The Hardest Fight
There's no backing down this time Lucy Everhart expected her opposing counsel to be a slick, soulless corporate lawyer. Who else would represent developers intent on turning Chicago's Safe Haven women's shelter into condos? But she never imagined it would be Dylan Hunt. Clearly, he's no longer the idealistic young man she fell for in law school. This is Dylan 2.0. The man who let her go without a fight five years ago–along with his passion for social justice, apparently. He may have compromised what he believed in, but Lucy hasn't. Dylan has no idea what kind of fight he's in for. But then again, neither does she.
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Thereâs no backing down this time
Lucy Everhart expected her opposing counsel to be a slick, soulless corporate lawyer. Who else would represent developers intent on turning Chicagoâs Safe Haven womenâs shelter into condos? But she never imagined it would be Dylan Hunt. Clearly, heâs no longer the idealistic young man she fell for in law school. This is Dylan 2.0. The man who let her go without a fight five years agoâalong with his passion for social justice, apparently. He may have compromised what he believed in, but Lucy hasnât. Dylan has no idea what kind of fight heâs in for. But then again, neither does she.
Lucy was halfway out the door when someone gripped her by the arm.
âHang on a second,â Dylan said, letting her go the moment she stopped moving. âI just want to be clear about something.â His jaw was tense but his eyes were soft. âI donât know why you dislike me so much, but this isnât about us.â
The way he said us made Lucyâs stomach flip. There hadnât been an âusâ in a very long time. There would never be an âusâ again.
âI know. Itâs about Open Arms and Safe Haven. Two things I care about. Two things that I wonât give up.â
He leaned in close and seemed to be trying hard to keep his voice calm as he said, âWell, I want you to know that Iâm not giving up, either. Maybe itâs your turn to find out what itâs like to lose something you care about.â
It was bittersweet to write the final book in the Chicago Sisters series. When you write characters for three books, you become more attached than I thought possible. At the same time, it seemed perfect to go out with Lucyâs story in The Hardest Fight.
Lucy is the oldest sister in the Everhart clan. She feels responsible for changing the world for the better. She also feels as if she has to do it quickly because her time on this earth is limited, more limited than most. Lucy has battled breast cancer once but canât stop thinking about the very real possibility she could get it again. Thatâs why she shut the door on Dylan Hunt five years ago. He was the only man she ever loved, and Lucy was sure it was best for both of them to let him go without telling him she was sick.
Lucy reminds us that even the bravest people are still afraid. For Lucy, itâs the fear that helps her keep fighting. But she needs to learn that thereâs no weakness in asking for help or letting others be there to support her. Lucy is excellent at being there for everyone else but not so good at letting people take care of her.
I love a happy ending, and as the Chicago Sisters series comes to an end, I hope you are glad you came along for the ride! Feel free to visit me on Facebook (AmyVastineAuthor), on Twitter (@vastine7), or on my website, amyvastine.com. I love hearing from you.
xoxo,
Amy Vastine
AMY VASTINE has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now she enjoys creating happily-ever-afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high-school sweetheart turned husband, three fun-loving children and their sweet but mischievous puppy. Visit her at amyvastine.com.
To my uncle, Tom Kuhn.
Sometimes we donât know how strong we are until we have no choice but to be strong. Be strong and know we are here beside you.
Contents
âYOUâRE NOT GOING to believe this.â Paige Clayton tossed an innocuous-looking envelope on top of the piles of paper on her cluttered desk. As the executive director of Open Arms Womenâs Advocacy Center, she had more on her plate than all the overpaid CEOs in the Windy City.
An unwelcomed feeling of dread hit Lucy Everhart as she reached for the letter.
âWeâve had an anonymous donor offer to pay all our bills and pledge an extra million dollars to our cause?â She knew better, but a girl could dream. As Paigeâs second in command, Lucy wore many hats. Her official title was Director of Legal Affairs, but Lucy also worked as one of the counselors at Safe Haven, Open Armsâs temporary shelter for women and their children. She gave much of her time to outreach and fund-raising as well, which was most likely why Paige had called her in today.
Paige let out a heavy sigh. âI wish.â
Times were tough, and Open Arms was suffering the consequences of the countryâs economic downturn. Government funding had been cut drastically over the past couple of years, and private donations were at their lowest in the centerâs history. Less money came in while more women knocked down the door. It wasnât surprising that abuse increased as a result of rising unemployment rates. Money troubles triggered tempers like nothing else.
