"Tell Lila not to wait…"

Five simple words—scribbled on an impersonal Christmas card to his parents—changed Lila Sullivan's life forever. Jason Parker, the boy she'd loved, was never coming back to her…or to the daughter he'd never seen. He'd fled Pilgrim Cove five years before, taking all his hurt and guilt with him. Only his promise to return had kept Lila going.

Now four more years have passed, and Lila is about to marry someone else. Eightyearold Katie is thrilled to be getting a dad and a sister. A real family of her own.

Then Jason sends a new message. This time it's personal. He's coming home.