His breath hitched. “You do?”

“Of course I do. Do you need to hear it again to believe it?”

“Maybe,” he whispered.

“I love you, Hal Cavendish, and I’m not letting you go.”

Hal rested his forehead against hers. His smile was shy and full and happy. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” Wren stood on her toes and tangled her fingers into the hair at the nape his neck.

Their train rolled into the platform. Steam poured from the smokestack and pooled at their feet like still, moon-white water. Although passengers hurried by them and the conductor shouted over the huff and sigh of the engine, Hal cradled her face like they had all the time in the world.

He bent down and kissed her.

It was as fierce as a promise, more binding than a treaty.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It’s often said that writing is a solitary endeavor, but I don’t believe that’s entirely true. Ever since I was a kid writing fanfiction on the internet, my writing has brought me community. This book is no exception—it would not exist without the hard work, support, and love of a whole lot of brilliant people. I don’t know that words will be sufficient to express my gratitude to them, but I’m going to try.

First and foremost, to my agents, Claire Friedman and Jessica Mileo. I could compose another book’s worth of thanks to you, but this paragraph will have to do for now. You two are my heroes and my champions, full of wit and patience and spot-on editorial insight. Thank you for making my dreams come true and always having my back. I couldn’t ask for better partners on this journey.

To my editor, Jennie Conway. From the moment I got off the phone with you for the first time, I knew that I’d struck gold. I’m grateful every day for our mind-meld of taste and vision. Thank you a thousand times over for bringing this book to new heights, for your tireless hard work and enthusiasm, and for loving Wren and Hal (and his collarbones) as much as I do.

To the entire dream team at Wednesday Books. I can’t articulate what a privilege it is to work with y’all. Thank you for believing in this book, making sure it is beautiful inside and out, and getting it into the hands of readers. My special thanks to DJ DeSmyter, Lexi Neuville, Brant Janeway, Mary Moates, Olga Grlic, Sara Goodman, Eileen Rothschild, Melanie Sanders, Lena Shekhter, Devan Norman, Michael Criscitelli, Kim Ludlam, Elizabeth Catalano, and Lauren Hougen.