This book almost didn’t exist.

When the idea came to me several years ago, I immediately squashed it down. I knew it would be a controversial topic and that certain members of my family, friends, and community would be displeased with me if I wrote it. I figured it would be in everybody’s best interests if I kept this story exactly where it was – in my head.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about Jaden and Quinn. And as the topics of gay marriage, gay rights, and the LGBT community continued to swirl around the media, the two of them got louder and louder in my head. So one day, I sat down to write. I had to get their story down on paper, if only for my own sanity. I never intended for it to see the light of day. If it weren’t for a few people who convinced me otherwise, this book would still be hidden away on my laptop.

So first off, I have to thank my husband. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me, even when you knew this was a risk. Thank you for your never-ending words of encouragement and love. Thank you for pushing me through to the end, even on days when I was convinced I couldn’t continue. I love you more than I can ever put into words.

Thank you to Karin, Kate, Mae, Morgan, Stacy, Zeia, and the rest of the Manuscript Minxes. The advice and support you guys give me every day reminds me why I started writing again in the first place. I’m so lucky to have found you wonderful women.

Thanks to Nichole and Amber, for always being my sounding board.

Thanks to Megan Gunter at Mischievous Designs for knowing what sort of cover this story needed even better than I did. You are freaking amazing.

Thank you to Jovana Shirley, the best editor a writer could ever ask for!

Thanks to Julie Deaton – the #1 proofreader in the business.

Finally, thank you to my parents. Thank you for teaching me to love and accept everyone for exactly who they are. Growing up in the LDS church wasn’t always easy, and I often had questions. Thank you to my mom and dad for always encouraging me to discover things for myself. Thank you for supporting me, even if you didn’t always agree with my decisions.

Reading time is so precious and limited, so I have to give one final thanks to you, dear reader. Thank you for spending some time with my characters. I hope you loved them just as I much I do. I hope this story touched some small part of your heart. I also want you to know that some of the very best people I’ve ever met have been Mormon. This story was in no way intended to bring down the members of the church. This was simply one man’s journey with his struggling faith. All experiences were based on real life, however, are in no way meant to be representative of the entire faith. There are sour grapes in every bunch, even when it comes to religion. If you have any questions about the things I have written, please feel free to reach out. My door is always open, so to speak.

To anyone I may have missed, know that I am appreciative of your love and support. My brain is always mush whenever I finish writing a book, and someone inevitably gets left off the list. I hope you know that doesn’t mean I’m not appreciative. I’m just forgetful. I love and adore you all!