Switching Gears Part 32

I think of my best friend and Gavin, waiting at the bowling alley for us. I know.

He chuckles. You get to suffer her wrath then.

It was your idea to go for a quick ride in the first place.

I merely suggested it. Youre the one who put your bike on the car.

Hes right, but I wont admit it that easily. Youre the one who talked me into it. And you know I cant resist a good bike ride.

Ive noticed.

You ready for your race tomorrow?

I nod. My moms coming. It will be the first race shes ever seen me ride in. Cool, huh?

Yep. Sh.e.l.l be proud of you, Im sure.

I hope so.

Moms still not perfect, but shes not worse either. It may be a long time before she gets there, but Ill relish every moment I have with her until that day comes. I promised myself Id never shut her out again.

All right. Lets get out of here. I turn around and slide off the rock, wobbling as my feet touch the ground. My right foot is still a little weaker than my left, but its something Im going to have to deal with. Maybe for the rest of my life.

I could have helped you down, Cole says, jumping into the dirt next to me.

I know. You know me.

Miss Stubborn. He kisses the tip of my nose and grabs my hand, pulling me toward our bikes leaning against the tree.

A sight so normal now that I smile at the scene.

Cole puts his helmet on and reaches to hook my chin strap together. He leans in, hovering centimeters away from my lips. I close my eyes, waiting for the kiss, but I feel a breeze as he pulls away. I open my eyes and hes jumping on his bike, grinning as he clips his shoes into the pedals. Race you down! he says and takes off down the trail.

No fair! You cant distract me like that! I jump on my bike, clip my shoes in, and push myself to catch him. Switching gears is second nature to me now, and when I see the next climb, however tough it may be, Im always going to be ready.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

First off, this book wouldnt be where it is today without my wonderful agent, Nicole Resciniti. Thank you so much for your wonderful advice, your faith in me, and all of your hard work getting my books in front of editors. You are the best advocate I could ever ask for.

To my editor, Nicole Frail, for your editing awesomeness and wonderful insights. Thank you for making this book stronger and for still taking a chance on me. It has been a privilege working with you, and our mutual love for The Nightmare Before Christmas is a nice bonus.

To the rest of the Sky Pony team. Thank you for making my book s.h.i.+ne and for the beautiful cover. Im so lucky to have you!

To my readers, Chakell Wardleigh, Chaleese Leishman, Katie Dodge, Ruth Josse, Kim Krey, and Mich.e.l.le Argyle. Thank you for your wonderful words of wisdom and for always being there to read, no matter how weird or fluffy my books are.

To my amazing writing posse, Katie Dodge, Ruth Josse, Kim Krey, Jeigh Meredith, Donna Nolan, Christene Houston, Suzi Hardy, and Jamie Thompson. Oh, how I love you all. Thank you for the uplifting retreats, the encouragement on bad days, and the love, always. Id go crazy without you ladies by my side.

To my brother-in-law, Daniel Sedgwick, for answering more medical questions. (This wont be the last time, Im sure.).

To my wonderful parents, siblings, and in-laws. Thank you for your unfailing love and support in everything I do.

And lastly, to my best friend, my husband, David, whose love of mountain biking inspired a huge part of this story. And to my children, Caden, Kinley, Brooklyn, and Beckam. I love you.

end.