Reid Jackson
I’m a simple guy. There are only two things I love: my family and playing professional football.I may not understand why people get married, but I’d go anywhere for my brother, even his friend Camille’s wedding. Once I’m there, I realize our Bronx upbringing leaves me unprepared for the world of old southern money. Over twenty-four hours, I see scandal, threats, and lies. It’s a life I don’t relate to, and a place I never want to belong. But when the minister asks if anyone objects, I shock not only myself, but the beautiful bride when I stand up and say, “I do.” I don’t know her. She doesn’t know me. But deep down, I knew I had to make that move.
Camille Whitley
As a political socialite in the South, nothing about my life is simple.I’ve always known that one day I’d be standing at the altar, about to marry a man I don’t love. In Savannah, family expectations and appearances are everything, but none of it’s real. I hate what I’ve become, and dream of being free. So when a sudden opportunity presents itself in the form of a stranger with captivating green eyes, I find myself asking, “What’s best for me?” My fiancé or the stranger? The plan or the unknown? I don’t know him. He doesn’t know me. But if I’m going to make a move, it’s now or never.
Reid is full of surprises…
Keep reading to see the full Love Note!
*Setting: Camille waking up to find a paper airplane sitting on top of a heart box of chocolates, along with a small teal box wrapped in a white ribbon on her nightstand. After unfolding the airplane and reading the note, she opens the box to find a classic Tiffany&Co Atlas watch, the dial set with round brilliant diamonds.*
Should I tell you Happy Anniversary, or Happy Valentine’s Day? Either way, to me they both mean the same thing, I love you. I know you’re thinking that February 14th isn’t our true anniversary, August 3d is, but it is the first time I said “I do” to you, and the day I handed over my heart. Therefore, I feel like today should be celebrated as both. The traditional first anniversary gift of paper is thought to represent the strengthening of the relationship just like the interlocking strength of the fibers, I’m happy to know that we’ve got this one covered, so you can add this airplane to your ever growing collection. But the modern first anniversary gift is a clock to show the endless love and time we will spend together as a couple. That’s what my love is for you, endless, timeless, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Don’t eat the chocolates just yet, come find me in the kitchen, I’m making you breakfast. Happy Anniversary. Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you. ~ Reid
OVER TEN YEARS ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.
Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run quite a few half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says . . . I run, therefore I am a runner.
I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life: cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes . . . writing.
I may not be culinary trained, but I love to cook and my family and friends loves to eat my food. I cook, therefore I am a chef!
My thumb is not black. I love to grow herbs, tomatoes, roses, and lavender. I garden, therefore I am a gardener!
I love beautiful fabrics and I can follow a pattern. My triangles may not line up perfectly . . . but who cares, my quilts are still beautiful when they are finished. I quilt, therefore I am a quilter.
I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories…then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.
So, I’ve told you who I am and what I love to do . . . now I’m going to tell you the why.
I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race; it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.
In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell . . . all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.
Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.”