This book is dedicated to my husband, Scott. I love you more than I can say.

Abundant thanks to my critique partners, Tammy and Sheri. I feel sorry for other writers who don't have you two, but I'm not sharing.

I would also like to express my gratitude to several people who let me pick their brains for this project. First I'm overwhelmed by the bravery and dedication of our U.S. Border Patrol Service, now under the Department of Homeland Security. These men and women tirelessly guard our far-flung national boundaries. For the sake of the story, I had to make up a bad guy, but I never ran across one "in real life." These guys are true heroes! In particular, I'd like to thank Border Patrol Chaplain Brian Henderson and retired Agent Bill Harrington for helping with story details. All mistakes are mine.

Credit also goes to Robin Burgin and Carolyn Whittington, who both allowed me to trot along behind them learning a little about landscaping design and gas-powered augers. Thank you for sharing your time and creativity.

Muchas gracias to Senor Garry Morrison and Senora Jane Myers Perrine, who helped with Spanish translations. I hope I understood you correctly!

One more note. Thanks to my brother in Christ, Pastor Gabriel Cortes, who ministers to the Spanish-speaking community of south Fort Worth. Your loving, joyful congregation richly blessed me when I visited. May the Lord continue to multiply the Kingdom through you.