I started this … I guess you could call it a quest… because I wanted to know who you were. I've learned a lot about where you came from—and who you came from—but I still don't understand you. And that's okay. I'm not sure what I would have done if I were the one holding those pills while my husband was kissing another woman. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have reacted the way you did after he died, but who knows? Lu says you were always a little operatic, no matter how hard you tried not to be. Well, what the hell, we're Italian. And you did a lot of good in your life.

If you still need forgiveness wherever you are, you've got it from me. I hope you're at peace. The one thing I do know is, I love you, Mother. I always have, and I always will.

Carrie went back out into the living room and looked around one more time. Then she walked out the door and closed it behind her.

Dedication

For Mom and Roger, no fancy words—just “I love you”

Acknowledgments

Always on my list is Eric Simonoff, my friend and my agent. There's no way to truly thank him for the faith and support he's given me all these years—but this is my best chance. So, thank you, Eric—for everything. And thank you to Laura Ford, who gave this book such a great edit, and who is always there for me no matter what I ask for. We've been together in one way or another since I started writing and I am so lucky that she is now my editor. Thank you to Eadie Klemm who listens and reassures, and, when all else fails, commiserates in a way that always makes things better. Thank you to Libby McGuire for support that is rare in this business, and to Jane von Mehren, who is now taking me and my books on a whole new journey. Thank you to Robbin Schiff for the gorgeous cover, and to Dennis Ambrose, who takes care of the things I miss that make such a huge difference—and for managing to be the most patient man on the planet. Thank you to Brian McLendon, Lisa Barnes, Kim Hovey, and Katie O'Callaghan for working their magic in getting out the word about Serendipity.