To Stacey, what can I say, except that I am one lucky writer to have an agent who will meet me for coffee and sit through hours of random plot ramblings. And then go shopping to Target with me. Irrational fear of wasps and all, I’m so happy to have you in my corner.

To Sarah, you, more than anyone, knows how much I struggled with Charlie and Cain. You were there with me through it all, reading the ugly first draft, answering my questions, and calming my worries while letting me write the story I was meant to write. Your talent and unfailing support made this book what it is.

To my publisher, Judith Curr, and the team at Atria Books: Ben Lee, Valerie Vennix, Kimberly Goldstein, and Alysha Bullock, for working so collaboratively with me to get this story into readers’ hands.

To my family and friends, for tolerating my bouts of reclusiveness while in the depths of this book.