Sincere thanks to YOU, the reader of this book, for investing your hard-earned cash in Leo and Emma’s story. Without you I would not be able to do what I do – I would not be able to do what I love. You have changed my life, and your messages over the last few years have been the highlight of my writing career. My sincerest gratitude to you all.
Thank you to Wendy, Clare and the many other amazing women who kept me sane and useful during the writing of this book. To my wonderful friends whose excitement about my career continues – genuinely – to be a huge joy in my life. Thank you to my dear family, Lyn, Brian and Caroline Walsh, who I’ve missed terribly in the madness of the pandemic; also Dave Mallows, and the Exton, Clyst St George, Exeter and London Paglieros, wonderful cheerleaders and in-laws.
Thank you to George, who took our children out time after time in the cruellest days of winter lockdown so I could meet my deadline, and who has always believed in this book – and me. We survived! （Just.） Thank you for never keeping secrets for me, and for being exactly who you always have been, right from the moment we met.
And thank you to my two children. To my little lockdown baby girl, the brightest light in a dark time, and my now big boy, who made me roar with laughter when I wondered if I’d ever smile again.
You three are the loves of my life.