Watch Over Me (30 page)

"Hey there, Baby Sugar, how was your day?" he asks her as he peppers her face with
kisses.

"Mommy and I were talking about Grandma and how she's watching over me. Do you think
she watches me when I go to the bathroom? I hope not. There are just some things that
people don't need to see."

Zander and I burst out laughing at our daughter's choice of words, and I can't help
but think back to the conversation I had with my mom about the very same thing.

"I'm sure Grandma gives you your privacy when you go to the bathroom," Zander says
with another laugh as he sets Angel down and then pulls a large, thick envelope out
from behind his back.

"Oooooh, is that a present for me?" Angel asks excitedly.

"Sorry, Baby Sugar, this one is for mommy," he replies, coming around to the front
of the couch and placing it on my lap before sitting down next to me.

I notice the return address from my publisher and wonder if it's a copy of my newest
manuscript. Tearing into the envelope, I pull out a note on their letterhead and scan
through the words.

"Oh my gosh, it's the ten year anniversary of my first book. They had a special hardcover
edition printed for me," I whisper softly to Zander as I reach my hand inside and
pull out the book.

Staring at the cover, I run my hand gently over the title and remember the days I
spent locked away in my apartment, finally letting everything out and putting it down
on paper.

"Congratulations, Sugar. You've come a long way and I'm so proud of you," Zander tells
me, placing a kiss on top of my head.

I've written more books than I can count over the years and each one has brought me
success that I never imagined. But this one, the story of my life, will always have
a special place in my heart.

Opening the hard cover, I flip past the title page, and I smile down at the first
few words of the prologue that I typed so long ago.

Death changes everyone…

If you or someone you know has persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and thoughts
of suicide,

it's important to reach out for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, or if suicide seems like an option,

you can always talk to someone you love or a health professional.

Suicide is never the only option.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call 911 or contact the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp

First and foremost, thank you to Buffy and Madison. You were the first ones to read
the couple of chapters I was playing around with a year ago. You were the first ones
to get a glimpse into this story, and you convinced me that I had to write it. I
wasn’t sure if I ever wanted anyone to read this. I’m still not sure! But with your
love and support, this story came to light. I am so thankful to have both of you in
my life. Thank you for encouraging me and believing in me.

Max. Oh, Max. Where would I be without you? I’d be stuck in the hell of past/present
tense, and I would have never known the beauty of Supernatural! I love you. Thank
you for writing a bio that spoke to my soul two years ago so I could find you! Thank
you for helping me with this story and for helping me grow as a writer. FYI, Ackles
is mine.

Tiffany King and Jasinda Wilder—Thank you so much for your early read of this story
and for your constant support and friendship.

James, Madelyn, and Drew—Thank you for letting me be emo for months about this story.
Thank you for giving me hugs and kisses when you saw I needed them. Thank you for
loving me unconditionally even though I forget to feed you and call you by the wrong
names.

Andrea—Thank you for being the best mother-in-law in the world. Thank you for your
faith in me and your continued support. Thank you for being proud of me and for being
my family. I love you and I am so thankful to have you in my life.

Last, but certainly not least—Thank you to the fans for taking a chance on me. Thank
you for loving my funny and following me with the serious. Thank you for being the
best fans in the world!

Cover by Okay Creations—
www.okaycreations.com

Editing by Polished Pen—
www.polished-pen.com

Formatting by Fictional Formats—

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fictional-formats/578230928856597?fref=ts