I grab it and bring it to my bed, flip it open, and read the last entries.
94. Home! With Dad, Josie, Mom, Mom, Mom. Chief! My room. The big gold couch. Josie’s cookies. Mom’s hugs. Dad’s smile. Our house. Home home home home home.
95. Making plans for the future with Gideon. Making a future with Gideon via plans.
96. Isabel, here at home. Like she’s a piece of the puzzle we always knew we’d find.
97. Every time I look at Sebastian. Every time.
98. Letting go of regret. Embracing life, the future, love.
I write the next one.
99. Today. This perfect day.
I smile as I hear footsteps coming down the hall.
Gideon appears at my door and props his elbow on the frame. Chief bounces around at his feet for a second, then flops on his back, waiting for a stomach rub. “I think your dad’s trying to give me your dog.”
I laugh. “Not so fast,” I say. “But I’ll consider sharing him with you.”
His eyebrows go up. “That’s better than I expected.” He sits beside me and takes my hand. His eyes drop to my notebook, scanning the last lines. “Nice,” he says, smiling at me. “What’s one hundred going to be?”
It’s a really good question. I smile, closing the notebook. “I’m leaving it empty. So I never stop looking.”
“I see a Reason now,” he says, looking right into my eyes.
I smile. “So do I.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Seeker lived up to its name. This book was most definitely a search—for the story itself and for what it means to me. I felt the support and guidance of Melissa Frain every step of the way. Mel, thank you for your editorial guidance and your friendship. I’ve been so very fortunate to work with you.
Thanks also to the entire team at Tor Teen, especially Amy Stapp, Diana Griffin, and Patty Garcia. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to work with such a warm, talented, and passionate group.
I’ve also been lucky to have Josh and Tracey Adams on my side. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. My writing friends are always there to cheer me on or pick me up. Lorin Oberweger, Katy Longshore, Lia Keyes, Kim Turrisi, and Talia Vance were particularly helpful in the writing of this book. Thank you so much.
Finally, to my family, who make plenty of sacrifices so that I can do what I love: I love nothing more than you. So, um … are you up for another book?