Discretion (The Dumonts, #1)(88)

So while this book conjures up some painful memories for me, the number one thing I feel is triumph. This is the book in which I overcame. Depression did not fuel this book. Depression fuels nothing but darkness and despair. But this book became the fuel to beat my depression.

Of course, I could not have done this alone, and I really, really mean that. I needed help from all directions of my life, and I am so grateful and lucky that I got it.

I have to thank my most wonderful editor, Maria. Thank you so much for always believing in me and wanting this to happen. You’ve been so understanding, and it was a doozy of a first book with you, but—yay!—we did it, and I am so looking forward to more. Onward and upward!

Holly, you are a soldier and a champion (and, well, a genius). You put up with all my crap (and writing that I’m still not sure made any sense), and you turned it into something I can be proud of. I am in awe of you and your patience and skillz (with a z), and I can’t thank you enough.

Taylor, you are the bestest agent that ever agented. Thank you for never giving up on me and for always listening to my long rants and rambles and turning them into something to get excited about!

Sandra, Nina, Kathleen, Kelly, Ali, Chanpreet, you guys rallied around me when I felt like giving up, you listened when I just needed to talk, and you made me feel like I wasn’t alone when all I felt was lost. Thank you for believing in me and being there.

Also, big thanks to my Anti-Heroes. Another outstanding group of readers and friends who always show up and make me feel like I’m better than I really am. And my IG family, your messages of strength and support and solidarity (and, above all, compassion and understanding) meant the world to me.

Hmm, I guess the Kauai Beach Resort gets a shout-out, too, even though when we drive past you now, we just shake our fists and yell, “Discretion!” You didn’t have any room service, and the weather was borderline hurricane, but without you I wouldn’t have spent those last four days by myself writing up a storm while an actual one was going on outside, so, hey. Mahalo.

My biggest thanks, as it always is, is to my husband, Scott. I’m going to start crying as I type this if I say anything too mushy, but the fact is, I would be nothing and nowhere without you. You are such a good, good soul, and I’m so happy our souls are together. You’re so talented and kind and beautiful and lovely, and I love you more than anything in this world.

Honorable mention: Bruce. You weren’t here when I wrote this, but I could feel your four-legged support from across an ocean.

Extra honorable mention: My mother. For watching Bruce. Oh, and for that always-believing-in-me part. Let’s add my dad in there, too, for good measure.

I know I said I would make this short and sweet, but at least I got that sweet part done.

Merci!