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Back Letters from Peaceful Lane Save as PDF
Chapters (25)
  1. LETTERS FROM KATE
  2. Also by
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright Page
  5. Dedication
  6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  7. CHAPTER 1
  8. CHAPTER 2
  9. CHAPTER 3
  10. CHAPTER 4
  11. CHAPTER 5
  12. CHAPTER 6
  13. CHAPTER 7
  14. CHAPTER 8
  15. CHAPTER 9
  16. CHAPTER 10
  17. CHAPTER 11
  18. CHAPTER 12
  19. CHAPTER 13
  20. CHAPTER 14
  21. CHAPTER 15
  22. CHAPTER 16
  23. EPILOGUE
  24. Teaser
  25. About the Author

Wondering . . . How much time have we spent apart in the past twenty years? I’ve never tried to add up the days, weeks, and months, the missed holidays and anniversaries, the crises I had to survive without you. But then, why should I? It’s the time we’ve spent together that counts—you, me, Brianna, the dogs, the boat, our friends. We’ve had a rich life, Burke. And the rough times have only made the good times sweeter.

Which brings me to a bit of news. It’s nothing you need to be alarmed about, and certainly no cause for you to come flying home. If it were, you’d have gotten one of those awful late-night phone calls. And you haven’t. So don’t worry, OK?

Here it is. Last week, when I was showering after a run to the landing and back, I found a pea-sized lump in my left armpit. The doctor took a biopsy, and the results came back today. The picture isn’t pretty, my sweet. But the specialist is hopeful that we’ve caught the cancer in time to stop it (there, I’ve used it, that nasty old C word).

I start chemo (another of those ugly C words) next week. The doctors say I’ll lose my hair, which will probably make me look like Patrick Stewart in drag. But you and Brianna always did like Star Trek, didn’t you ? And my hair will grow back thick and curly when the treatment’s over, or so they tell me. I should even lose some weight in the bargain. Think how sexy I’ll look on the boat next summer!

I know my news will worry you, Burke, but please don’t let it change anything between us. I’m a strong woman, and I’m going to fight this thing like a tigress. I plan to be around for years to come—to dance at Brianna’s wedding and rock her babies in my arms, to celebrate our fiftieth anniversary, and maybe our sixtieth! Not only am I not going down without a fight—I am not going down, period!

So put this letter aside and be at peace. In two weeks, when you fly home, I’ll be waiting at the airport to welcome you with open arms. Until then, stay well, be safe, and know that I’ll always be here for you.

All my love,

Your Kate

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

Racked with grief and worry, Brianna sobbed against Liam’s jacket. The call about her father’s accident had come early that morning. Allison had delivered the news, her voice so calm that Brianna had wanted to scream at her. What’s wrong with you? This is my father! He could be paralyzed! He could even be dying!