Karen Kirst - The Bachelor's Homecoming

Suddenly Reunited

Jane O’Malley’s young heart broke in pieces when the man of her dreams left town after being rejected by her sister. Years later, Tom Leighton returns home, and Jane’s old feelings for him rush back as forcefully as the Tennessee mountain springs.

Tom left Gatlinburg behind without a word to allow his hurt heart to heal. Now he’s a man with a young niece to raise and amends to make in town to the people he abandoned—especially to Jane. The girl from his past has become a gorgeous, kind woman. Can he prove to her that she’s the only woman he wants?

“I haven’t been as understanding as I should’ve been. I know you didn’t intend to hurt me or anyone else. You did what you had to do, and I can’t fault you for that.”

Stepping close, his pant legs brushing her skirts, he very carefully cupped her cheek. A rogue sigh slipped through her lips. The rasp of his work-roughened palm against her skin wrought an intensely heady feeling inside. If only this wasn’t a platonic caress.

“My sweet Janie girl,” he murmured. “The memories of your laughter, your sweet smile, the way things were always easy and fun between us, kept me going this past year. You represented peace and calm at a time when my life was falling apart. I need your friendship.”

Friendship. Not love. Not devotion.

If he guessed how badly she yearned for more, he’d be revolted.

“Friendship,” she croaked. “Always. You have it.”

KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies.

The Bachelor’s Homecoming

Karen Kirst

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Delight yourself also in the Lord,

and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

—Psalms 37:4

To the ladies of Southside Baptist Church

who are fans of the O’Malleys—

thank you for your encouragement and support.

Mary Blakley, I’m blessed to know you

and to count you as a friend.

Retha Smith, your smile brightens my day.

Gina King, I love when we chat about the characters. Thanks for the cards.

Carole Gresham, Wilma Hayes,

Greta Griffin and more,

thanks for liking my books.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Suddenly Reunited Jane O’Malley’s young heart broke in pieces when the man of her dreams left town after being rejected by her sister. Years later, Tom Leighton returns home, and Jane’s old feelings for him rush back as forcefully as the Tennessee mountain springs. Tom left Gatlinburg behind without a word to allow his hurt heart to heal. Now he’s a man with a young niece to raise and amends to make in town to the people he abandoned—especially to Jane. The girl from his past has become a gorgeous, kind woman. Can he prove to her that she’s the only woman he wants?

Introduction “I haven’t been as understanding as I should’ve been. I know you didn’t intend to hurt me or anyone else. You did what you had to do, and I can’t fault you for that.” Stepping close, his pant legs brushing her skirts, he very carefully cupped her cheek. A rogue sigh slipped through her lips. The rasp of his work-roughened palm against her skin wrought an intensely heady feeling inside. If only this wasn’t a platonic caress. “My sweet Janie girl,” he murmured. “The memories of your laughter, your sweet smile, the way things were always easy and fun between us, kept me going this past year. You represented peace and calm at a time when my life was falling apart. I need your friendship.” Friendship. Not love. Not devotion. If he guessed how badly she yearned for more, he’d be revolted. “Friendship,” she croaked. “Always. You have it.”

About the Author KAREN KIRST was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn’t until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom and romance writer. Her favorite pastimes are reading, visiting tearooms and watching romantic comedies.

Title Page The Bachelor’s Homecoming Karen Kirst www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. —Psalms 37:4

Dedication To the ladies of Southside Baptist Church who are fans of the O’Malleys— thank you for your encouragement and support. Mary Blakley, I’m blessed to know you and to count you as a friend. Retha Smith, your smile brightens my day. Gina King, I love when we chat about the characters. Thanks for the cards. Carole Gresham, Wilma Hayes, Greta Griffin and more, thanks for liking my books.

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

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Gatlinburg, Tennessee May 1884

“Do you, Jane O’Malley, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Jane opened her mouth. Say no. Say you’ve made a mistake.

“I—”

Family and friends had crowded into the quaint mountain church and were looking on with hushed expectation. Roy’s fingers tightened around hers, gentle brown eyes offering silent support. He’d been nothing but kind throughout their courtship. A perfect gentleman, save for the one time he’d attempted to kiss her—a proper kiss, not simply a buss on the cheek—and she’d shied away. How patient he’d been. How understanding.

What was the matter with her? Here was a hardworking, responsible man who desired to marry her...the too-quiet, too-shy, unexceptional O’Malley sister. She couldn’t throw away this one chance at a normal life for a man who didn’t want her, whose whereabouts and well-being were a mystery.

Moistening her lips, blood rushing in her ears, she struggled to push out those two simple words. Words that would change her life forever, bind her to a man she liked and admired but didn’t love.

The lace at her throat scratched. The blooms in her hair enveloped her in their cloying scent, nearly gagging her. Surely her sisters had tied her corset too tightly. Her lungs clamored for air.