Funny how they’d gone from skipping most holidays to taking turns outdoing each other to make memories for Jewel. And each other.
“Says the guy who had me up to three a.m. building that play kitchen at Christmas.”
“You loved it and you know it.” Shane scooped up Jewel as she wandered away from the rack of clothes.
“Maybe I just love you,” Brandt countered, dropping kisses on both Shane’s and Jewel’s heads. “I mean, I can’t write an award-winning song about it—”
“It wasn’t even a Grammy!” Shane acted like his best new entertainer award from one of the bigger music awards was no big deal. Brandt snorted because he knew under the modesty Shane was damn proud of where his career was heading.
“That’s coming and you know it.” Brandt believed. In Shane. In what they were building, the three of them. And in himself, in his ability to hold his little family together.
“As long as I have you guys here for it.” Shane laughed as Jewel arranged herself so she was draped over both of them. Brandt wasn’t sure his heart could hold the sweetness as she hugged them at the same time.
“I’m not going anywhere.” Brandt wasn’t ever letting go. He’d spent enough years running from attachment, but now all he wanted was to harness these two to him. Even when Shane was on the road, he was still part of Brandt’s heart. Hell, he was Brandt’s heart, the song that made it beat.
As he gathered Jewel and Shane into a tighter embrace, he met Shane’s eyes. The love there made his breath catch. Yup. He’d hold tight to this, to their family, to this man who was everything Brandt had never known he needed, but now was the one thing Brandt wanted to hold on to forever.
* * *
Author Note
It was so exciting to return to my smoke jumping world for book four in this series. Like book one, rather than try to copy an existing smoke jumping base with its specific procedures, policies, ways of handling rookies and so on, I combined various parts of my research into many different bases into one fictional base and town. Some details relating to Brandt’s work were simplified to allow the focus to remain on the characters and their growth and their story, but I did try to include as much realism as possible. Intrepid readers will recognize Linc and Jacob from book one and the brief mention of Tucker and Luis from book three.
I want to acknowledge the complexities of mental health care right now in the United States. Mental health awareness is a huge issue for me, and an area I continue to advocate for change in. For all the parents out there dealing with post-partum mental health issues, you are not alone, and help is out there. And likewise, mood disorders are a complex medical issue, and help is out there. If you or someone you love is struggling, please seek assistance and know that I am sending you my love.
As I wrote this book, over a million acres burned in Oregon in some of the worst fires in our state’s history. I loved writing this series, but never did I expect to be finishing the series while on red alert for evacuation. While my community was spared, many others were not so lucky. Across California and Colorado too, fires raged, and tales of great heroism emerged amid those of terrible tragedy. The human element of wildfire fighting was on display, and I felt new sympathy for the families who support the brave firefighters.
It was with this backdrop that I made the decision to not have any huge fires in this book. I didn’t want a world where my beloved state burned and many amazing people lost their lives. Likewise, this book came through drafting and edits right as the world changed with the response to COVID-19. I very deliberately chose not to have these events affect the storyline, but I absolutely appreciate all our first responders and all that they do for our communities. My heart goes out to all those on the front lines, both firefighting and other key jobs from grocery store workers to truckers to all the health care workers.
Acknowledgments
As with all my books, I am so grateful for the team supporting me, especially at Carina Press and the Knight Agency. My editor, Deb Nemeth, gave me positive feedback at the exact moment I needed it most and saw this book’s potential. Editing remains one of my favorite parts of the publishing process as that’s where vision meets actuality. My revisions were also assisted by invaluable beta comments from Abbie Nicole, who helped make Brandt a better parent, and Layla Noureddine, who made the whole book better with her astute comments.
My behind the scenes team is also the best. My entire Carina Press team does an amazing job, and I am so very lucky to have all of them on board. A special thank-you to the tireless art department and publicity team and to the amazing narrators who bring my books to life for the audio market. A special thank-you to Abbie Nicole who is the best PA I could ever ask for.
My family is the center of my life and is so appreciated for their cooperation and assistance, especially as we all adapted to life in quarantine, online school, and other challenges. My life is also immeasurably enriched by my friendships, especially those of my writer friends who keep me going with sprints, advice, guidance, and commiseration. Thanks to Layla Reyne, Wendy Qualls, Gwen Martin, Karen Stivali, and Edie Danford among many other special people in my life. I am so grateful for every person in my life who helps me do what I love. And no one makes that possible more than my readers. I can’t thank readers enough for their readership and encouragement over the years. Your support via social media, reviews, notes, shares, likes, and other means makes it possible for me to continue to write stories that mean the world to me, and I don’t take that for granted!
About the Author
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #Hotshots series joins her many other critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and particularly loves uncovering unique main characters. In her personal life, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.
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