write novels about very special, fictional people—men and women of courage and loyalty, of humor and integrity, people who care very much about other people.

I am honored to dedicate this novel to two real-life people who are the equal to any of those fictional characters, two people who I am privileged to call my friends…

To Pauli Marr, with equal parts of gratitude and admiration for all the things you are, and for all the things you've shared with me—including some of the most hilarious, and difficult, moments of my life. Occasionally, at one and the same time…

To Keith Spalding. I always imagined a knight-in-shining-armor would ride to the rescue on a destrier and carry a lance. Who would have guessed he'd ride in a BMW and carry a briefcase! But regardless of the mode of transportation or the method of defense, no knight of old could surpass you for integrity, loyalty, kindness, and humor. My life is so much the better for having known you.

I couldn't end this dedication without mentioning four other wonderful people for reasons they will know and understand:

To Brooke Barhorst, Christopher Fehlig and Tracy Barhorst—with all my love…

To Megan Ferguson, who is one very special young lady—with all my gratitude.