Hopeless Vows (35 page)

Authors: Rachael Duncan

“How are you feeling, Jillian?” Uncle Brian asks after he’s had a chance to hold the baby.

“Good, just exhausted. I forgot how often babies wake up at night.”

“Well, if you ever need a break, let me know and I’ll take these two monsters off your hands,” he offers as he points at Braden and Michael.

“Thanks,” she says with a laugh.

I bring the infant carrier with little Christine sound asleep into the living room. Once Jillian found out she was pregnant with Braden, we bought a house and moved out of our apartment. It’s a little further from the city than Jillian liked, but I bought her a car and she quickly quieted down about the location.

Most importantly, Jillian and I are happier than ever. We’re blessed with beautiful children, a gorgeous home, and jobs we both love. Life really doesn’t get any better than this.

Once the boys are tucked in and Uncle Brian leaves, Jillian and I lay down on the couch to relax.

“So, when do you want to try for baby number four?”

If looks could kill . . .”You’re out of your damn mind.”

“What? We need an even number.” Even I can’t keep a straight face as I say it.

She swats my chest playfully and rolls her eyes. “You’re hopeless.”

“No, hopeful.”

SOMETIMES THIS IS
the hardest part for me. There are a group of people in my life that help me in so many ways and a simple “thank you” just doesn’t seem like enough.

Alexis Noelle, thank you for letting me bounce ideas off of you. There were times I didn’t know how I was going to get from point A to point B, and you helped me build the bridge. Thank you for making me laugh and always having my back.

Thank you, Laura Hansen, for being my last set of eyes. I know your schedule is busy, and it means so much to me that you take the time to beta for me. I love you!

Judy!! Your attention to detail and nitpicking is one of the things I love most about you. You think you’re a pain in the ass, but I think you rock. Thank you for giving your honest feedback and proofreading my final copy to make sure it was as good as I could make it.

Jody Fraleigh with your many talents, thank you. Your enthusiasm and energy makes me smile. You’re not only a great beta reader, but make some amazing swag for me too. Your talents are endless and your creativity is inspiring. XOXO

Isabelle Peterson, I feel so blessed to have connected with you. You have become a great friend and a huge help. You might also be my biggest cheerleader. Oftentimes when you’re praising my work, I have no idea what to say or how to thank or repay you. It means the world to me that you believe in not only my words, but me as well. Thank you so much!

Robin Bateman, I was probably the most nervous for you to read Hopeless Vows. I knew you’d be a tough cookie, but I’m so glad I sucked it up and sent it to you anyway. Thank you for your feedback, but most importantly, thank you for your friendship. Here’s to future lunch dates and signings!

Marisa with Cover Me, Darling hit another one out of the park. With each cover she designs for me, I always say it’s my new favorite, and I’m saying it again. This is absolutely stunning!!

Thank you, Lauren Perry with Perrywinkle Photography for the amazing cover photo. As soon as I saw this image, I knew I had to have it. Your images are stunning and you are amazingly talented.

To Nichole Strauss and Christine Borgford with Perfectly Publishable, thank you for making the inside look just as amazing as the outside. Nichole, thank you for your editing expertise. I truly value your opinion. Christine, thank you for the flawless formatting. Your finishing touches really polish the overall look, making my books look amazing from front to back.

To Ena and Amanda at Enticing Journey, thank you for running flawless events in helping me promote this book. You guys are the best!!

A special thank you to Michele and Cameron Serna who are seen on the cover. This is a photo from their actual wedding, and I was nervous they wouldn’t let me use it. I can’t tell you how elated I was when you guys gave the go ahead. You two brought my characters to life in a beautiful and elegant way. Thank you so much!

Most importantly, I have to thank my husband and two girls. You guys are not only my motivation, but my support system. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to chase my dreams. I love you.

Of course I can’t forget about the readers and bloggers! You guys are why I do what I do. Without you, my words would sit around lifelessly. Thank you for your continued support and love of reading!! <3

RACHAEL DUNCAN IS
an Army wife to her amazing husband, Steven, and mother to their beautiful daughters, Natalie and Zoe. She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and went off to graduate from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in political science. With initial plans to work in politics, she moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for a House Representative. After a short time, she realized it wasn’t for her and began pursuing other careers until she started writing. She’s author of Tackled by Love and The Lies and Truth Duet.

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