by Boo Walker
Claire reached for her two men and pulled them close, wrapping her arms around their waists. She turned her head to each of them, smiling. Other pedestrians wove by, racing in and out of the madness, juggling their phones and cups of coffee. A car horn blared, starting a cascade of horns that worked their way up Fifth like falling dominoes. A bus slid up to the curb behind them with a screech, and people of every kind piled out.
So many people, so many broken roads. But it was here Claire’s broken road ended.
Acknowledgments
A huge thanks to my rock star agent, Andrea Hurst, who helped tremendously in taking this novel to the next level and pushing me to my best. It’s been one lovely honeymoon of aligning stars since the first day we spoke. Thank you to Chris Werner, Krista Stroever, and Danielle Marshall of Lake Union for giving me a chance. It’s a dream come true to be working with you.
Thanks to my incredible alpha and beta readers, who trudged through the story long before it was ready. You poked holes in all the right places, and I think we got ’em all! Your selflessness is inspiring.
I had a feeling exploring foster care in Florida would touch my soul, but I had no idea the extent. What a vast collection of golden hearts. You make me want to be a better human. Specifically, I’d like to thank Laurallyn Segur, Jacky and Jerry Logemann, Crystal Sterker, Amy Lawrence, and Kelly Zarle, who brought me into their world and showed me what it’s like to love with everything you have. This book is for the children you continue to help every day.
Through this journey, I’m reminded of the importance of family, and to that end I owe everything to Mikella and Riggs. You are my tribe, and your love, support, and belief in my art fill me to the brim. Thank you.
Thanks to all of you who’ve read my books and supported me over the years. I’m one lucky guy.
About the Author
Photo © 2018 Brandi Morris
Boo Walker is the author of the Red Mountain Chronicles series. He initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there among the grapevines that he fell in love with telling stories. A wanderer at heart, Boo currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with his wife and son. For more information, visit www.boowalker.com.