The Vow

Acknowledgments

Thank you to all the attorneys in my life (and there are many) who helped me wade through the immigration issues for this book. I now understand even less why you all choose to do what you do. But whatever. To each his own. I owe a special thanks to Michael Martinez for going above and beyond his brother-in-law duties by reading the entire manuscript. Mike, that ruled of you. Your knowledge and suggestions were invaluable. Next time I get your name for Christmas I’m going to buy you something awesome, or maybe just less lame than last time.

And to the attorney in my life whose expertise would have been most helpful, but who refused to answer any questions or discuss any issues, thanks for eventually being okay with me writing this book. I owe you.

Thanks also to the editorial team at Simon Pulse, whose patience and creativity was astounding: Anica Rissi, Liesa Abrams, Michael Strother, and everyone else who pored over the manuscript and brainstormed ideas to make things work. I recall at one point during my Dream Act crisis, Anica promised to get on the phone with President Obama if we couldn’t make all the pieces fit. I don’t doubt she would have.

And of course, thanks to Mandy Hubbard, agent extraordinaire, queen of pep talks and sanity checks and smoothing things over. Every writer should be so lucky.

The final and biggest thank-you goes to my children. You are a constant reminder of what’s most important.