“Yeah. At three o’clock in the morning.”

Piper smiled the smile that melted his bones. The smile that none of the city and state officials ever got to see when she was battling them in her fight to protect the street girls who had won both her heart and her will. She was the toughest woman he knew. Right up to the moment she walked inside their house.

“Come on, squirts. Bedtime.” He swept Isabelle into his arms while Piper picked up Will.

Not long after, he stood between the two cribs as Piper delivered her final bedtime kisses. He was a lucky man. He had good friends, work he believed in, the children of his dreams, and a wife he cherished above all. The doorbell rang, and Piper took his hand. Together, they walked downstairs to greet their friends.

It was a good night to be Cooper Graham. But then every night was.

Acknowledgments

How can I begin to thank the incredible team at William Morrow and Avon Books for their hard work, as well as the many friendships I’ve formed over the years: Carrie Feron, my longtime editor, confidante, and life coach; Pamela Spengler-Jaffee, who watches out for me when I’m not making her sip champagne in my shower (long story); Liate Stehlik, the amazing woman I want to be when I grow up; Tavia Kowalchuk, who carries me in her heart when she goes hiking. Thanks to the incomparable Lynn Grady, the superefficient Nicole Fischer and Leora Bernstein, and the enthusiastic Harper sales team: Brian Grogan, Doug Jones, Rachel Levenberg, Carla Parker, Dale Schmidt, and Donna Waitkus. I’m so appreciative of the help I’ve received from Shawn Nicholls and Angela Craft, as well as the digital marketing support from Tobly McSmith. Virginia Stanley, you’ve been my cheerleader for more years than I can remember. Elsie Lyons, thank you for my beautiful cover, and Shelly Perron, you are not only my valiant copy editor but the most patient woman on earth.

On the home front, if it weren’t for my amazing assistant, Sharon Mitchell, the gap between my books would be much greater. My husband, Bill Phillips, is a man of many talents, including titling this book. My sister Lydia is my lifelong soul mate. I have worked with Steven Axelrod and Lori Antonson at the Axelrod Agency for so long I feel as though they’re part of my family.

I am so blessed to have the most wonderful friends. They make me laugh, make me think, cheer me on, and inspire me, especially Nicki Anderson, Robyn Carr, Jennifer Greene, Kristin Hannah, Jayne Ann Krentz, Lindsay Longford, Dawn Struxness, Suzette Van, Julie Wachowski, and Margaret Watson. Andy Kamm and Allison Anderson, thank you for answering my questions. And, Jules, you’re my watchdog Down Under.