Acknowledgements
This story was inspired by my trip on the Carnival Spirit. It was ten days in absolute paradise sailing around the most perfect of tropical islands. Ten days of no cooking, no cleaning, of being waited on hand and foot. Ten days of the beautiful crew members and staff missing their families and friends over Christmas. They absolutely made our holiday. Our Christmas wouldn’t have been so special without them in it. The way they greeted us with a smile and made my boys feel incredibly special was something we’ll all remember for a long time. You can’t fake the love they have for their jobs. Thank you. We will be back.
One of the people who stood out on the ship was Eddie. He was funny and flirty and all around fabulous and when my little one was sick, he went out of his way to check on him and make sure he was okay. This story is for you—I told you you’d get your happily ever after!
In terms of putting this book together, as usual it was a team of people who helped. Trish Bacher, thank you for your editing skills and for your suggestions. It was a pleasure working with you, lovely. The guys and girls in my A-Team, you rock. I adore you guys—I still can’t believe that you’d even bother to be a part of a fan group of mine, never mind join in the way you do. You make me smile, inspire me, motivate me and keep me honest. And the amount of promo you all do astounds me every day. I’m so honored that you’d take the time out of your day to do that for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My critique partner, Kariss Stone, you’re amazing. Thank you is never enough. Your feedback makes the world of difference to my stories.
I can’t write a story without saying thank you to the three most important boys in my life: Hubby, B and J, I love you. Hubby, you do so much and always do it with a smile. I love you always and forever. You are my world.
B said to me last year that he sees how hard his dad and I work which inspires him to work hard too. Buddy, it’s you who inspires me. You’re confident and fun, you’re brave and kind, you’re determined to always do your best and you do all that with a smile on your face. The fact that you’ve got such a beautiful soul to match makes Dad and I incredibly proud to be your parents.
J, I’m not forgetting you bub. Your cheeky grin lights up my day. You’re stubborn and outspoken, you’re persistent and loud and so full of life. Yet, your compassion is endless. You always make sure everyone is okay, and you’re quick with a hug to make someone smile. Throw you in the deep end and you’ll come up cheering for more. The two of you are destined for great things—just keep being you. You’ll always have Dad and me as your two biggest fans.
Three final groups of people need a thank you. First my publishing buddies at Aubergine Publishing – Tracy, Viva, Lou, Brad, Lisa and JJ. Thank you for inviting me to join you. Meg, your input was also brilliant. Thank you, beautiful. Secondly, Ena and all the amazing bloggers who’ve helped me release this baby into the world. You’re wonderful. Without your help and your blogs giving writers like me a special place to promote, get reviews and share the love, we’d be nothing. Thank you. And last but absolutely not least, thank you to every person who buys this story. I hope you adore every word and you fall in love with Will and Eddie as much as I have.
Ann xx