This story is dedicated to my husband, who believed in me years ago when I said I wanted to write fiction but didn't know where to start.

Thanks to Gavin Atlas for years of critiques and conversations about writing, and for your active and enthusiastic assistance during every stage of this story's creation, from premise brainstorming to final edits. This story wouldn't exist without your generous spirit.

Thanks to Michelle Miles--I couldn't ask for a more supportive crit partner. Thank you for going over this story with such a careful eye, and for making me aware of all my verbal tics.

Thanks to Kimberly, for all the writing retreats, the late-night conversations about craft and beloved books, the detailed critiques that gave me an entirely new perspective on how stories work, and for the encouragement. You've been there from the start.

Thanks to Selena Kitt for being willing to take a chance on this story.

Thanks to Dakota Trace for designing such a wonderful cover.