50

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. I have found it also takes a village to help make dreams come true. My heart is overflowing, and I am so incredibly grateful for my village.

To Mom and Dad - for giving me the hope to follow my dreams and the tools to pursue them. This isn't the book any of us thought I'd publish first, but it's the one my heart needed.

To Antonio - for giving me a lifetime's worth of sibling material to write into my books. Thank you for always having my back, even if you haven't always wanted to admit it.

To Philip - For putting up with my late nights hunched over my laptop, gushing about people that don't exist and telling me to "go write your book." I'm so thankful for you. I love you.

To Megan Cousins, Amy Ewing, and Ashley Funk - I never dreamed I'd live in a world where I could call my favorite authors my friends. Thank you for your support and encouragement and welcoming me into the author club with open arms.

To Melanie and Salwa - The best friends a girl could ask for. Salwa said this book is too sad, and Melanie probably doesn't think it's sad enough. You've seen me at my best and at my worst and I can't imagine my life without either of you.

To Chelsey, Taylor, and Stephanie - This book wouldn't be what it is without your help. I'll never be able to find the words to express my gratitude for the three of you. Thank you for loving Tyler, Mason, and my girls as much as I do.

To Kylie - You've been here from the beginning of this journey. Thank you for the amazing character art of Tyler and Lexi and for spoiling me with fun sunflower and puppy stuff.

To Kelsey - From the beginning, this cover wildly surpassed anything I could have imagined. It was an honor to work with you.

To Gillian - The first one to read this book all the way through. Thank you for your suggestions and for convincing me that maybe I really can do this author thing.

To Kae, Lauren, Sarah, Judith, and everyone else who has been in my corner. Thank you for encouraging me and supporting me throughout this journey. I couldn't have done this without you.

My heart is so full.