Waitin’ On Paige by Mary Pat Johns

The Story Behind Waitin’ On Paige

Waitin’ On Paige is a second chance love story about a couple who never really fell out of love. Tavo had a crush on Paige in middle school, and they fell in love in high school. But when Paige graduated and left for college a year before Tavo, it broke both their hearts.

Since Paige wasn’t there to hold him steady, Tavo left town shortly after his high school graduation because of issues with his dad about his career path. When Paige returned and Tavo wasn’t there, she concluded he didn’t love her anymore.

After years of being apart, Tavo returns to Valiant for two reasons. He wants to reconcile with his dad and reclaim Paige’s love. She’s the one he never got over. However, Paige is busy with a new business startup and just wants to be friends. Love has let her down, and she only wants to preserve the good memories she had with Tavo. The truth is, she’s vulnerable. She’s afraid if they date again, and it doesn’t work out, she’ll lose everything.

Their road to reconciliation proves thorny as they learn to trust each other again. True love is always about trust.

It’s also crucial to look past the surface to find genuine love. It’s not about the one who is the best looking or says romantic things. Love is about the heart. In the story, a Hollywood celebrity who appears to have it all pursues Paige. He’s gorgeous, says lovely things, and takes her to expensive places. But his heart isn’t right. She doesn’t feel safe with him. And sure enough, when it matters the most, he pushes her into terrible danger.

On the other hand, Tavo keeps her riled up, says the wrong things, and blows it at a critical juncture. But he’s also contrite and doesn’t hesitate to step up even when it changes his life. His heart is in the right place. His insensitive actions hurt Paige, but he’s the one she calls when she’s in over her head. Deep down, she knows she can trust him. Despite his mistakes, he’s supportive in all the ways that matter. Her heart is safe with him.

The title, Waitin’ On Paige, is a fun play on words. In the story, Tavo tells a crowd of people at a karaoke event that he’s been waitin’ on Paige for a long time. At the end of the story, however, she turns the tables on him. The timing was finally right for both of them. Another expression of how authentic love works—it waits until both parties are on board.

I had fun writing Waitin’ On Paige, but it evoked emotion too. My prayer while writing was to finish the series, Romance in Valiant, on a strong note. My hope is that Waitin’ On Paige leaves the reader with a happy blend of satisfaction and looking forward to more.   

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from teaching speech and writing. She has written devotions for an online publication, had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, and wrote a column for the Victoria Advocate, a local newspaper.

Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023. Books 2 & 3 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red and Glitter and the Grouch released in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She writes Christian romance because when we view life through the hope of Christ’s sacrifice, we find that happily ever after is God’s idea.       

Mary Pat lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

Links: To purchase Waitin’ On Paige: https://scrivenings.link/waitinonpaige 

Romance in Valiant series: https://bit.ly/4hhJvLj 

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