Doreen Roberts - One Bride - Baby Included

Thank God she didn’t know what being close to her did to him.

This wasn’t the old days. Amy was no longer the skinny, smart-mouthed kid who had defied him when all he’d been trying to do was keep her out of trouble. She was a woman, in every sense of the word.

A pregnant woman, true, but that just made her all the more desirable. He wanted to protect her, to nurture her, to be there for her in every way possible. And the possibility that it might not be what she wanted drove him nuts.

Damn. The only good thing about this whole day was the fact that his dinner meeting had been a huge success. He was on his way to the top. And that was all that truly mattered.

Wasn’t it?

Dear Reader,

My, how time flies! I still remember the excitement of becoming Senior Editor for Silhouette Romance and the thrill of working with these wonderful authors and stories on a regular basis. My duties have recently changed, and I’m going to miss being privileged to read these stories before anyone else. But don’t worry, I’ll still be reading the published books! I don’t think there’s anything as reassuring, affirming and altogether delightful as curling up with a bunch of Silhouette Romance novels and dreaming the day away. So know that I’m joining you, even though Mavis Allen will have the pleasure of guiding the line now.

And for this last batch that I’m bringing to you, we’ve got some terrific stories! Raye Morgan is finishing up her CATCHING THE CROWN series with Counterfeit Princess (SR #1672), a fun tale that proves love can conquer all. And Teresa Southwick is just beginning her DESERT BRIDES trilogy about three sheiks who are challenged—and caught!—by American women. Don’t miss the first story, To Catch a Sheik (SR #1674).

Longtime favorite authors are also back. Julianna Morris brings us The Right Twin for Him (SR #1676) and Doreen Roberts delivers One Bride: Baby Included (SR #1673). And we’ve got two authors new to the line—one of whom is new to writing! RITA® Award-winning author Angie Ray’s newest book, You’re Marrying Her?, is a fast-paced funny story about a woman who doesn’t like her best friend’s fiancée. And Patricia Mae White’s first novel is about a guy who wants a little help in appealing to the right woman. Here Practice Makes Mr. Perfect (SR #1677).

All the best,

Mary-Theresa Hussey

Senior Editor

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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To my wonderful editor, Lynda Curnyn, whose constant encouragement and loyalty helped put me back in the game. My deepest thanks.

And to my husband, Bill. Without your support, understanding, infinite patience and unswerving belief in me, I would have given up. “Thank you” simply isn’t enough. I love you.

Silhouette Romance

Home for the Holidays #765

A Mom for Christmas #1195

In Love with the Boss #1271

The Marriage Beat #1380

One Bride: Baby Included #1673

Silhouette Intimate Moments

Gambler’s Gold #215

Willing Accomplice #239

Forbidden Jade #266

Threat of Exposure #295

Desert Heat #319

In the Line of Duty #379

Broken Wings #422

Road to Freedom #442

In a Stranger’s Eyes #475

Only a Dream Away #513

Where There’s Smoke #567

So Little Time #653

A Cowboy’s Heart #705

Every Waking Moment #783

The Mercenary and the Marriage Vow #861

*Home Is Where the Cowboy Is #909

*A Forever Kind of Cowboy #927

*The Maverick’s Bride #945

A Very…Pregnant New Year #1047

lives with her husband, who is also her manager and her biggest fan, in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon. She believes that everyone should have a little adventure now and again to add interest to their lives. She believes in taking risks and has been known to embark on an adventure or two of her own. She is happiest, however, when she is creating stories about the biggest adventure of all—falling in love and learning to live happily ever after.

Dear Reader,

From the very first moment Amy Richards popped into my head, I knew she was special. Independent and free-spirited, she seemed like any other young woman seeking a new beginning. Yet Amy had a secret that could drastically change her life. In spite of her determination to go it alone, she needed someone strong to be there for her. I rejected many eager suitors until along came George.

George was a confirmed bachelor—the strong silent type. Married to his job, he didn’t have time for frivolous pursuits. He didn’t have time to baby-sit the scatterbrained brat who’d made his young life miserable with her teasing. He didn’t have time for Amy. Period.

Well, I tell you, I had an awful time getting these two together. They fought me all the way, and then something happened that neither of them had counted on. This is their story. I hope you enjoy it.

You can tell me what you think by writing to me at doreenrob@aol.com. I’m always thrilled to hear from my fans. I promise I’ll answer, and I thank you. Amy and George thank you, too.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

“Absolutely not. It’s out of the question.” George Bentley, Jr., dabbed furiously at his mouth with his linen napkin and scowled across the spotless white tablecloth at his mother.

Framed by the tall window behind her, Bettina Bentley was a magnificent sight, as usual. Her blue feathered hat exactly matched the color of her elegant dress and jacket, her hair had been tinted a perfect shade of dark blond, and, with the help of clever makeup, she looked much younger than her fifty-six years.

Not that George appreciated the charming picture she made right then. He was too irritated.

“George.” His mother breathed his name, leaning forward until her bosom hovered perilously close to her hot fudge sundae. Her coated eyelashes flapped at him in feminine appeal. “I’m desperate. I promised Jessica you’d take care of things. Do be a darling. I assure you it will be fun.”

Fun? George almost snorted. He should never have accepted her invitation for dinner, even if Martoni’s was his favorite restaurant. He should have known she had something devious up her sleeve.

He glanced up at the sparkling chandeliers that hung from the ornate ceiling. Dining at Martoni’s was always a pleasant experience. The Italian-style furnishings and decor gave the whole room a festive atmosphere, with colorful floral arrangements and bright paintings of hot, sunlit streets hanging on the peach walls. Elegant—like his mother. Bettina revered elegance to the point of making it a religion.