There’re a whole lot of people working on my books behind the scenes that I don’t always get to speak with directly but who are making my dreams come true, nevertheless. From SMP/Griffin Books: Michelle McMillian is the interior designer, Hannah Jones is my managing editor, Brant Janaway is the marketing team leader, Jennifer Eck is the production editor, Gail Friedman is the production manager, Lisa Cowley is my copy editor, and Cheryl Redmond is my proofreader. My books wouldn’t be here without each and every one of them and I’m so grateful to have you all in my corner. In case I never get the chance to say it face to face, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

To my agent, Kate McKean, who has talked me off many a ledge, always asks even if the answer will probably be no, and has had my back the last five years. We’ve come a long way since that first call when you told me I might have to “remove the fucks for Walmart,” and I’ve been grateful for that candor every day since.

To my husband, Mike. It’s weird to be the partner of an author and I imagine even more so the partner of a romance author. It’s okay. You can absolutely tell everyone Cam is inspired by you, even in “those scenes.” You’ve earned it.

To my kids, if you ever read this book someday when you’re much older, disregard the previous paragraph. I was just kidding.

To my parents, siblings, in-laws, and extended family, see above. I love you all. Thank you for being supportive of my dreams even when it means I’m hiding in my bedroom during family vacations to write. Special thanks to my sister Cassie who is always my very first reader. If it wasn’t for her, none of this would have ever happened. (So it’s her fault.)

A lot happened *gestures around at the world* while I was writing this book. I lost family to Covid, grieved a lot, raised two middle schoolers through both of those things, and supported a spouse through loss. Because of this, I know I am missing dear friends who read early versions of this story and cheered me through. Please know this is unintentional and I am so grateful for you. Thank you, Ashley Schumacher, for laughing at my “comment sections.” Thank you, Trish Doller, for encouraging me in my jump to adult. I’m still fangirling! Thank you, Brigid Kemmerer and Jodi Picoult, for asking to read this book … neither of you could know what a boost that was to not only my self-esteem but also my heart. Thank you, Kelly Coon, Lillian Clark, and Laura Namey, for reading and then sending me endless TikToks of men with tree-trunk thighs to spur me on.