Hold On to Me

“You’re always with me. Until then, this is our last goodbye.”

If you or a loved one is suffering with grief and need someone to talk to, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Lifeline is a 24-hour hotline dedicated to emotional distress. No matter what problem you’re dealing with, small or big, their trained crisis workers are there when you’re in need. You don’t have to be alone.

First and foremost, I need to thank my husband. Each night I sit at the computer for hours on end and sometimes into the early morning typing away. You don’t nag me to death and ask me questions about my stories—which you know I have a difficult time answering. You don’t read over my shoulder, or beg to read every sentence I write—which you know I don’t like. You just roll with the tide and let me do what I want and never complain. For that, I love you so much more. Having your support means more to me than anything. And my two amazing boys who will probably never read this, thank you for always wanting to play outside so I can write. You boys are the light of my life, the coral of the ocean. I aspire to be better for both of you.

Nadine Winningham. Woman extraordinaire. I’ve tried over and over to write this only to delete it each time. Truth is, there are no right words that can express how much I appreciate everything you do. You’ve been my biggest supporter since the beginning. Not just encouraging me, but teaching me so much at the same time. You’re an amazing person inside and out, and I feel so grateful having you as my friend as well as my editor now. I knew there was no one else other than you who could shine this story up the way you could. You understand “Lucia speak” and can read my mind. It’s kind of scary! You’re stuck with me forever, so don’t try running off on me. Thank you for everything!

Alyssa “hype killer” West, I’m not sure where to begin with you. There are so many things I want to say, but I’ll start with the most important one—being a real friend. Between our 7am phone calls, crazy text messages, book talk, mailing teas to each other, your hilarious sarcasm, to getting matching haircuts, you are such an amazing friend. You aren’t afraid to hurt my feelings and that means a lot to me. Thank you for all the insane feedback you did. You went above and beyond more than anyone I’ve ever seen before and I could never thank you enough. You’re wild and crazy and I love it.

Alyssa West, Roxie Madar, Anne Woodall, Trisha Rai, Amanda Hoot

ie Click, Tammy McGowan, Melissa Devita, and Melissa Webster, my incredible betas, if it wasn’t for your feedback, John and Alyssa’s story would not be what it is today. Each one of you brought something different to the table that made a big difference in the long run. The end result is exactly what I envisioned, and I have you to thank for that. I am forever grateful for the time and effort you put in to reading for me. Thank you all a million times over!

Authors Corinne Michaels and Gabbie S. Duran, thank you for being patient with me and answering every question I had involving the Military and the kind of lifestyle our real life heroes lead. I’m sure I drove you ladies crazy by asking the same questions over and over, but it means so much that you were willing to help me so I got it right.

My Indie author friends, Claire Contreras, Micalea Smeltzer, RE Hunter, Beth Ehemann, and

J.A. Dueron, all of you were there when I had questions, had to vent or just needed a good laugh. I’m so lucky to have you ladies in my life.