Christine and Nate stood in front of the fireplace, hands clasped, gazes locked on each other. The navy suit and striped tie were a surprise, as were the starched shirt and wing-tip shoes. But that wasn’t what made Nate so handsome. No, the attraction was the man himself: the piercing eyes, the full lips, the deep voice. When they exchanged their marriage vows, those dark eyes sparkled, the lips softened, the voice turned rough. And when he placed the intricate band on her finger, her heart swelled, burst with the purest love she’d ever known—a love that would last forever.

The second Winston Hardin pronounced them husband and wife, Nate took Christine in his arms and kissed her with such love and reverence, she cried. Not a trickle, but a gush of tears, smearing her mascara, making her nose stuffy. Her husband smiled, wiped the tears away, and leaned close to whisper in her ear, I love you, Christine Desantro. Today and always.

You’re my heart, Nathan Desantro, she replied as more tears spilled. I will love you until I draw my last breath.

Chapter 2

Always a Heartbeat Away

A Family Affair: Summer

An alternate storyline

Richmond, VA

Eight years after the disaster

Tess shifted the grocery bags to her left arm and fitted the key in the lock. One of these days she’d develop a regular shopping routine, maybe even jot down a list rather than trolling the aisles and tossing in items based on her mood and hunger. She reasoned lists weren’t necessary for someone who didn’t cook, hadn’t ever cooked, and lived on prepared food and takeout.

As long as Henry ate, life was good. She hoped he’d behaved for Marisol today because Tess couldn’t afford to lose another sitter.

“Hi, Tess!” Marisol Santone clicked off the television and slid out of the overstuffed rocker. Toned, tanned, and long-legged, she favored bright, flowing skirts, snug tank tops, ankle bracelets, and dangle earrings that drew second and third looks from the opposite sex. But Marisol didn’t notice the looks or if she did, she ignored them. All she cared about aside from her “babies” was completing her graduate work in chemistry this spring and finding a job so she could help her mother.

Tess set the bags on the counter and glanced around the kitchen. “No issues today?” Please, let there be no issues.

Marisol’s full lips pulled into a wide smile. She flicked her curly black hair behind her ear and nodded. “Today was a very good day.”

“Really?” Tess was just like any other mother, hoping to hear praise for her baby.

“Very good.” Marisol lowered her voice and pointed to the baby monitor next to the coffee maker. “Sleeping for an hour. Look.”

Tess made her way around the island and studied the monitor. Sure enough, Henry lay curled up, cozy, and fast asleep. “Incredible.”

“It’s not so hard. The other sitters didn’t want to take time with him. And I came armed with a little extra ammo.” She lifted her arm and held out a bangled wrist. “I’ve been using a few sprays of your perfume. Henry smells me and it comforts him. I hope you don’t mind. I asked Neal what you used, but I couldn’t afford it, not even a knock-off.”