“All you have to do is be nice to her,”
Evan whispered to himself as he got off the elevator.
Admitting how dependent his family was on Claire and recognizing how close he’d come to alienating her earlier, he knew he had to be on his best behavior. He couldn’t yell at her or accuse her of things. And he certainly couldn’t be attracted to her….
He pushed open the door, and she turned and smiled. “Hi.”
Evan’s breath froze in his lungs. Her clinging powder-blue knit dress outlined every delicious curve of her body, accented her brilliant sapphire-blue eyes and brought each of Evan’s nerve endings to complete attention.
He tried reminding himself of all the good reasons he had to stomp out this attraction, but in the end, he knew it was a losing battle….
Dear Reader,
The year 2000 marks the twentieth anniversary of Silhouette Books! Ever since May 1980, Silhouette Books—and its flagship line, Silhouette Romance—has published the best in contemporary category romance fiction. And the year’s stellar lineups across all Silhouette series continue that tradition.
This month in Silhouette Romance, Susan Meier unveils her miniseries BREWSTER BABY BOOM, in which three brothers confront instant fatherhood after inheriting six-month-old triplets! First up is The Baby Bequest, in which Evan Brewster does diaper duty…and learns a thing or two about love from his much-younger, mommy-in-the-making assistant. In Teresa Southwick’s charming new Silhouette Romance novel, a tall, dark and handsome man decides to woo a jaded nurse With a Little T.L.C. The Sheik’s Solution is a green-card marriage to his efficient secretary in this lavish fairy tale from Barbara McMahon.
Elizabeth Harbison’s CINDERELLA BRIDES series continues with the magnificent Annie and the Prince. In Cara Colter’s dramatic A Babe in the Woods, a mystery man arrives on a reclusive woman’s doorstep with a babe on his back—and a gun in his backpack! Then we have a man without a memory who returns to his Prim, Proper…Pregnant former fiancée—this unique story by Alice Sharpe is a must-read for those who love twists and turns.
In coming months, look for special titles by longtime favorites Diana Palmer, Joan Hohl, Kasey Michaels, Dixie Browning, Phyllis Halldorson and Tracy Sinclair, as well as many newer but equally loved authors. It’s an exciting year for Silhouette Books, and we invite you to join the celebration!
Happy reading!
Mary-Theresa Hussey
Senior Editor
The Baby Bequest
Susan Meier
Books by Susan Meier
Silhouette Romance
Stand-in Mom #1022
Temporarily Hers #1109
Wife in Training #1184
Merry Christmas, Daddy #1192
*In Care of the Sheriff #1283
*Guess What? We’re Married! #1338
Husband from 9 to 5 #1354
*The Rancher and the Heiress #1374
†The Baby Bequest #1420
Silhouette Desire
Take the Risk #567
SUSAN MEIER
has written ten category romances for Silhouette Romance and Silhouette Desire. A full-time writer, Susan has been an employee of a major defense contractor, a columnist for a small newspaper and a division manager of a charitable organization. But her greatest joy in her life has always been her children, who constantly surprise and amaze her. Married for twenty years to her wonderful, understanding and gorgeous husband, Michael, Susan cherishes her roles as a mother, wife, sister and friend, believing them to be life’s real treasures. She not only cherishes those roles as gifts, she tries to convey the beauty and importance of loving relationships in her books.
Dear Evan,
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and your brothers and the unfortunate split in our family.
Nonetheless, if anything ever happens to me, no matter what your feelings, you and your brothers must become guardians to your half siblings. I have faith that the three of you will do the right thing.
You, however, must also take full responsibility for the lumber mill. Though Grant may be the most stable, and Chas may be the most crafty, because you have special sensibilities, you are my choice to sit at the helm of my business. I know I don’t need to remind you that a man’s worth isn’t necessarily in the obvious. We may have made this community by providing jobs and a source of pride for the people of this county, but the truth is, this community made us. We owe them. They are stakeholders in our business every bit as much as we are. I want you to take care of them.
And I also want you to do right by my assistant, Claire. If you keep her on as your helpmate, she’ll not only teach you the ropes of the business and do a good day’s work for you every day, but she might just teach you a thing or two about yourself.
Love always,
Dad
Contents
Chapter One
Claire Wilson opened the door of Attorney Arnie Garrett’s office and a little bell rang, announcing her arrival.
“Good afternoon, Claire,” Jennifer Raymond, Arnie’s secretary, called from around a corner. “I know that’s you,” she said, “because everyone else is already gathered in the conference room. Mr. Garrett’s not back from the funeral yet. So you can either