First and foremost, thank you to my loving wife Trisha, for all the support and encouragement over the years. Your faith in me never wavered, even when mine did.

And to Tasha, who helped me shape the story when it was little more than an idea, and without whom it definitely wouldn't exist. And for trusting me with Louisianna and Laurell.

To Heather, for helping me find Tally's voice as well as my own. You helped me shape the world that Geoff runs in, and that meant a lot to me.

To Beth, for being a sounding board as the story progressed, and for letting me borrow Elisabetta and Blysse.

To Lisa, for being the inspiration for Mystery and Naomi and a true and loyal friend for all these years.

And to Jessica, the first person to read this story who had no prior knowledge of Geoff's exploits, and who told me it was actually decent.

Thank you all. You are my Skari.

~~~

Edited by: Heather Williams

Cover art by: T. B. Sinclair