I open the door to the master, our honeymoon suite. The big window and king-size four-poster bed are draped with white gauzy stuff. The bed’s made up with a six-inch thick down comforter and piled with cushy pillows.
“This is beautiful.” Leesie squirms out of my arms, takes her bag, and disappears into the bathroom. Shuts the door. A high-pitched, muffled, “Look at that tub,” comes from inside.
I sit down on an armchair by the window, take off my tie, slip off my polished black dress shoes, stare at the closed bathroom door, grip the arms of the chair to keep myself from breaking it down. The sound of my heartbeat echoes in my ears. I’m sweating. I close my eyes, inhale deep. Hold it. Exhale. My eyes fly open at the sound of a turning door knob.
Leesie hesitates in the doorway. She wears the long silk skirt I bought for her in a Thailand market and a bra-top made of turquoise shells and beads that I’ve never seen. The Caymancolored shell necklace I gave her hangs around her neck. My diamond on her finger flashes in the bright light coming from the bathroom.
Her cheeks flush rosy. “I packed for our island.”
“I love it.” I cross the room—take her hands—kiss her fingertips, her fingers, each palm—turn her left hand over and find those faint scars that fit my fingernails, kiss them one by one.
We sink to our knees. She bows her head onto my shoulder. I bury my hands in her thick, fragrant hair and offer our first married prayer, whispered thanks that she’s mine.
I gather her into my arms and carry her to the bed. “Are you scared?”
Her eyes are big, but she whispers, “No.” She reaches for my lips. “Are you?”
My eyebrows rise. “Terrified.”
Her lips find mine, and our embrace yields to the passion we’ve held back for years. “Don’t worry”—she’s breathless as I lay her on the bed—“I’ll let you up for good behavior.”
She pulls me down beside her, and I’m enveloped in silk, beads, long hair, and Leesie.
The End
AUTHOR’S NOTE
CAYMAN SUMMER is the third novel in Michael and Leesie’s romance that began with TAKEN BY STORM. When my editor left Razorbill and her boss rejected UNBROKEN CONNECTION (Book #2), my readers rallied around me—giving me the guts to release it independently. I decided I had to have all those readers with me every step as I wrote CAYMAN SUMMER.
I launched http://caymansummer.blogspot.com and shared my messy rough drafts, half-baked poems, revised scenes, and finally a polished revision. My fantastic followers input and encouragement proved invaluable. They kept me going, kept me writing, kept my chin up. Michael and Leesie’s final journey became a joyful collaboration. All my readers didn’t always agree with all of my choices. We had some lively debates that gave me renewed creative energy. I loved the experience. This book is not mine alone. It’s ours!
All my love,
Angela
THANK YOU …
All of my blog readers and followers who loved Michael and Leesie enough to read and comment every day—first and foremost this book is for you.
The YA bloggers all over the world who’ve embraced me and my novels. Thank you for your energy and support.
Andy for beautifying my blog, http://caymansummer.blogspot.com. Rob for designing the striking cover and the book’s interior. Rachel for letting me share her gorgeous Cayman Island photos. Shante for feeding me and reading each post along the way. Will for turning out so well despite my neglect. Jack for letting me squish him on occasion. And my wonderful, patient husband, Allen, for continuing to subsidize my alter ego.
Kathi Baron (Shattered), one of Michael and Leesie’s original champions, who critiqued the last draft for me in record time. Plus all of my classmates, friends, and advisors at Vermont College of Fine Arts where Michael and Leesie were born.
To my agent, Erzsi, at Hen and Ink Literary, who signed me in the midst of this project and waits patiently for me to write something she can sell. Stay tuned at www.angela-morrison.com or http://caymansummer.blogspot.com for updates on new books. If you want to see what I’m working on, click on WIP in the website’s top, right-hand corner.
Again, I’m in your debt. I don’t think I can ever get out. Love and thanks to you all.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angela Morrison is the author of Taken by Storm (Books 1-3) and Sing me to Sleep, a 2010 Goodreads Choice Nominee for YA Fiction. She graduated from Brigham Young University and holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She grew up in Eastern Washington on the wheat farm where Taken By Storm is set. After over a decade abroad in Canada, Switzerland and Singapore, she and her family are happily settled in Mesa, Arizona. Angela enjoys speaking to writers and readers of all ages about her craft. She has four children—mostly grown up—and the most remarkable grandson in the universe.
Find out more at www.angela-morrison.com and follow her blog, http://caymansummer.blogspot.com.
Angela Morrison, Cayman Summer
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