I said.
He pursed his lips, acting as though he had to think about it.
“Come on, Micah. Live a little.” I raised my eyebrow with a giggle as I extended my hand for the discs. His lips slowly quirked into a warm smile.
“All right,” he replied, handing me the CD’s as he pulled out of the driveway. “Play me a song from the heart, Ms. DJ.”
“I’ll do my best.” I pulled a disc from the pile and slipped it into the player. Micah adjusted the volume and then reached for my hand. Tenderly, he lifted it to press a soft kiss against my knuckles. Together, we listened to the gentle beginnings of a song fill the car. At first, the melody was soft, just as we had been. Eventually, it grew, expanding and building strength as the tempo increased. We, too, had grown and developed, until there was something more.
There was no denying the beating of our hearts were the songs we had been searching for.
“Our dreams can come true,
if we have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney
The journey of “The Songs in Our Hearts” has been a very exciting and rewarding one! And it’s all because a group of people believed in me enough to help me believe in myself, and my dream of writing another novel. First, I have to say thank you to a fantastic friend, Gretchen, who endured countless hours of texting and messaging from me; asking about character development and editing. Without you, this story would have never been completed. Thank you so much for our short time in Disney, for your beautiful personality and our constant friendship.
To my Mom, who gave me the title “The Songs in Our Hearts.” Thanks for reading over the manuscript a few times and more. You’re an amazing woman, Mom. I hope you never forget just how much I truly love you. Thank you for supporting me in every little idea that I have, whether it’s my wish to be a writer, a painter, or a big dreamer. As Dad said, “I love you to the moon and back.”
To my Dad, even though you’re not here with me physically anymore, you’re a constant source of comfort for me. I look up to the sky and think of you. I miss your “I don’t think so Tim” and “Walk it off.” But even more, your hugs. This is my hug to you, Dad. I hope that for each reader that picks up this novel, the essence of you comes alive again and again through Charlie’s Dad and the friend, Paul. I miss you and love you more than I think anyone could ever understand.
To Carrine, who has gone from little to grown. You’re an amazing, strong woman. I love you, and thanks for always being there for me.
To my own Micah–MHS–thank you for these memories.
I want to thank all the people who have supported me in the past few years. To the family members who have taken the time to keep in touch. To the friends from high school, college, and church who I know I can always turn to—whether it’s for writing or life advice, I want to just say thank you.
I want to thank #Team48Fourteen for everything. Juanita, for taking the chance on Micah and Charlie and allowing me the opportunity to share the novel with others. I can’t wait to learn more from you and the team, and I can’t wait to share more of “The Songs in Our Hearts” with others!
To C.K. Brooke for reading and editing and making this novel come to life—sparkle and shine–more than I ever thought possible. Thank you for your daily optimism and kindness! You’ve really inspired me! My experience at 48Fourteen has made me feel like Cinderella, who was just given a blue ball gown and fancy glass slippers.
Just as Cinderella says, “Thank you for everything.”