Jilo (34 page)
Authors: J.D. Horn
Damn, how he loved this woman.
He pulled her close and nuzzled his wind-chilled nose against her ear. “Are you ready, then? Ready to go back to Savannah?” He leaned back and craned his neck, so that he could better see her face.
Jilo glanced up at him, her eyes warm, full of confidence, full of love. She nodded. “Yes,” she said, her voice soft in the rasping wind, “I believe I am.”
A seagull screeched and barreled down to touch the sea, pulling up as it brushed the crest of a wave. Jilo patted his forearms, signaling him to release her. He did so, even though he sure hated letting go. She stepped out of his embrace and walked a few paces away before turning back and extending her hand to him. He trotted to her side and took her hand in his.
“Hell,” she said as she turned inland, leading him home, “I know I am.”
A
FTERWORD
Even though some portions of this book were inspired by the customs and history of the Gullah/Geechee people, this book remains a work of fiction. The Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition is an organization that not only serves as a reference for an accurate history of the Gullah/Geechee people, but also fights to keep Gullah/Geechee historic traditions alive. To learn more about the Gullah/Geechee culture—and what you can do to help preserve it—please contact the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition.
Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition
Post Office Box 1207
St. Helena Island SC 29920
Email:
[email protected]
A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book was a team effort, and I have so many people to thank: Kristen Weber for her early comments. Jason Kirk for his guidance, patience, kindness, and commitment. (I should probably mention his patience twice.) Angela Polidoro for her insight and mad editing skills. Sybil Ward, Sarah Ham, and eagle-eyed Pat Allen Werths, three of the best beta readers an author could ever hope for. James Caskey, for his willingness time and again to help track down increasingly recondite facts about Savannah. (James writes great true ghost stories. Trust me. Check out his books.) Of course my furry coauthors, Duke and Sugar, for the cuddles. And again, Rich Weissman for playing Willy to my Colette on this one. It would’ve never come together without his unwavering belief in this book and its author.
Finally, I would like to thank Queen Quet of the Gullah/Geechee Nation for her kind guidance on how to become a contributor rather than an exploiter.
A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR
Photo
© 2015 Boone Rodriguez
J.D. Horn was raised in rural Tennessee and has carried a bit of its red clay with him while traveling the world, from Hollywood to Paris to Tokyo. He studied comparative literature as an undergrad, focusing on French and Russian in particular. He also holds an MBA in international business and worked as a financial analyst before becoming a novelist. Along with his spouse, Rich, and his furry coauthors, Duke and Sugar, he divides his time between Black Butte Ranch, Oregon, and San Francisco, California.
