BOOK 1

After the kiss he had rolled up his sleeves and, without complaint or excuse, had gone to work doing whoever she’d needed. His competence in handling all parts of a children’s picnic hadn’t surprised her. What had, however, was how easily he’d joined in the fun.

The kids had taken to him immediately. He’d kicked off his shoes and joined them in toe painting her version of finger painting. And he’d refereed the potato-sack roll, two kids in the same potato sack, rolling toward the finish line, her version of the three-legged race. In short, he’d been marvelous all afternoon.

He’d merely blinked when the horse she’d hired arrived with its owner. It had taken her months to find just the right horse and ask favors from friends and friends of friends to obtain the proper clearances, Then she’d secretly had to get the permission sUps signed by the parents. But in the end it turned out to be all worth it. When the kids saw the horse, they’d gone crazy.

As soon as Nathan had gotten over the s