We would both like to thank our brilliant editor, Annette Pollert, who saw potential in Fin and Eddie long before their story was polished and complete. Thank you for your guidance, and for allowing us the space and freedom to bring these two characters to life. To the Sourcebooks team, who is putting some amazing feet forward to get this book into all the hands possible. Thanks to Nicole Resciniti, our agent, for her continued support and encouragement. To Eve and Alex, our main characters from Halfway Perfect, for continuing to provide inspiration for another story in this world we’ve created and grown to love so much. And thanks to readers who have followed us from Halfway Perfect and those who are just finding this series.
Eddie’s story is fictional and by no means reflects our opinions on teen pregnancy or parental/paternity rights as a whole. For those of you facing decisions related to parenthood at a young age, we encourage you to seek out a strong support system who will help you make the best decisions for you. We believe each situation, each person, is unique and should be treated as such. You Before Anyone Else is both a title and a message to those who need reminder that their voice deserves to be heard.
FROM JULIE:
I’d like to thank my husband, Nick, and family for believing in me. My kids Charles, Ella, and Maddie for providing me all the baby care experience needed to help Eddie along the way. To Mark Perini, who continues to be an amazing partner in crime as well as a great friend. To my aunt Dawn and cousin Alex for helping me understand Sam’s disability. To my mother for paying for and driving me to all those ballet classes even though, unlike Finley, I didn’t have the feet or turnout for advanced ballet. The moves are all in my head and heart and provided amazing inspiration for this book. To fans of my other books, thank you for following me here. To Appel Farm Arts Camp, where I “lived” while much of this book was written, thank you for providing me a place to grow and become an even better writer.
FROM MARK:
I’m splitting this acknowledgment into fourths. For my sun and stars, Rebecca, for your love, support, and for always sharing in my loony daydreams. For my parents and my family, for all of your love and support and for always encouraging me to let my imagination run wild. For Julie, whose passion and talent is infectious. Thank you for being my mentor and my writing partner through this epic journey. And finally, for Eddie and Finley who were utterly mixed up in this crazy world but ultimately found their way together.