A Different Reflection (35 page)

“It suits you!” he said, looking at it. “Rubies are a good choice for you, and they signify love! I can understand why my father chose it!” he quietly said. I swallowed hard.

“This was your mother's too?” I asked.

“It was. Now it is yours, and I can at last understand why my mother was so grief-stricken after losing my father. I know what a love like theirs feels like now!” he honestly replied. I threw my arms around his neck.

“I love it, it's beautiful. Nothing else could have been more perfect. Thank you!” I replied, now feeling a little emotional. James held me a moment and then with his hands on my waist he looked toward the ballroom door.

“George, it's alright, you can come in – she has agreed to be my wife!” he shouted. George's head popped around the door and then he quickly scuttled in.

“Thank goodness for that!” he said as he marched straight to me and hugged me, then kissed me on the cheek. He shook James' hand and then hugged him like a father. He looked at my hand and the ring. “It suits you well Katharina! This calls for more champagne to continue the merriment!” he said happily and he turned to retrieve some, but I had other ideas.

“Wait a minute. I'm glad that I have the two of you in here whilst you're both so happy. We need to bring you both into the modern day – just wait there a moment!” I gestured for them to not move and whilst they both shrugged at each other and looked lost, I walked across and flicked through my iPod. I found an appropriate song and pressed play: The Police's ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic' started playing.

I walked back toward them. “First lesson of slightly more modern dancing. Off you go boys!” I gestured to them both, then placed my hands on my hips.

“Really?” James asked. I could tell that he was a little uncomfortable at the thought.

“Please?” I asked again with puppy dog eyes.

“That is not fair, Katharina! I can refuse you nothing when you look at me in such a way!” James replied. George laughed out loud and I smiled cheekily. The chorus had now started.

They looked at each other briefly and then raised their eyebrows and started moving along with the music, doing their silliest dance moves. I laughed heartily at them and then joined in; they took it in turns to spin me and turn me, and then they both in unison kissed me at the same time, each taking a cheek. I kissed them both back, taking a moment to kiss James tenderly, then we all laughed and danced contentedly, not caring how we looked but knowing that beyond all doubt we would definitely live… happily ever after!

A Different Reflection – my first novel, would not have been finished without the support of so many people. I feel it is important to thank these people who, through their encouragement helped me to get this far.

Firstly at the top of my list; Thomas and Ryan my sons – you give me the inspiration daily to write and the confidence to be the best that I can be, you've brought me so much happiness and I love you both very much. You can now both read this at your leisure instead of over my shoulder!

My husband, Russell – although you have found the clicking of my keyboard irritating during the evenings, I thank you for telling me to follow my dreams, as I had nothing to lose. Hopefully this is the first of many!

Mum, my first critic. Thank you for your support and belief in me to succeed. I couldn't have done this without your motivation. Dad – I'm in your debt for allowing her to ignore you and sit and read and re-read pages on numerous evenings. Your words of wisdom are as ever appreciated. I am grateful to have you both as my parents and I consider myself to be the fortunate one.

Claire – my cherished friend who has listened to my thoughts and concerns so many times over coffee. Your friendship, laughter, intelligence and humour have kept me sane whilst getting this far. You are the kindest and most honest friend and I couldn't have done this without your continued advice and enthusiasm, not to mention keeping me fed with cake, sandwiches and hot chocolate on so many occasions.

My brother David – your advice and encouragement are always appreciated. Thank you for all of your support and invaluable advice which pushed me to take the right steps.

To all my other family and friends who believed that I could do this – you know who you are. I am lucky to have you supporting me and this journey has been a joy to share with you.

Finally, to all of my new friends at Troubador Publishing, it has been my absolute pleasure to work with you all. You have been irreplaceable in your expertise, advice, kindness and commitment and have made this whole experience and journey effortless. So my biggest thanks to Jeremy, Rosie, Amy, Aimee, Alice, Chelsea, Lauren, and the rest of the team. I look forward to working with you again.