Michael Hawkes knew about negotiating for hostages,not nap time. He was intimate with explosives, not inflatable swimming pools. But his new assignment - protecting his old flame, now the mother of two - took him deep into the dangerous jungles of suburbia.

Years ago Valerie Warner came with white picket fence and golden wedding bands - neither of which Michael could give. Nothing had changed now - or so he thought until he looked at her towheaded twins with the haunting hazel eyes...

Michael had worked hard at being called Uncle Mike - but now he wondered if they should really call him Daddy.