I Want It That Way

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thanks first to Laura Bradford, who still shines after all these years.

Much appreciation to Margo Lipschultz for loving this book as much as I do. Really, that gratitude extends to the whole team at Harlequin for moving mountains so readers could enjoy this story as fast as possible. They’ve done a phenomenal job under incredible pressure, so I tip my hat to all departments that contributed to the project’s success.

Thanks to Michael G., for patiently answering my questions about teaching special education. Any mistakes or liberties are my own.

No list is complete without the wonderful friends and colleagues who help me in so many ways. Thanks to Lauren Dane, Megan Hart, Bree Bridges, Donna J. Herren, HelenKay Dimon, Vivian Arend, Tessa Dare, Rae Carson, Amie Kaufman, Robin LaFevers, Yasmine Galenorn, Myke Cole and Jenn Bennett. So many hugs to Courtney Milan, Karen Alderman and Majda ˇColak, who believed in this book and encouraged me before I started typing. If not for your certainty and support, it’s possible I never would’ve written this. Thank you all so much.

Big love to the loops that must not be named. You cheer; you listen. You keep me sane. Your achievements make me proud and push me to work harder. Before I joined your number, I never truly understood the importance of sisterhood. Thank you for teaching me.

Thanks to my family. I couldn’t do this without you. Your patience, generosity and understanding make it possible for me to soar ever higher. Love you all.

Finally, thanks to my readers for following where I lead. I hope you all travel as I have, stumbling over rocks, falling into sunlight with a few scratches, but none the worse for an unexpected tumble. May the world always surprise you with its hidden beauty, and may there always be new books on your shelves.