Acknowledgments
Writing a novel takes a tremendous leap of faithfinancially, temporally, and emotionally. Who knows what the outcome will be? When Im writing, I often pray for guidance and I even ask God to send signs of reassurance.
One summer morning, after Id just finished writing the passage in the book about the female cardinal, I was sitting on my front porch asking for assurance that all would be well. At the very moment of my prayer, a female cardinal flew by my head, through the open door into our mudroom, and fluttered around until she landed on the top frame of the bottom window in the bathroom. I followed her and without thinking unlatched the window, hoping she would fly out. But as soon as I did, I remembered that the spring in the window wasnt hooked properly. I watched in horror as the upper window slid down, taking the little cardinal with it! I stared in disbelief. What had I done? There she was trapped, upside down, between the two windows! Without thinking (again) about possible injury, I pushed the window up, and up she came with it! Shaken but seemingly unharmed, she found her way back outside. In astonishment and wonder, I sank into my chair. It was one sign of many that I will never forget.
I am thankful to my family and friends, who, through the years, have shaped my life and filled it to overflowing with rich memories. To Bruce, my husband and best friend, who has supported me every step of the way; and to our boys, Cole and Noah, who continually keep track of how many pages Ive written and encourage me to do better. They are my inspiration ! To my mom and dad, who never doubted for a second that I would publish a novel.
Im forever indebted to my dads neighbor, Mr. Jim Brownell, who put me in touch with my agent, Deirdre Mullane. Im very thankful for Deirdres help and guidance. Finally, I must thank Audrey LaFehr, my editor at Kensington Books, and everyone at Kensington who is working to make my dream come true.
The original Gin & Chowder Club still meets in the sleepy little town of Colebrook, Connecticut. I was just starting college when I first saw one of their fancy invitations, and although I never knew their purpose or pastime, I remember thinking that the name would be a wonderful title for a novel.
EPILOGUE
A sa turned and saw two figures making their way toward him. The taller of the two, he knew, was Maddie. He watched the smaller figure stoop to pick something up and run to the water to rinse it. Asa smiled, remembering the pockets full of smooth stones and sea glass he had collected as a boy. As they drew near, Asa knelt down and the boy ran toward him, clutching the treasure in his fist.
Look at this stone, the boy exclaimed. Its the shape of a heart.
Youre right, Asa said, holding it in his palm and watching the expression of delight on the boys tan face. He does look like his mother, he thought.
The boy peered up at Asa with solemn eyes the color of the sweet summer sky and said, You can have it.
Asa blinked back tears. Thanks... Ill keep it for good luck. He paused. I have something to show you too. Maddie stood by and watched them. Do you see those old bricks? Asa asked.
The boy nodded.
Thats the foundation of an old lighthouse.
The boy studied the worn circle and slipped his hand into Asas, drawing him out for a closer look. As a wave rushed in, Asa felt the boys small hand grip his more tightly. Asa looked back at Maddie and she smiled. He studied her hazel eyes and the sprinkle of freckles on the bridge of her nose, and he thought of the summer day, long ago, when she had stopped him in the rain and asked him if his name was Asa. Maddie had become his friend when he needed one most, and they had remained good friends throughout college. Asa smiled at her now and thought of the surprised look on her face when he had asked her to come to the Cape with him, realizing he had been just as surprised when she said yes.
Asa held out his free hand and Maddie took it. After a while, the threesome turned and walked slowly toward the wooden steps that climbed the sheer face of the fragile coastline. Out of habit, Asa silently counted the treads as he went up, but Noah, who was bounding ahead, counted out loud.
At the top, Asa looked up at the vastness of the night sky and spotted a familiar constellation.
Noah, do you know what the Milky Way is?
The boy nodded. Its thousands of faint stars.
Thats right, Asa said, smiling. Do you know which constellation is Cygnus, the Swan?
Noah shook his head this time, and Asa pointed up at the stars.
The best time to see it is right after your birthday. Do you see where the Milky Way begins to separate? Noah nodded and Asa continued. Just below and to the left is a large perfect cross with a bright star on the far side. That is Cygnus, the Swan, and the bright star is called Deneb, the Swans tail. Asa looked over at Maddie and saw that she was studying the sky too. There is a place inside the Swanjust to the left of the middle star where there are no faint starsand that is called the Coal Sack. Funny name, isnt it? Noah nodded and slipped his hand into Asas. Just as he did, a bright star shot out of the darkness and raced across the Milky Way.
Look, Noah whispered, a shooting star!
Asa watched the star and then looked in wonder at the child by his side. Pretty neat, Noah. I think God must have sent that for you.
Noah nodded solemnly and said, For you too.
Asa smiled and gently squeezed his sons hand.
