Acknowledgements
There are so many people I need to thank. I hope I remember everyone. Let me start off by saying thank you to all my friends and family who have supported me on my never-ending journey.
To my father, Dave. Dad, I don’t know if you know what’s been going on with me all these years or not. I like to think you’re watching over me and the boys and that you know what’s in my heart. Thank you for teaching me to dream and to want more. I will always be a Chiletz through and through and I hope our family name continues on through my books long after I’m gone. I love and miss you daddy.
To my mom, Diane. I miss you every single day. Thank you for showing me how to be strong and how to continue on when things are at their worst. There are still days I reach for the phone and wish I could hear your voice one more time. I love you.
To my boys, Tyler and Ryan. This has been a rough year for us, but I want you to know how proud I am of you for staying brave and strong when things get tough. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you. You will always be my true loves. You are my heart and soul.
To Kim Hurschik. I don’t even know what more I can say that you don’t already know. You’re my person. Thank you for listening and always encouraging me. Your faith in me and my potential has seen me through more days than I can count. I’ll love you forever, sister.
To Dorrie Cortesi. Thank you for helping me try new things and for getting me better than most. I’m blessed to have you in my life and I will always be there for you no matter what. We’ve got this. Love you, girl.
To Cheri Rubocki. Even though you hated me for being a goody two shoes growing up (LOL—for a little while anyway) you are still one of my dearest and oldest friends. Thank you for listening without judgement, for laughing at my stupid jokes, and for always making me feel that I’m not as crazy as I think I am. You have been an amazing support to me this last year and I want you to know how much I admire and love you.
To Brenna Leigh. How can I put this into words? I know I’ve told you all this before, but I hope you truly know how much you mean to me. You are beautiful inside and out and I thank God that we found each other. Thank you for being the fastest reader/ proofreader in history and for always being willing to tell me the truth. Even though I gave you a hard time about it, it was exactly what I wanted and needed to hear. Thank you for being my friend. And Brenna is not like you in any way other than the fact that she has an amazing heart. I flove you.
To Misty Marcum. Misty. Misty. Misty. Misty. Look familiar? Thank you for finally answering my texts after I write your name a hundred times. You have one of the most beautiful and kindest souls I’ve ever known. Thank you for texts, messages, and phone calls whenever I need you. Thank you for always believing in me no matter what. I love you. Don’t ever forget that, even when I’m a pain in the ass.
To Jennifer Mock. Knowing you are reading my words always makes me anxious because your opinion means so much more to me than most. Thank you for supporting me and being my friend. You are a bright light in my world, my friend. Love you tons.
To Hazel James. Thank you for always being my sounding board and my friend. Thank you for cheering me on when I have no cheers left to give. I’m grateful to have you in my life.
To Andee Michelle. Thank you for our four-hour phone calls and for listening to all my thoughts and fears. You are one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known, and your friendship means more to me than all the tacos in the world. #SoulSister.
To Murphy Rae. Even though I’m old enough to be your older sister (ahem), you never cease to amaze me with your insight and knowledge. You’re an old soul. It’s hard to believe this is our ninth book together. Thank you for always being there to answer my questions, lend support, and work with me on personal and professional goals. You’re an amazing designer and an even better friend.
To Julie (JT Formatting). Even though we don’t always talk as much as I’d like, I think we both know that our friendship never wavers. I believe in you. You’re talented, kind, and deserving of all the good things life has to offer. Thank you for always being my friend and for doing amazing things with the crap I send you. <3
To the Twisted Chick-Lits. My team. My people. You all are my heart. Thank you reading my words and for your never-ending enthusiasm. You are some of the best people I’ve ever known in my life and I’m glad to call you my friends.
To my laptop. If you could stop being so damn slow that would be great. Thank you for not losing my files. I’m counting on you.
To everyone who reads my stories. Thank you for reading my words and getting my heart. I put a little piece of my soul into every single book and it still blows my mind that you take the time to pick it up. Thank you for believing in me.
Love come in all shapes and sizes with all kinds of hearts. It can best be found within yourself, first and foremost. I am a constant work in progress. We all are. Nothing and no one is ever perfect, but never stop believing or striving for better. We all deserve a happily ever after.