Finally, he heard the book club beginning to depart. Trev was getting hungry, and the noise awakened him. As soon as the coast was clear, Heath carried him downstairs.

Annabelle stood by the wedge of windows, the afternoon sunlight pouring over her like liquid amber. As she heard him approach, she smiled as though she’d been waiting for this moment all day, which she probably had. He gave her the baby, then sat contentedly to watch his son feed. He and Annabelle talked a little. Not much. Upstairs, he heard his fax chime, and a few minutes later, his cell vibrated. He slipped his hand into his pocket and flicked it off.

Eventually, they bundled up their son, and the three of them went for a walk. A man and his family. A fine Chicago afternoon. The Sox on their way to a pennant.

“Why are you smiling?” his wife asked, with a smile of her own.

“Because you’re perfect.”

“No, I’m not,” she laughed. “But I’m perfect for you.”

The Python couldn’t have agreed more.

Acknowledgments

Fortunately, I have a very talented family. My heartfelt thanks to every member for cheering me on, as well as sharing personal expertise. Dana, I don’t know what I would have done without you. Thanks, Zach and Ty, for picking up the phone, even when you knew I was on the other end of the line with another question. Gloria, your special powers meant more to me than you’ll ever know. Lyd, what are sisters for? And, Bill, once again you not only steer me through but give me a title as well.

Thanks to Bud Stanner at IMG for talking to me about the business of being a sports agent. A big thank-you to the professional matchmakers who spoke with me. (And also that very nice lady running the nude dancing business, although surely all those girls couldn’t be working just to put themselves through college.)

Thanks to my good buddies Jennifer Crusie, Kristin Hannah, Alison Hart, Jayne Ann Krentz, Cathie Linz, Lindsay Longford, Dawn Struxness, Suzette Vann, Margaret Watson, everybody at Writerspace, and all the “Seppies” on the SEP Bulletin Board ( join us at www.susanelizabethphillips.com).

Barbara Jepson and Sharon Mitchell, my able assistants, how could I write without you?

I’ve run out of ways to thank my longtime editor, Carrie Feron; my agent, Steven Axelrod; and everyone at William Morrow and Avon Books for their enthusiasm, friendship, and hard work. I’m one lucky lady.

About the Author

A resident of the Chicago suburbs, SUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS is a wife and mother of two grown sons. Visit her on the Web at www.susanelizabethphillips.com. To receive notice of author events and new books by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, sign up at www.authortracker.com.

ALSO BY SUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS

Ain’t She Sweet?

Breathing Room

This Heart of Mine

Just Imagine

First Lady

Lady Be Good

Dream a Little Dream

Nobody’s Baby but Mine

Kiss an Angel

Heaven, Texas

It Had to Be You

Credits

Jacket design by Honi Werner