Lisa Dyson - A Perfect Homecoming

Sometimes you can go home again

The only reason Dr. Ashleigh Wilson is back in her hometown is to help her pregnant sister—and maybe repair their relationship. She’s certainly not here to see her ex-husband, Dr. Kyle Jennings, or mend any fences with him. Too bad he doesn’t accept that. Worse, the more time they’re together, the more the old attraction flares!

Even if she still has feelings for him, Ashleigh is not staying. Because that would mean facing the past and all she left behind. Kyle, however, seems convinced they have another shot at happiness. And after a few persuasive kisses, Ashleigh begins to wonder if he’s right….

“I get why you’re here.

Your sister needs you.

Your whole family needs you.”

Kyle slammed the lid closed on the trash can. “Just don’t take your failings out on the rest of us.”

Ashleigh stood so quickly her chair nearly tipped over. “My failings?” Such nerve. So he did blame her for the miscarriages. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

He shrugged. “Physically.”

What did he want from her? Didn’t he realize how difficult this was? Coming back to the town where her life had fallen apart.

She stepped to the opposite counter, her back to him. A single tear rolled down her cheek—she’d be damned if she’d give him the satisfaction of seeing her wipe it away.

“I get it.” Her voice was hoarse with emotion. “You don’t want me here.”

“If only that were true.”

Before she could spin around and ask what he meant, he had vanished from the kitchen.

Dear Reader,

How often have you thought someone’s life was “perfect,” only to discover they were hiding their difficulties or insecurities?

Sisters Ashleigh and Paula each think the other has the “perfect” life. Two years ago, Ashleigh’s infertility and inability to cope led her to flee everyone and everything, including her husband and her career as a pediatrician. Now she has returned to the small town of Grand Oaks, Virginia, to help her estranged sister, Paula, through her unplanned, high-risk pregnancy—whether her sister wants Ashleigh’s help or not. As if dealing with her stubborn sister isn’t enough, Ashleigh won’t be able to avoid Kyle, the ex-husband she’s convinced she failed by not giving him the family he deserves.

What a joy it is to be able to share Ashleigh and Kyle’s reunion story with you. I love mixing former lovers with current situations. The characters think they know each other so well, until they’re proven wrong.

This is my first published novel and I’m thrilled it’s a Mills & Boon Superromance book. I’ve been reading Mills & Boon books for more years than I’d like to admit. Being published by them is an honor. I truly hope you enjoy this story as much as I loved writing it.

Please visit my website at www.lisadyson.comor send me an email at lisa@lisadyson.com. I’d love to hear from you!

May your life always be your idea of “perfect,”

Lisa Dyson

A Perfect Homecoming

Lisa Dyson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Dyson has wanted to create stories ever since she got an A on a writing prompt in fifth grade. She devoured the Nancy Drew series as much for the mystery as for the relationship between Nancy and Ned. So it came as no surprise to her that her stories revolve around romantic relationships.

Before she stayed home to raise her three sons and volunteer for every sport and activity her children participated in, Lisa worked as a medical assistant and a secretary/administrative assistant. She grew up in a small eastern Pennsylvania town and now lives a short distance from Washington, D.C., with her husband and their rescue dog with a blue tongue, appropriately named Blue. She has three grown sons and a daughter-in-law, as well as three adorable grandchildren. When she’s not writing, reading or spending time with family, she enjoys travel, volunteer work and rooting for her favorite sports teams.

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To those who ache for a family of their own, may they discover the way that’s right for them.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

So many people have supported me, taught me and believed in me. I will never be able to express my gratitude sufficiently, but I’ll try.

Thank you,

Romance Writers of America and especially the amazing members of the Washington, D.C.,

Romance Writers chapter for providing workshops, mentoring and friendships;

My ever-supportive critique partners, Darlene Gardner and Diane Gaston, for teaching me so much and never doubting this day would come;

My brilliant editor, Karen Reid, for her insight and patience;

My family and friends, who knew I would succeed and made me want to keep reaching for my dream, and,

A special thank you to my husband, Michael, for his unconditional love and support.

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

EPILOGUE

Extract

CHAPTER ONE

ASHLEIGH WILSON SWITCHED the phone from one ear to the other and stopped Aunt Viv in midsentence. “Tell me what’s going on with Paula. Is the baby okay?” Her pulse accelerated in anticipation of news about her pregnant sister.

“The baby is fine, at least for now,” Aunt Viv said. “Paula’s blood pressure is high and she just needs to follow doctor’s orders.”

“What has her doctor suggested?” Getting specifics could take some work. She needed to get Aunt Viv to focus and stop haphazardly jumping from one subject to another.

“Her doctor wants her on bed rest, but that’s easier said than done with two boys to take care of.”

“Well, she has no choice.” Even though she hadn’t practiced in over two years, Ashleigh’s physician-educated brain reviewed the possible outcomes if Paula’s condition worsened. Preeclampsia, preterm labor...a multitude of possibilities. High blood pressure could mean a lot of things. How high was high? Slightly high or very high? “Do you know her actual blood pressure numbers?”

“Paula didn’t say.” Aunt Viv hesitated a few seconds before adding, “Maybe you should call her and find out.”

Ashleigh swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” How would she begin a conversation with the sister she hadn’t spoken to in almost two years?

Her heart ached for the emotional turmoil her sister must be going through. Pregnancy complications came with unwarranted guilt. Ashleigh knew that firsthand and it took all her willpower to keep her own memories at bay.

“Where’s Scott in all this?” Ashleigh asked. “Can’t he take leave to care for Ryan and Mark?” Surely Paula’s naval officer husband could handle this. Their boys were seven and nine, not quite old enough to fend for themselves but not helpless, either.

“He’s in some ocean somewhere in his submarine,” her aunt said.