Die Before Nightfall Page 21
“You’re right.” Raven blinked back tears and pulled away. “So let’s go have that ice cream.”
“Not so fast.” He tugged her toward him. “I’ve just defeated a giant. Slayed him with nothing more than a computer and ten fingers.”
“You’re amazing.”
“I am, aren’t I? But I didn’t do it for glory or riches.”
“No?”
“No. I did it for one reason and only one. To win the affection of a fair maiden. One with hair as soft as silk and eyes as blue as the summer sky. Gold and silver pale in comparison to her beauty.” He bent to kiss her, a gentle touching of lips.
“If it isn’t gold or silver you want, then what?” She threaded her fingers through his hair.
“A kiss to prove I’ve won her heart.”
And he captured her lips again.
“Well, it’s about time. I didn’t think you’d ever get married.”
Abby’s voice pierced the moment and Shane pulled back with a sigh.
“Well, I did. Don’t you remember? The candlelight? The horse? The white carriage? You wore that pretty yellow dress.”
“Was that your wedding, dear?”
“It was.”
“Wonderful. And when is the baby due?”
“October.” The words were out before Raven realized she was going to say them.
Shane laughed and tugged one of Raven’s curls. “Now you’ve done it. We’ll never hear the end of it. You know Aunt Abby never forgets things like this.”
“How could I forget a baby? I’ll have to make some little mittens for his feet.” She walked back into the kitchen.
As soon as she disappeared from view, Shane looped his arms around Raven’s waist, tugged her close and began kissing a path up her neck. “Guess we’ll have to work hard to make your story come true. We wouldn’t want Aunt Abby to be disappointed.”
Raven slid her hands along his arms and up into his hair. “That sounds like fun, but Abby isn’t going to be disappointed. I really am pregnant.”
She knew the moment her words registered. Shane went completely still, then pulled back and looked into her eyes. “You are?”
“Yes. That’s what took me so long. I visited the doctor before I went to the store. I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure.”
“Are those happy tears I see in your eyes? Or sad ones?” He ran a finger along her cheek and caught a tear that had escaped.
“Happy. How could they be anything else?”
“Good, I’d hate to have to challenge myself to a duel.” His words were light, his gaze intent as he studied her face. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Better than that.” And it was true. “I love you, Shane.”
“And I love you. God did something wonderful when He brought you to Lakeview. Not just bringing the two of us together, but making us a family—you, me, Abby, Mark and Laura, and Ben. And now a baby. A little girl who looks just like you—midnight-dark hair and summer-blue eyes.”
“Or a boy with your green eyes and creative genius.”
“One of each might be interesting.”
Raven smiled, tears pricking at her eyes again as she thought of all the last year had brought—the love, the connection, the sense of belonging.
“Don’t cry. You know I’m not good at handling tears.”
Raven laughed, and hugged Shane tight. “I’ll try not to soak your shirt. I promise.”
“Good. Now, how about that ice cream?” And he tugged her into the kitchen and the warmth of home.
COMING NEXT MONTH
Be enthralled, moved, thrilled, delighted…and satisfied by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.
Come back every two weeks for newly released selections in eight varied categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.
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AVAILABLE NOW
Showcase
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)
Sexy 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
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
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 chic lit from Steeple Hill Café.
LOVING FEELINGS by Gail Gaymer Martin, 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
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
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
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
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
ON SALE NOVEMBER 1
Showcase
Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books
CODE NAME: BABY by Christina Skye, HQN Books (romantic suspense)
Romantic Suspense
Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments
EPIPHANY by Rita Heron, Mallery Kane, Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue
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 chic lit from Steeple Hill Café.
HER BROTHER’S KEEPER by Valerie Hansen, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense
Women’s Fiction
Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next
STARTING FROM SCRATCH by Marie Ferrarella, Harlequin Next
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books
WINTER MOON by Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, C.E. Murphy, LUNA
ON SALE NOVEMBER 15
Sexy Reads
Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents
BOSS MAN by Diana Palmer, Silhouette Desire
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 chic lit from Steeple Hill Café.
WEDDING AT WILDWOOD by Lenora Worth, Steeple Hill Love Inspired
Women’s Action Adventure
Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell
LETHALLY BLONDE by Nancy Bartholomew, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries
Chic Lit
Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink
SCENES FROM A HOLIDAY by Laurie Graff, Caren Lissner, Melanie Murray, Red Dress Ink