To my longtime dear friends Sanja Kajic and Lynsey Wills, who always take time to read and check in and make trips to visit, I love you dearly. Every time we get together, it feels like we’ve never been apart, and that brings me joy!

To my maternal grandparents, Cy and Ethel, who both passed away long before this manuscript was ever written. They were integral to my upbringing. Their battles with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were full of grace, hardship, and, most of all, humanity. They taught me the importance of crafting a life of impact and the bittersweet fragility of personhood. I’m forever grateful for the path they set me on, inspiring my scientific career in Alzheimer’s disease research before I transitioned to writing full time. I’d like to think they’d be proud of this story, but honestly, they’d probably hate the smut bahaha. But that’s okay, because I know they’d be proud of me. And I am enormously proud of them. Grandma and Grandpa—I wish I’d told you more often how grateful I am for the way you stepped up to help raise me. I think of you all the time. I hope you know now how much you’ve steered the course of my ship and how deeply I love and miss you.

Last but never least, to my wonderful boys. Fun fact: I never would have figured out the flow of the Sam vs. railing scene if it wasn’t for my husband, Daniel, moving the furniture and acting it out with me, HAHA. None of this would be possible without you, Daniel. Every moment of support you give, whether it’s bringing me snacks or staying up late to quietly sit with me on deadline or helping to keep me sane (not an easy task), I see it. And I appreciate it more than I can ever express. I love you so very much. You are simply amazing in every way, and I’m so lucky that our chance meet-cute became a real-life happy ending. And to our son, Hayden, thank you for your incredible kindness, your empathy, your hugs, your pats on my cheek that I adore. I love you for all time. You’re the best, “infinity-times-infinity-plus-one-no-returns.” I know you’re going to ask me when you’re allowed to read this book. Convince Dad to let me get a pet raccoon and we’ll talk. (Just kidding, the answer is still never.)

About the Author

#1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and international sensation with works sold worldwide in more than twenty-five countries to date, BRYNNE WEAVER has traveled the world, taken in more stray animals than her husband would probably prefer, and nurtured her love for dark comedies, horror, and romance in both literature and film. During all her adventures, the constant thread in Brynne’s life has been writing. With ten published works and counting, Brynne has made her mark in the literary world by blending irreverent dark comedy, swoon-worthy romance, and riveting suspense to create genre-breaking, addictive stories for readers to escape into.