Summer Down Under (32 page)

“Really?” Sam asked. It was an exciting
proposition. Of course, she would rather share the experience of
seeing new places with someone she loved. If she took Daniel up on
his offer, she would be able to stay with the man of her dreams and
spend the rest of her life fulfilling her other dream to travel.
“You promise?”

“I promise.”

Tears pricked behind Sam’s eyes, tears of
happiness this time. She couldn’t believe what was happening;
Daniel was offering her the chance to make Shalroma her home.

“Okay. Yes, I’ll stay with you and help you
run Shalroma.”

Daniel stood and scooped her up, twirling her
around. A huge smile spread across his face. When he stopped
twirling her, he lowered her to the ground.

“There is one condition, though.” Sam stated,
looking into his beautiful blue eyes that sparkled with joy.

His gaze turned wary.

“Dare I ask?” he said cautiously.

“We get someone to help me with the cooking
when it’s time for shearing again next year.”

Daniel breathed a sigh of relief. “Consider
it done,” he said as his mouth covered hers with a passionate kiss,
a prelude of things to come.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It takes a lot of people to bring a book to
life and mine is no different. With that in mind I am going to
mention each and every one of the wonderfully supportive network of
people who helped me. So, if you are sitting comfortably, I shall
begin.

Although this is the 4
^th
book I
have published, it is, in fact, the very 1
^st
book I
wrote. If it wasn’t for the encouragement of one person, I may
never have put fingers to keyboard all those years ago. Thanks,
Brenda.

My wonderful beta-readers (in alpha order).
Andi, Carina, Jos, Mary Jo, Merilyn, and Shana. Your feedback and
ideas helped me mold and shape the story into what it is today.

Marisa Wagner, my awesome editor. You slayed
my run on sentences and took control of my commas. Your attention
to detail is amazing. You took my words and made them sing.

The cover design is the creation of Linda
Boulanger of Tell-Tale Cover Designs. It was my first experience
working with a cover designer and she ‘got’ the feel of the story
after only asking a few questions. Linda, you did a wonderful job.
I’ll definitely use you again.

And last, but by no means least, my soul
mate. Your never ending love and support knows no bounds. I love
you.

Thank you to you all.

About the Author

Adrianna Blakeley is the pen name Alison
Pensy uses to write her adult romance novels. As the bestselling
author of the young adult Custodian series, she decided to do this
because she didn’t want to confuse her younger readers or get into
trouble with their parents.

Alison was born and raised in England. She
grew up near a medieval city, which is where much of the
inspiration for her young adult books comes from.

Alison moved to the States in 2001, where she
eventually settled near a small town in mid Missouri with her
menagerie of animals. She also runs her own tax and accounting
business and started writing when she became so fed up with the
real world, she decided to create her own. Please visit her website
at
www.alisonpensy.com
.
She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to leave comments
or ask questions.