HEATHER GRAHAM
To New Orleans.
To Sean and everyone at the Monteleone.
For Alice Duffy, with lots of love, respect and
tremendous admiration.
Especially for Kate Duffy—“Duffee” will always mean
pure excellence—with deepest gratitude, always.
For Christine Feehan (and clan), Cherry Adair, Molly
and Kate, Brian and Kristi Ahlers, Deborah and Harvey,
Lance and Rich, Debbie Richmond, Pat and Patricia,
Bonnie, Kathleen, Aleka, Toni, Sally and all those who
were so willing to hop on and give New Orleans and
me their very best.
And for Connie and T, who get me through
everything.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue
Prologue
T here had never been a more beautiful bride, never a more picture-perfect wedding. The weather had bowed down in honor of the occasion, and there was a slight cooling breeze. The night was neither too warm nor too cold, and the time had been carefully chosen; the sun was just setting in the western sky. The bride
