EXCERPT: Truly A Miracle by Derrick Knight
TITLE: Truly A Miracle
SERIES: The Innkeeper Series
AUTHOR: Derrick Knight
COVER ARTIST: Reese Dante
LENGTH: 251 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2016
BLURB: Dustin Hurst and Nathaniel Schmitt were happy when Nathaniel’s sister Natalie agreed to be their surrogate. Both men were elated finding out that she was pregnant with twins. Their dreams of becoming parents finally coming true, until one day, Natalie goes into preterm labor.
Diana and Niles Hurst-Schmitt enter the world over two months premature. Immediately they’re transported to a nearby children’s hospital where doctors soon discover both twins have life threatening complications requiring surgical intervention.
During their children’s hospitalization, Dustin and Nathaniel grow fond of the many talented healthcare professionals working to heal their newborns, including the attractive dietitian Matt Bachmeier. They think it’s only a matter of time before their babies are well enough to come home. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for the tiny infants resulting in Dustin and Nathaniel unexpectedly embarking on a terrifying journey witnessing their children fighting for their lives.
As their medical crisis continues to unfold, Dustin and Nathaniel pray for a miracle their family so desperately needs.
“I don’t have a baker for tomorrow morning.” Nathaniel reached inside his coat pocket for his cellphone. “I’m going to ask Mama if she could help.”
Dustin glanced at Nathaniel.
“It’s 1:30 in the morning. I’m sure Marie is asleep.”
Nathaniel shook his head, his trembling hands making it difficult for him to punch the speed dial button.
“Who else can I ask?” Nathaniel put the receiver to his ear. “My other staff is just part-time assistants, not trained professionals. They couldn’t decipher the recipes or handle the volume of pastries needed for the morning rush. Mama is the only person who could step into Natalie’s shoes without any problems.” After several rings, his mother answered. “Mama, it’s Nathaniel.” Nathaniel fidgeted. “I’m sorry for calling so late, but I have a dilemma. Natalie was admitted to the hospital earlier and gave birth to the twins. Don’t worry, she’s fine, but they were transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Oakhill. Dustin and I are heading there now.” Nathaniel felt a sharp pain in his stomach. His hands were shaking. “Mama, I’m sorry I woke you up, but I’m in such a predicament. You’re the first person I—”
“Breathe, Nathaniel. Everything is going to be fine.” Marie sounded so clear and coherent, not at all sleepy. Nathaniel wondered if his mama had been up waiting for his call. She continued. “Ray called Papa and me after he got her to the Emergency Room. I thought you might be calling me asking for my help. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the bakery. Remember, I taught Natalie Marie everything she knows. I come from a long line of accomplished bakers. When I go in tomorrow, customers and staff will think it’s just another routine morning at Aunt Millie’s Bakery, I promise.”
Nathaniel sighed, collapsing back in his seat. “Thank you, Mama. You’ve really helped me out of a horrible predicament.”
“This is what mothers do for their children.” She paused. “I’d do anything for you. Just like I would for any of your brothers and sisters. You kids are my greatest contributions to this world.” Then her tone changed to one containing a hint of humor. “I’m going to let you go. After all, I’ve got to get up in a couple hours to get to my new job. And don’t worry, Mama Schmitt is coming out of retirement.”
Nathaniel laughed, surprising himself.
“Thank you, Mama. You’re the best!”
“No problem. Tell Dustin to drive carefully. I don’t want to visit your whole family in the hospital.”
Nathaniel chuckled.
“Papa and my prayers are with all of you. I love you, son. Take care.” Then Marie ended their call.
Nathaniel turned to Dustin.
“Please hurry. Our babies need us.”
“I’m already driving ten miles over the speed limit.” Dustin placed one hand on Nathaniel’s thigh. “We want to get to the hospital in one piece.
Five Fun Facts about Truly a Miracle
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The character Matt is basically my alter ego in the book. Except, Matt isn’t as Type A as I am.
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Nora Guthrie was inspired by a fellow co-worker, except Nora is a much more subdued version of the real person.
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Matt’s infant formula idea was created by me and is actually used at hospitals throughout the United States.
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Nathaniel is a composite of two men that I know. He’s one of my favorite characters to write about.
- The editing process of Truly a Miracle took longer than the writing the original story.
Derrick Knight was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. Growing up, he always dreamed of becoming a writer. His grandmother got him hooked on reading mystery novels. It was in December 2011 that he purchased his first M/M romance novel. Instantly, he became hooked on the genre. After reading his first gay romance novel, he knew what type of books he wanted to write.
Derrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from University of Wisconsin- Stout, and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. He has worked in the healthcare field as a dietitian for over twenty-three years. For the past nineteen years, he has functioned as a neonatal nutritionist for a large Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Central Illinois. Currently, he lives in Peoria, Illinois.