The other day, a dear friend called to tell me he’d just finished Leisha’s Song and loved it. Music to a writer’s ears, of course, but I was especially touched when he told me that he wished more high school boys would read the book: “Cody is such a great boyfriend,” he said. “What a role model for guys.”

I have to admit I do love Cody. I love how he cares about Leisha, is passionate about music, and seems oblivious to everyday concerns like the bed hair he regularly forgets to run a comb through in the morning.

Tomorrow, I’m celebrating forty years with the Cody in my life, my husband, Alan.  I have no idea what I did to deserve such a loving and caring (not to mention hilarious) life partner, but I’m not asking any questions. We met in a dance company, and for the first two decades of our marriage, we worked as a team. My husband was a gifted choreographer, and I was his muse. I wondered what would happen to us once that part of our lives ended, but somehow, we found new ways to dance and move through life together. My husband has held my hand through all the good and hard times we’ve experienced—a miscarriage, job losses, financial struggles, and health challenges. He’s been there for all the tough stuff and has given me amazing material for the romantic heroes in my novels!

I’ve even stolen some of the funnier details about my husband, like Cody’s bed hair. My husband’s co-workers used to take pictures of his hair on the mornings when he’d neglected to take a look in the mirror before running out the door. Alan never has cared a hoot about how he looked—only how he treated other people.

This past month has meant some new challenges for us – a troubled adult son who’s decided we’re the cause of his problems and a back issue that has nearly incapacitated my husband. To be honest, it’s been well… awful.

The one good part is that we’re going through these tough times together. I am so blessed to be married to my best friend and the love of my life.

Guys like Cody don’t just exist in fiction. I know because I married one