Always

one

November 15, 2008

Oh no, why do I always do that? I say to my fiancé, Ryan, as we walk into the restaurant.

Do what, baby?

Leave my purse in the car.

We just valet-­parked, and as we look out the window Ryan s white BMW is driving off. I ll go get it, my forgetful one, he says, kissing my cheek. You grab our table. I ll be back in a sec.

Four years ago, we had our first date at Le Marche, the French restaurant on Fourth Avenue with a waiting list five months out. Somehow Ryan was able to get us a table, just like he got us one tonight. My fiancé, it seems, can move mountains.

I want you to have a perfect night, he said when he surprised me with the reservation. He reached for my hand as if he never wanted to let go, the diamond, much larger than I wanted, sparkling on my ring finger. We re getting married in July, at the Fairmont.

Do you have a reservation? the host asks as I check my coat.

Yes, I say. Two. Under Winston. It s hard to believe, but in a matter of months I ll be Mrs. Ryan Winston; that is, if I take Ryan s name. He wants me to, and part of me does, as well. I mean, this is the Winston family, confidants of the Gateses and the Nordstroms. This is a family name one doesn t eschew.

But I ve always been Kailey Crain. KC, although no one has really called me that since, well, the sixth grade. Still, it s hard to just let that go. I close my eyes tightly, then open them again, trying to banish a memory that s fighting its way to the surface.

Right this way, the host says, leading me to an intimate table by the window. I peer through the glass, noticing the way the raindrops make the lights outside look like gemstones. Seattle may be an old gray lady, but she still sparkles under cloud cover. I tug nervously at the right sleeve of my dress, pulling it higher on my arm, the way I do when I m mingling with the type of people Ryan grew up with. He isn t a big fan of the tattoo on my shoulder, and I suppose I m not

Sarah Jio is the #1 international, New York Times, and USA Today bestselling author of eleven novels. She is the host of the ModAboutYou podcast and also a longtime journalist who has contributed to Glamour, The New York Times, Redbook, Real Simple, O: The Oprah Magazine, Bon Appétit, Marie Claire, Self, and many other outlets, including NPR's Morning Edition. Jio's books have been published in more than twenty-five countries. She lives in Seattle with her husband, three young boys, three stepchildren, and two puppies.

[Sarah] Jio s novel is a fantastic read that explores the world of lost love in a poignant and beautiful way, while still being light and easy to digest. The protagonist is one whom readers can relate to. . . . Jio s tale also beautifully blends stories from both the past and the present. . . . It s a great read and comes with high recommendations. RT Book Reviews 

Jio s newest novel explores intersections of past and present and the complexities of love. . . . [Kailey] must confront her own past as she tries to figure out what she really wants. . . . Fans of Jio s work will still find her signature emotional depth. Publishers Weekly

A heartwarming story of personal growth and the power of nostalgia . . . Fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Emily Giffin should enjoy this warm and compassionate novel. Booklist

Perfect for fireside reading. PopSugar

When it comes down to it, Always isn t just one love story. It s layers of love stories to which everyone can relate. Choices, sacrifices, actions, reactions. All lead to true love. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

This quick beach read will appeal to those seeking a clean romance as well as to fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Karen White. Library Journal 

A beautiful combination of heartfelt struggles, deep connections and social issues that should not be ignored . . . Five stars indeed! Winter Haven Books

Powerful, heartbreaking, and beautiful. Open Book Society