Brenda Harlen - The Bachelor Takes a Bride

He was gorgeous.

Even standing in his kitchen whisking eggs, Marco couldn’t have looked sexier.

“You’re a nurturer.”

She didn’t realize she’d said that aloud until he looked up at her. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s in your nature to take care of people,” she explained. “You anticipate their needs, try to fulfill them.”

“You got that from watching me make French toast?”

She smiled. “I’ve seen you with your nieces, heard you with your siblings.”

“Sounds like you’ve been keeping a pretty close eye on me.” He nudged her. “Sounds like you might even like me a little.”

“I might. A little.”

“And why does that worry you?”

She didn’t deny it. “Because you’re looking for a committed, long-term relationship. And I don’t know that I can give you anything more than this one day.”

“That’s okay—because I do.” He gave her a confident look and went back to stirring.

She felt a stirring of her own. She’d been alone for a long time, and numb for most of that time. But now, with Marco, she was feeling things she didn’t think she’d ever feel again. And wanting things …

Dangerous things …

* * *

Those Engaging Garretts!The Carolina Cousins!

The Bachelor Takes a Bride

Brenda Harlen

www.millsandboon.co.uk

BRENDA HARLENis a former attorney who once had the privilege of appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. The practice of law taught her a lot about the world and reinforced her determination to become a writer—because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending! Now she is an award-winning, national bestselling author of more than thirty titles for Mills & Boon. You can keep up-to-date with Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or through her website, www.brendaharlen.com.

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For me, writing is truly a labor of love.

Every day that I sit down at my computer, I feel fortunate to be doing a job that gives me so much pleasure and satisfaction—and I want to dedicate this book (my thirty-fifth project for Harlequin) to some of the people who have helped make that possible:

To Gail Chasan, who long ago decided that she wanted Once and Again for Special Edition—and who has since found a home for many more stories.

To Susan Litman, who discovered McIver’s Mission as a contest judge in 2002 and has been with me for every single book I’ve published since then. I realize I am incredibly lucky to work with an editor who supports me and my writing and always finds ways to make my stories better.

To Carly Silver, who may be the newest member of the Harlequin Special Edition editorial team but has already provided invaluable assistance as a title guru—thank you!

To everyone in the art and marketing departments for helping to ensure that the books have polish and appeal.

While all of these people have played a part in transforming my stories from manuscript to bookstore, even then, the journey is not complete. A book is only a collection of pages (or coded words in a file) until a reader opens it up. For that reason, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of the readers who have taken my characters and stories into their homes and hearts—I am truly humbled and grateful.

The last dozen years have been an exciting adventure in my publishing career and I look forward to sharing many more with all of you!

I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Maria Rosati and Mike Boccalon for their assistance with the Italian dialogue in this story. Any errors are my own.

Contents

Cover

Introduction He was gorgeous. Even standing in his kitchen whisking eggs, Marco couldn’t have looked sexier. “You’re a nurturer.” She didn’t realize she’d said that aloud until he looked up at her. “What are you talking about?” “It’s in your nature to take care of people,” she explained. “You anticipate their needs, try to fulfill them.” “You got that from watching me make French toast?” She smiled. “I’ve seen you with your nieces, heard you with your siblings.” “Sounds like you’ve been keeping a pretty close eye on me.” He nudged her. “Sounds like you might even like me a little.” “I might. A little.” “And why does that worry you?” She didn’t deny it. “Because you’re looking for a committed, long-term relationship. And I don’t know that I can give you anything more than this one day.” “That’s okay—because I do.” He gave her a confident look and went back to stirring. She felt a stirring of her own. She’d been alone for a long time, and numb for most of that time. But now, with Marco, she was feeling things she didn’t think she’d ever feel again. And wanting things … Dangerous things … * * * Those Engaging Garretts! The Carolina Cousins!

Title Page The Bachelor Takes a Bride Brenda Harlen www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author BRENDA HARLEN is a former attorney who once had the privilege of appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. The practice of law taught her a lot about the world and reinforced her determination to become a writer—because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending! Now she is an award-winning, national bestselling author of more than thirty titles for Mills & Boon. You can keep up-to-date with Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or through her website, www.brendaharlen.com .

Dedication For me, writing is truly a labor of love. Every day that I sit down at my computer, I feel fortunate to be doing a job that gives me so much pleasure and satisfaction—and I want to dedicate this book (my thirty-fifth project for Harlequin) to some of the people who have helped make that possible: To Gail Chasan, who long ago decided that she wanted Once and Again for Special Edition—and who has since found a home for many more stories. To Susan Litman, who discovered McIver’s Mission as a contest judge in 2002 and has been with me for every single book I’ve published since then. I realize I am incredibly lucky to work with an editor who supports me and my writing and always finds ways to make my stories better. To Carly Silver, who may be the newest member of the Harlequin Special Edition editorial team but has already provided invaluable assistance as a title guru—thank you! To everyone in the art and marketing departments for helping to ensure that the books have polish and appeal. While all of these people have played a part in transforming my stories from manuscript to bookstore, even then, the journey is not complete. A book is only a collection of pages (or coded words in a file) until a reader opens it up. For that reason, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of the readers who have taken my characters and stories into their homes and hearts—I am truly humbled and grateful. The last dozen years have been an exciting adventure in my publishing career and I look forward to sharing many more with all of you! I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Maria Rosati and Mike Boccalon for their assistance with the Italian dialogue in this story. Any errors are my own.