The Wedding Agreement

Hayley’s charming, feel-good third Strictly Business contemporary (after Just Say Yes), set in Virginia, stars a heroine who’s afraid of being anything but an independent woman and a hero needing to come to terms with his past. Divorced FBI agent Alex Walker needs a temporary babysitter for his seven-year-old daughter, Nina, when a work emergency arises. He calls on Cass Mullen, his good friend and occasional lover. She’s vocal about never wanting children, but she sympathizes with Alex’s woes around his ex-wife and gladly helps out. When Alex’s ex asks why Cass is watching her daughter, Cass blurts out that she’s Alex’s fiancé. Once Cass and Alex agree to keep up the pretense for a while, the dynamics of their friendship and lovemaking begin to change. Cass enjoys the time spent as a family unit with Alex and Nina, and she begins to look at motherhood in a different light, while Alex worries about the emotional toll that her eventual departure will take on Nina. When Cass challenges Alex on his priorities, their argument threatens their plans. An adorable little girl, supportive friends, and introspection help Cass and Alex find their happy ending. Each book gets better in this irresistible series, leaving readers filled with heartfelt joy. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (May)