“Celyn Angelica. Between her and your mother, you have some strong ladies to live up to.” I leaned in closer to my drowsy daughter. “But don’t worry,” I whispered. “I’m going to help you become just as mighty as they are.”

“Too right,” Ella whispered as she snuggled into the bed. Both she and Celyn blinked once, twice, before their eyes slid shut.

My girls.

I turned when the door opened. Jeremiah peeked his head in, eyebrows up in question. Ella’s parents, Lia, Asher, and Mason all filed into the room after him.

I dipped my head at Lia, who smiled back. That relationship remained a work in progress. Lia worried over my next bout of diva-hood, as she called it. Given my track record, I couldn’t complain.

“We named her Celyn. Celyn Angelica.”

Jeremiah grinned as he reached for the baby. My heart stuttered again as I looked at my gangly, tall-as-me teenage son with his floppy hair and soft, sweet smile holding his baby sister.

“Hey, Celyn. I got lots to teach you. But don’t worry. I learned a few things.” Jeremiah gave me a side-eye. “The most important thing I’ll ever do is love you, just as you are.”

I let out a sigh, a bit more of the regret and shame sliding from my body. Ella and I worked toward recovering our previous intimacy. She more than met me each day.

I was profoundly grateful to be here, in this room, with my greatest loves and our extended family.

And I would never, ever take these moments for granted.

THE END

Did you love this group fo sexy rockstars? How about trying out Deep in the Heart with broody Camden Grace—the book Publishers Weekly called, “Forceful” and "For fans of complicated characters, this one's a shoo-in."

Acknowledgments

Chris, your unwavering support and love shine through in all you do. I’m so thankful we’ve taken this journey together.

To my family, thank you for your patience with my dream—and letting me hang out in my head way too often.

LERA ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being so supportive, for making me love writing again and for sharing your knowledge so freely. You are the best-est.

To my AuthorLab writing pals: You keep me on task and keep me motivated. I love your commitment and passion. I love reading your posts and stories. And I love how diverse our group is.

To Deb, thank you for seeing the big picture—and making sure I see it, too.

To Nicole, thank you for the advice on Seattle—hoodies, not umbrellas! (though I still used both)—and the fantastic copy edits that make the story shine. I’ll get to Jenna’s story soon. That’s a promise.

To Clarissa, once again the cover is gorgeous. I love working with you.