Book Dedications

FOR WHITNEY

In memory of Amanda Mierzwa

For the kids with the SoundCloud accounts and the big dreams. I see you. And for my mom, who saw it in me first.

For Morgan Fahey - wartime general peacetime consigliere dearest friend (mostly) benevolent queen

“No words exist to accurately describe the infinite ways in which your soul touches mine. If they did, I would surely have written them by now. And yet, I continue to write.”

We dedicate this book, and the movie, to all the patients, families, medical staff, and loved ones who bravely fight the battle against cystic fibrosis every day. We hope the story of Stella and Will helps to bring awareness to this disease and, one day, a cure. -M.D. and T.I. 

For Kelly Link, one of the merfolk

To those who have gone before, Those finding their way, And those yet to begin, May we move in peace, love, and joy.

For Brooks Sherman, an agent of the universe who brought us together. And Andrew Eliopulos and Donna Bray, who made our universe bigger.

IN MEMORY OF MY FATHER, TOMMY FORDE

To everyone who reaches out instead of running

For Ashley. Our friendship is my favorite rom-com.

For Mom

For anyone who has ever dreamed of finding a body in the library

For my mom, who saved the invitations from every Deb event. Who’s the best mama? You are.

To Joseph, my forever love

To Ron, for all the reasons, and many more besides