“I like it,” Finn said, cupping the baby’s head. “Avery, I’m your dad. I was the handsomest Hardy in the land until you came along.”
“He needs to get in line,” Grady interjected.
“You don’t have to name him that,” Mandy said. “I … .”
“I didn’t name him that,” Emma said. “He chose it. He told me what he wanted his name to be.”
“And here I thought you were making that up,” James teased.
“Well, I was hoping you would name him after me, but I think you picked a better name,” Grady said, winking at Mandy. “Now we know he’s going to grow up to be opinionated, bossy, and brave. I can’t think of a better combination.”
Mandy choked out a sob and James drew her to him, pressing her head to his heart.
“It’s okay, baby,” he murmured. “It’s okay.”
“I’m sorry,” Emma said. “I didn’t mean to upset her.”
“You didn’t upset me,” Mandy said. “I’m honored, though.”
“We’re the ones who are honored,” Finn said. “You’re a hero. I hope my son grows up to be half as strong as you are.”
“We all hope that,” Ally said, her eyes shining with tears. “Now … gimme! I want to hold him.”
Emma sighed as she relinquished the baby, her eyes never straying from Mandy’s face. The sorrow for both of them was still fresh, but so was the joy. It was a brand new beginning for everyone. Thanks to Mandy, everyone was alive to celebrate the birth of the newest Hardy member.
Life was about to change … for everyone.
Up Next
James and Mandy Hardy have spring fever. They’re happy and in love, and romance is in the air.
All of that changes when Madeline Stokes comes to town and throws the couple for an uncomfortable loop.
Madeline and James spent some time together years before and Madeline still carries a torch for the eldest Hardy brother. Mandy tries to pretend the woman’s attention doesn’t bother her, but she’s having a hard time maintaining her cool.
Madeline wants to hire James for a job, but it becomes apparent early on that she has more than business on her mind. James puts Madeline in her place – and his marriage ahead of business – and walks away from the problem.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t fix the problem.
When Madeline shows up dead in Mandy’s trunk, the police make an arrest and James is infuriated. The Hardys know Mandy is innocent, but someone is working hard to prove otherwise.
James is ready to run if it comes down to it. He’s willing to leave his family and business as long as he can take Mandy with him. Mandy, on the other hand, refuses to let him sacrifice everything and force a life without those they love most..
James is determined to clear Mandy’s name, but he’s running out of time. Will it be happily ever after or life in prison?
Deadly Rivalry is available in April 2016.
Author’s Note
I’m a romantic at heart. A true romantic. I love the idea of a happy ending, so much so I have trouble writing a sad one. The world is sad enough. I like escaping in fiction. That’s just me. I like sarcasm and snark – but I’m not sure a sad ending is in me. If you’re looking for an edge like that, you’re probably looking in the wrong place. Just FYI.
If you’re interested in upcoming releases, follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I do not spam. I don’t believe it and, as a reader, I find it annoying. Only new release information and special sales promotions will be posted.
This book is available for lending. Please do so.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
Books by Lily Harper Hart
Hardy Brothers Security
Deadly Intentions
Deadly Intuition
Deadly Illusions
Deadly Proposal
Deadly Prospects
Deadly Ever After
Deadly Honeymoon
Deadly Questions
Deadly Addition
Deadly Vacation
Deadly Secrets
Deadly Storm
Deadly Dealings
Deadly Christmas
Deadly Desperados
Deadly Arrival
Deadly Rivalry (April 2016)
Deadly Memories (May 2016)
Deadly Adventure (June 2016)
Deadly Reunion (August 2016)
Deadly Conflict (September 2016)
Deadly Payback (October 2016)
Deadly Waters (November 2016)
Deadly Forever (December 2016)
A Maddie Graves Mystery
Grave Homecoming
Grave Insight
Grave Delight
Grave Misgivings
Grave Concerns
Grave Discovery (February 2016)
Grave Decisions (June 2016)
Grave Seasons (October 2016)
Grave Holiday (Coming Soon)
An Ivy Morgan Mystery
Wicked Days
Wicked Dreams
Wicked Times
Wicked Places (March 2016)
Wicked Warning (July 2016)
Wicked Fog (November 2016)
Wicked Seasons (Coming Soon)
Wicked Winter (Coming Soon)
A Harper Harlow Mystery
Ghostly Interests
Ghostly Issues
Ghostly Deceits (May 2016)
Ghostly Worries (August 2016)
Ghostly Images (December 2016)
Ghostly Wrecks (Coming Soon)
Ghostly Asylum (Coming Soon)
Deadly Arrival (Hardy Brothers Security Book 16) Page 20