The Exception (The Exception #1)

Kari, my partner-in-crime: How do I even begin to say how much you mean to me? They say true friendships can be measured by how readily someone is there for you after not speaking for a week. You are always there for me in so many ways. Here’s to late night sticker wars, Friday night Kellan fights, intensive “research”, long distance telephone calls, and “He really just gave us that address?!” freak outs. Ha! We will share that bottle of FSOG wine yet! I love you more than I love Cam. Okay, that’s a stretch. But I do adore you. ;)

Heather, I really have no words. I know that’s cliché, but it’s true. You are one of the kindest, most supportive, most hilarious people I have ever met. You believed in this book, in these characters, in ME from the start. Hell, you believed in it all before I did. You are more than the #bestpaever—you are my music maestro, my cheerleader, my encourager, my ‘I would so bring you coffee’ person, and, most importantly, my friend. YOU are the reason this book is complete. YOU are the reason Cane didn’t lose his mancard. YOU are the reason his POV’s are intact. YOU are the reason this book was published. If the world likes Cane and Max, they should thank YOU. Just like I do. Now that this is over, I’m going to send you a message longer than three words, ‘kay? ;)

Mandi, my QQ, my #synopsislesssister. Thank you for talking me off the ledge, for making me laugh, for your love of a good douchebag, and for telling me when the jeans fit and when they didn’t look so hot. I’m so excited to be on #teamStickyD! Are you still working on your mantra? Because I’m now officially able to help beta that! ;) I really have no idea what I would have done without our sprints, our #atison, and our #mambasanddoughnutsforever. I do believe it’s COFFEE TIME! 3..2..1.. BREAK!

Amy, if no other good thing happens with this book, I got your notes! Ha! Thank you for taking the time to read it in the middle of ‘moving hell’ and your humble offer to writing my dedication and acknowledgements. ;) Your laughter and wisdom kept me from jumping off a cliff a number of times (and kept my laundry done!). Your guidance was invaluable and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know … even though I didn’t discuss certain things with you. Our friendship is one of my most prized relationships—I just want you to know that. I love you, my stabby friend. Why are we not comedians again? #haveityourway #copyright #illallowit #chandeliersandsparkplugs #idfriendme #myperson

Jennifer C, your taste in football teams may suck majorly, but I’m glad we were able to move past that, sistah. ;) I feel like I’ve known you forever and a day. Thank you for EVERYTHING. (I used all caps to try to encompass everything—I wasn’t shouting.) I could never even begin to go into detail for all the things you’ve done for me through this journey. Your excitement was contagious, your support game changing. Your encouragement pushed me through many dark nights. Thank you for reading this a million times (no exaggeration). Who knows? Maybe the Red Sox will win the Series this year? Life’s funny like that …

Linda, I PRESUME you know how much you affected me and “book 1” and “book 2”. ;) Your willingness to help and your attention to detail were amazing, but it’s your friendship that I appreciate the most. Thank you for letting me vent, for being honest with me. Thank you for not only listening to my ramblings but going out of your way to SHOW ME why I was right or wrong. You’ve went above and beyond and I am terribly lucky you call you a friend. I am going to come and read with you in that beautiful sunny room one day! You better be ready! And again, I’m sorry this book doesn’t have angst. ;) Ha! <3

Lara, you are the sunshine in my life, my California friend! If there were more Lara’s out there, the world would be a much better place. You are a sweet, supportive, and funny when I’m writing or when I’m not. You remember the little things and go out of your way to make me smile. You are a friend even when I’m having a bad day (or week). The size of your heart, the way you love is an inspiration. I hope you know that I love you.

Kimberly, even though you always seem to make me cry, I thank God that I “met” you. Thank you for holding my hand, for hooking me up with your contacts, and eating cookies for me. Your phone call “that one day” probably saved my sanity and this manuscript. You are a true friend, Kim. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now I just need to book a flight. I believe there is peanut butter-chocolate ice cream, shots, and a “spa” (term used loosely) waiting on us! Ha!

Jesey from SchmexyGirl Book Blog, there are a handful of genuinely “good” people in the world and you are one of them. You jumped in to help me with absolutely no hesitation, just a barrage of questions. And your weekly check-in’s on my sanity always made me smile. I could thank you a million times over and it wouldn’t be enough. Raquel and I both love you. ;)