Melissa McClone - His Band Of Gold

Kelsey Armstrong Waters stared at her reflection in the three-way mirror and grinned. The vintage lace veil looked as if it had been woven specifically for the porcelain flower wreath she’d found in Paris. Any one of Kelsey’s brides would consider herself fortunate to wear the exquisite pieces.

She adjusted the veil slightly. Oh, my. Kelsey blinked. Once. Twice.

The unbelievable happened. She looked like a bride. An unexpected rush of emotion overtook her. But not even catching her cousin’s wedding bouquet or wearing this breathtaking headpiece would change what she already knew in her heart to be true. Marriage wasn’t for her. Not now, not ever.

The sound of a male voice sent a shiver down her spine. Standing in the doorway was a man dressed in khakis, a white shirt and a brown leather jacket.

This is the man I’m going to marry.

Dear Reader,

I’m dreaming of summer vacations—of sitting by the beach, dangling my feet in a lake, walking on a mountain or curling up in a hammock. And in each vision, I have a Silhouette Romance novel, and I’m happy. Why don’t you grab a couple and join me? And in each book take a look at our Silhouette Makes You a Star contest!

We’ve got some terrific titles in store for you this month. Longtime favorite author Cathie Linz has developed some delightful stories with U.S. Marine heroes and Stranded with the Sergeant is appealing and fun. Cara Colter has the second of her THE WEDDING LEGACY titles for you. The Heiress Takes a Husband features a rich young woman who’s struggling to prove herself—and the handsome attorney who lends a hand.

Arlene James has written over fifty titles for Silhouette Books, and her expertise shows. So Dear to My Heart is a tender, original story of a woman finding happiness again. And Karen Rose Smith—another popular veteran—brings us Doctor in Demand, about a wounded man who’s healed by the love of a woman and her child.

And two newer authors round out the list! Melissa McClone’s His Band of Gold is an emotional realization of the power of love, and Sue Swift debuts in Silhouette Romance with His Baby, Her Heart, in which a woman agrees to fulfill her late sister’s dream of children. It’s an unusual and powerful story that is part of our THE BABY’s SECRET series.

Enjoy these stories, and make time to appreciate yourselves in your hectic lives! Have a wonderful summer.

Happy reading!

Mary-Theresa Hussey

Senior Editor

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Louise Vernon and her Wednesday night group: Barbara, Jenny, Laurie, Linda and Shirley.

Silhouette Romance

If the Ring Fits… #1431

The Wedding Lullaby #1485

His Band of Gold #1537

Yours Truly

Fiancé for the Night

With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, the last thing Melissa McClone ever thought she would be doing is writing romance novels, but analyzing engines for a major U.S. airline just couldn’t compete with her “happily-ever-afters.”

When she isn’t writing, caring for her two young children or doing laundry, Melissa loves to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea, her cats and a good book. She is also a big fan of The X-Files and enjoys watching home decorating shows to get ideas for her house—a 1939 cottage that is slowly being renovated.

Melissa lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon, with her own real-life hero husband, daughter, son, two lovable but oh-so-spoiled indoor cats and a no-longer-stray outdoor kitty who decided to call the garage home. Melissa loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 63, Lake Oswego, OR 97034.

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

“You know what this means, don’t you?” The beaming princess bride, Her Serene Highness Christina Armstrong de Thierry of San Montico, didn’t give Kelsey time to answer. “You’ll be the next one to get married.”

“No.” Kelsey Armstrong Waters stared at the breathtaking all-white royal bridal bouquet in her hands. The sweet scent of the roses tickled her nostrils as if the flowers got the joke. The last thing she’d intended to do was to catch the damn bouquet, but before she knew what was happening she had. Her first thought had been to let it fall to the ground, but as maid of honor—not to mention a wedding consultant herself—she couldn’t allow that to happen. Nor would she allow herself to buy into that silly myth. Not even for her favorite cousin. “I won’t be getting married.”

“You say that now.” Christina gazed longingly at her handsome husband, Prince Richard de Thierry, and her smile widened. “Just wait until you meet Mr. Right. Trust me, you’ll change your mind. Fast.”

Kelsey didn’t want to spoil her cousin’s perfect wedding day so she held her tongue. The institution of marriage might be perfect for Christina and many others, but it would never be for Kelsey. “Why don’t you toss it again so someone else can catch it and not ruin any…traditions?”

“You won’t be able to stop this tradition from coming true.” Christina was practically floating three feet off the ground in the crowded ballroom. Given her fairy-tale romance and royal wedding, no one could blame her, including Kelsey. It was hard for even the most cynical not to get caught up in the magical atmosphere. No doubt this was one couple who would live happily ever after. Christina sighed. “There’s something about the magical power of love…”

Magic was one thing, but love? Forget it. Kelsey knew firsthand that the majority of marriages failed. Her parents and many of her clients were nothing more than statistics. Marriage was as easy as saying “I do,” but divorce was even easier. All it took was an “I don’t.” A sad but true fact of life. And one she never wanted to be a part of. Ever. “I only caught the bouquet. I didn’t get the royal engagement ring stuck on my finger like you did.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

As Christina waved her left hand in the air, the enchanted ring that had brought her and her prince together acted as a prism, sending a colorful spectrum of light flashing. The sparkles landed on wedding guests as if the ring were spreading its magic on all it touched. Kelsey took a step back to avoid being hit, but the light still managed to flash on the bouquet in her hands. Better the flowers than her.

“You won’t have any choice,” Christina continued. “One day your own Prince Charming will enter your life and the next thing you know you’ll be married.”

That only happened in fairy tales. And for Christina. Kelsey couldn’t help but smile at her favorite cousin’s good fortune. But she was another story.

Kelsey might want a boyfriend, but a husband?

Forget it.

Too much hassle.

Too much trouble.

Too much heartache.

She tightened her grip on the bouquet. “Don’t forget, I’m never getting married.”

“Never say never.” Christina grinned. “Trust me on this one, okay?”

January 31

A perfect match.

Kelsey Armstrong Waters stared at her reflection in the three-way mirror and grinned. The vintage lace veil she’d purchased in London looked as if it had been woven specifically for the pearl, diamond and porcelain flower wreath she’d found in Paris. A satisfied feeling settled in the center of her chest. Any one of Kelsey’s brides would consider herself fortunate to wear the exquisite pieces.