What's Done In the Dark(83)

I eased into my car, setting the food on my passenger seat. Yes, moving on had been difficult, but I had to do it. With Liz becoming a young woman the road ahead was about to get really bumpy. I had to pull myself together and get my life on track. My child needed me. My children needed me.

I reached in my purse and pulled out a photo. I’d been carrying that photo for the last four weeks. I’d shed many tears over that picture, but it had given me a new resolve. I didn’t know what the future held, but this picture gave me the strength to face it.

I slowly fingered the sonogram. “I love you, sweetie. Just like I loved your daddy, may he rest in peace.” I kissed the picture, dropped it back in my purse, and drove back home as I softly rubbed my stomach.





A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR


After you’ve written thirty-plus books, some would say that it makes no sense to pen an acknowledgments or Note from the Author. But for me, each book is made possible by the grace of God and a network of people who allow me to live my dream as a full-time author.

My friend, the talented Eric Jerome Dickey, calls us Imagination Engineers. I think this is a wonderful title for what we do.

The great thing about what I do is that, while fictional, my stories mirror the lives of so many people. I can’t tell you the number of readers who say they’ve learned to forgive, to love, to heal, to be open and honest; who renewed their relationship with God; who gave their marriage a second chance, etc., etc.—all because they were moved by one of my books.

That’s some powerful stuff, and it makes everything I do worthwhile.

But I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if not for some important people who make my writing career possible. First and foremost, thank you, God, for blessing me with a talent to write.

Much thanks to the man who has been there from the very beginning, who nurtured and encouraged my dream when it was still a concept, Dr. Miron Billingsley. Thank you to my three lovely children, who bear with me when I’m writing and traveling.

And to my absolutely incredible support system, there are not enough words to show my gratitude for helping my writing career flourish by making my personal life flow as smoothly as possible. My mother, Nancy Blacknell, I am what I am because of you. This has been the most trying time of our lives, but your resilience shines and you’ll be back to your old self in no time. Thank you to my sister Tanisha Tate, who in our most trying time has picked up the ball and carried it alone so I could keep doing my book thing. For that, I am eternally grateful.

As always, many, many thanks to my agent, Sara Camilli; my editor, Brigitte Smith; publicist, Melissa Gramstad; Louise Burke; the wonderful people who design my covers (I’ve never met you, but you are the best!); the most awesomest copy editor, Mary Beth Constant (let’s see if she’ll let awesomest slide); and everyone else at Gallery Books. I’ve been so lucky to have found a publishing home I’ve loved from the beginning. Thanks for all your hard work! And of course, I can’t forget editor extraordinaire, John Paine, who helps take my books from good to great!

Thank you also to my extended support system: Jaimi Canady, Raquelle Lewis, Kim Wright, and Clemelia Richardson. You know that core group of people you should always keep in your life, the ones who will be there whether you’re up or down, hot or not—you guys are my core. Thank you for always having my back.

To Pat Tucker Wilson, my sister in spirit, who has been an unbelievable support and a write-or-die friend, thank you for always being there. You know how much your friendship means.

To my writing twin and now business partner, Victoria Christopher Murray, thanks for the inspiration, the friendship, and the never-ending support. We are truly about to change the game! To my Brown Girls family (Jason, Lissa, Raine, JL, and Jessica), thanks for all you do.

To Yolanda Gore, Sheretta Edwards, and Gina Johnson, thank you. That’s all I can say. A hundred times, thank you. Much love to my wonderful sister-writers from the Motherhood Diaries—Crystal, Kimyatta, Deborah, Jamesina, Edna, Marcena, Makasha, Roishina, Lichell, Norlita, Sadeqa, Felicia, Shelby, Keileigh, Gail, Tia, Gina, and C. Mikki.

Lots of love to my literary colleagues who always offer words of advice, encouragement, and are just trying to run this race with me . . . Nina Foxx, Tiffany L. Warren, Naleighna Kai, J. L. Woodson, Dwayne Joseph, La Jill Hunt, Angel Hunter, Renee Flagler, JL King, and Rhonda McKnight.

Once again, I have to say thanks to Reina and Regina King, Crystal Garrett, Roger Bobb, Shelby Stone, Queen Latifah, Charlie, Loretha, Tamara, and all the fabulous folks at BET. Thank you soooooo much for making my movie dreams come true! It’s been a long journey, but I’m so confident in the final product!