Wish You Were Gone(98)

To my brother, Ian, and my sister, Erin, I love you. It’s my year to run down the stairs first.

To my extended family of Violas and Scotts, and to my oldest and dearest—Wendy and Shira—as well as all the other friends who have reached out when I have book news or who have come to launch events or festivals or fairs (hey, Sabina!)—here’s hoping we can party by the time this book comes out, but if we can’t, this is me clinking whatever glass you’re holding with my tumbler full of ginger ale.

To my husband, Matt, and my boys, Brady and William, thank you for giving me time behind closed doors to do what I love. And apologies for the grumpy I-got-no-work-done days. (But you’re welcome for the I-wrote-8,000-words chocolate cakes.)

To my father, who I recognize instilled the earliest love of reading and writing in me, and who I have succeeded in spite of, I hope your rest is peaceful.

Finally, to my mom, who was not perfect, but was perfect to me. Thanks for getting sober. Thanks for being there. Thanks for loving me unconditionally. Thanks for being in my head cheering me on every day. I miss you and I hold your pride in me deep in my heart.