High Stakes Bride (20 page)

She took a deep breath. Moonlight and the sea, and a proposal. She stared at the planes of Carter's face. She felt touched to her core—swept away. “It's hard to take in.” Her heart was pounding so hard, she was having difficulty breathing.

“Take as long as you like, I'm not going anywhere. I've resigned. I wanted to give you the papers, but they haven't arrived yet. You won't be an army wife, you'll be marrying a farmer.”

She took a deep breath and leaped. “Yes.”

For a moment he was utterly still and she wondered if he'd heard her, then he reached into his pocket and brought out a small leather box.

Her mouth went dry. She'd seen the box with its faded gold trim and distinctive jeweller's mark sitting on his dresser shortly after he'd returned from overseas last time.

He opened the lid. Light glimmered on an antique ring with a large diamond at the centre of a cluster of smaller gemstones. Her heart squeezed tight. She recognized the ring, it was the same one worn by his great-great-grandmother in the oil painting in his hallway—a ring that had been worn by every subsequent Rawlings bride of the eldest male child since.

With slow, deliberate movements, he picked up her left hand and slid the ring on the third finger.

In the moonlight the stones gleamed softly. The ring fitted as if it had been made for her. She touched the central diamond with a fingertip, and a warm shiver went through her. It was crazy, but in that moment she felt the whisper of generation upon generation of love and devotion.

A droplet landed on her cheek, then another.

Carter touched his lips to hers. When he lifted his head the moon was blotted out by cloud.

Dazed, Dani registered that the drought had broken; it was raining. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him back, sinking into Carter's bedrock warmth and strength. Finally, after years of travelling, she'd come home.

T
he day before the wedding, Dani and Becca arrived for a final fitting at Harriet's town house in Mason.

It had been two months since Carter had proposed and almost that long since the mortgage payment had been met and David had moved back into the Galbraith house. With the bank's new refinancing options, David had been able to repair the house, restock the farm and buy a new tractor. He was still stretched financially, and he would be for a while, but Galbraith was finally on an even keel.

Once the drought-breaking rain had started it hadn't stopped. Any fear of another copycat arsonist had been washed away in a deluge of water and bright green growth. They were on the edge of winter, but spring was definitely in the air. Relieved farmers were grinning, kids were happily splashing about in muddy gumboots, and mothers and wives were groaning at the extra laundry. The syndicate that had been buying up properties had folded, causing a minor ripple in the stock market. Carlisle's brokering firm had crashed, and Bainbridge had been removed from the board of directors, his financial activities now under the scrutiny of a special commission for high-level fraud.

At last report, Carlisle was being held on remand without bail, pending trial, and Bainbridge had left the country, tailed by Flynn, who had tracked him to the Caribbean, where he was holed up in an exclusive island resort with a “close friend.” Flynn had sold the story to a national daily with a follow-up exposé to a prominent glossy magazine. The massive injection of capital had saved Flynn from imminent bankruptcy, and the
Chronicle
from oblivion.

Wells, armed with an embarrassing arsenal of facts about Bainbridge meddling with the bank, had exerted pressure on the directors and freed up a number of mortgages, including Tom Stoddard's and the Galbraiths'. The bank hadn't changed its motto, but it was finally starting to live up to it.

Harriet opened the front door and promptly ushered Dani and Becca upstairs to one of the spare rooms, where a designer box lay in state on the bed.

Once she'd agreed to the wedding, Aunt Harriet and Becca had started making arrangements and pulling strings. Harriet had contacts that extended beyond the jewellery business into the world of haute couture. Under Harriet's strict eye, a design was agreed upon and commissioned—and she had insisted on paying for the dress as a wedding gift.

When the white silk gown was shaken out of folds of tissue paper, Dani let out a breath. It was going to be all right.

Minutes later, she stared at her reflection, dazed. The bodice was a sleeveless shell that left her shoulders and arms bare. It fell in a long, elegant line to her feet. Becca fitted the veil and stood back.

For long moments, Dani stared at her reflection in Harriet's full-length mirror. Her hair was in a plait, she wasn't wearing any makeup, but none of that mattered—the dress made her beautiful.

Harriet stared critically at the effect. “We're going to have to cut your hair.”

Becca nodded. “And do something with those nails.”

“I'm not shortening my hair.”

“The length is fine, dear,” Harriet said smoothly. “I'll just get Jose to trim the ends and take a little weight out.”

“Jose?”

Harriet lifted the curtain and peered out at the front driveway. “He cuts for the best salon in Mason. I think he's just arrived.”

Minutes later, back in her own clothes, Dani found herself seated in Harriet's sunny front parlour with Jose—a tall, faintly Asian-looking man—fussing over her hair.

Dani stared at the hairdressing and manicurist's paraphernalia. Between the foil wrap and coveralls, hi-tech headgear and machinery, there was enough equipment to outfit a mission to Mars. Someone should tell NASA. “Do I have to have the nails?”

Becca lifted a brow. “How many times are you planning on getting married?”

Just one.

Dani sat down and gave herself over. “Point taken.”

 

The church was full; the bride was late. Carter glanced at his watch.

His best man, Gabriel West, looked relaxed. “It's traditional.”

The vicar checked his watch, the organist frowned, taking Carter back to his childhood, when she'd glared at him for singing off-key. He checked his watch again.

 

Ten minutes later, the limousine nosed into the space reserved in front of the church. Pushing the driver's door open, Dani exited the car, not waiting for David to make his way around to open the door. After the interminable wait to have, of all things, a tire changed, she was in no mood to play ladies.

Taking care the hem of the dress didn't get smeared with dirt, Dani strode through the pretty archway that fronted the church and up the cobbled path. Carter was waiting on the steps.

She started up the steps, trying to look composed. “You waited.” And until that moment she hadn't known just how frightened she'd been that he wouldn't.

“I wasn't about to let you get away this time.”

Carter's fingers closed over hers, pulling her close and a jolt of recognition went through her. His gaze was cool, his jaw set as hard as adamantine. She'd seen that look before: when he'd been fifteen and his horse had broken a leg and Carter had insisted he was the one who had to put Jerry down. Again when he'd been twenty-five and his father had had a serious heart attack and had had to leave the farm. Carter had insisted on buying his parents out, enabling them to have a comfortable stress-free retirement. She knew that expression with the intimacy, the familiarity, of years and the primitive sense of recognition shimmered through her again. She
knew
him, almost as well as she knew herself—maybe even better. A piercing sweetness moved through her and suddenly she had her moment; the confirmation she had needed.

Carter loved her; he had always loved her. If she hadn't showed, he would have come after her, and he wouldn't have stopped until he'd found her and brought her back. “The car broke down.”

“I thought that was my line.”

“Not any more.” She crossed the fingers of one hand behind her back that this was the last hitch. She'd jumped through enough hoops, all she wanted to do was get married.

David strode up the steps, and handed Dani her bouquet. Clearing his throat, he gave Carter a stern look. “Shouldn't you be in the church?”

With a last cold glance at the limousine, Carter released her and turned on his heel. Dani had the distinct impression that he would prefer to escort her up the aisle himself—just to make sure.

The last of the tension and strain that had marred the morning melted away as Dani lifted the veil over her face, checked her bouquet and placed her hand on Tom's arm. A curious sense of calmness descended on her as they stepped into the vestibule, and the first strains of the “Wedding March” floated out into the warm afternoon air.

 

The wedding reception was held in the Jackson's Ridge community hall, a long low building that was almost as old as the pub and which had originally been an army barracks.

Carter glanced at the copper plaque that outlined the history of the building. “Can't seem to get away from the job.”

Harriet reached inside a plastic carry bag and handed Dani a familiar case. “Here's your real wedding gift.”

Dani opened the lid. Her grandmother's jewellery was still displayed exactly as she'd placed it. She was willing to bet Harriet hadn't even opened the box; she had simply kept it for her. Moisture blurred her vision. “You said you had a buyer for these.”

Both Harriet's eyebrows elevated. “I lied.”

David slipped a handkerchief along with an envelope into her hands. “You'd better open this before you leave.”

Carefully blotting the tears, she opened the envelope. It contained a legal document. “You can't give me this.”

David shrugged. “I'm not, I simply refused to accept your gift of the shares. I know you had some silly belief that Galbraith isn't your home, but I happen to think you're wrong. Galbraith would have gone under the hammer if it wasn't for you.”

Dani opened her mouth to argue.

“Don't. I'm not accepting the shares.”

Carter caught her gaze. She had no problem reading the miniscule signs of body language and facial expression. It was Carter's wedding and he was on his best behaviour. It was a known fact that he liked to socialize and that he was good at it—but only to a point—and right now he was at the limit of his patience.

His hand landed in the small of her back, and she found herself discreetly hustled to a side door. An elderly lady cut a swathe through the crowd, bent on waylaying him. With a deft movement, he dipped his head and kissed her, staving off the interruption.

Long seconds later he murmured in her ear. “Let's get out of here. How about a chartered flight to a Pacific Island and two weeks at a secluded beach resort with no guns, no night-vision gear, no arsonists and no ostriches?”

Dani grinned and let Carter lead her out into the night. How was she supposed to resist that?

Be enthralled, moved, thrilled and delighted by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.

Come back every month for newly released selections in a variety of categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.

Have a great time!

ON SALE IN MARCH 2006

Look for new titles in the following categories

Bestsellers

Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women's fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books

KILLING KELLY by Heather Graham (romantic suspense)

Passionate Reads

Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents

CAUGHT by Kristin Hardy

THE GREEK'S CHOSEN WIFE by Lynne Graham

TOTALLY TEXAN by Mary Lynn Baxter

Romantic Suspense

Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments

A HUSBAND'S WATCH by Karen Templeton

Inspirational

Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café

FRONT PORCH PRINCESS by Kathryn Springer

Women's Fiction

Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women's lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next

MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT LIFE by Jennifer Archer

Women's Action Adventure

Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell

SOMETHING WICKED by Evelyn Vaughn

Chick Lit

Women's fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life's little curves…From Red Dress Ink

THE MATZO BALL HEIRESS by Laurie Gwen Shapiro

Fantasy/Science Fiction

Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books

ONE GOOD KNIGHT by Mercedes Lackey

THE FAIRY GODMOTHER by Mercedes Lackey

AVAILABLE NOW

Bestsellers

Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women's fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books

KILLER TAKES ALL by Erica Spindler, MIRA (psychological thriller)

BEFORE SUNRISE by Diana Palmer, HQN (contemporary romance)

DARK SKY by Carla Neggers, MIRA (romantic suspense)

50 HARBOR STREET by Debbie Macomber, MIRA (women's fiction)

GHOST WALK by Heather Graham, MIRA (paranormal mystery)

MASQUERADE by Brenda Joyce, HQN (historical romance)

CODE NAME: BABY by Christina Skye, HQN Books (romantic suspense)

NIGHT FEVER by Diana Palmer (contemporary romance)

ANYONE BUT YOU by Jennifer Crusie, HQN (contemporary romance)

A PERFECT EVIL by Alex Kava, MIRA (psychological thriller)

DEADLY KISSES by Brenda Joyce, MIRA (romantic suspense)

IN THE GROOVE by Pamela Britton (contemporary romance)

Passionate Reads

Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents

THE ITALIAN'S STOLEN BRIDE by Emma Darcy, Harlequin Presents

UNCONTROLLABLE by Susan Kearney, Harlequin Blaze

WHATEVER RILEY WANTS by Maureen Child, Silhouette Desire

SEXY ALL OVER by Jamie Sobrato, Harlequin Blaze

HOT TO THE TOUCH by Jennifer Greene, Silhouette Desire

TALKING ABOUT SEX… by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Blaze

THE TYCOON'S TROPHY WIFE by Miranda Lee, Harlequin Presents

BOSS MAN by Diana Palmer, Silhouette Desire

DON'T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS by Leslie Kelly, Harlequin Blaze

ANGELS AND OUTLAWS by Barbara Dunlop, Harlequin Blaze,
White Star
miniseries

AT THE PLAYBOY'S PLEASURE by Kim Lawrence, Harlequin Special Releases

THE MAN MEANS BUSINESS by Annette Broadrick, Silhouette Desire

HIDDEN GEMS by Carrie Alexander, Harlequin Blaze,
White Star
miniseries

FOREVER MINE, VALENTINE by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Special Release

SKIN DEEP by Tori Carrington, Harlequin Special Release

SEDUCING SULLIVAN by Julie Elizabeth Leto, Harlequin Special Release

A COWBOY & A GENTLEMAN by Ann Major, Harlequin Special Release

STONE COLD SURRENDER by Brenda Jackson, Kimani Press

Romantic Suspense

Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments

MAN OF HER DREAMS by Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue

LOVING THE LONE WOLF by Ingrid Weaver, Silhouette Intimate Moments

GHOST HORSE by Patricia Rosemoor, Harlequin Intrigue

SUSPICIOUS by Heather Graham, Silhouette Intimate Moments

RIDER ON FIRE by Sharon Sala, Silhouette Intimate Moments

SECURITY MEASURES by Joanna Wayne, Harlequin Intrigue

EPIPHANY by Rita Heron, Mallery Kane, Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue

FEELS LIKE HOME by Maggie Shayne, Silhouette Intimate Moments

RICOCHET by Jessica Andersen, Harlequin Intrigue

HIGH-STAKES BRIDE by Fiona Brand, Silhouette Intimate Moments

Inspirational

Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café

LOVING FEELINGS by Gail Gaymer Martin, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

BLESSED BOUQUETS by Lyn Cote, Lenora Worth and Penny Richards, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

FOR THE TWINS' SAKE by Jillian Hart, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

NOTE OF PERIL by Hannah Alexander, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth White, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

BLACK HILLS BRIDE by Deb Kastner, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

WINDINGO TWILIGHT by Colleen Rhoads, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

MILLION DOLLAR DILEMMA by Judy Baer, Steeple Hill Café

STORM CLOUDS by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

DECK THE HALLS by Arlene James, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

HER BROTHER'S KEEPER by Valerie Hansen, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

WEDDING AT WILDWOOD by Lenora Worth, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

EVEN IN THE DARKNESS by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

PAST SECRETS, PRESENT LOVE by Lois Richer, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

HOME TO YOU by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

A HANDFUL OF HEAVEN by Jillian Hart, Love Inspired

Women's Fiction

Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women's lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next

THERE'S ALWAYS PLAN B by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Next

RIGGS PARK by Ellyn Bache, Harlequin Next

CUTTING THROUGH by Joan Hohl, Harlequin Next

THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Archer, Harlequin Next

PELICAN BAY by Charlotte Douglas, Harlequin Next

STARTING FROM SCRATCH by Marie Ferrarella, Harlequin Next

GRIN AND BEAR IT by Leslie LaFoy, Harlequin Next

THE PAYBACK CLUB by Rexanne Becnel, Harlequin Next

WHO MAKES UP THESE RULES ANYWAY by Stevi Mittman, Harlequin Next

Women's Action Adventure

Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell

ONCE A THIEF by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell

HOT PURSUIT by Kathryn Jensen, Silhouette Bombshell

DEVIL'S BARGAIN by Rachel Caine, Silhouette Bombshell

THE GOLDEN GIRL by Erica Orloff, Silhouette Bombshell
The It Girls
miniseries

FLAWLESS by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell
The It Girls
miniseries

LETHALLY BLONDE by Nancy Bartholomew, Silhouette Bombshell
The It Girls
miniseries

MS. LONGSHOT by Sylvie Kurtz, Silhouette Bombshell
The It Girls
miniseries

A MODEL SPY by Natalie Dunbar, Silhouette Bombshell
The It Girls
miniseries

BULLETPROOF PRINCESS by Vicki Hinze, Silhouette Bombshell,
The It Girls
miniseries

Chick Lit

Women's fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life's little curves…From Red Dress Ink
 

WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Carole Matthews, Red Dress Ink

KILLER SUMMER by Lynda Curnyn, Red Dress Ink

DO THEY WEAR HIGH HEELS IN HEAVEN? By Erica Orloff, Red Dress Ink

THE NIGHT I GOT LUCKY by Laura Caldwell, Red Dress Ink

SCENES FROM A HOLIDAY by Laurie Graff, Caren Lissner, Melanie Murray, Red Dress Ink

THE JINX by Jennifer Sturman, Red Dress Ink

THE BREAKUP CLUB by Melissa Senate, Red Dress Ink

HATING VALENTINE'S DAY by Allison Rushby, Red Dress Ink

Fantasy/Science Fiction

Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books

THE DESTINED QUEEN by Deborah Hale, LUNA

URBAN SHAMAN by C.E. Murphy, LUNA

POISON STUDY by Maria V. Snyder, LUNA

IN STONE'S CLASP by Christie Golden, LUNA

WINTER MOON by Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, C.E. Murphy, LUNA

BRIGHID'S QUEST by P.C. Cast, LUNA

SHADOWS OF PROPHECY by Rachel Lee, LUNA

THE HAMMER OF THE EARTH by Susan Krinard, LUNA