Kirby left to check on the remaining tables, and I finished my slice of pie with one hand, something I’d grown accustomed to. Once I burped Hadley, Phaedra buckled her into her seat.

“Do you have to go so soon?” Phaedra said, forlorn.

“We’ll be back,” I said, hugging her.

I took a sleeping Hollis from Taylor, and Phaedra kissed the baby’s hand.

Taylor picked up the carrier and leaned in to hug Chuck.

“Drive safe,” Chuck said.

We waved good-bye, and after securing the children into their seats, we climbed into ours.

Taylor started the truck and reached for my hand. “So much has changed since I first walked into that café.”

“That’s an understatement.”

He held my hand to his lips, and then he lowered it back to the console. “One choice led to all of this. If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t have either of my children. I owe everything that’s important to me to you.”

With his left hand, he reached across to put the gear in drive. We drove away from the place where we’d met to the place where we were raising our family, holding hands the whole way.

Acknowledgments

I thank my husband in every book. I can look back on each acknowledgment and see the love and support he’s shown me over my career. Jeff helps me so much that at times I joke that his name should be on the cover, too, because without him, there would be no Jamie McGuire books. His presence in my life is just as instrumental to my finishing novels as my creativity or work ethic. Not only does he handle most everything so that I can focus on my career, he is the reason I know how to write about love and why I know men have a soft, sweet, kind side. He is why I know men can be so forgiving and patient.

There are three other people in our household who show patience and love daily—my children. It’s hard to have a mom who works in the home. It takes a lot of understanding and respect, and my children have become pros. Thank you, babies.

Thank you to two readers who have become like sisters—Deanna and Selena. You were the first to travel more than an hour to one of my early signings, and it was before anyone knew who I was! I’m so glad that we’ve become so close, and I cherish our friendship. I love you both.

Danielle, Jessica, and Kelli—Your support has been invaluable. I can’t thank you enough for what you do. Not only do you rally the troops on your own time, but you also expect nothing in return. I cherish our friendship as much as I appreciate your dedication.