Cover

Piece of My Heart

Nicole Jacquelyn

New York Boston

Dedication

For my mom and dad.
You’re the wind beneath my wings.
I don’t know what I’d do without you.

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Acknowledgments

To my kids, who are ridiculously patient and ridiculously proud. You guys have no idea how much your support means to me. I wouldn’t be who I am without you cheering me on. I love you.

To my parents, who supply the coffee and babysitting—I couldn’t do life without you. I’m so glad I’m your favorite child.

To my sister, who is always the first one to boost me up when I’m down and kick my ass when I need it. Thanks for the shove, sis. Thanks even more for the hugs.

To Nikki who has read everything I’ve ever written, usually more than once, and pushes me to be better every time. Your friendship has meant more to me than you’ll ever know.

To my agent and my editors, who worked tirelessly to get this book where it is today. Thank you so much for the support and patience you’ve shown me.

To Donna, who was the first blogger to spread the news about my work. You will always have a place in my acknowledgements. Thank you so much.

And thank you a million times to my readers. Without you, I wouldn’t get to support my family while doing something I love.

Chapter 1

Alex

On the day I met the love of my life, I slept through my alarm, spilled coffee down the front of my uniform, forgot to bring running shoes, and had to run five miles in my boots, all before noon. By the end of the day, I was spent. All I wanted to do was go home and watch TV in my skivvies with a six-pack of beer in arm’s reach.

Just as I climbed into my truck, I remembered that I had agreed to be the wingman for my coworker Sean’s double date. I didn’t know the guy well, but since we’d be working together and potentially deploying together, I hadn’t felt like I could blow him off when he’d asked. Most of the other guys in our platoon were in serious relationships and couldn’t help him out when he’d gone around begging for the favor. I brought up Sean’s contact information in my phone and called him as I pulled out of the parking lot.

“Haven’t you been on a date with this chick before?” I asked as soon as Sean answered his phone.

“Hello, Alex,” he laughed. “Long time no see.”

“I didn’t catch you before you left the building,” I replied. “Haven’t you guys hung out already? Why am I going to this thing?”