The Hidden Kiss

This story had a very slow, almost painful at times, childhood, and it has been a very long time coming to fruition. At one point, I was almost ready to let it die and fade into the night, no more than a passing thought, but someone stopped me and gave me hope when I was getting stonewalled from all sides. For that, Colby, I thank you. I am eternally in your debt. Mom and Dad, both of you should know how much the support of the whole family has helped me persevere in my writing. There have been times when I would much rather have burned my work than to read it again. I appreciate you never allowing me to do that, and being there to let me know you believe in me. Bree, thank you for making my life a livelier place to be, you’re the best cousin a girl could ever hope to have. Chris, I thank you for your abiding love and support through all my rough patches and frustrations. You are a wonderful man, and you’ve made my life better by being in it. Tori, thank you for living with me and putting up with me, you also have made my life better by being in it from the very start. You’re like a sister to me, only better. Jonathan Weatherford, thank you for being supportive and eager to read my work, as well as telling me to get my butt in gear and to finish this thing. Also, my friend Lauren Cadahia, for reading everything I've written, giving me comments and asking helpful questions, and for inspiring some of the best scenes in this book. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Also, I must thank my two willing and wonderful illustrators-Mr. Colby Branum and Mr. Chris Schmidt, you are both amazing.I love you all.