Reaching Rachel (40 page)

Devin ran up behind his beautiful wife. “I’m so proud of you,” he murmured in her ear, wrapping his arms around her from behind and resting them on her stomach. “How are they?”

Rachel beamed, putting her hands over Devin’s to feel her protruding stomach. “They’re good. They were kicking during the graduation. Can you feel them now?” To complete another dream of hers, she and Devin were expecting, and it was twins, a boy and a girl they were naming Faith and Chance. She was about 5 months along. It had been rough at first, getting through the last of her degree while having morning sickness, but she wouldn’t trade it for the world. After years of thinking that she would never have a family, she was ecstatic to be having kids with the man she loved.

Finally, after all that she had been through and the path that they had traveled to get here, she had everything she ever wanted. When she thought back to the days when she was a closed off, miserable person, she felt sad. She had missed out on so much life when she was busy keeping herself from living. Right now, looking around this crowded convention center, she knew that she was just at the beginning of what was to be the life she always dreamed of. All she had had to do was open herself up again and believe that it was possible.

“Auntie Rachel!” a small voice called from behind. Rachel turned to see Alexis, now 8 years old, running up to her. She hugged the little girl tightly, kissing her on the head. Kayley smiled as she walked up to her, hugging her also. Following her was Benji, now 6, and Cierra, now 3, who were holding Ben’s hand. She was so glad her friends and family were here to support her. Emily and her husband Trevor followed behind them, and both her parents and Devin’s.

“We’re so proud of you, Rachel,” Kayley beamed, putting her hands on her stomach.

“We really are,” Emily hugged Rachel, followed by Trevor. “You did it, sweetie.”

“We have a question to ask you,” Ben said, hugging her quickly. The group looked at Ben intently.

“What’s that?” Rachel smiled.

Ben looked at Kayley and nodded. “Ben and I would like to know if you would come work at our therapy center, run the children’s OT division. You would be a great addition to our team.”

Rachel’s mouth dropped open at her best friend’s words. “Really?”

Ben and Kayley nodded their agreement. “Yes.”

“I would love to,” Rachel said, taken aback. “Thank you so much.”

“That’s so great, Rachel,” Her mom choked out, dabbing her eyes. “All your dreams, coming true. Speaking of that, how’s my grandbabies?” Elise rubbed her daughter’s stomach while Dennis hugged Devin.

“They’re great, Mom. Moving around in there.”

“We love both of you,” Devin’s mom hugged Rachel, followed by his dad. “Well, all four of you.” They laughed. “We’re so happy for you.”

“Congrats, Rachel!” Ellis walked up, followed closely by Jessica. “So glad that you and Dev are getting the dream you deserve. I can’t wait to spoil those babies something fierce.” They all laughed. Ellis had recently moved to ‘Retiredville’ as he teasingly called it, taking a job with Devin on the SWAT team. They enjoyed spending time with him, and he had been a great addition to their group of friends.

Jessica hugged Rachel. “I’m so proud of you.” She stepped back, glancing briefly at Ellis and then back to Rachel.

Rachel smiled at her friend, looking back and forth between her and Ellis. As if Jessica read her mind, she shook her head slightly, a blush breaking out on her face. Rachel made a mental note to talk to her later about what was going on there, but by the look on both of their friend’s faces, she could figure it out for herself.

They all turned to walk out of the convention center, and Rachel gripped Devin’s hand. He squeezed her hand tightly. “Thank you,” he said so only she could hear.

“For what?”

“For being my everything.”

She blushed, hugging him quickly. “Thank you, too.”

“For?”

“For reaching me, making me believe I deserved the life I never thought I would have. I’m living again because of you.”

Nickelback—
Far Away

Miley Cyrus—
Wrecking Ball

Katy Perry—
Roar

Aerosmith—
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing

Staind—
It’s Been Awhile

Daughtry—
Crawling Back to You

Christina Perri—
A Thousand Years

Lifehouse—
Hanging by a Moment

One Republic—
Counting Stars

Jason Derulo—
Marry Me

Katy Perry—
Unconditionally

Sara Barellis—
Brave

Avril Lavigne—
Let Go

Bruno Mars—
Gorilla

Eminem/Rhianna—
The Monster

Imagine Dragons—
Demons

Daughtry—
Wild Heart

Daughtry—
Broken Arrows

Katy Perry—
Part of Me

Alicia Keys—
Brand New Me

Olly Murs—
Dear Darlin’

Ellie Goulding—
How Long Will I Love You

Celine Dion—
Loved Me Back to Life

Daughtry—
It’s Not Over

Daughtry—
Waiting for Superman

Katy Perry—
The One That Got Away

Bruno Mars—
Treasure

Bruno Mars—
Grenade

Follow this playlist on Spotify

http://open.spotify.com/user/authorllcollins/playlist/65airn5Z1QX81DzQQUBpAn

Here it is, my second book,
Reaching Rachel
. When I released
Living Again
, it was such a surreal experience. I still can’t believe the messages, reviews, and love that I get on a daily basis from readers. Thanks to all of you for making this journey so rewarding. This book, while totally and completely different than
Living Again
, was just as emotional to write. This book has difficult topics in it. It’s not all roses and sunshine. Rachel’s story has violence and events that may be upsetting to some. Please remember, this is a fictional story.

To my mom, Krista, for selling my book to any and every one she comes across. Thank you, as always, for being my #1 fan.

To my sister, Blair, thank you for once again reading, supporting, and encouraging me. That means more to me than I can ever express.

To my husband, Cameron, and my boys, thanks for once again putting up with me staring at my computer screen. You’ve gotten a lot more used to it now, and don’t bat an eye anymore when I say I’m writing.

To my best friend/sister/editor/beta reader/everything, LeElla, thank you. I can never say that enough for the support and love you give me. I know that I can always come to you with anything and you are there, even though many states separate us.

To my personal assistant Christine. Wow. Who would’ve thought that a simple conversation months ago about giveaways would’ve gotten us where we are now? The words thank you just don’t seem enough for what you do. I love that you love my books so much, and believe in everything I do. I appreciate every single task you take on that I don’t have to. I love our chats, the times that you are talking me down off the ledge or jumping off with me. Thank you for the constant support, the continual ideas and determination to get me where I want to go. I could do this without you, but why would I want to? In your words, ‘you’re stuck with me’.

To Joely, you are such a valuable part of this world to me. When we ‘met’, me a new author and you a new blogger, who would’ve known it would turn into the friendship it’s turned into now? I can’t thank you enough for the countless chats, whether it’s personal or brainstorming for my book. You are always there for me, looking out for me. There should be more people like you in the world. Thank you for believing in me and loving my books.

Mindy, once again, thank you. Thanks for the chats where we work out the plot or the scenes that I just can’t get right, and for the many, many group texts where you help me get out of a jam. You are a great PR department! I truly treasure your friendship.

Kellie, it’s been quite a few months since we decided to take on this world, me as an author and you as a blogger to help ‘support’ me! Now look at what’s happened! You are amazing at whatever you set your mind to doing, and I thank you SO much for always going above and beyond to help me and believe in me. I can’t wait for you to be by my side at the signings this year!

To my “beta’s”: LeElla, Mindy, Kellie, Blair, Barbara, Joely, MaryAnn, Christine, Candi, Holly, Michelle, Rebecca, Alexis, and Tiffany. Thank you so much for your help, even if it was just to say that you loved it. I have the best beta team ever.

To Kari from Cover to Cover Designs. This cover was so perfect, I couldn’t even believe it. It was done in one take! You never cease to amaze me with your talent, and best of all, your amazing friendship. I can’t wait to see what else we come up with together.

To Angela McLaurin at Fictional Formats, thank you for making it beautiful and ready to publish. You’re not only awesome at what you do, you’re an amazing friend, too.

To my Street Team, who would’ve thought I’d have a group of people that love to promote me? It’s crazy, but I love it. Thanks to every one of you that take your own time to get my name out there.

To all of the blogs that spend countless hours of their own time to help us indies on a daily basis, without getting anything out of it. There are too many to list, but thank you. I know I would’ve never gotten where I am without you.

To everyone who read
Living Again
and loved it, left me reviews, and messaged me waiting impatiently for Rachel’s story. Here it is. I hope you love it.