Dead Ends // Hugh Jackman

Chapter 37

Today's the day.

My book, Echoes of Eden, is officially released.

The plan Ophelia had didn't pan out like we'd envisioned. Of the 3 publishing companies she reached out to, none of them wanted me. It was hard when I initially got those rejections, especially from such established businesses in the literary world, but we used it as motivation to keep going.

Even if I wanted to, Hugh would definitely not let me. Not after all the hard work and effort put into this. It would be a waste, but I don't even have to think about that. It's not even crossing my mind in the slightest.

So, even though all of them said no, we eventually went with a smaller company, Starlight Ink. They're new, and though a risk, they seemed the likely choice. It's my debut novel, so it felt appropriate to go with them.

Even though they're not as popularized, their marketing team has gone above and beyond to publicize my novel. Making TikToks, reaching out to bookstores, networking every possible connection.

Even Hugh helped out, posting about it on his social media, and even linked the interview from months ago. I don't ask him to. He goes out of his way all on his own. He keeps on doing heartfelt things. No matter how often he does, it always has the same effect on me - making me blush and reminding me of all the reasons why I love him.

Getting published has been a whirlwind, but every step reaching to this point has been more than worth it. From signing that contract to working on even more revisions, discussing the excerpt and book cover designs, fonts and the overall layout. There's a lot of specifics that don't get talked about when you plan on publishing. Like network building and team efforts. This book isn't just mine anymore. It may have started off as an idea, but they helped me bring it to life in the best way possible.

I never ended up leaving New York because of all of that, but I kept in touch with everyone in Wharton. Carlos, Avi, Ruth, and Presly. Of course, Milo too. And, all my family in Salt Lake.

Carlos and Avi have started dating. Finally. I think it's been a longtime coming. Ruth has found a passion in roasting comedy. It's amazing how much people actually enjoy that. Presly is still hounding me about Hugh, even after I got him a ticket to see his latest Broadway show. I don't mind it though, because I haven't left my obsession either. Hugh doesn't mind it at all. He encourages it.

I'm so comfortable, so at home, with him. He makes me realize how terrible my last relationships were because of how amazing he is with me. I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. Not with the new standard I have that only Hugh fits perfectly.

As for my mom, aunts, and cousins, they're all doing great too. The divorce has been finalized, and from what Dina and Daniel tell me, Aunt Grace is a couple weeks sober. Aunt Lily is still a mystery, but according to Mom, she's living her best life, and I am here for it.

Every single one of them have all been so supportive and just as excited and nervous as I am about my book. They knew so little, but because of how much it means to me, they're my own personal cheerleaders.

My mom was the first to congratulate me, and that's when it really hits me that people can buy and read my book now. She sent me a text first thing in the morning with a picture of her holding 'Echoes of Eden' in her hand with a toothy grin.

It feels so surreal. I still can't believe this is happening. That my book is really out there on bookshelves in B&N and other local bookstores. It's quite a little insane.

I swear it's like it was yesterday when I accidentally sent my book to Hugh. Not almost a year ago. To think that's what started this all. Getting my book published and dating him. I wouldn't change a thing. Every time I felt doubt, the late night writing, all the ups and downs. Every single moment led up to this, and I'm proud of how far I've come. I look forward to whatever comes next.