You'd Be Mine(81)

To my early readers: Samantha Eaton and Jenn Dugan. Sam, you are Annie and Clay’s fairy godmother. I hope your mom reads this and doesn’t mind the lack of horses too much. Jenn, this book is missing Teen Wolf, but we have a lifetime of books ahead of us to remedy that.

To Deb Jenkins and Cassie Vrtis. Mom, I learned how to be a strong and fearless woman at the knee of Mary Chapin Carpenter, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, and YOU. Cassie, I said it at the beginning. We did it, Little Sister.

To my siblings: Kyle, Krish, James, and Bridget. I thought it might be fun to see your names in print somewhere outside medical journals and honor societies. Love you, Smarties!

To the Vrtis, Jenkins, Hahn, Stomp, and Dick families: everything I write is colored with words and experiences I’ve shared with you. Special shout-out to Katie Childers, who helped me get Annie out of Indy, and Kristine Deem for knowing the name of “that one song you all line danced to” when I was pulling out my hair drafting this book.

To Mike. You spent three hours yesterday calmly searching YouTube videos because I couldn’t get my keyboard to function. As I tearfully hiccupped back to work, you underlined the words “I love you” in my notes. THAT’S why you inspire every love interest I write. You are my best friend and biggest fan and I love you infinity times three.

To Jones and Al. When I thought of quitting, I couldn’t, because of you. You are my Reason.

Finally, I am constantly overwhelmed by the generous mercy of God in my life. He lifts me up when I’m determined to be down and listens to me even when I cuss. “It makes no sense, but this is grace.”