Darling Rose Gold(93)

To Mom and Dad. You knew long before I did that I would write books someday, so it’s only fair I state it for the record: you were right. From The Girl Who Got Lost in the Zoo to Accelerated Reading to Adventures of Misty Creek and beyond, no one has bolstered my love of reading and writing more than you two. Your constant support made writing this book easier, but your parenting made creating Patty’s character harder—because I have no idea what it’s like to have parents who are anything but loving, selfless, and one hundred percent behind me. Dad, thank you for being the only person who thought writing a book and training for a marathon at the same time was a good idea! Your drive pushes me to work harder and get better. You told me a million times when I was a kid that it didn’t cost any more to dream bigger. I guess you finally got through. Mom, I would be hopeless without you. You’ve printed, FedExed, and hunted jewel-toned tops—no task was ever too big of an ask (and there have been a lot of asks). Thank you for never batting an eyelash at the dozens of weird questions I asked during book research. I feel your love an ocean away. I love you both so, so much.

To Moose. People sometimes ask if I feel isolated working by myself all day, but I haven’t been lonely since the day we brought you home. That said, I wouldn’t hate it if you stopped farting under my desk.

To Matt. For being my partner. For moving to Boston so I could go to grad school. For supporting us while I got my MFA. For thinking this novel was a good idea. For arguably the best joke in the book. For Drip Feed (the only time you will see it in writing). For celebrating the highs and weathering the lows. For being the first person I want to tell everything, even after all these years. On our first date way back in 2011, I confessed I had this crazy dream of writing a book someday. Your eyes lit up, and you leaned in, wanting to know more. You have been leaning in every day since.