I'm thrilled beyond words—NUMBER 1 ON RISING STARS, BABY!!

  This is outstanding and I’m deeply thankful for every one of you. I am currently on a get away, or as some might put it, a holiday, or vacation, and almost veered off the road when I saw I'd reached the top. Unsafe, but ultimately undaunted - still, from the bottom of my heart, I'm very grateful you guys are enjoying this story so much.

  Now, for a little twist: Chapter 19.5, the chapter that almost got away! In the flurry of scheduling chapters before vacation, what was meant to be Chapter 20 was somehow NOT scheduled. Silly, silly me. It's an important introduction chapter, with some additional context for Kerd and Fran (and will make a LOT more sense as to some of what they discuss in the Sizzling Skillet.) So it'll be Chapter 19.5 "Oopsie Daisy," which is now resting where it belongs between 19 and 20.

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  Eesh, really sorry about that, gang! Color me embarrassed. Anyhoo! Thanks so much, once again! I'll eventually delete this update chapter (because it'll look real ugly on the timeline, otherwise) but you all deserved to know.

  It warms my heart to see that Garrick and Ember's story have resonated so strongly with you all. May your tomatoes always fly true, and your orange pips demolish your enemy's designs!

  -mimal