WELCOME TO TYLER-JOIN THE CROWD
Sit in the bleachers and catch up on the latest gossip. Share the passions and pastimes of Americas favorite hometown.
THE HOMETOWN HERO AND THE LADY COACH
Patrick Kelsey, Tylers former all-star, is not impressed to learn that Tyler Highs new football coach is a woman. But Pam Casals isnt what Patrick expects.
CAN THEY CREATE A WINNING TEAM?
Pams bright, vivacious and dedicated. Her infectious enthusiasm inspires everyone around her. Yet, when Patrick tries to get close to her, she backs off. Patrick begins to wonder if theres something important Pam isnt telling him...
Previously Published.
What are you doing, Patrick?
I enjoy looking at you. Life is for enjoying, Pam, and I enjoy you.
Is life for enjoying, Patrick?
He nodded. I decided that it was some years ago, when I had to reevaluate my life after a big disappointment.
So he, too, had known disappointment. Pam was curious, but she decided to keep the discussion impersonal. Disappointments that change our lives stay with us. At least, the lingering effects do.
Right now, I dont want to think about past disappointments. Its Friday night, Im out with the loveliest woman in town, and alls right with my world. How about yours?
She warmed under his heated gaze. My worlds pretty fine right now, too.
He nodded toward the crowded room. What do you say we blow this joint? Id like to be alone with you.
That sent her blood racing, but not with fright. With anticipation. Taking his hand in hers, she pulled him up and headed toward the door.
Dear Reader,
Tyler faces many challenges typical of small towns, but the fabric of this fictional community will be torn by the revelation of a long-ago murder, the details of which will evolve right through the series. This intriguing crime will culminate in an emotional trial that profoundly affects the lives of the Ingallses, the Barons, the Forresters and the Wochecks.
Renovations have begun on the old Timberlake resort lodge as the series opens, and the lodge will also attract the attention of a prominent Chicago hotelier, a man with a personal interest in showing Tyler folks his financial clout.
Marge is waiting with some home-baked pie at her diner, and policeman Brick Bauer might direct you down Elm Street if its patriarch Judson Ingalls youre after. The Kelseys run the loveliest boardinghouse in town, and youll find everything you need at Gates Department Store. Pam Casals gives hometown favorite son, Patrick Kelsey, a run for his money when she hires on as Tyler Highs new football coach. So join us in Tyler, once a month, for the next eleven months, for a slice of small-town life thats not as innocent or as quiet as you might expect, and for a sense of community that will capture your mind and your heart.
Marsha Zinberg
Editorial Coordinator, Tyler
Bright Hopes
Pat Warren
www.millsandboon.co.uk
Special thanks and acknowledgment to Pat Warren for her contribution to this work.
Special thanks and acknowledgment to Joanna Kosloff for her contribution to the concept for the Tyler series.
CONTENTS
Back Cover Text
Dear Reader
Title Page
Acknowledgments
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
Copyright
CHAPTER ONE
Josephine Mackie sat back in her desk chair, adjusted her round, rimless glasses on her long, thin nose and looked up at the tall gym teacher. Why, Patrick, dont tell me youre a chauvinist. Not with that superachiever mother of yours and three charming sisters.
Patrick ran a hand through his short, dark hair. That was the one drawback to growing up and living in a small town like Tyler, Wisconsin. Everyone knew you, your family and most of your business. Miss Mackie had been principal of Tyler High School when he was a freshman twenty years ago. She wasnt meddlesome so much as knowledgeableabout everyone. He flashed her what he hoped was a disarming smile.
Not me. Its just that...well, these are guys, Miss Mackie. Young men, really. Therell be problems, like the locker room, for instance. Theyre going to hate having a female around when theyre changing.
I dont imagine shell shower with the boys, do you?
Patrick reached for patience, never his strong suit. How about the game itself? I never heard of a woman who knows football inside and out.
Really? Ever hear of Phyllis George, to name one? I thought she did a highly commendable job, and on national television at that. And now theres Pam Casals. Have you read her credentials?
Patrick felt his irritation grow as he paced her small office. I know she was a runner in the Olympics.
A little more than a mere runner. She won a silver medal when she was seventeen, then returned and won a gold medal at twenty-one.
Okay, so she can run. But does she know football?
Disappointed in his reaction, Miss Mackie nevertheless continued unruffled. She went on to become an exhibition performer, earned a degree in phys ed, was head coach at a college in the east and an Olympic coach for a year in Seoul. For a young woman whos just turned thirty, I would call that an impressive list of accomplishments.