Adele wrapped her arms around Katie’s legs. “Thank you. Mom and Dad will love my book.”
“I know they will. Mindy Mouse is the cutest, most amazing mouse I’ve ever met.”
“And she likes chocolate,” Adele whispered.
After more hugs and lots of smiles, the children ate their cookies and admired each other’s books.
As she looked around the room, a knot of sadness settled in Katie’s chest. She’d miss each of the children when she returned to Los Angeles. Even though they hadn’t known each other for long, they were an important part of her life. They inspired her to write, to create something they’d enjoy reading. But, most of all, she loved seeing the way they supported each other, no matter what they were doing.
Today was one of the best afternoons they’d had together, but it was time to leave. She’d promised Pastor John she’d meet him in his office at five o’clock and it was almost that now.
Unlike her, the children were super-excited and full of confidence when their parents and caregivers arrived to collect them.
After everyone had gone, she gazed at the empty room. Eight months ago, she was determined not to live in her grandparents’ home for a year. Now she was wondering how she could ever leave.
* * *
Peter checked his watch,then looked around the room. All of Katie’s family and friends were here. Even the children from her writing group were waiting quietly beside their parents. It wasn’t until they’d arrived in the room that they were told why they were here. And, from the expressions on their faces, they were just as excited as everyone else.
“Have they left John’s office?” Barbara asked.
Peter glanced at his cell phone. Pastor John was going to text him when they were on their way. “Not yet. All of Katie’s writing group are here, so they must be arriving soon.”
“I can’t wait to see her face when walks into the room. Katie won’t know where to look first.”
He hoped she didn’t think they’d gone overboard with the decorations. Between the balloons, banners, and a mountain of food, no one could imagine anything other than a party was happening here tonight.
When his cell phone buzzed, his heart pounded. In a voice that was as loud as he dared, he said to everyone, “They’re on their way.”
An expectant hush fell across the room and everyone turned toward the doors. It seemed to take forever, but eventually John came into the room.
“I think this might be too big for what you…” Katie stepped into the room and her voice dropped to a whisper. When she saw everyone smiling at her, her eyes widened.
“Surprise!” Mabel shouted from across the room.
Katie’s family and friends erupted in applause, and congratulations flew across the room. It wasn’t until Diana hugged her and whispered something in her ear that she finally looked a little less shell-shocked.
When her eyes connected with Peter’s, he walked toward her. “We wanted to celebrate the publication of your books. Congratulations.”
Katie looked over her shoulder, then pulled him close. “My books won’t be ready until the end of next week,” she whispered in a panicked voice. “Even my e-books aren’t loaded onto the retail sites yet. What am I going to tell everyone when they want to see my books?”
“You’ll tell them to follow me.”
Her panic turned to confusion, especially when she saw thirty-four sets of eyes staring at her. “What do you mean?”
Peter held her hand and walked to the other side of the room.
As soon as Katie saw her novels, her mouth dropped open. Slowly, she picked up one of the books and opened it to the front page. “It’s perfect.” Lifting tear-filled eyes toward him, she said, “How did you do this? There was a problem with the printer and—”
“There was nothing wrong. I wanted to surprise you with your very first book launch. Since most of your family are still here after Diana’s wedding, it seemed like the perfect time to celebrate what you’ve achieved.”
Hugging the book close, she looked around the room. “Thank you all for coming. This is a huge surprise and I never imagined…” Taking a deep breath, she started again. “I never imagined having a book launch, but I’m really glad you’re able to see my books.” She bit her bottom lip and silently pleaded with Peter to say something.
“We’re happy to see them, too. Before we look at them and enjoy the delicious food, your mom wants to say something.”
Mabel hurried across the room and hugged Katie tight.
When he heard the softly spoken words of encouragement she whispered in her daughter’s ear, he knew this was the right thing to have done.
