You Are Mine (43 page)

“
She did. Did she tell
you, she wanted me to teach her how to ride him?”

Sally's eyes grow wider. “She
does?”

“
Yup. I'm thinking she
needs to go get some breeches on so I can teach her.”

I laugh. “Sorry, trying them on once
was enough for me. I found out women in Arllos use a side saddle.
That's what I have.”

“
No breeches?”

“
No breeches.” I open
Goldie's stall and grab the side saddle on the way out. “Think you
can show me how this is supposed to go on her? I've been learning
how to care for her, but we haven't covered anything about riding,
yet.”

“
I'd be happy to.” He
grabs the saddle from me and turns to Sally. “What about you little
miss? You want to try breeches?”

“
Can I,
Serena?”

“
You can do whatever you
desire. You'll get no demands from me.”

“
Yay!” She races back
toward the house.

As I watch her go, knowing my sisters
are safe, I grab hold of Zade's arm. He brushes a kiss in my hair.
This feels so right. Being here with the man I love. The man who
loves me, but doesn't own me. Everything is mine.

If you enjoyed reading this book, please
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leaving a review where you purchased the
book and/or on Goodreads.

There are many people who helped make this
book what it is. Any remaining faults are only my own, and without
all these amazing people know that the faults would have about a
thousand times more. No lie. Hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone,
but if it happens, please accept my apologies for my airheadedness
is showing.

Serena may have fourteen good sisters, but I
have a fantastic one that's better than fourteen combined. Karen C.
Eddington, thanks for supporting, encouraging, helping, chatting,
and being there. Best sister a girl could have.

Thanks Mom and Dad and the rest of my
family, for asking about my books over the years and patiently
listening to be babble on, asking about how my writing is going,
and Mom for being willing to read. I'm the person I am today
because of your love and support. I love and appreciated you guys
so much!

RaeChell Garret – you know that one time
that I asked you to review my novel. And then I asked again, and
again and again. And every time you were like, of course! Your
advice was always spot on rockin'. Plus the countless other details
I'm always asking your advice on. Well, now the book is published
so you can stop worrying I'll ask again...except for the tiny
problem of the next book. Maybe I'll get under control sooner this
time. Maybe. But truly, thank you for than many, many hours you've
put into my book. Your insight is invaluable. You are next!

Thank you to Ashely Maker who Read,
Reviewed, and Raved then help me Resolve a lot of issues I didn't
even realize hadn't made it into the book. Apparently you win the
thank you 'R' words award. It's a good one!

C.M. We found each other late in the
critiquing game for this book, but your review helped me tweak some
important things and gave me hope that I finally got this where it
needed to be. Thank you! Looking forward to swapping more in the
future. And Annalea Eastley with poetsinprose.com, thanks for
pointing out all the little things I missed and helping making
things less awkward.

Writing.com, namely the Novel Critique
forum, has been very helpful especially during the early years of
serious writing. My first 'real' manuscript was, well, quite sad
when I look back on it. Your words and advice taught me much. And
for this book I got some insight from the Young Adult Club. Thanks
guys!

Michelle Pasket. When I finally worked up
the courage to ask for your help, you were so happy and willing.
Then when I got your feedback, I kept wondering why I didn't ask
sooner. Your thoughts and polish really helped my words to shine.
There's so many things you caught that would have never crossed my
mind. I am so grateful you are willing to share your talents! Thank
you, thank you!

My dearest friend Loralie Hall. I already
dedicated the whole book to you, but that's not nearly enough. And
neither is this thanks. I'm getting all teary-eyed writing this
(and more teary-eyed every time I edit it (seriously, like big,
weepy tears that get weepier on each edit)) thinking of all you've
done for me. Just know that the dedication says it all without
saying enough.

My sweet, sweet children who put up with
hours of mommy working and many more hours of mommy trying to get
you to read and write your own books. Thank you. And a special
thanks to my oldest who's getting to the point of being big enough
to stay up 'late' reading and cuddling with me while I write. Those
moments mean a lot to me.

The last, but biggest thanks to my husband.
There's been innumerable hours devote to writing that could have
been devoted to other things, like moping the floor (when was the
last time I did that again?). Not once did you complain. In fact
you only did the opposite. You encouraged me to follow my heart
even when it meant no dinner on the table, a messy house, and
countless other things left undone. Even offering to watch the kids
when you have so many things to do yourself. But the biggest thing
was the hours upon hours upon hours you patiently listened to me
and bounced ideas back and forth. I love you forever and it doesn't
seem long enough.

Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s
finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years
without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re made
of nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes
her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children
try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle
for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about
the voices in her head.