Deadly Rivalry (Hardy Brothers Security Book 17) Read online

  “No,” Ally wailed, shaking her head. “Did he just … no … it was supposed to be me!”

  “Calm down, angel,” Jake chided. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Although, not only was Mandy the first to hold him, but now she’s also the first to get a smile. You’re definitely lagging.”

  “I’m going to kill you, too,” Ally threatened.

  “I can’t believe he smiled,” Emma cooed, rubbing his belly. “What a good boy. You’re so smart. You smiled at your aunt and melted her heart. You’re a genius.”

  Mandy’s heart rolled at the words and she glanced at James. She wasn’t sure if she was ready, but she wondered if she would ever be ready if she didn’t force herself. She took everyone by surprise when she stretched out her arms. “Give him to me.”

  Emma widened her eyes and mutely handed over the baby. Mandy clutched him close to her chest, fear racing through her as she stared into the baby’s sweet face.

  “You’re not so scary, are you?”

  Avery smiled again, causing Ally to curse under her breath.

  “Oh, good job, Ally,” Grady said. “You can teach the baby his first swear word.”

  “At least I’ll get the first something,” Ally grumbled.

  Mandy wet her lips and smiled at Avery. “Welcome to the family. I can’t wait to show you Jaws.”

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  Acknowledgments

  I’m a romantic at heart. A true romantic. I love the idea of a happy ending, so much so I have trouble writing a sad one. The world is sad enough. I like escaping in fiction. That’s just me. I like sarcasm and snark – but I’m not sure a sad ending is in me. If you’re looking for an edge like that, you’re probably looking in the wrong place. Just FYI.

  As a heads-up, Ivy Morgan’s witchcraft growth will be coinciding with her relationship growth. That means she’ll be learning more about her powers and beliefs at the same time Jack does. I hope you enjoy their romance.

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  This book is available for lending. Please do so.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

  Books by Lily Harper Hart

  Hardy Brothers Security

  Deadly Intentions

  Deadly Intuition

  Deadly Illusions

  Deadly Proposal

  Deadly Prospects

  Deadly Ever After

  Deadly Honeymoon

  Deadly Questions

  Deadly Addition

  Deadly Vacation

  Deadly Secrets

  Deadly Storm

  Deadly Dealings

  Deadly Christmas

  Deadly Desperados

  Deadly Arrival

  Deadly Rivalry

  A Maddie Graves Mystery

  Grave Homecoming

  Grave Insight

  Grave Delight

  Grave Misgivings

  Grave Concerns

  Grave Discovery

  An Ivy Morgan Mystery

  Wicked Days

  Wicked Dreams

  Wicked Times

  Wicked Places

  A Harper Harlow Mystery

  Ghostly Interests

  Ghostly Issues