We （and Jerry） will be very happy together.
NEXT POST: THE CURVY GIRL GOES WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING
BRITTA AND WES finally found their paths. If their story has raised concerns or questions for you about your path or the path of someone you love, the resources below may be helpful.
NATIONAL EATING DISORDERS ASSOCIATION | nationaleatingdisorders.org
AL-ANON/ALATEEN | al-anon.org
NAR-ANON | nar-anon.org
Acknowledgments
The idea for this book came to me when I sat in a room full of strong, caring, purposeful people of color where I felt safe to be vulnerable and brave enough to tell this personal story. First and foremost, thank you to people who give others the strength to feel that way. I count myself lucky to have so many of them in my life.
My husband and my sweet tiny human, thank you for always cheering me on, encouraging me to write, and offering up needed distraction in the form of a Netflix binge or dance party. I can’t imagine spending my life with two more perfect dudes. Tiny Human: You can NEVER read this book, either.
This book came to fruition during the pandemic, and though that meant being apart from my family for a long time, their care stretched through the phone and over Zoom. Thank you to my parents, who have always pushed me to do better and had a hug or high-five no matter what. Thank you to my brother. I could share a quote from our orthodontist, but I think you know what you mean to me. To Amanda, Mike, Melissa, Jean, Bruce, Barb, Tim, Aretha, Allison, Kaitlin, and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins, my niece and nephews, and my friends, thank you for listening to me talk about writing for years, and for endless support.
I highly recommend having talented publishing professionals in your life who happen to also be strong and kind. Thank you to my wonderful agent, Sharon Pelletier, for always being in my corner and making me feel seen. Thank you also to Lauren Abramo, Andrew Dugan, and Cat Hosch at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, Kristina Moore at Anonymous Content, and Eleanor Russell and the Piatkus team.
Thank you to my editor, Kerry Donovan. I can’t imagine working with someone else—my soul and my book have so much more sparkle because of you. Also thank you to Dache’ Rogers, Tara O’Connor, Bridget O’Toole, Natalie Sellars, Mary Baker, Lindsey Tulloch, and the rest of the Berkley and Penguin Random House team for bringing this novel into the world. The cover for this book was designed by Farjana Yasmin, and I am in love with the beautiful representation of the book that includes a sky full of possibilities.
Bethany Moore has read this book more than anyone and was the very first person to fall in love with Wes and Britta. More than that, she’s my sister in every way except blood, and one of the strongest and most beautiful people I know.
I don’t know if I’d have made it through 2020 without the Better Than Brunch crew. Charish Reid, Taj McCoy, and Cass Newbould, you are my rocks. The laughter and love in our Sunday writing session fills my cup, and I love you three.
Katie Golding, you are amazing, affirming, and the ultimate cheerleader, but also the ultimate friend. On top of writing captivating stories I can’t get out of my head, you are a beautiful, strong woman who makes me feel like I can do and be more. Thank you for being part of my world, Eagle!
Allison Ashley, I will always trust you with my messy drafts, knowing you will make the book better. Thank you for loving Britta and Wes from the beginning!
Rosie Danan, you are a ray of sunshine and I am so glad we are friends. You haven’t convinced me to watch Speed, but you have impressed and inspired me at every turn with your talent, care, compassion, and humor.
Jen DeLuca, Libby Hubscher, Priscilla Oliveras, Tova Opatrny, and Sarah Smith, thank you for always being there with encouragement, advice, humor, or the perfect GIF （and sometimes all four）。
Thank you, Kenyatta, Jacki, Jasmine, Jalen, Wonjae, Jen, Racheal, Jathan, Matt, Tera, Emily, and the rest of my ISU family for celebrating bookish wins with me. It means the world to me to be able to share my love stories and accomplishments with colleagues I so admire and cherish.
Thank you also to Robin, Kat, Alex, Brenda, Yesenia, Haley, Emily, Brian, Tara, Nicole, Carolyn, Alissa, Rena, Ambre, Lisa, Janet, Salem, Diane, Miranda, Laynie, the rest of #TeamCarly, Natalie, and all the other friends who shared your time and suggestions for this book.
Finally, a huge thank-you to everyone who has let my stories be part of your life. I am endlessly grateful.
Keep reading for a special preview of
DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN
by Denise Williams, coming in fall 2022!
I COULDN’T BLAME Maddie Anderson for scowling at her soon-to-be-ex-husband.