Dedication

To my agent, Deidre Knight. Thank you for believing in this story and in me, and for being a solid rock when I need one. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me.

To my editor, Shauna Summers. Thank you for your patience and guidance through this process. I learned so much from you about what makes a good story, from characters to pacing to world building to romance. You made this a much better book and I’m so grateful.

An additional thank you to editor Micahlyn Whitt for your valuable insights during the revision process.

To the gang in Paradise—you’ve been there with me for years, and you’re the first place I go to share triumphs and pitfalls. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness and generosity, and for being such an important part of my daily life.

To the BBs—Angie West, Melani Blazer, Shannon Stacey, and Mandy Roth—for putting up with the whining for so many months; for reading, editing, and offering insights, and for encouraging me with nudges and laughter. You symbolize the true meaning of friendship, and I couldn’t make it through the day without you.

To Mom—for teaching me to believe in myself, and for standing by my side no matter what. You were my first and my best champion. I love you with all my heart.

To my other Mom—you’ve taught me about duty and sacrifice, about kindness and the beauty of love everlasting. What a true romance you have had throughout the years and one I hope to emulate.

To my sister—my first and forever best friend. Thank you for always being someone I could turn to.

To Kevin, Matt, and Ashley, for your love, your support, and your excitement. Thank you for hanging in there with me during these years of craziness. I love you all.

To Charlie—you are the reason I started this journey. Thank you for your faith and encouragement; for the time you take to read, edit, and discuss plot; for putting up with the stress, the dirty house, and the lousy cooking. And most of all, for the backrubs. Because you held my hand and took this walk with me, I believed anything was possible. I love you, babe.