As 1912 draws to a close, Alexander Melling should be on top of the world. His wife is expecting their long-awaited child, and he is in sole possession of the Melling legacy. Unwilling to use his parents' tainted fortune, Alexander labors to make ends meet defending his first murder case and helping his sister-in-law find a new asylum to call home. On the verge of reaching for a drink-or one of his past lovers-the last thing he needs is to see fear in Lucy's eyes once more.

Amid transitioning out of a fulltime career and managing life as a stepmother, newlywed Melissa wants to spend uninterrupted time with her husband, but Frederick Davenport's attentions are pulled elsewhere. Juggling two daughters, a needy ex-wife, and Alexander's personal drama, there isn't much time left for Melissa and Frederick to enjoy life together.

Will Alexander's past wreak havoc on his happily ever after-and Frederick and Melissa's as well-or will the united forces of the Melling and Davenport families overrule the remains of their previous lives?

Don't miss "Natural Selection in Life and Love," a Possession Chronicles short story, included as a bonus in this new edition.