Radha fidgeted, tugging at her hair. “Um, Kylie, you’ve totally got this. And I know it ’cause I know you.”
“Peanuts don’t even grow on trees,” Sawyer said. “They hide in the ground. You don’t hide at all, so you’re better than them.”
“You can do it, sweetheart,” Melvin contributed.
“I have full faith in the process,” Cassie said. “And you’ve completed every step. I’m extremely proud of you.”
“No doubt,” Heather said. “You are all over it, Miss Kylie.”
“I love you, sweetie,” Aunt Micki said. “You show that crazy nut who’s boss.”
“We are all right here, only for you,” Sandy said.
“You’re my girl,” my mom said. “I know you can do this. Perseverance is in your genes.”
“I’ve never known anyone stronger,” Matt said. “I love you, Kylie.”
Everyone looked at me.
I swallowed, unsure if I could do this. How in the world could I fit a lifetime of love into a few words?
“You’re my hero,” I said, “before you even begin chewing. I look at you right now, ready to take this risk, and you’ve already won, baby. You’re the bravest person I’ve ever met. I love you for a million reasons, but right now because you are taking this on with a smile on your face.”
“Thanks, everyone,” Kylie said. She reached into the box, pinched the peanut between her index finger and thumb, tossed it up in the air . . .
. . . and caught it in her mouth.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Autoimmune disorders are frustrating, sneaky, tricky, difficult to diagnose, and unfortunately, more and more common. I wrote this book because I saw suffering all around me—family, friends, coworkers—it seems everyone has been touched in some way by autoimmune troubles. I felt helpless in the face of all that suffering. I’m no doctor, but I am a writer, so I wrote this story in the hopes that it might spark some understanding and compassion from those who are not physically affected, and some validation and hope for those who are. Again, I’m not a medical professional, and this is fiction—it’s not meant to promote an agenda. Dr. Indigo’s methods are not the norm. My intent was simply to point out that kindness and positivity should not be absent from the medical arena—on the contrary. In facing illnesses that are difficult to treat, we need to remember that there is a person attached to each symptom, a person deserving of dignity, respect, and understanding.
I spoke with many people while conducting research for this book, but I’d like to point out two in particular who were exceedingly gracious with their time. Both are moms of kids who have experienced desensitization therapy—Joyce Georgi and Julie Tippett Simon. I can’t thank you both enough for your honesty and openness. I wish I could name all the other folks who helped, particularly those who reached out to me on Facebook, but I’d need pages and pages. Please know that I am grateful to all.
I’d also like to give a special shout-out to Lynn Prindes and her daughter Emily, who never fail to put a smile on my face.
I’m incredibly thankful for my editor, Jodi Warshaw, who is open to all my crazy ideas, but also knows how to rein me in. She’s smart, gracious, and kind. This book also greatly benefitted from the sharp eye and lively mind of Jenna Free, developmental editor extraordinaire. The team at Lake Union continues to impress me with their commitment to giving writers the best possible shot at success. I feel very lucky that LU has my back. Thanks also to my agent and cheerleader, Patricia Nelson of Marsal Lyon.
Special thanks and love to my family, particularly my two sweet boys, Dan and Jack, and my lovely stepdaughters, Hannah and Sophia.
My husband, Gus Richter, is my touchstone for unconditional love, patience, acceptance, and commitment. Without his steadying presence I would not be able to do what I do. I’m forever grateful.
BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS
Ally waited thirty-eight years to seek out the truth about her birth family. Why is this? Do you think she’s being honest about her reasons, or does her avoidance stem from deeper issues?
Dr. Indigo offers alternative therapies to Kylie. What are some of the benefits of her unusual methods? What are some of the negatives? Would you submit to Dr. Indigo’s exercises? Would you continue to take your child to see her?
Why does the thought of Ally seeking information about her biological family make Sophie uncomfortable? Can you sympathize with her thought process?
What does Bernie need from Micki and Radha at The Not-So-Blushing-Bride? Why does she keep returning to the store? How does the discovery of Reggie’s identity change your perception of Bernie’s experience?
How do Ally’s insecurities get in her way? How does she overcome them? Does her perception of herself match your understanding of her character?
What is the root of Ally and Matt’s dysfunction as a couple? Do you understand Matt’s need to date? Do you understand Ally’s difficulty accepting his choice?
How does the information Micki gives Ally about her birth mother affect Ally’s perception of herself? Of other people, particularly Sophie and Kylie?
How would the characters in the book define “family” at the start of the story? At the end?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo © 2015 Alexa Frangos
Loretta Nyhan is the bestselling author of Digging In, All the Good Parts, and the teen paranormal thrillers The Witch Collector Part I and The Witch Collector Part II. With Suzanne Hayes, she coauthored the historical novels Empire Girls and Home Front Girls. Loretta was a reader before she was a writer, devouring everything she could get her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and the instruction booklet for building the Barbie Dreamhouse. Later, her obsession with reading evolved into an absolute need to write. After college, she wrote for national trade magazines, taught writing to college freshmen, and eventually found the guts to try fiction. When she’s not writing, Nyhan is knitting, baking, and doing all kinds of things her high school self would have found hilarious. Find her online at www.lorettanyhan.com.
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