I usually thank my husband first, but this time I’d like to thank the genius who thought of cold-brew coffee. I mean, the warm stuff is awesome, but I’ve come to the conclusion that cold brew and me are soul mates. It’s there for me when the writing gets tough, and if there’s one thing I know I can count on, it’s that the writing will get tough.

 

In all seriousness, I can’t write a book without thanking my husband. As I once heard a writer say of her partner in an acceptance speech, “I could do it without you, but I wouldn’t want to.” Brian understands me and my process, and he picks up the slack when getting a book revised to my standards means a weekend (or three) away from the family. Thank you for everything, Brian. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me when I need it most. You’re truly my favorite . . . next to cold brew. Let’s say you’re a very close second.

 

In addition to my rock-star husband, I’m surrounded by a family who supports me every day. To my kids, Jack and Mary, thank you for making me laugh and giving me a reason to work hard. I am so proud to be your mommy. To my mom, dad, brothers, and sisters, thank you for cheering me on—each in your own way. I’m so grateful to have been born into this crazy crew of seven kids.

 

I’m lucky enough to have a life full of amazing friends, too. This book is for Stef, who gets how simple and painful and beautiful Bailey’s choice was. My characters are never based on my friends, but sometimes their bravery is inspired by them. Many thanks to Mira, the bringer of laughter, the giver of pep talks, and the holder of all my (terribly boring) secrets. Thanks also to my workout friends and the entire CrossFit Terre Haute crew, especially Robin, who checks up on me when I disappear too long into the writing cave and likes to remind me that taking care of myself is important too, and my coach, Matt, who creates workouts that are so freaking hard I go more consistently just because I’m trying to avoid that I think I’m going to die today feeling that comes with taking time off.

 

To everyone who provided me feedback on this story along the way—especially Janice Owen, Lisa Kuhne, Mira Lyn Kelly, and Samantha Leighton—you’re all awesome. Thanks to my nephew Kai, who humors this old lady with answers when she asks things like, “Do people still say punked?” Thank you to Nathan Pence, who works at the federal prison that Bailey visits in this book. Those scenes would have been completely inaccurate if it hadn’t been for him. Any remaining errors are my own. As always, I owe thanks to many people for helping to make this idea in my head into something worth reading.

 

Thank you to the team that helped me package this book and promote it. Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations designed my beautiful cover and did a lovely job branding the series. Rhonda and Lauren, thank you for the insightful line and content edits and for being understanding when I can’t meet a deadline to save my life. Thanks to Arran McNicol at Editing720 for proofreading. A shout-out to my assistant Lisa Kuhne for trying to keep me in line. (It’s a losing battle, but she gives it her all.) Thank you to Give Me Books for organizing the release and to Jennifer Beach for making the gorgeous teasers. A huge thank-you to the USA Today Happily Ever After blog for featuring the cover reveal. To all of the bloggers and reviewers who help spread the word about my books, I am humbled by the time you take out of your busy lives for my stories. I can’t thank you enough. You’re the best.

 

To my agent, Dan Mandel, for believing in me and staying by my side. Thanks to you and Stefanie Diaz for getting my books into the hands of readers all over the world. Thank you for being part of my team.

 

And last but certainly not least, a big thank-you to my fans. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it every chance I get—you’re the coolest, smartest, best readers in the world. I wouldn’t get to do this job without you, and appreciate each and every one of you!

 

~Lexi