I lost my Georgie years ago and never moved on. Some people find love again. Those are the lucky ones. Some find love even easier, which makes them unlucky. When I saw Nate and Ava on the balcony, I wanted to look away and give them their privacy but I couldn’t. I couldn’t stop watching because it reminded me of what it felt like to be consumed. They held each other and kissed and talked, and even though I couldn’t hear what they were saying, I could tell they were both interested and eager. There was never a moment when they weren’t touching. Later, they kissed for a long time and then Nathanial pulled her inside. I’ve been around long enough to know what happened next. I may be an old woman, but I’m no twit.
Nate didn’t lie about a thing. Ava was beautiful and exotic, and when I finally met her, she was friendly and sweet, too. She told me she was very close to receiving her nursing degree and that she and Nate planned to marry the following summer. She told me about the horses and she mentioned her first husband. I knew the story.
There are people in this world who have experienced great personal tragedy, some of whom just wither away from the pain or meander through life numb until their time comes to an end. Ava didn’t. She chose to go on and give it another chance, but I think it took a long time for her to heal and to start growing again. In all my years, I’ve learned that life delivers many storms for us to weather. Some will be slow, brooding, quiet beasts, and others will be loud, thunderous, and frightening. But if you’re willing to look close enough, no matter how devastating the storm may be, after the rain you’ll always find new life sprouting in the aftermath.
Dear Reader, Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed After the Rain and would consider sharing your thoughts by writing a review on the retailer website or Goodreads.
For the latest news, book details, and other information, visit my official website at www.reneecarlino.com or follow me on Twitter @renayz or Facebook at Author Renee Carlino.
Sincerely, Renée Carlino
Acknowledgments
Boundless gratitude to my friends, family, readers, bloggers and fellow authors who have been so supportive of me and so kind in their willingness to read and spread the word.
To my editor, Jhanteigh Kupihea, it’s such a joy working with you. I love everything you bring to each one of these stories and I’m so grateful to have someone with me on this journey whom I respect so very much. Your commitment and drive and work ethic are appreciated beyond words.
Julie, Hadley, Rebecca, Amy, Toni, Carey, Jo, Kylie, Kim C, Katy, Kim J, Gretchen, Emmy, Kendall, Penny, thank you for the friendship, fun and support.
To my agent, Christina Hogrebe, thank you for always being the voice of reason that I so desperately need at times.
Shannon, for listening to my BS and then making me do squats and army-crawl push-ups while I talk your ear off, thank you.
Rebecca, Katie, Carla, Angie, Heather, and Noelle, thank you for all of the extra efforts in helping me chase down this dream.
Thank you to my mom and dad, Rich, Rachel, Donna and the rest of the gang.
To Sam and Tony, the most interesting people I know; thank you for challenging and teaching me new things every day.
And finally to Anthony who has never taken anything away from who I am. You’re always the inspiration.