Preston's Honor(98)

She had always been moved by dreams, not just her own, but those of others as well. It was what made her so beautiful. As it turned out, it was also what made her fierce.

She was mighty and she was strong, and to watch her in action was a sight to behold. But her gentle spirit never ceased to shine, and sometimes I still saw in her the quiet dreamer with a crown of flowers perched on her head and a thousand secrets in her eyes.

And I was the luckiest man on earth, because now she told them all to me.





Acknowledgments

Writing a book is a journey. I am ever so grateful for those who have walked, sometimes limped, sometimes picked me up off the dusty road where I’ve fallen to weep, and offered words of encouragement and wisdom as they traversed with me.

Special thanks to my storyline editor, Angela Smith, for so many things, but especially because you believed in this story first.

To my gracious and brilliant editor, Marion Archer, who makes my stories better and still makes time to provide the therapy I generally end up needing in the writing of every book. You go above and beyond and I couldn’t be more grateful for you.

Tessa Shapcott, who was new to my team this time and whose thoughtful commentary on my story was so very appreciated. You helped give me confidence in this book and I am endlessly thankful for that.

The utmost gratitude to my beta readers who read my scattered ramblings first and gave me their honest and insightful feedback; Cat Bracht, Becky Chatman, Elena Eckmeyer, Michelle Finkle, Lynnette Littles, Renita McKinney, and Heather Weston.

Heartfelt love and appreciation to my cultural betas: Maria Blalock, Sylvia Chavarin, Yvette Falagan, Roselia Gomez, Ginny Rose, and Elizabeth Santiago. Thank you for answering my many questions, for correcting my accent marks, and for your guidance in representing the beautifully rich Mexican culture. There is a small piece of each of you in this story.

Thank you to Sharon Broom for finding those things no one else does. Your ***Totally Picky Alerts*** are the very best.

Thank you to Amy Kehl who proofed Preston’s Honor and gives me more of her time than I deserve. So very thankful to have you in my life. I’m reminded of your support every single morning when I log in to Facebook. Don’t think it ever goes unnoticed.

Thank you to Karen Lawson whose attention to detail, along with Karen's-Book-of-Knowledge, continues to teach me things with every book. You are a font of wisdom and I’m so lucky to have you.

To Katy Regnery who was right beside me every step of the way, cheerleading, inspiring, and leaving voice messages and texts that warmed my heart and provided much needed laughter. This business is often lonely. I am forever grateful for your friendship.

Tina Kleuker, thank you for making me one of your own. Not for one second do I take that for granted. Huge love.

Thank you to Kimberly Brower, the best agent in all the kingdom. Thank you for working your butt off for all your authors. I’m so lucky to be your very favorite one. ;)

To you, the reader, thank you for immersing yourself in the worlds I create. Thank you for opening your hearts to my characters. Thank you for writing reviews, for telling your friends about my books, for sending me heartfelt notes, and for showing me in a thousand ways that you are the best readers in the world.

Thank you to Mia's Mafia for being my people.

To all the book bloggers who spend your valuable time reading, crafting reviews, creating gorgeous teasers, and pimping the books you love. I know what you do is a passion, but it’s also a lot of work, and I recognize the sacrifices you make to do what you love. We authors would be lost without you.

To my husband, always, no matter what. I’d love you in any language, on any shore, and under any circumstances, from now until forever.