Baby's First Homecoming

Baby's First Homecoming
Cathy McDavid

Bringing Baby HomeGiving away her baby for adoption was the second biggest mistake of Sierra Powell’s life. But after a miraculous turn of events, she is reunited with her toddler son and they return to Arizona. Too bad Sierra’s first mistake is waiting for her there—Clay Duvall, a much too charming cowboy. And onetime love of her life. Clay is not about to let go of the opportunity to raise his flesh and blood.He proposes co-parenting—meaning Sierra and Jamie have to move close to him. Real close, as in onto his property. As far as Sierra’s concerned, he has no say in her son’s life. Clay was the one who walked out on their relationship!Will the sparks between Clay and Sierra set off the formerly feuding Powell and Duvall clans…or will they rekindle an old passion?

Bringing Baby Home

Giving away her baby for adoption was the second biggest mistake of Sierra Powell’s life. But after a miraculous turn of events, she is reunited with her toddler son and they return to Arizona. Too bad Sierra’s first mistake is waiting for her there—Clay Duvall, a much too charming cowboy. And onetime love of her life.

Clay is not about to let go of the opportunity to raise his flesh and blood. He proposes co-parenting—meaning Sierra and Jamie have to move close to him. Real close, as in onto his property. As far as Sierra’s concerned, he has no say in her son’s life; Clay was the one who walked out on their relationship.

Will the sparks between Clay and Sierra set off the formerly feuding Powell and Duvall clans…or will they rekindle an old passion?

She smelled as good as he remembered.

Sierra raised her arms, hesitated, then slid them around his neck, returning his hug.

Yes, nice. Really nice.

Wait, no. Clay reminded himself this was a friendly hug between two people whose only concern was the well-being of their son.

His body had other ideas, as did his hands, which skimmed her back over the material of her too bulky, too thick sweater.

He couldn’t stop himself. Her curves were too perfect, her scent too intoxicating, her skin like satin.

Her skin?

When had his hand moved to caress her cheek?

“Tell me no.” He bent his head, his lips seeking hers.

She didn’t. She couldn’t, not with him kissing her.

Dear Reader,

I’m often asked where I get ideas for my books. I have to admit, many of them come from real life. Not my own—I’m actually kind of boring. But other people’s lives, particularly people in the news. A few years ago I read a story about a woman who adopted a child and then later returned him to the adoption agency. I was fascinated and couldn’t help wondering how the birth mother felt, if she even learned about her son being returned.

When I first developed my Mustang Valley series, I knew immediately that I wanted to use this real-life story idea for my third book, Baby’s First Homecoming. Sierra Powell is a woman who made a terrible mistake when she gave up her infant son for adoption, and now has the chance to rectify it. She isn’t counting on the baby’s father, Clay Duvall, being anywhere around when she brings her toddler son home to meet her family.

Of course, he is there, and she must confess she not only had their baby in secret, she gave him up for adoption. It isn’t an easy road for Sierra and Clay. Along the way, they learn not only how to co-parent their son; they also realize they were meant to be together always. I hope you enjoy their journey and that it touches a place in your heart.

Warmest wishes,

Cathy McDavid

P.S. I always enjoy hearing from readers. You can contact me at www.cathymcdavid.com.

Baby’s First Homecoming

Cathy McDavid

To my son, Clay. You were without a doubt the cutest, most charming little boy there ever was.

One day, I looked away for just a minute,

and you grew up into a fine, talented,

handsome young man. I am so very proud

of you and all your accomplishments.

Love you always, Mom.

Contents

Chapter One (#u14d7e78c-1ae3-5d9b-9330-147506b07e30)

Chapter Two (#ua8b0209a-f271-5c98-ad98-be38be3e10a2)

Chapter Three (#ue19b3f10-774e-5868-ae6d-b0169c44f31a)

Chapter Four (#uea9ef86d-9c02-5d6d-9c00-075ba0a2e5c9)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

The Powell family home, more than a century old, had been transformed. Sierra Powell stood beside the open door of her Toyota SUV, assessing every change, comparing them to how she’d last seen the house, in shocking disrepair after ten years of chronic neglect.

Trees were trimmed, the yard’s abundant desert flora and fauna manicured to tidy perfection. A fresh coat of dune-colored paint on the house’s exterior gleamed to eye-squinting intensity in the midafternoon sun. Terra-cotta bricks lined the walkways to the front courtyard and back patio, resembling spectators at a parade.