I breathe Harry into me. His intoxicating scent. His comfort and charm. And from the way he’s kissing me now, he’s mine, and I don’t ever want him to stop. This man, who stuck by me through thick and thin – he’s really mine.

Acknowledgments

To my agent, David Riley, for his dedication and belief in me and in this book. You made my dream come true. Thank you. (And to your wife.) More fun to come.

To the entire team at Boldwood. I’m beyond excited to debut in your first stable of authors. Thank you for taking the chance on me. Special thanks to my editors. Jade Craddock for the copy edit and extra dollops of humour. Susan Lamprell for the final polish and line edits, ensuring the book is as smooth as it needs to be (and for your kindness in helping me to let this go). To my publisher, Caroline Ridding – how to thank you? Your guidance on the structural edits completely transformed this book. You gave me the insights to give Gracie her rightful journey and happy ending. Life isn’t a consolation prize – it should be magical. I hope I have done you proud.

To Dea Parkin, Nick May, Brian Cook and Louise Wareham Leonard for early guidance. So much putting this down and picking it up again, but I got there.

To all of my family and friends for your love and encouragement over many years. Writing is a hard graft and a confidence trick. Not one of you ever told me to stop. For this, and so much more, I thank you all.

Special thanks. For reading early bits and pieces: Alicia, Amber, Angela, Anthea, Elise and Shanny. To my mother, Sue, for reading everything since I was a child, and who writes so beautifully. To Lindsay for help with television stuff and to Asia for intro to David. To Alicia and Phil for photos, the lovely team at Peakon for letting me disappear on edits and to Phil and Adam for the non de plume I didn’t go with. RIP Phoebe Reeves. Neil: white shirt uniform is for you.

To my Dad and Annie and Sak and Elise for being there during a very dark time. Never mind the book, your love and your showing up kept me going.

To Emma who read multiple early drafts, squeezing edits and advice into her busy schedule as a writer and another single mother. You’re an incredible woman. Every wispy dress and cherry-red lip stain description is in your honour.

To Kirsten, for too many things to mention. Your encouragement, your little notes, your ruthless editing, your cracking wit and for drinking wine with me. From the very first draft to the final copy, you were invested in this story and never once waivered. You’re next, darling. You got this!