Arguing with her is a full-time job. “Sure, baby. Let’s set the terms so we’re crystal clear on what I get when I win.”

“Let’s hear it.”

I steeple my fingers and try to make this good. When I win, I want to be sure I really come out with what I want. After the fucking play from hell, I still had to send her to a spa in Napa when I moved out here—and fly Ashton out. It’s payback time.

“I want a guys’ golfing weekend. In Bermuda. With Mark, Tristan, and Logan.”

“So you want to take all my help?” she asks.

“Fine, you can keep Tristan. He sucks at golf anyway.”

Tristan and Logan live down the street from us. Logan had a breakout role in a major film and now Catherine represents him. Tristan stays home and does … well, nothing.

“Okay,” she agrees.

Immediately my spidey senses kick in. She agreed way too easily.

“That was too quick. What did you do?” I look around and put my hand out. “Give me the stopwatch, dear.”

Catherine’s eyes widen and she smiles. “Here ya go, pumpkin,” she says sarcastically. I almost prefer “Muffin”—almost.

I look at the timer but it’s still at zero.

“I don’t trust you,” I narrow my eyes before turning around. “Erin and Kennedy,” I call them over, “Did your mommy do something?”

They both smile and shake their heads no.

“Fine. You ready to watch me teach your mommy how it’s done?”

They both give me a blank stare.

“Okay, good.”

“Ready, Muffin?”

“Sure thing, cupcake.”

“Go!” Catherine calls out and I sprint off. I get over the logs and halfway to the tunnel when I hear Kennedy start screaming hysterically.

I stop immediately and rush to her. When I get there, she stops and looks up at Catherine. “Like that, Mommy?”

Catherine looks up and tilts her head to her shoulder.

“You’re using the kids?” I ask incredulously. This means war.

“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. You should probably get back to it, old man.”

I growl, “I’ll show you an old man.” I turn and run faster hoping she doesn’t try anything else. I leap back over the logs and get through the tube quickly.

Ha! I’m not even breaking a sweat.

I climb the rope, but when I get to the top of the wall, Erin is sitting at the bottom where I would land.

“Catherine!” I practically snarl her name.

I look at my oldest and give her a knowing look. “Sweetheart, can you move so Daddy doesn’t crush you?”

“Sorry, I was told I would get to go to Toys R Us and pick out anything I want. Grandma Nina also said if I stayed extra long she’d send me money.”

“What? She’s in on this too?”

They’re all out to get me. Next thing Reagan will somehow be involved.

I leap onto the other side and hear Catherine yell out, “That’s an extra minute, babe. You’re clearly cheating.”

I get through the next four parts of the course and make it down the tower.

Now it’s time for my wife to pay for her transgressions.

“What was so important that you wanted to win? You know I’d give you everything.”

She smiles and places her hand on my chest. “You already have.”

“Does this involve a play? Because I really don’t want to sit through that horse shit again.”

“No, but you will get to star in it.” She smiles and my mind starts to race. “I have conditions though.”

“Of course you do,” I shake my head and already regret this.

Catherine smirks and wraps her arms around my neck. “Yes, I don’t want anymore presidents. I just want one thing.”

Now she has me thoroughly confused.

“And that would be, my love?” I question while kissing the tip of her nose.

“A boy.”

THE END

Letter to the Reader

There is no amount of thanks to fully express my gratitude for reading these books. I truly hope you enjoyed Jackson and Catherine’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

If you could take a few seconds and leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, iBooks, or Barnes & Nobles it would mean the world to me. To keep up with what’s next subscribe to my newsletter (Subscribe Here) — I promise not to spam you.

Thank you again!

Corinne Michaels

This is always the hardest part. I have so many people who make this journey what it is. The book wouldn’t be what it is without the help of those who are close to me. Whether you helped me work through a scene or you just messaged me to say “hello”, you were a part of this. If I leave you out please forgive me, I literally hate this part.

To my readers, thank you isn’t enough. You took a chance on a debut author and the love and support was beyond anything I could ever imagine. Thank you for leaving reviews, messaging me, joining the group, and spreading the word. You’ll never know the difference you’ve made in my life.

Mandi Beck- my sweet, supportive, amazing, and fantastic friend. You’re the glue that keeps me together. There’s not a word you don’t read, or a call you decline. Your love of Jackson has never waivered, even when you were pissed at him. I don’t know how I would’ve made it through this journey without you.

Jennifer Wolfel– as much as you scare the crap out of me, I couldn’t wait to send you the next chapter. You push me. You make me work hard on every paragraph, sentence, and word. Your wisdom made me fight through the scenes and the fact that I made you cry…makes me happy. I love you and thank you immensely.

Melissa Saneholtz – there are people who come into your life and make things brighter. That’s you. I can call you anytime I need you, trust your guidance and you keep me in check (which is no small feat.) Thank you for the countless hours you spend with me, the laughs we share, and your friendship. I couldn’t imagine doing this without you!

My betas: Roxana Madar, Megan Ward, Linda Russell, and Ninfa Maisano – Thank you for taking the time to read over and over and give me all your feedback. My early readers: Alison Manning, Lara Petterson, and Susan Rayner – you’re the first people to see it and give me the best idea on how it flows. I can’t thank you enough.

Christy Peckham – You my Stabby Jr. are so important to me. You’ll never know how much I love and appreciate you!

Cara Arthur- My person. I feel like those two words say more than anything I could write…but I still will. You may not have read the words this time but you were in my heart. (I hope you heard that BUT loud and clear sister). Somehow, I still heard you telling me to slow down and all the other Caraisms I know and love.

Stephanie, Ninfa, Julie, Carla, Melissa, Jennifer, Amy B., Jillian, Debbie, Tanya, Jessica, Annette, Robin, Michelle, Sherry, Mindi, Amy C., Laura, April, and Wendy… You are my lifeline, my friends, and my heart.

Pam Carrion – I’m giving you a face right now… did you smile? You’ve been a saint! A godsend! No matter what crazy idea I came up with you were there to help. You’re an amazing blogger and I’m fortunate to have you as a friend.