He lifted the T-shirt out of the box, and I watched as he read the words, World’s Best Dad. His eyes scrunched together before they darted back at me.

“You mean…”

“Yep!” I lifted my shirt where, for extra effect, I’d drawn a little arrow pointing to my tiny womb along with the word, Baby.

His eyes welled up with tears. “Can I put this ring on your finger now?”

“I think you’d better. Otherwise, my father might shoot you tomorrow.” I smiled.

Placing the dazzling diamond ring around my finger, his hand curved around my belly where our tiny child grew.

This is where our future began.

A lifetime of memories, without hollow holes, or worthless regrets.

And it all started now.

Other Books by the Author

Other Books by J.L. Berg

The Ready Series

When You’re Ready

Ready to Wed

Never Been Ready

Ready for You

Ready or Not

The Walls Duet

Within These Walls

Beyond These Walls

Lost & Found

Forgetting August

Remembering Everly

Acknowledgments

When I sat down to write my first book, I had this panicky moment when I wondered if this one book would be my one and only good idea. I remember asking my husband, “What if I publish this and never publish anything else?” He responded, in his infinite wisdom. “Then make it a good one.”

I’ve been using that little gem of advice for every book and idea since. Luckily, the ideas haven’t stopped and I’ve been able to continue this little dream I started three years ago, writing ten novels in three years!

Of course, I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without help, which is the point of this acknowledgment section anyway, right?

As always, I want to thank my husband first and foremost. This last year has been especially difficult, with health issue and whatnot, and that man has been my rock. I couldn’t do what I do without him.

To the rest of my family—my goofy kiddos, my wonderful parents and siblings. Thank you for all of the support of the last year. I greatly appreciate it.

It isn’t enough to just write a book. Much time and effort goes into this baby after I write the end, so I must thank the following for helping me put the final touches on it before it goes out to the readers. A big thank you to my editors, Jovana Shirley and Ami Waters—I have no words for you two. To Jill Sava, my personal assistant. Thank you for, well… everything. To Tara Gonzalez, my publicist for getting all the media type stuff done, because you know I hate it. A big thanks to Stacey Blake for formatting and to Sarah Hansen and Kelsey Keeton for creating this beautiful cover!