She dropped the note and stared at me. Her eyes were enormous.

“Too soon?” I asked. “We can wait. It was just an idea, you know, because I’m a mess and you’re a mess and our messes really seem to complement each other—”

“Nick,” she said. “Shut up.”

Then she kissed me, and it was perfect and lovely just like her.

When we broke apart, I asked, “Is that a yes?”

“Yes,” she said on another sob.

That did it. It was all too much, my heart was pounding, my hands were tingling, and my breath was tight. I landed on my ass on the floor, but it didn’t matter because Annabelle went down with me. She wrapped me in her arms and kissed me, and I realized in a flash of clarity that everything that had gone wrong in my life had given me everything that was right, namely her, Annabelle. I was in the arms of my reckless, impulsive goddess, and every bit of pain and hardship that had brought me to this place with her was worth it.

Acknowledgments

It takes a village to write a book, and I am fortunate to have a village of amazingly bighearted, smart, creative people, who give me so much support from the initial idea through the finished product. To that end, I’d like to thank my editor, Kate Seaver, and my agent, Christina Hogrebe. I am ever grateful to have your wisdom and talent with me every step of the way. You’re both amazing. Thank you to Mary Geren for finessing all the details.

This book was gifted with so many talented editors who really made it sparkle and shine. Thank you Joan Matthews, Christine Legon, and Jennifer Myers for helping me get the details right. I’d also like to thank the cover artist, Vikki Chu, and the book designer, Alison Cnockaert, for making such a spectacular package for this story. For helping me release this book out into the wild, I could ask for no better crew than Jessica Mangicaro, Natalie Sellers, Brittanie Black, and Dache Rogers. I feel so fortunate to work with all of you. You’re simply brilliant!

And here’s a giant high five to my author assistant, Christie Conlee. For your positivity, enthusiasm, sassy GIFs, and cupcake baking skills, you are just a bright shining light, and I’m thrilled to have you in my life.

An author is nothing without readers, and I truly have some of the best. Thank you McKinlay’s Mavens and Fans of Jenn McKinlay for your kindness, support, enthusiasm, and refreshingly delightful presence on social media. I adore you all. And for every reader who demanded Annabelle’s story after meeting her in Paris Is Always a Good Idea, this one’s for you!