Anne Mateer – Real Life Romance – Part 2 of 2

Shannon here: Historical romance author, Anne Mateer shares her husband’s romantic gesture that made her cry, plus a chance to win her latest release: At Every Turn. Comment on any post dated Sept 17 – 21 to get your name in the drawing. Deadline: Sept 29th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Anne:

The Picture That Made Me Cry by Anne Mateer

At the beginning of this whole “writing thing”, I know my husband had his doubts that anything would ever come of it. Not that he wasn’t supportive. He was. He gave me money to go to conferences, was patient when I’d forgotten to cook dinner after writing all day, and after I’d had some encouragement in the industry, became my biggest cheerleader. But last year at the book launch party for my debut novel, Wings of a Dream, he managed to show his support in a very tangible way. 
Some of my sweet friends threw me a party after my first book signing. They had gone all out with decorations that reflected items and scenes from my book to a cake decorated with my book cover. But as I walked into the room, the first thing to catch my eye was a stunning framed print of my book cover sitting on an easel. My mouth dropped open as I looked to my friend. 
“Your husband did that for you,” my friend whispered. 
I brushed the gorgeous frame with my fingertips while my throat tightened and my eyes filled with tears. When I turned to my husband. He just smiled. 
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” I hugged him, before I pressed a kiss to his lips. 
“Just don’t expect one every time,” he groused, clearly embarrassed at such an affectionate display in front of my family and friends. “This first one is special.” 
I laughed, reading “it was expensive” behind the other words. But it didn’t matter. I knew I wouldn’t need such a gift again. This one was enough. It represented so much more than the culmination of a lifelong dream. It demonstrated my husband’s love and support not just because of the gift, but because he had orchestrated the entire thing himself–from contacting my editor to get the right size file to finding a friend in the printing business to help get it done right.  
The picture now hangs on a wall in our dining room. I can see it when I sit in my comfy chair in the living room. The sweet surprise of it still brings tears to my eyes as it reminds me that I am living my dream—not only of being a published author, but of having a husband who loves me. 
Earlier this summer my husband paused before leaving for work one morning. “Ask your editor for the same kind of book cover file she sent me last year and I’ll get it done.” 
My heart flip-flipped, and I grinned. “I thought you said only the first one.”           
He shrugged and left. I emailed my editor that morning. When she sent the file, she commented that I have a very sweet husband. 
“Yes,” I replied. “I think I’ll keep him.” 
And you know what? The second picture made me cry, too, even though it wasn’t a surprise!
About Anne: Anne Mateer is passionate about history and historical fiction. She and her husband, Jeff, live in the Dallas area and are the proud parents of three young adults. At Every Turn is Anne’s second published novel. Connect with Anne on her blog, http://www.annemateer.com/, facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneMateer or twitter www.twitter.com/annemateer.  
About the book: At Every Turn
A Heartwarming Historical Sure to Delight
Caught up in a whirlwind of religious fervor when two missionaries speak at her church, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. She’s certain her wealthy father will simply hand her the money. But when he refuses, she must either stand up in front of the congregation and admit failure, or raise the money herself.
Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles. It’s 1916, and the latest advancements in car engines allow some to post speeds upwards of seventy miles per hour! When she discovers her father’s company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events–races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money–she conspires with her father’s mechanic, Webster, to secretly train and compete.
But as Alyce comes across needs in her own community, money slips through her fingers faster than she can earn it. And when her friends cast aspersions on Webster’s past, she believes she might have trusted the wrong man with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?
Come back Sept 21st for Anne’s romantic interview!