I wish I could tell you something poetic about writing this book. Instead, I’m going to let you into my private life for a moment. This book and the book after this one (the one that will conclude Preston and Kit’s story) will always be incredibly important to me, for very personal reasons.

You, see my father has dementia. Unfortunately, he’s losing his battle (he also has some other health issues.) However, the very last conversation I had with him in which he was coherent was about the things he remembered about his life. He told me all sorts of things and we laughed, held hands, and reminisced.

We also talked about Kit and Preston that day. My dad ended up helping me tremendously with their story (for this book and the second book.) He did that by sharing his personal memories with me.

For instance. The Drive-thru wedding? The seedy motel Preston stayed at? Let’s just say those were based off very REAL places that held significance for my dad. (He and my biological mother were married the same place Kit and Preston were.) And well, if that motel wasn’t nearby offering substantial discounts to couples recently married a little over thirty years ago…there’s a very distinct possibility that I wouldn’t be here bringing you Kit and Preston’s story. (I know, TMI.)

Anyway, as you might have guessed, I was born in Vegas. (However, I don’t remember much because I only lived there for a little over a year.) I plan to go back one day soon.

There’s also even more of a personal element to this, but I would rather disclose that during the final book. Trust me, it will mean even more then.

And yes, I know, this is the most personal I’ve ever been in a book. I just wanted my readers to understand why this couple is so personal to me and why this book and the next will be dedicated to him.

Don’t worry. I’ll get down to business now.

There's no way I can possibly thank each and every one of you, but I'm going to try. You’re all so important to me and there will never be a good enough way to thank you for all the support you've shown me. A simple acknowledgment in a book will do it justice, but I hope it matters all the same.

I hope I'm not leaving anyone out. And if by some horrible chance I did...I'm truly sorry.

Avery and Kristy: “Fuck all the ducks”

Avery: I don’t know what else I can say to you that hasn’t already been said. You carried me through this process in every way and I’m so thankful for you. Whether it was awaiting my message at two in the morning telling you I finished another chapter and needed you to tell me what you thought. Or pointing out a typo from my too tired eyes. There was also the much-needed character venting sessions when a certain character (ahem, Preston) wasn’t doing what he was supposed to. Or when the Breslin haters would come out and I needed to yell and scream. Thank you for holding my hand. Being objective when I couldn’t. And for being kinder than most when I needed that, too. I couldn’t do this without you.

Kristy: How do you tell a person that you love them, but they drive you crazy? I’m not sure, but I’m going to try. I grumble when you make notes I don’t agree with. But I also love it because those notes force me to think. They force me to either defend the action or think of a way to improve it. They get my creative energies flowing and help me keep my eye on the prize. They make me a better writer. Sometimes a better person too if I’m being honest. And I know you only do it because you give a shit. So, thank you for giving a shit. Thank you for being you. Thank you for driving me crazy, but also for being someone I know I can trust and depend on.

Brandi, Vickie, Jackie, Crystal, Rebecca, Shonda, Mary, Beth, Dee, and Jodi. I always swore I would never have more than two betas. I thought the idea of having more was insanity. Well, like they say—don’t knock it until you try it. Funny thing is, it started out as something simple. I just needed a small group of ladies to read my MS and find a few teasers. It ended up becoming so much more. A tribe of sorts. And I’m so incredibly thankful.

You ladies are amazing. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you for your continued support and for being my cheerleaders. Thank you for being drama free and keeping it real. I hope you know you’re stuck with me now…so strap in and hold on tight. <3

Ellie: Dude. I love your face. You make my words pretty. You adjust your schedule. You make me shine. And you do it all without complaining. I count my lucky stars I found you and I’m keeping you.

Preston’s Harem: You babes are my backbone. The wind beneath my wings. I can’t thank you enough for your unconditional support. But, I’ll try and thank you with some pretties instead. Or you know…by sending you inappropriate half-naked postmarks of Preston. :P You babes are the real fucking deal. Preston told me so himself. Thank you so much.

Street team: Sometimes it feels more like my therapy group than a street team, but that’s what I love. We’re weirdos and we sit together on the grass and eat our lunch instead of mingling with the cool kids.

But you babes ARE the cool kids. You’re the coolest kids and I’m so lucky to have you.

Little Survivors: I know I’m not one of those authors who have their shit together. And I’m sorry for that. Thank you for accepting all my flaws and for accepting my human side. Thank you all for not being assholes. Thank you for being the best readers an author could ever ask for.

Thank you for being excited, laughing, telling jokes, being my cheerleaders, sharing your stories, supporting me, and being the salt of the earth people you are.

Thank you for giving me my safe bubble.

What I lack…you babes make up for in spades. You all are perfect. I’m so incredibly lucky.

Cassie: You were my very first 'fan'. Starting all the way back from the days of the 'Twisted Fate' series. I will never, ever forget that. Thank you so very much. You're my 'MVP' for life!!!

And last but not least…my favorite asshole. The person who makes my world go round’. My ‘Hammie’—My heart and soul. I couldn’t do this without you, baby. My love for you knows no bounds…because we’d find a way to demolish anything standing in our way. You’re my ‘alpha’, my strength, my weakness, but most importantly…my everything.