She knew what he meant. They’d both made their choices. There was no going back. Surprisingly, with her life currently spun out of control, Arden was happy.
He gave her another kiss, harder this time. His breath tickled against her mouth with the promise of something deeper. She felt safe, knowing that everything would work out. Maybe it would take a bit of effort and some bloodshed, but they’d get there.
Dade pulled away, rubbing his nose against hers.
“You and me,” she agreed. “Forever.” She realized what this commitment would cost her, and she was willing to pay the price.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It’s a blessing to be surrounded by many incredible people. I’m thankful to each and every one of you.
I wouldn’t be writing this without the hard work of my agent, Carlie Webber. She is smart, honest, and nothing short of amazing. I’m thankful and appreciative of all the time she dedicates to making my dreams come true. Thank you for taking this journey with me and always having my back.
I would like to send a big hug to my editor, Adrienne Procaccini, who saw the potential in my story and gave me the tools to make it into something infinitely better than I could have dreamed. Thank you for believing in me and Dade and Arden. The three of us will be forever grateful. And to all of the Skyscape team who have been wonderful, making each step of this process a joy.
To Amara Holstein who whip-cracked this book, thank you for your kind words and thoughtful insights. You made this book shine.
Hugs and kisses for my husband, Steven, the man behind the curtain. My life couldn’t run without you. Thank you for pitching in when I sometimes forget to cook dinner, or never batting an eye when I’m still in my pajamas when you get home. Your sacrifices made this happen. I’m so lucky to be married to my best friend.
I want to thank my kids, Seth and Rebekah, who take seriously their job of making sure I don’t become old, from keeping watch of my clothes and hairstyles to making sure that I know the current slang. It’s so much easier to write YA fiction with you in my corner.
Thank you to my mom, Beckie, who is the first person to read every word I write. I know the common advice is, “Don’t show your mom your work, she’ll just say it’s amazing.” Well, those people haven’t met my mom. She has zero problems telling me, “It’s not there yet, keep working.” She is my toughest critic and the one whom I can’t live without. Moms know what they’re talking about. I always listen to my mom, even when I don’t like what she has to say.
To my cheerleader, Anissa Maxwell, thank you for being honest, thoughtful, and constant. I’m so lucky to have you as a friend. I’m glad we’re on this writing journey together.
Finally, to all my other family and friends who have read drafts of my work or listened to me moan about the hardships of publishing, thank you for believing in me. Your support means a great deal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heather Hansen was born in California, the oldest of five children. She always knew she wanted to be a writer, and she wrote her first book, a murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie, in seventh grade. Unfortunately, she never could figure out who the murderer was, so the book went on for hundreds of pages, introducing new characters only to kill them off in the most gruesome ways her twelve-year-old imagination could invent. Her teacher was equally impressed and horrified.
Heather has a degree in English from California State University Fullerton and has traveled the world with her husband, a retired Marine. Her favorite place they’ve lived is Okinawa, Japan, where she had her choice of ramen, Japanese curry, and sushi every day. Along with their two teens and three dogs, they now live in Las Vegas, where she spends her time writing all day and eating Nutella with a spoon. The Breaking Light is her first novel.