“No idea. I just know that what we have is perfect for us right now.”
“Just don’t forget what I told you. Your children will need early intervention with dance lessons. They’re genetically predisposed to be . . . challenged.”
I shook my head and laughed. “They could get Mason’s genes for coordination. I sure hope they do.”
“Well, just in case . . . I’ll provide coaching while they’re in the womb.”
“I’ll take it.”
Mason wrapped up his class and walked over to us.
“Dinner at Gene’s?” he asked.
“Sounds good.” I looked at Miss Dee Dee. “I hope you’ll join us?”
“I will.”
Mason held out a hand to help me from my chair and I took it. He kept my hand in the air and took hold of my waist.
“We’re waltzing?” I asked, smiling.
He nodded and we did a few steps, his self-defense students smiling at us. One row of the class was reserved for girls from Grieves House, who took a modified version of the class to accommodate their pregnancies. The girls watched us now, though they were used to his outbursts of affection for me.
“You had me after our first waltz, you know,” he said softly, his gaze warm.
“You must have a thing for klutzy chicks.”
“Only one.”
He gave me a quick kiss before calling out to the girls from Grieves House that we were all going over to the diner for dinner. Miss Dee Dee joined our group and we walked there together.
Whether Mason and I were married or not, what we had felt more like a family than I’d had since childhood. The excitement was still there, along with a sense of contentment I treasured. I planned to hold on and never let go, while always remembering to enjoy every second of the ride.
Thank you for reading In Deep, Book Two in the Lockhart Brothers series. I’m so excited about the next book in this series, which will feature Dr. Kyle Lockhart. Look for it in early 2016.
Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.
These days Brenda writes Contemporary Romance. She loves to hear from readers.
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So many people come together to make my books happen. I want to first acknowledge my amazing readers. Without your love and support for Deep Down, this book never would have happened. Thank you for continuing to believe in me and the stories I tell. It means everything to me.
Janett Gomez was my beta reader and friend extraordinaire on this book. She was there late at night and throughout the day to read pages, talk about the story or just give me a boost. And for this frazzled mommy writer, it made all the difference in the world.
Denise Milano Sprung envisioned this story before I did. Her initial ideas grew into In Deep. She thought of the title and was crazy good at helping me brainstorm story ideas, as always. I never start writing a book until I’ve talked to her about it. She improves every storyline and infuses me with excitement like no one can. It’s my great honor to support the Keith Milano Memorial Fund, a project she tirelessly champions to further mental health awareness.
Beta readers Michelle Tan and Chelle Northcutt also provided invaluable beta feedback. Michelle, thanks for the epilogue and for your enthusiasm for my work! And Chelle, thanks for all the smiles I get when reading your awesome crit notes on my work.
Darlene Avery stepped in when I needed her and beta read the book quickly. Darlene, I can’t tell you how much that meant. The things you caught were so important to this story. Many thanks for your help.
Regina Wamba of Mae I Designs rocked the cover of this book so hard. It’s a great feeling to put my covers in her hands and know they’ll be amazing every time.
Christine Borgford of Perfectly Publishable is simply the best formatter, and possibly the best woman, I know. Christine, your friendship and support mean so much to me. Thank you hardly seems like enough. You make my days better just by being YOU.
Pam Million and Pam Carrion are the two best Pams ever. They promote, they organize, they motivate and they inspire. I love you both to bits!
To the members of Rothert’s Readers and Brenda’s Bookies, thank you for your support, excitement and friendship. You’re the best.
The biggest thanks go to my husband and our boys. Thanks for being part of this crazy, amazing ride with me. I love you all so much.
In Deep Page 19