Emily POV When we arrive downstairs, the lights are turned down to a warm glow. The dining room table is set for three. I hear music playing, but it’s not coming from the speakers—it’s a violinist standing next to the baby grand piano, playing Brahms’s Violin Sonata No.3. Liam looks like he’s on cloud nine as he runs over to her and watches in silent astonishment. In the kitchen, a chef is preparing the first course, and my empty belly instantly responds with gurgling sounds. Even over the sound of the violin, Liam hears it and starts giggling. Jacob calls us over to the dinner table, and the chef brings over the first dish. I have no idea what it is, but it smells divine. In his thick French accent, he introduces the first course. “Thiiisss hereee is da salmon trout tartare with a dash of red wine vinaigrette. Pleaseeee enjoy,” and back to the kitchen he goes. The minute the chef turns his back, Liam pulls up his nose. “I don’t think I’ll be eating this,” he moans. Jacob, ever

Emily POV The drive to Lake Tahoe in the rust bucket was an adventure on its own. Two days of driving from one end of the country to the other, two days of a rambunctious five-year-old wanting to stop at every popular tourist attraction and anything that resembled a giant old rock. Liam would plot our journey on his iPad and shout out random places we should visit. The highlight for him was Niagara Falls. Excited to see the water roaring down the steep drop, he rushed to take the elevator to the observation deck. I must admit, trapped between a wall of glass and water played into my fear of heights and my claustrophobia. By the time we reached the highest point, he had taken photos from every angle, telling us they were for show and tell. When we got to Denver, I was all road-tripped out, but Liam’s enthusiasm was like an inflated balloon—it was high at one minute and then it came buzzing down like someone had pricked a hole in it. Jacob loved visiting the city. Like a kid in a ca

Emily POV It feels like a nightmare on an unending loop, but no one’s bothered to wake me up. Hearing my screams, Jacob rushed to where we were. In shock and crying, I tried to help him lift Liam up, but my legs gave in, and I fell into a puddle of mud and dead leaves. Getting no assistance from me, Jacob phoned 911 and managed to get Liam down to the cabin. Within minutes, an air helicopter was there to take us to the nearest hospital. Still unconscious, my little boy lay motionless on a stretcher with a big gash across his head, blood dripping everywhere. Two days later, and I’m in the same hospital I was in five years ago—it’s an all too familiar feeling of dread followed by exhaustion. With no sleep and no appetite, my body wants to give in on itself, but I fight to stay sane and awake. Liam has a cast on his arm—the doctor says he broke it in two places. Luckily, the gash on his head looked worse than what it was. All he needed was stitches, but the mark it will leave behind

(flash back to three years previously) Nancy POV “Anything that works against you can also work for you once you understand the Principle of Reverse.” It’s my favorite quote from Maya Angelou, and it’s become my mantra. Looking at me, you wouldn’t think I know of Maya Angelou, or even that I read books. Most people are fooled into thinking I’m a poor, little rich girl with nothing to show except my Manolo Blahniks and Chanel handbag. Deception—that’s my weapon of choice. While you’re trying to seduce me with your charming smile, I’m one step ahead of you, planning how to make you part with your most prized possession. I’m not going to lie, of course my long blonde hair and mysterious blue eyes hook you in. For most suckers, beauty is never skin deep. I learned this from a young age while using my unusually good looks to hustle men at our local bar. They thought I was an angelic vision; chaste and innocent. Three drinks in, and they’d be 300 bucks down after I’d beat them at game

Emily POV I never really grasped the true meaning of happiness. During my childhood, it would be just a glimmer, and then it would disappear just as quickly as it came. And, if I’m being honest with myself, I didn’t think I deserved it. Having Liam and Jacob in my life has changed my perception on many things. For me, happiness is no longer fleeting. It’s a state of reflective bliss every time my son gives me a hug and says he loves me, or when I smell the ocean, or when Jacob takes me in his arms. It feels like the ice around my heart has melted. It’s been replaced with a warmth of unending love. Finally, I can live my life. After the confrontation with Nancy, Jacob’s been more affectionate towards me. He doesn’t need to tell me that he overheard our heated argument. I already know by the way he holds me when he kisses me goodnight, or the way he gently touches my hand when I walk past him. This weekend, he’s decided to take me to Collin Estate to meet his dad. At first, I relen