“I saw your Granny sitting in the lobby of the hotel. How do you think she’s doing?”
Lauren smiled. Granny looked radiant at breakfast, charming the waiter and cracking jokes. “Believe it or not, I think this trip is exactly what she needs. She’s a little out of sorts, but I know Shannon will look out for her today.”
Jess and Shannon would stand beside them tonight, as best man and matron of honor, still newlyweds themselves. Megan, Angela, Jeremy and Seth would round out the bridal party, with Lauren’s nieces and nephews serving as ring bearers.
Her brow furrowed as she thought about the one who would not be present when she and Blake exchanged vows on the beach at sunset.
“Hey.” He tipped her chin and searched her face. “No frowns for the bride-to-be. What’s wrong?”
“I just can’t help thinking about Shaun today, that’s all.”
“I’ve been thinking about him, too.” Blake tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “We’ve come full circle, it seems like he should be with us.”
“I told his parents we were getting married but she never answered my email.”
Blake winced. “His parents. That sounds so … weird.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder and stared out at the waves breaking on the sand. “I will always love him. But I know they have given him what we couldn’t. And that’s what I cling to when I’m feeling sad.”
“See? You thought your whole world had unraveled. And now look at you. God weaved something beautiful out of a tangled mess.”
“Yes. Yes he did.” She reached for Granny’s locket and smiled at the man she loved more and more with each passing day. “God has big plans for us.”
Blake leaned in and sealed her declaration with a kiss.
acknowledgments
Long before I finished writing this novel, I would lie in bed at night and mentally compose this page. While writers often create and hone their craft in solitude, there are many living, breathing people who make this dream of publication a reality.
To the publisher, Winslet Press: From the very beginning, partnering with you has been delightful. I know I keep saying this, but thank you for making this girl’s dream come true.
Sally Bradley, thank you for taking that very rough draft and shaping Unraveled into a more enjoyable read. Your talents and abilities are phenomenal. My gratitude knows no bounds.
To the fabulous critique partners I’ve found through ACFW, thank you for taking the time to read my submissions and share your wisdom. I’m a better writer because of each of you.
A special thank you to the people and rural communities of south central Alaska. Those who were instrumental in shaping my childhood are too numerous to mention here, but I am forever grateful for the memories and experiences that inspired this novel.
To Anne, Megan, Anna and Kristina: Thank you for being my friend even when I disappear into the world of make-believe. Thanks for always being in my corner and listening to me blather on about unfinished stories, plot twists and book marketing. You rock!
To my family, both immediate and extended, thank you for loving me and encouraging me. Steve, Luke, Andy and Eli: thank you for putting up with my grumpy demeanor when I battled the challenges and uncertainties of writing and re-writing, picking up the slack around the house when chores remained undone and the refrigerator empty, and for taking a genuine interest in my progress. I love you all to the moon and back.
And to the Master Storyteller, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: I stand in awe of your abundant blessings and amazing grace. Thank you for loving me.
Table of Contents
Titlepage
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Epilogue
Acknowledgements