To the ladies on the STREET TEAM — Each one of you have a piece of my heart, and though we only started this team within the last two months, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of ladies. Your constant enthusiasm, excitement, and passion fuels me every fucking day. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me, wanting to spread the word, and always on your A game. I love you all!
To the ARC ARMY —The talent, passion, and drive stirring within this community is unfathomable. By far, the favorite part of my day is when I get a message from you all. Thank you for your beautiful graphics, for sharing and spreading the word, for the hilarious meme’s, and trusting me with this story. I hope you find that I’ve done it justice because it was you all in the back of my mind as I wrote the epilogue. Here’s to a happy ever after, forevermore. Oh, and Christy L. … I told you I’d take you to Gibraltar ;)
To the LOVELIES — During the most stressful days, you all keep a smile on my face. I know I haven’t been as active lately, but I still see the way you ladies interact with each other, and it warms my heart. Thank you for staying so positive and accepting of each other. Thank you for always celebrating with me and becoming the one place I can escape to. You all are my safe haven.
To my KASSY — Dude, I fucking love you. Like, that’s it. And I’ll say it over and over. And thank you for beta reading SWM, EWIG, then NOYE. And thank you for being understanding and patient when I know deep down you wanted to strangle me these past couple of weeks while dissecting NOYE. Thank you for not just holding on, but carrying me through this, giving your complete honesty, and never holding back. In one year, we made it together. There is no other way I’d rather have it. Always and forever … (PS: There are 7 “ands” because I know that’s your favorite word and lucky number.)
To ANNIE — I wish this entire world could see what I see in you. Thank you for always being there without question and being my emotional support through the passing of my Nana while writing NOYE. I know it’s been a rough few months for the both of us, but despite what’s happened, you’ve never put me on the back burner, and for that, I’m forever grateful. Thank you for your perfect beautiful eyes and proofing my books. You are my Adrian Taylor—my most unexpected plot twist. My ripcord. This is going to be a busy year, partner. Buckle up! I love you!
To SHALEY — You are beyond amazing and more. If it weren’t for your hard-ass pushing me to make deadlines, we probably wouldn’t have seen this book for another few months. Thank you for your constant reminders to keep me on track, for leading the street team in the best possible way, for your guidance, your knowledge, for always willing to help, but most importantly, thank you for your friendship. You have made this ride so much smoother.
To LUCIA — That quote in the prologue is for you, woman. It’s only been a few months since we crossed paths, but it didn’t take long for me to look up to you and admire the woman you are. The kind of woman I strive to be. You are every bit encouraging, strong, fiercely passionate, and dedicated. Thank you for pushing me to get on a schedule, turning me into a morning person, and, without you ever realizing, reminding me to never second guess myself. At the end of the day, these are our stories, and we’re sticking to them …
To MICHAEL, CHRISTIAN, & GRACIE — You are the three I bleed onto these pages for so my love for you will last forever, even when I’m gone. XO
To my MOM — “Yes, Mom. I know, Mom, Okay, Mom.” Thank you for your constant nagging, reminders, willingness to help, trips to the post office during big orders, and celebrating all the small victories with me. I love you, and I’m ready for that breakfast date now.
To AMANDA, DANIELLE, & KAYLEE (& Steve) —You three will always be my favorite story to tell. TDL coming 2021
To the rest of my friends and family
all over the world,
Thank you!