Always Been Mine (25 page)

I didn’t know what to say. There were so many issues that wouldn’t resolve themselves in a day, or hell, even a month. But, he was worth it. We were worth it. I leaned into him. “I love you, too, Matty.”

This book would not have been possible without my amazing husband. Thank you for cooking supper, entertaining the boys, and cleaning up night after night. But most of all, thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams and always listening to my thoughts when I got stuck. You are amazing and I love you!

Thank you boys, for your willingness to sit at the table for hours and color while Mommy typed, for turning the kitchen floor into a giant playground of train tracks and dump trucks just so I didn’t miss out on the fun while writing, and for having patience and asking nicely (even if it was the fifth time) if I could get you whatever it was you needed. Your mommy loves you more than you will ever know!

When I started writing ABM, I had no idea how many people I would meet and how many friendships would be born. Thank you for all your support!

To Jenn B., the first person I trusted with ABM and a great friend. Thank you for believing in me!

To Mel, at Melchelle Designs for guiding me through the process and bringing Matty and Jo to life. And, for all the constant advice, encouragement, and never getting irritated with my nine billion questions.

To Amber, at Editing by Amber,
always offering support and for taking my rough draft and making it beautiful. However, I was still adding material at the last minute, so if there are any grammar mistakes, they are all mine.

To Jennifer, at Read and Share Book Reviews for answering my emails and helping an unknown writer. And, also for putting together an amazing cover reveal. You were my light in the darkness.

To Margreet, at Ripe For Reader for making me laugh, all of your uplifting emails, and for letting me bounce ideas off you. You helped spread the word. I think ABM is better because of you!

To Janie, at CrossAngels for being a support and for loving my characters. I will gladly talk about them with you anytime!

To fellow writer Gary N. Hauger, for always writing back, even if it was just to say you understood my frustrations. Friends like you are hard to find.

To my friends and co-workers that listened to stories of Matty and Joes, over and over, and didn’t get annoyed.

And thank you reader, for taking a chance on an unknown author. I hope you loved Matty and Jo as much as I do!