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This book is dedicated to my sons,

Josh and Danny

You two are the best, s I’ve ever created, and you own the , funny, vibrantlike any proud th of a novel and still not run out of things to say But for once, I’ll keep it short and sweet

I thank the stars every day that you’re ifts I’ve ever received I’m beyond proud of you and love you more than I could ever possibly express

And no, you’re not allowed to read any of my work until you’re older

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As always, I anificent people that got me to this point But I’ll try to find adequate words

Never-ending thanks to ah I don’t kno many writers look forward to their editor’s feedback, but I always look forward to yours—like, with glee—knowing you’re going to polishwith you is always a pleasure

Thank you to ent, Stephany Evans of Ayesha Pande Literary Your support and level-headed cals writing-related Glad to have you in my corner

Thank you to everyone at Kensington who has been involved with me and my books——with specific shout-outs to Jane Nutter, Lauren Jernigan, Norma Perez-Hernandez, and Ross Plotkin I really appreciate what you do

Thanks to my immediate family: my mom, Linda; my dad, Rob; my brother, Jamie; Natasha, Kyle, Teri, Stevie, and of course uys are proud ofcareer is pretty cool I love you all very much

I’ friends To all of you, both in person and online, your support, enthusiash the days more than you realize A oopy heart

Thank you hugs to Nika Rhone, htful feedback combined with your obvious enthusiasm for the story helped me more than you know

Special hugs and shout-outs to: roup The Quillies To have writing friends who get it, who support and cheer you on, who you can truly trust and be vulnerable with, is a gift Plus you’re all naughty and h every day—you are my people, and I love you Thank you Jeannie Moon and Patty Blount; we have each other Thank you to the FB group Team Gracen!

Most importantly, boundless thanks to my readers That you take some time out of your busy lives to read rateful Thank you for your support and for taking this a ride with me

Chapter One

Tess Harrison surveyed the festive scene around her It was Christ at her father’s enormous estate TheIsland Sound, was filled with the sights and sounds of a picturesque holiday gathering The grand antly, beautifully, as the staff did every year No lights—that would be gauche—but red ribbons, garland, holly, and faux white candles ht out of a Christht flames crackled and popped in the enorht-foot-tall tree stood hts, and decorative ornaenerations Tess suppressed a yawn She was officially over the holidays

She cradled her china cup of eggnog and watched her eldest brother, Charles, and his wife, Lisette, sit together on one of the longer sofas as they played with their infant daughter, Charlotte Tess adored her newest niece, and had spent a lot of tis in Tess she hadn’t known existed Now five months old, the dark-haired cherub squealed as Charles’s strong arms raised Charlotte up, then back down to kiss her sweet face, over and over, as Lisette shtly at his side They’d ible Tess was so glad for theirl Every time Charlotte squeaked, she felt it in her core Such pure love, such pure joy