Jacqueline Diamond - The Surprise Triplets

Triple The Trouble

When fertility counselor Melissa Everhart decided to have a baby on her own, she didn’t anticipate triplets…or her ex-husband’s return to Safe Harbor. Three years ago, Edmond’s reluctance to have children tore them apart. But now that he’s been made guardian of his niece, Melissa witnesses how tenderly he cares for the little girl.

Though Edmond doesn’t believe he’s father material, his sudden custody of Dawn leaves him little choice. He turns to Melissa, the warmest, kindest person he knows, for help. They begin to rediscover the love they once shared, but the betrayals of the past trouble them both. Can they find the forgiveness they both need to come together as a family?

“After you’re in the house, I’m sure there’ll be additional shopping,” Melissa advised.

“For what?” Edmond asked.

“Curtains, for one thing. As I recall, the blinds in that house provide privacy but they aren’t decorative.”

“Oh, right.” While he’d considered the cost of child care, he hadn’t factored in yard care. “And a cleaning service, too. Any recommendations?”

“We clean our own house, so I’m not sure. Just ask at work. You’ll be inundated with suggestions.” She was grinning widely.

“What’s so funny?”

“You’re usually on top of every situation.” She slipped her pad into a pocket. “It’s refreshing to see you out of your element.”

“Refreshing?” That wasn’t the word Edmond would have chosen. “Awkward, maybe. Embarrassing.”

“No, it’s cute.” She’d never called him that before. “Human.”

“As opposed to my usual robotic self?” he asked.

“In a sense,” she teased. “It’s fun to watch the ice melt.”

He traced her temple with his thumb. “Only with you.” Her radiance drew him in, drew him close. He tilted his head, longing for her, but holding back.

And then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she looped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him....

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Extract Copyright ,

Welcome to Safe Harbor, and please don’t worry if you haven’t read all—or any—of the previous books, because each stands alone. Each also presents unique challenges to me as a writer.

When I sketched the storyline for this book, I had no idea how much research the writing would entail. Some of it was already in my files, such as background on embryo transfers and multiple pregnancies. And I had some experience in court matters, having helped cover several trials for the Associated Press and having served on a jury.

However, I soon realized I needed to understand the special needs of children whose parents are sent to prison; how to arrange for such a child’s guardianship so she doesn’t end up in the foster care system, and how the sentencing would unfold in a courtroom.

I’m grateful for the internet, a gold mine of information. When the internet doesn’t suffice, however, I seek out experts to interview. Luckily, I have a friend who’s a Superior Court judge and who explained to me what goes on when a sentence is handed down, as in the case of Edmond’s sister.

My goal is to weave in the background so smoothly that it supports rather than interferes with the emotions of the story. I hope I’ve succeeded. Happy reading!

Best,

Jacqueline Diamond

The Surprise Triplets

Jacqueline Diamond

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Extract Copyright

Medical themes feature prominently among JACQUELINE DIAMOND’Smore than 95 published novels, especially her Safe Harbor Medical miniseries for Mills & Boon American Romance. Delivered at home by her physician father—the only doctor in their small Texas town—Jackie moved with her parents and brother to Louisville, Kentucky, and later Nashville, Tennessee. She developed an interest in fertility issues after successfully undergoing treatment to have her two sons, now in their twenties. Her books include Regency romances, romantic intrigues, romantic comedies and mysteries. A former Associated Press reporter and columnist, she lives with her husband of thirty-five years in Orange County, California, where she’s active in Romance Writers of America. You can see an overview of the Safe Harbor Medical miniseries at www.jacquelinediamond.comand say hello to Jackie at her Facebook page, JacquelineDiamondAuthor.

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For Kevin and Renée Brown, two very special friends

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Triple The Trouble When fertility counselor Melissa Everhart decided to have a baby on her own, she didn’t anticipate triplets…or her ex-husband’s return to Safe Harbor. Three years ago, Edmond’s reluctance to have children tore them apart. But now that he’s been made guardian of his niece, Melissa witnesses how tenderly he cares for the little girl. Though Edmond doesn’t believe he’s father material, his sudden custody of Dawn leaves him little choice. He turns to Melissa, the warmest, kindest person he knows, for help. They begin to rediscover the love they once shared, but the betrayals of the past trouble them both. Can they find the forgiveness they both need to come together as a family?

Introduction “After you’re in the house, I’m sure there’ll be additional shopping,” Melissa advised. “For what?” Edmond asked. “Curtains, for one thing. As I recall, the blinds in that house provide privacy but they aren’t decorative.” “Oh, right.” While he’d considered the cost of child care, he hadn’t factored in yard care. “And a cleaning service, too. Any recommendations?” “We clean our own house, so I’m not sure. Just ask at work. You’ll be inundated with suggestions.” She was grinning widely. “What’s so funny?” “You’re usually on top of every situation.” She slipped her pad into a pocket. “It’s refreshing to see you out of your element.” “Refreshing?” That wasn’t the word Edmond would have chosen. “Awkward, maybe. Embarrassing.” “No, it’s cute.” She’d never called him that before. “Human.” “As opposed to my usual robotic self?” he asked. “In a sense,” she teased. “It’s fun to watch the ice melt.” He traced her temple with his thumb. “Only with you.” Her radiance drew him in, drew him close. He tilted his head, longing for her, but holding back. And then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she looped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him....