“Oh, Jack, they’re shaped like hearts. That’s so sweet.”

Frustration at all of his grand plans giving way to disaster had him blurting out in full detail just how wrong the morning—and his plans for the rest of the day—had already gone.

Mary threw back her head and laughed. “What a spectacular mess.”

Though he was just starting to see the humor in it himself, he needed her to know the truth. “This was supposed to be the most romantic day of your life.”

Still laughing, she drew him close. “Roses and heart-shaped pancakes and boat rides are all wonderful, and I love the care and thought that you put into today, but do you want to know what I find really romantic?”

He could never think straight when she was in his arms, and it took all the focus he could muster up to answer, “Tell me, Angel.”

“First, there’s the way you bring me coffee in the morning.”

He reminded her, “It’s cold before you can even take your first sip because I can’t keep my hands off you long enough to let you drink it hot.”

“See what I mean? Very romantic,” she said as she nuzzled closer. “And then there’s the way you always give me the best seat at the movies and have them douse the popcorn with butter and salt because you know it’s my favorite guilty pleasure…apart from you.” She gently brushed his hair out of his eyes. “I love the way you always hold my hand when we go for a walk, and how you look at me like you can’t believe I’m yours. And then there’s the fact that every single day we’ve spent together has been the most romantic day of my life.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She went up on her tiptoes to kiss him, and a breath before her lips met his, she whispered, “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

March

Sales of the Pocket Planner had been spectacular during the Christmas holiday and had kept climbing from there. While the press was still interested in Mary and Jack’s fairy-tale love story, lately they’d been even more interested in what his next brilliant invention would be.

Mary loved watching his brain work as he focused intently in his office. Despite his heavy workload, he’d been a wonderfully devoted husband. Still, in the past two months she’d learned that a little seduction could be a very valuable way to help Jack’s synapses click back into gear when he got stuck on a problem.

She was nearly on his lap by the time he looked up and noticed her. For a moment, his eyes remained unfocused, then quickly turned dark and heated with desire.

“Just what I needed,” he murmured as he tugged her onto his lap. “Beautiful inspiration.”

Her short, silky robe slipped open as she wrapped her arms around him. He traced the swell of her br**sts with his fingertip. “So pretty.” He leaned in to the curve of her neck and breathed her in. “So sweet.” He pressed his lips to her earlobe. “So soft.”

Mary had come into his office to tempt and tease Jack for a few minutes…but within seconds, he was the one seducing her.

She’d never known husbands and wives could continue to have such naughty sex, but as Jack stripped her robe away completely, lifted her up onto his desk and entered her with one perfect thrust, she quickly—and blissfully—learned otherwise.

“Now, that,” he said as he gathered her close a while later and carried her into their bedroom to continue the seduction started in his office, “is the perfect way to end a workday.”

She pulled him down with her onto the bed and agreed, “Absolutely perfect.”

April

The teddy bear was squashed between Jack and Max as the two men hugged. “Congratulations, Max.”

After Mary congratulated Max, as well, Jack’s brother said, “I can’t wait for the two of you to meet my new little boy.” He looked both exhausted and ecstatic as he took them back into the maternity ward.

As soon as they walked into Claudia’s room, Ian immediately bounded off the bed and into Jack’s arms. “I’m a big brother.”

Jack gave the little boy a smacking kiss on his cute mouth. “Congratulations, Mr. Incredible.”

Ian held his arms out for Mary next. “Baby Adam is little.”

“Yes,” Mary said as she cuddled him, “and he’s perfect, just like his big brother.”

Claudia was glowing with happiness. “I’m so glad you’re both here. We all are.”

“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Jack told her. When Max had called with the news that Claudia was in labor, Allen had offered them his private jet for the flight from San Francisco to Seattle.

Claudia held out the newborn for Jack to cradle, and Adam gazed up at him with big eyes.

“He’s an old soul, isn’t he?”

His sister-in-law nodded as Max settled beside her on the bed and she leaned against him. “That’s why we decided his middle name should be Jack.”

Mary brushed a gentle fingertip across the baby’s cheek, wonder in her eyes. “Adam Jack Sullivan,” she whispered, “you’re a very lucky boy to be born into this extraordinary family.”

Ian tugged her long, dark hair to get her attention. “Me too! I’m a lucky boy, too!”

“We all are,” Jack agreed.

Ethan burst through the door with a flustered—and obviously enamored—nurse hot on his heels.

“I’m sorry, but there are too many of you in here now,” she tried to protest. But when he gave her one of his lady-killer smiles and said, “Please,” she simply turned beet red and fled.

“I hear there’s a new Sullivan.” Ethan held up a bottle of champagne in each hand. “Time to celebrate!”

May

“Can I open my eyes yet?” Mary asked as Jack helped her out of the car. She knew they were going to be spending the weekend in Lake Tahoe, but he’d asked her to close her eyes a few minutes ago so that their final destination at the lake would be a surprise.

“Soon,” he promised.

His deep voice sent the blood racing through her veins. With her eyes closed, she was deliciously aware of the feel of his palm against hers and his clean, masculine scent.

After she’d taken about twenty steps, he said, “Go ahead, open your eyes. Happy birthday, Angel.”

They were standing just at the edge of the lake on a private bay full of pine trees. All of the winter snow had melted by late May, and the lake was a crystal-clear blue. The blue jays were chirping and the sun was making sparkles dance all across the surface of the water.