Tara Randel - His One And Only Bride

He never thought he’d see her again!

After being reported missing, presumed dead, globe-hopping photojournalist Mitch Simmons never thought he’d see his estranged wife, Zoe, again. Yet here he is back in their coastal Florida town, where Zoe is mayor. Turns out she isn’t the only one he left behind.

Discovering he has a baby son awakens thrilling new emotions in Mitch. And there are his still-powerful feelings for the high school sweetheart he vowed to love and honor forever. Thankfully, they’ll have the chance to find the love that was always there...

TARA RANDEL is an award-winning, USA TODAY bestselling author of fifteen novels. Family values, a bit of mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. This is her sixth book for Harlequin Heartwarming. Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books.

Also By Tara Randel

The Wedding March

The Bridal Bouquet

Honeysuckle Bride

Magnolia Bride

Orange Blossom Brides

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

His One and Only Bride

Tara Randel

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08085-9

HIS ONE AND ONLY BRIDE

© 2018 Tara Spicer

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2020-03-02

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Zoe stood beside a crib.

She looked at the baby, the fierce love etched on her face stopping Mitch from moving. He’d always thought Zoe was pretty, but now she took his breath away. Becoming a mother had transformed her. She was no longer just his high school sweetheart. Before him stood a full-grown woman, a mother, who had become more beautiful in the time he’d been away.

“Come see your son.”

Leaning on the cane, he made his legs move forward. When he came to the side of the crib and gazed down at the sleeping boy, with one thumb brushing his lips, his breath caught.

A longing, unlike any he’d ever experienced before, pummeled him. This was his son. His flesh and blood. A miracle.

Dear Reader,

It’s summertime in Cypress Pointe. Finally, you get to be a guest at the weddings you’ve been waiting for since the Business of Weddings series started. I’ve loved spending time in this beach community, loved visiting old friends and new, so wrapping up stories from previous books has been gratifying and a tad bittersweet.

His One and Only Bride features Zoe and Mitch Simmons. High school sweethearts, they thought their lives would be filled with days of happiness and a household full of children. Fate wasn’t so kind, and as the two ponder the state of their marriage, they learn the true meaning of love.

I had so much fun writing baby Leo. Children have a tendency to steal scenes in a book, and after all the angst and heartache it took for Zoe and Mitch to finally get this little bundle of joy, he was worth every moment. He brought me back to those early days of motherhood, remembering the ups and downs of parenting with fond memories and joy.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the adventures in Cypress Pointe. What started out as a book about brides turned into a series about wedding professionals that I have loved from start to finish. I look forward to moving on with a new series full of strong heroines, daring men and lots of adventure. Until then, enjoy reading Zoe and Mitch’s story.

Happy reading!

Tara

To Mark, Sarah and baby Leo. Thanks for your friendship and letting me hang out with your son. Mark, thanks for always answering my questions.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Dedication

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

Epilogue

Extract

Chapter One

“BY THE VIRTUE of the authority vested in me under the laws of the state of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Zoe Simmons took a big step back as the groom hauled his bride in for an enthusiastic smooch. The bride wrapped her arms around her new husband’s neck while the guests clapped and hooted their congratulations.

Once the couple disengaged, with wide grins meant only for each other, Zoe peered around them to say, “It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you for the first time, Lilli and Max Sanders.”

Lilli sent Zoe a grateful smile, and Max winked before tucking his bride’s hand securely into the crook of his arm as they turned toward the happy faces before them. Linked in the promise of a new life together, the newlyweds strode down the aisle.

With a bittersweet sigh, Zoe watched them walk away.

When she’d agreed to officiate this marriage—a privilege she’d never considered as part of her duties as the mayor of Cypress Pointe, but then soon learned it was a tradition—she’d had good intentions. Lilli had been her friend for years and even though standing here stirred up a bittersweet web of emotions, Zoe wanted to be part of her friend’s special day. In the past few years, Zoe had generally avoided weddings, especially since...