“I know you do.” Lara added lightly, “But I bet Tanner can find us some glitter that we’d enjoy to balance that strength. He has a talent in that direction.” She changed the subject. “I imagine we’re going to head your way for dinner, if you’re not too tired.”

“I’m not tired.” She hesitated. “What about the tornado?”

“Nothing to worry about. Tanner was just excited about being right about you. I’m glad you got along well together today. I’ll see you soon.” She cut the connection.

It was only a couple moments later that Tanner called. “Ace in the hole?”

“Maybe. You’ve made her very happy. But do you value her? Do you realize what you have?”

He said soberly, “I realize that she’s a unique personality who made you the person you are. I like her and respect her, and I feel closer to her all the time. I will care for her and honor her. Value her? I think she’s brilliant and will probably run that office like a brigadier general. Is that enough?”

“That’s quite a bit.”

He grinned. “Then do I win the competition from Kaskov?”

She laughed. “You’re very persuasive. He had only one thing to offer me you didn’t.” But that one thing had filled her day with warmth, laughter, hope, and togetherness. It had opened a new world to her. Her eyes were suddenly twinkling. “Now, I don’t want you to panic. It’s not what you think.” She paused. “But how do you feel about families?”

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About the Author

Iris Johansen is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 consecutive bestsellers. Her series featuring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan has sold over 20 million copies and counting and was the subject of the acclaimed Lifetime movie The Killing Game. Along with her son, Roy, Iris has also co-authored the New York Times bestselling series featuring investigator Kendra Michaels. Johansen lives near Atlanta, Georgia. Learn more at:

IrisJohansen.com

Twitter @Iris_Johansen

Facebook.com/OfficialIrisJohansen

Also by Iris Johansen

(in order of publication)

EVE DUNCAN SERIES

The Face of Deception

The Killing Game*

The Search

Body of Lies

Blind Alley*

Countdown*

Stalemate

Quicksand

Blood Game*

Eight Days to Live*

Chasing the Night

Eve

Quinn

Bonnie

Sleep No More

Taking Eve+

Hunting Eve+

Silencing Eve*+

Shadow Play+

Hide Away+

Night and Day

Mind Game*

Shattered Mirror

Dark Tribute

Smokescreen

The Persuasion*

The Bullet

*Starring Jane MacGuire

+Featuring Margaret Douglas

CATHERINE LING SERIES

Chasing the Night

What Doesn’t Kill You

Live to See Tomorrow

Your Next Breath

KENDRA MICHAELS SERIES

(written with Roy Johansen)

“With Open Eyes” (short story)

Close Your Eyes

Sight Unseen

The Naked Eye

Night Watch

Look Behind You

Double Blind

Hindsight

Blink of an Eye

STANDALONES

The Ugly Duckling

Long After Midnight