I exhale, the page trembling in my hand. They’re exactly how I want them, so I start to fold the paper when Josh walks into the room. He’s joined by Darin, Brad, Theo, and Marshall.

Marshall is holding open the door. “You ready? It’s time.”

I nod, more than ready, but before I stuff my vows back into my pocket, I decide to make one small change. I don’t touch anything already written, but I do add a line to the very end.

P.S. It is my wish for you to be my fish.

Acknowledgments

It Ends with Us is the one book I have been adamant that I would never write a sequel for. I felt like it ended where it needed to end, and I didn’t want to put Lily through more stress.

But then #BookTok happened, and the online petition, and the messages and videos, and I realized most of you weren’t asking for me to put them through more pain. You simply wanted to see Lily and Atlas happy. When I started playing around with an outline, I quickly realized how much I needed to see Lily and Atlas happy as well. For everyone who asked for more, thank you. This book wouldn’t exist without you.

I have so many people to thank, and not necessarily for the existence of It Starts with Us, but more for the continued support over the years that resulted in me writing a book I never thought I’d have the courage to complete. From family to friends to bloggers to readers to publishers and agents, in no particular order, I just want to say THANK YOU for your continued support, and for ensuring I continue to love writing.

Levi Hoover, Cale Hoover, Beckham Hoover, and Heath Hoover. My four favorite men on the whole planet. I couldn’t do any of this if it weren’t for your encouragement and support.

Lin Reynolds, Murphy Fennell, and Vannoy Fite. My three favorite women on the planet.

To the entire Bookworm Box and Book Bonanza team and board members. Thank y’all for everything you do!

To my agents, Jane Dystel and Lauren Abramo, and the entire Dystel, Goderich & Bourret team.

Thank you to my editor, Melanie Iglesias Pérez; my publicist, Ariele Stewart Fredman; and my publisher, Libby McGuire; and the entire Atria team. Thank you to the teams at Simon & Schuster UK, Australia and India for all you do for my books.

To Stephanie Cohen and Erica Ramirez. Thank you for helping make my dreams come true and always having my best interest at heart. I love you both more than words can say, and every time I walk into our office, it feels like coming home.

Thank you to Pamela Carrion and Laurie Darter for everything you do and for keeping me entertained daily.

Thank you to the team at Simon & Schuster Audio for bringing my books to life.

Thank you to author Susan Stoker for being such a champion for other authors and always keeping us in the know with your weekly messages of congratulations.