Brad?
But the difference went beyond clothes. He smelled of expensive gabardine, fine linen and spicy cologne. He was still tall and lean, but his shoulders looked broader. More powerful.
And even though he was smiling, he hadnt hugged her or kissed her cheek. In fact, he was looking at her with a strange, watchful gaze. Her own smile dimmed.
What are you doing here, Brad?
He smiled broadly. Congratulate me, Sammy. I met the girl of my dreams and she agreed to marry me.
Dear Reader,
My, how time flies! I still remember the excitement of becoming Senior Editor for Silhouette Romance and the thrill of working with these wonderful authors and stories on a regular basis. My duties have recently changed, and Im going to miss being privileged to read these stories before anyone else. But dont worry, Ill still be reading the published books! I dont think theres anything as reassuring, affirming and altogether delightful as curling up with a bunch of Silhouette Romance novels and dreaming the day away. So know that Im joining you, even though Mavis Allen will have the pleasure of guiding the line now.
And for this last batch that Im bringing to you, weve got some terrific stories! Raye Morgan is finishing up her CATCHING THE CROWN series with Counterfeit Princess (SR #1672), a fun tale that proves love can conquer all. And Teresa Southwick is just beginning her DESERT BRIDES trilogy about three sheiks who are challengedand caught!by American women. Dont miss the first story, To Catch a Sheik (SR #1674).
Longtime favorite authors are also back. Julianna Morris brings us The Right Twin for Him (SR #1676) and Doreen Roberts delivers One Bride: Baby Included (SR #1673). And weve got two authors new to the lineone of whom is new to writing! RITA® Award-winning author Angie Rays newest book, Youre Marrying Her?, is a fast-paced funny story about a woman who doesnt like her best friends fiancée. And Patricia Mae Whites first novel is about a guy who wants a little help in appealing to the right woman. Here Practice Makes Mr. Perfect (SR #1677).
All the best,
Mary-Theresa Hussey
Senior Editor
Youre Marrying Her? Angie Ray
ANGIE RAY
Dear Reader,
At age twelve, I regarded anything with the word romance in it with suspicionuntil a friend gave me a category romance novel and I read it. I was hooked. Actually, I was addicted, obsessed and insatiable. I quickly figured out that the new series romances always appeared in the bookstore about the seventh of each month, but that sometimes they came earlier. Starting around the first, I would beg my poor mother to take me to the bookstore every day until those books showed up on the shelf.
My love affair with romances continued through high school, college, several jobs and even through my own personal romance with the man who would become my husband. I read romances before, during and after the birth of my two children (well, not actually on the delivery table, but you get the idea).
When I finally decided to write something myself, I wrote several historicals and time travelsbut part of me was still drawn to the Silhouette Romance line and its simple (???!!!) stories about two people falling in love.
Writing this book was pure pleasureas was working with the outstanding editorial staff at Silhouette (specifically, Mary-Theresa Hussey, my editor extraordinaire, and Shannon Godwin,
her remarkable assistant).
Whether youre twelve or six times twelve, I hope you will have as much fun reading Youre Marrying Her?, as I had writing it.
Sincerely,
p.s. I love hearing from my readers! Please e-mail me at: ARay3@aol.com, or write to: P.O. Box 4672, Orange, CA 92863-4672.
Contents
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
Prologue
Every part of him ached. He couldnt possibly go any fasterbut he had to. Agonizing step after agonizing step, he drew closer to the figure ahead of him. He drew level. One more stride and he crossed the finish linea nose ahead of the other man.
The crowd roared. Flags waved. Confetti floated through the air. First place goes toBrad Rivers! boomed a voice over the loudspeaker.
The two men stopped jogging but kept walking to keep their muscles from cramping. They both breathed heavily. After a few minutes, the shorter one managed to gasp, DamnyouBrad, you beat me again!
Brad laughed, even though his lungs burned with each exhalation. I wasnt about to give up that trophyI like the way it looks on my desk.
You like taunting me with it, you mean. George Yorita, Brads business partner and best friend, scowled, his thick black brows drawing together in a mock frown.
Cmon, George. I never taunt.
Then why do you start polishing the damn thing every time I come into your office?
Trophies need a lot of upkeep
George snorted. Yeah, right. Before he could complain any more, a tiny Japanese-American woman with a toddler in tow came up. I saw you running, Daddy, the three-year-old said. How come you let Uncle Brad beat you?