Page 178 of His Reckoning

By the end of the week, the story is almost finished. Only the final chapter remains.

I sit alone at the island late one night, staring at the screen.

The apartment is quiet. Sawyer is already asleep down the hall.

The cursor blinks patiently … waiting.

The final scene plays out in my head like a movie.

The hero standing in front of the woman he loves. Terrified. Not of losing control, but of finally admitting he needs someone.

My fingers hover over the keyboard for a second.

When they start moving again, the words pour out faster than I can think about them.

The hero chooses love.

Not because it’s easy, but because it’s terrifying.

Because for the first time in his life, he trusts someone enough to risk everything.

My chest tightens as I type the final line.

The chapter is done.

Thebookis done.

I lean back in the chair and stare at the screen.

For a moment, I don’t move. I just sit there, letting the reality settle in.

A slow smile spreads across my face.

“Holy shit,” I whisper.

I scroll back through the last few chapters.

Fixing small things. Tightening a line here or adjusting dialogue.

Overall, it’s solid. More than solid. It’s the best thing I’ve ever written.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I open my email.

New message.

My editor’s name fills the address line automatically.

Hey!

Just finished the manuscript and sending it over. This one fought me for a while, but I think it finally came together.

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

—Kayla

I attach the file.

Hover over the Send button.