Jill Limber - Daddy, He Wrote

Ian heard Trish coming down the hall and jumped back from the crib.

“I didn’t hear her cry.” She frowned at the baby monitor, then looked back up at him worriedly. “I’m so sorry if she disturbed you from your writing.”

“Not at all. I came down for coffee and she was awake.” He couldn’t tell if he had offended Trish by checking on the baby. “Do you mind if I talk to her?”

A surprised expression flashed across Trish’s beautiful, flushed face. “Oh, not at all,” she said in a rush. “I just don’t want you to be bothered, Mr. Miller.”

Ian shrugged, secretly flattered that she, so protective of her child, trusted him. “Trish, she’s no bother. In fact, when you have to go outside, let me know. That way you don’t have to worry about her.”

He amazed himself as he heard the words coming out of his mouth. Ian Miller, confirmed bachelor, had just offered to baby-sit. If anyone had told him he’d be doing that a month ago, he’d have laughed out loud.

Next thing he knew, he’d be writing a baby into his story!

Dear Reader,

Let this month’s collection of Silhouette Romance books sweep you into the poetry of love!

Roses are red,

or white in the case of these Nighttime Sweethearts (SR #1754) by Cara Colter. Scarred both physically and emotionally, this cynical architect will only woo his long-lost love under the protection of night. Can a bright beauty tame this dark beast? Find out in the fourth title of Silhouette Romance’s exquisite IN A FAIRY TALE WORLD… miniseries.

Violets are blue,

like the eyes of the ladies’ man in Myrna Mackenzie’s latest, Instant Marriage, Just Add Groom (SR #1755). All business, even in his relationships, this hardened hero would never father a child without the protection of marriage—but he didn’t count on falling for the prim bookseller next door!

Cupid’s at play,

and he’s got the use of more than arrows for matchmaking! Even a blinding blizzard can bring two reluctant people together. Watch the steam rise when a gruff, reclusive writer is stranded with a single mom and her adorable baby in Daddy, He Wrote (SR #1756) by Jill Limber.

And magic, too!

With only six days left to break her curse, Cat knew she couldn’t count on finding true love. Until she happened upon a dark, reticent veterinarian with a penchant for rescuing animals—and damsels—in distress! You’re sure to be enchanted by Shirley Jump’s SOULMATES story, Kissed by Cat (SR #1757).

May love find you this Valentine’s Day!

Mavis C. Allen

Associate Senior Editor

www.millsandboon.co.uk

To Teresa, the best kind of friend.

No matter what, I know I can count on you!

Silhouette Romance

The 15 lb. Matchmaker #1593

Captivating a Cowboy #1664

Daddy, He Wrote #1756

Silhouette Intimate Moments

Secrets of an Old Flame #1226

lives in San Diego with her husband. Now that her children are grown, their two dogs keep her company while she sits at her computer writing stories. A native Californian, she enjoys the beach, loves to swim in the ocean and for relaxation she daydreams and reads romances. You can learn more about Jill by visiting her Web site at www.JillLimber.com.

1) Make Mr. Miller breakfast

2) Wash Emma’s bibs and blankets

3) Stop thinking about sexy new boss!

4) Feed the horses, the cat and the dog

5) Wash kitchen floor

6) Stop thinking about sexy new boss!!

7) Buy groceries

8) Stop thinking about sexy new boss!!!

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

Trish dropped the box of books she’d just begun to unpack and grabbed the telephone before the ringing could wake three-month-old Emma. If the baby hadn’t been in the room, she’d let the machine pick up. She’d been dodging phone calls for three months.

Heart pounding, she said, “Hello, Blacksmith Farm.”

“Is this the housekeeper?” an arrogant-sounding female voice asked.

Trish answered, knowing this could be the call that ended her job. If that happened, she and Emma would be homeless. “Yes. This is Trish—”

The impatient caller cut her off. “This is Joyce Sommers. I’m Mr. Miller’s business manager.”

Mr. Miller was the new owner of Blacksmith Farm. Trish waited through the woman’s dramatic pause, wanting to make a sarcastic comment but knowing that would not be the wisest step, considering her circumstances.

“I have a list of things that need to be done before Mr. Miller arrives.”

Trish sat down at the desk, fearing her shaky legs might not support her. If she was getting instructions she still had the job. On a giddy wave of relief she started scribbling furiously to get down everything Ms. Sommers wanted accomplished in the next two days.

She assured Ms. Sommers that everything would be done before Mr. Miller visited, then the woman hung up without even a goodbye.

With a shaking hand, Trish replaced the receiver and stared at the telephone. Relief spread through her, and she felt the knot of tension between her shoulder blades ease a bit.

Despite her worry, Trish supposed she shouldn’t be surprised. The caretaker came with the property, just like the furnishings and the animals. The old owners had sold everything, lock, stock and barrel, literally.

If she was lucky, the new owner would spend as little time here as the old owner had.

She glanced over at Emma, sound asleep on her back in a wash basket lined with a quilt, her tiny hands curled into fists and her mouth making little sucking motions.

Trish’s heart swelled with love every time she looked at her daughter.

In their short marriage, Billy had been a miserable husband and an indifferent father, but he’d given her Emma. Part of Trish would thank him forever for that.

Through the window of the study, just past the barn, she could see the cracked shingles of the old stone farmhouse that went with the caretaker’s job. It had no heat except the fireplace; the electrical wiring was ancient and undependable; and the water pump didn’t work when the power was out. She loved every square leaky, drafty inch of it. It was hers, the first place she had ever been able to call home.

Trish emptied the box she’d been working to unpack before Ms. Sommers’s call, and realized all the books were multiple copies of the ones written by the new owner.

She looked at the floor-to-ceiling bookcases on the west wall, trying to decide where to put one of each of Mr. Miller’s books. He’d be proud of his work and want them at eye level, she decided, where people would see them when they came in the room.

She carried an armload to the shelves. This was her favorite room in the house. She loved to read.

She shelved a copy of each volume and ran her fingers down the spines to make sure they were aligned. The rest she stored in a cupboard.

What would it be like to be rich and live in a house like this and have enough time to read every day? In her dreams she pictured Emma and herself in a big, safe, cozy house like this. She’d have a housekeeper and a gardener. She’d have time to play with Emma whenever she wanted, and after she tucked Emma into bed at night, she’d curl up in the big flowered chair in the front room and read until bedtime.