Page 77 of Chasing Elliott
I never thought I deserved happiness, never imagined that something so good would come my way. But Cooper made me realize that I deserved that and more. I deserved the world, Ideserved love, and he was the one who handed all of that to me on a silver platter.
As we walked hand in hand back into the party, I couldn’t help it as my mind wandered back to when I first met Cooper and how differently my life would be had he not shown up at thecliffs that night. He had unknowingly saved my life; he saved me from myself.
Drinks were flowing, smiles were being shared, laughter spreading throughout the room, dances being had. I was dancing with Kara, Charlotte and Andrea when I looked over and saw Cooper with my niece and nephew. He was bouncing around with my nephew in one of his arms as he spun my niece around with his free hand.
As his eyes found mine and he flashed me a smile, I knew this was something I could definitely get used to.
This was only the beginning.
Acknowledgments
I want to start by thanking Acacia Heather for creating a beautiful cover and formatting my story as well. She was so patient and helpful and made some of this process a lot easier. To Books And Moods for creating a special edition cover that beat my expectations.
A thank you to my Arc readers who gave me feedback and shared their thoughts, allowing me to expand on this story to help it reach its full potential. To Olivia, Gayatri, and Jasmine for all of the support; without your constant tolerance of my questions and needing your honest opinions, I never would’ve gotten to this point. Thank you, ladies for all of the sweet words and patience, for all the brainstorming and love.
To my good friend Sheila for listening to my random rambling as I tried to work out certain details and for supporting me every step of the way. For also helping me through sometough times so I could get a good head on my shoulders to push through and finish up this novel. I also want to thank my friend and old college roommate, Taylor, for being my writing partnerback in the day and for always lending an open ear even though life has been hectic for the both of us. I appreciate you both for always finding a way to make time when I needed you.
Megan, thank you for never giving up on me and for always finding a way to make me laugh through the bad days. Your constant support throughout the years has been a big driving force. Knowing that I can always lean on you, no matter what it may be, has been a hugeblessing in my life and I’ll never be able to repay you for all you’ve done for me. I love you, cuz.
Thank you, dad, for who, without your support, I would’ve never accomplished something like this. I am forever indebted to you (and hope you’re not tacking on interest). You were, and still are, always there for me and I know that I can always count on you. Thank you for always pushing me to be the best I can be and for always being proud of me. I hope this milestone makes you just a little bit prouder.
To my paternal grandparents for being my biggest cheerleaders. Whether it be you showing up to every single sporting event, helping me with homework, or being a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, you’ve been there through thick and thin, and I know I can always count on you both.
Mom, I love how many times throughout this process you were more excited than I was. Iappreciate you supporting me and bragging about me to all of your friends. Thank you for sharing in this journey and checking in as often as you did – and even for pushing me when I feltburnt out. I told you that I’d get this story done, and here we are.
To my maternal grandma, even writing this little bit is making me tear up, but I can only hope that you’re reading this; that I was able to get this published so you can hold it in yourhands. I know I haven’t been able to see you often, but the few times we talk and hearing from mom all that you’ve said about me… thank you. It means the world to me to know that you’reproud of me and to know just how excited you were that I was pursuing this dream.
I have a very large family where I can’t even begin to start listing out everyone, but this section is for you. A huge thank you to each and every one of you for always being sosupportive, cheering me on, being there for me, and making these twenty-three years so amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better and more loving family. You have all, in your own ways, helped shapeme into who I am today. I love you all.
To Kentucky, Dolly, and Wylie. Even though you made writing complicated at times with your counter jumping, oversized paws to the face, and fight clubs, your cuddles and kisses made those rough days more tolerable. Maybe with this next book though let’s take it down anotch.
Finally, to my boyfriend for being one of my biggest rocks throughout this whole thing. Icannot even begin to explain how much your support has meant to me. Thank you for taking on a large load of the chores around the house so I could focus on my writing. For cooking endless amounts of dinners, taking out the trash, and doing the dishes. For helping me stick to my schedule and pushing me to reach the goals I set for myself throughout this process. For giving me some of your input when I asked for it but also for never pushing to know what the story wasabout. I know we had our ups and downs throughout this process, but your help ultimately is what helped me finish this novel. I love you and thank you.
A first look at the Prologue of Matching Marlowe by Marissa Thomas: Coming Early 2022.
Marlowe didn’t believe in fate, nor did she believe in coincidence. She hated the idea that we weren’t in control of our destiny, that we ultimately didn’t have control over what happened to us.
If there’s one thing she needed to maintain, it was control.
But as she burst onto that rooftop, tears streaming down her face as she thought about the friend she lost, she realized that maybe she needed to change her frame of mind.
The late night air caused goosebumps to prickle across her skin, the soft wind whipping the loose tendrils of her hair across her face.
She approached the edge of the building, gripping the metal bar that ran along its edge as she attempted to catch her breath.You need to calm down,she thought to herself, closing her eyes tightly to try and stop more tears from escaping down her cheeks.Deep breaths, count to five.
Inhale, one… two… three… four… five.
Exhale, one… two… three… four… five.
Destiny and death, what did they have in common besides a few lousy letters? Marlowerefused to believe that Margot’s destiny was to die in a car wreck at the age of 23.
If it was, what kind of sick joke is that?
Margot had so much life to live, so much she wanted to do and accomplish, and that was all taken away because someone ran a stop sign. A bloody stop sign.
If that stranger had put his phone down and had been paying attention, Margot would still be here,and Marlowe wouldn’t be standing on the rooftop of the building she worked at in New York City.
And she never would’ve metthatstranger.
