All books are hard in their own way, but this one was the hardest thus far. This one took me to lengths I didn’t think I’d ever go to for one story. Many times I almost gave up. Along the way, there were people who kept me from doing so. This is the place I get to thank them all. (Get ready for some clichés and repetition because it’s hard to find new and inventive ways to say “thank you” and “I love you!”)
First and foremost, Kimberly Brock, a stellar writer and an even better friend, without whom you wouldn’t be reading this book. Kim, your bold moves on a summer afternoon changed everything, and I will always be grateful.
Along those lines, Amanda Bostic and the team at Harper Muse, thank you for saying yes to this story, for understanding what I intended within these pages. Special thanks to my editor, Laura Wheeler, for loving this story and gently nudging it to where it needed to be. And to Jodi Hughes, who knows how to strike the perfect balance between asking for changes and handing out compliments. And thank you to the entire team at Harper Muse, especially Savannah Breedlove, Becky Monds, Caitlin Halstead, Nekasha Pratt, Kerri Potts, Margaret Kercher, Jere Warren, Patrick Aprea, Natalie Underwood, Colleen Lacey, and Taylor Ward.
A huge thanks to my agent, Ariele Fredman, who said yes to representing me as I stood at an empty gate in the Detroit airport trying, and failing, to appear professional and composed. Thank you for championing this story.
To Blake Leyers—you were the first person to believe in this book and the first person ever (that I know of) to get a tattoo inspired by something I wrote. Thank you for helping me find le mot juste.
To Jodi Warshaw—it was such a delight to get to work with you on this book as I’d worked with you on my others. You knew my writing, and you believed in me, which made you the perfect person to spur me on. I’m so glad you were a part of this book.
To John and Jennifer Tuckwiller—I didn’t know you all that well when you provided a reason for Larkin to be next door. I’ll never forget going on a long walk in the midst of a pandemic as you filled me in on what it was like to face John’s deployment with small children in the exact same time period I was setting this book. It was just the impetus I needed to keep going forward with this idea. Thanks to both of you for your sacrifice then and for your friendship now—you guys are more than friends; you’ve become family!
To my cousin Nancy, thank you for letting me borrow your name, my own small tribute to your dad, Major General Dennis Malcor.
To Emily Allison, thank you for giving me access to your studio and for answering my questions about your amazing sculptures. You gave such good insight into the artist’s life, taught me what a rust garden is, and the putty knife made for a great plot point!
To my friends who faithfully ask about the book and my writing, and who provide lots of laughter and joy in my life: Lisa and Mike Shea, Micah and Maria Swett, Rick and Rachel Olsen, Laurel Sauls, Kelman Dow, April Duncan, Kimberly Young, Karen Baker, and the SBGG—Pam Johnson, Kelly Andrews, and Kelly Clemmons. I don’t know what I’d do without you all!
To Mac and Jenna and the staff at Grapevine—you two have been consistent encouragers and friends throughout this process, even when you didn’t know you were doing so. Thank you for providing an oasis on my desert days.
To the ladies in my Bible study on Mondays—you never stopped praying for this book, and I am so grateful.
To my local indie booksellers, Dawn Miller and Candace Blackwell of Pelican Books—you guys were enthusiastic and steadfast cheerleaders during this process and always inspired me to keep on keeping on. And to all the booksellers out there, thank you for inspiring readers and writers alike by what you faithfully show up and do every day.
To Suzanne Cisneros and Jeff Dugas for making Dread River Writers a thing—you two welcomed us and made us feel so at home we never wanted to leave! Thank you for supporting the arts by hosting a gaggle of chatty writers in your beautiful space.
To my writer friends who listened to me whine and complain for, lo, so many years, and then cheered for me when it all worked out (as, like I tell my kids, it always does): Liz Fenton, Catherine McKenzie, Emily Carpenter, Laura Benedict, J. T. Ellison, Mary Kay Andrews, Patti Callahan Henry, Meg Walker, T. I. Lowe, Kim Wright, Joy Callaway, Erika Marks, Joy Jordan Lake, Anne Bogel, Claire Gibson, Tori Whitaker, Traci Keel, Lauren Denton, Lanier Isom, Gin Phillips, Lindsey Brackett, and Abby Belbeck.
Lisa Patton, you walked with me every step of the way, and I don’t know what I would’ve done without you in more ways than one. While some of this process I would trade in a skinny minute, I wouldn’t trade the chance for our friendship to grow stronger as we went through this together. Thank you for being there, my friend.
Ariel Lawhon, you’ve been there for this particular book, and you’ve been there for the ones before it. Two things stand out to me this time: First, you gave me editing advice that Thaddeus should have something that only the reader sees that shows his vulnerability, his humanity. I was like, “Yeah, thanks for this ambiguous advice. Real helpful.” That night I dreamed Davy threw a rock, and there was my answer. And second, at a time when I was going to quit, you said something to the effect of “You can’t give up on Davy,” which was a low blow, but supereffective. So, as always, thank you. I love you muchly.
To my mom, Sandy Brown—thank you for being my mom and my cheerleader. You faithfully listened to me week after week as I struggled with this book, and your belief in me is unwavering. Your laugh, your smile, your voice, and your spirit keep me going. I love you, Mom.
My husband, Curt Whalen: you have both my undying gratitude and my never-ending apologies for all you sacrificed and endured during the writing of this book. You sat with me while I cried; you took me out when I wanted to hide under the covers; you did whatever it took to keep me going. I often doubted, but I don’t think you ever did. I am so grateful to do this life with you. Always, MB.
Our kids: Jack, Ashleigh, Matt, Bekah, Brad, and Annaliese, above anything I ever write or anything I ever achieve, being your mom will always be the best thing I’ve ever done. There is never a time when we are all together that I don’t marvel at the true miracles each of you are. I love you guys!
And finally, “Lord my God, you have done many things—your wondrous works and your plans for us; none can compare with you. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told” (Psalm 40:5 csb).