Trouble (Dogwood Lane #3)(90)

It gave me a life. A life full of laughter and happiness and bursts of creativity. It gave me friends who care about me and a community that feels good to be a part of.

It gave me Penn.

He leans forward and presses his lips to my ear. “One of these days, I’ll ask you that.”

“What?”

“I’ll ask you to marry me. One day. Not today, but it will happen. I want you to know that.”

I turn around to look at him. “I’m in no rush.”

“I know. But I always want you to know where I stand.” He presses a sweet, simple kiss to my lips. When he pulls back, his eyes shine. “I love you, Avery.”

“I love you too. Even if you are trouble.”





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It takes a village to write a book. I’d like to thank a few special people who loved, supported, and cheered me on through this process.

First and foremost, I’d like to thank God for His blessings and the ability to do what I love.

There aren’t enough words in the English language to express my gratitude for my husband. Saul, you are the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ll never know how I got so lucky to meet you when I was merely a child, but it’s the biggest blessing I’ve ever received. I love you. Forever.

My children, the four sticky, ornery, beautiful faces that I get up in the morning for, sacrifice so much when I’m writing. Alexander, Aristotle, Achilles, and Ajax, you are the best stories I’ve ever written. Everything I do is for you. You make me prouder than any book ever will.

Growing up, my parents always told me I could do anything. I believed them. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for instilling in me a belief that I could move mountains. I love you both.

I also would like to extend many thanks to my in-laws, Peggy and Rob. You two are such a blessing. Thank you for loving me like your own. Your excitement and encouragement over my career warms my heart.

Kari March is the most creative person I know. Thank you, Kari, for getting behind all my ideas and mock-ups and sorting through my rambling visions. The day I met you changed my life. I hope you know that.

Tiffany Remy and Kim Cermak keep the wheels turning. You two make everything possible. Thank you for your support, kindness, patience, and figuring out what I mean when I’m going a million miles an hour. Your friendship is priceless.

There are so many things I could say to Carleen Riffle, but none of them would come close to explaining all she is to me. You’re simply one of the strongest, most brilliant, and most thoughtful women I know. You amaze me every day. I’m honored you work with me again and again, even if you did infect me with your rambling disease. Ha! Team Mess, always.

Thanks to Marion Archer for having my back in so many ways, and to Becca Mysoor for being my sunshine.

Huge love to Mandi Beck for random check-ins, the best stickers, and for being the person I can always count on to answer the phone when no one else will. You’re the realest of the real, my friend. There’s no one else like you.

S.L. Scott is the kind of friend who will drive across town and sit in your lucky parking lot—the one that she’s always in when you get great ideas. Thank you for being a rock in my foundation.

Jen Costa and Susan Rayner have been with me from the beginning. Their consistent friendship and sweet camaraderie keep me afloat, even on the bad days. I hit the lottery with you two.

Ebbie Moresco, Kaitie Reister, and Stephanie Gibson are the women behind the scenes who keep everything going. Your input and dedication to my groups don’t go unnoticed. You’re brilliant and kind, and I adore and respect you so much.

Big thanks to Joe’s Italian Foods. Your pesto basically fueled the writing of this book.

Sincere gratitude to the bloggers who continue to show up and shout loud about my books. You’re the real MVPs. Thank you for all you do.

And to my readers: thank you for choosing to pick up my books. I appreciate and acknowledge you.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Adriana Locke is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gibson Boys series and Tumble and Tangle in the Dogwood Lane series. She lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana created her own. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice, and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket. Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you! Find out more at www.adrianalocke.com.