God. No words, because no words can describe.
Keith. You’re the best person I’ve ever known. Period.
Thomas Nelson team. WOW. Special thanks to Bryan, Chad, Katy, Emily, Kathie, Kristen, Julie, Brian, Heather, Reneé, the fabulous sales team, and everyone else whose hands touched this book.
Bryan. The best editor in the business (I’ve confirmed this with too many independent sources for it not to be true). You poured your heart into this book and gave me support at a level unheard of in this business for a first-time author. I am now fully convinced that what often makes the difference between a good book and a great one is not the author but rather the editor. And here’s my gift to you for being so amazing: I assure you that editing book number two won’t be this much work . . . promise.
Bill. Thank you for being the most incredible agent a gal could ever ask for or hope to have. When we met, I was still hesitant about becoming an author. I’ve always loved to write; it’s cathartic for me. You promised that should I decide to become an author, you would make it your job to ensure it never felt like work. And you’ve kept your word.
To the members of the Happy Wives Club and the beautiful couples interviewed in this book, to say this wouldn’t have happened without you is an understatement. What I learned from you will continue with me for a lifetime. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes, helping me feel safe in your cities, taking me on tours, and most important, for the fabulous food and teas!
Mom. The woman who embodies a happy and loving wife and whom I never heard speak a negative word of my father in the thirty-nine years you were married. I miss him too.
Mom and Pop and Lee and Arlene. Thank you for loving my husband so much that you accepted me as your daughter. I am a blessed woman indeed!
Tracey. The most wonderful big sister a girl could ever have. Thank you for helping raise me like I was your own. The businesswoman I am today is because I learned from the best. Thank you for investing so much in me, which has allowed me to give so much to others.
Launi, Christy Joy, and Gabrielle. The beautiful trifecta. I just adore you. I don’t know of any other family that has as much fun as ours. Not to mention, what other family gets together as much as we do . . . with no drama? Life is good. I love you.
Launi (again) and Carlos, the two most talented art directors I know (it’s good to have family in high places!). Thank you for taking a concept trapped in my head and bringing it to life as the cover of this book. I know how busy you both are, and that you would put everything on hold—on a Sunday, no less—to get this done means the world to me. I love you both!
Adisa aka Franko aka Brother. It’s been great having you in California so I can finally get to know you. Now, don’t you go anywhere, okay? Love you much.
Michael and Keiko. Your kindness toward me began long before you ever knew me. It began with my husband and the same love and support you have always given Keith you have now extended to me. Thank you.
Angie, Jocelyn, Kai, and CJ. This club began growing because of you. And as the years have gone on, your excitement just continues to grow. We’re closer than close, and that makes me smile. You are my sisters in every sense of the word. You inspire me daily.
Ty. Thank you for always being an endless well of love and support. So happy you married your knight in shining armor and blessed us with our godson.
Zie Zie. Thank you for being one of the kindest and most giving women I’ve ever known. I aspire to be like you when I grow up!
Jen, I really am going to send out flares and APBs . . . love you.
A quote often attributed to Warren Buffett expresses my life, “When people tell me they’ve learned from experience, I tell them the trick is to learn from other people’s experience.” In this life, I have had many teachers. And if my immediate family weren’t so big and the publisher hadn’t just told me I need to cut 15,000 words, I could actually list you by name. So please forgive me for giving one giant THANK YOU to everyone who has ever touched my life or taught me a lesson and to those I have the great pleasure of calling friend.