His Marriage Bonus

His Marriage Bonus
Cathy Gillen Thacker

High-powered shipping executive Mitch Deveraux, Charleston, South Carolina's most eligible - and handsome - bachelor, was more interested in the status of his shipping company than in matters of the heart.But when the chief business rival of the Deveraux family offered his lovely daughter's hand in marriage as bait for a merger - everything changed. There was a time when Mitch would have done anything to unite the two companies. Only, now he wasn't so sure.Because passionate kisses, sensual caresses and waking up next to Lauren Heyward would have any man running straight to the altar for real. Could this playboy's much-guarded heart be in danger of a hostile takeover…?

SECRET MEETING MINUTES

TO: Mitch Deveraux

FROM: Payton Heyward

RE: A “business” arrangement

Mitch,

Per our discussion, the Heywards and the Deverauxes have had a long history of duking it out in the marketplace in ever-inventive ways. Now, as our two shipping companies continue to battle for market share, it is unnecessarily sapping the energy and resources of us both. I’d like to propose a merger between the Heyward and Deveraux shipping companies—in more ways than one. If you and my daughter Lauren marry and join our families and businesses through marriage, then I am prepared to offer you half of Heyward Shipping as dowry. Plus, if you can keep this quiet from Lauren, there is a secret bonus in it for you….

Dear Reader,

What a special lineup of love stories Harlequin American Romance has for you this month. Bestselling author Cathy Gillen Thacker continues her family saga, THE DEVERAUX LEGACY, with His Marriage Bonus. A confirmed bachelor ponders a marital merger with his business rival’s daughter, and soon his much-guarded heart is in danger of a romantic takeover!

Next, a young woman attempts to catch the eye of her lifelong crush by undergoing a head-to-toe makeover in Plain Jane’s Plan, the latest book in Kara Lennox’s HOW TO MARRY A HARDISON miniseries. In Courtship, Montana Style by Charlotte Maclay, a sophisticated city slicker arrives on a handsome rancher’s doorstep, seeking refuge with a baby in her arms. The Rancher Wore Suits by Rita Herron is the first book in TRADING PLACES, an exciting duo about identical twin brothers separated at birth who are reunited and decide to switch places to see what their lives might have been like.

Enjoy this month’s offerings, and be sure to return each and every month to Harlequin American Romance!

Happy reading,

Melissa Jeglinski

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin American Romance

Cathy Gillen Thacker

His Marriage Bonus

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy Gillen Thacker married her high school sweetheart and hasn’t had a dull moment since. Why, you ask? Well, there were three kids, various pets, any number of automobiles, several moves across the country, his and her careers, and sundry other experiences. But mostly, there was love and friendship and laughter, and lots of experiences she wouldn’t trade for the world.

You can find out more about Cathy and her books at www.cathygillenthacker.com, and you can write her c/o Harlequin Books, 300 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017.

Who’s Who in the Deveraux Family

Tom Deveraux—The head of the family and CEO of the Deveraux shipping empire that has been handed down through the generations.

Grace Deveraux—Estranged from Tom for years, but back in town—after a personal tragedy—for some much-needed family support.

Chase Deveraux—The eldest son, and the biggest playboy in the greater Charleston area.

Mitch Deveraux—A chip off the old block; about to double the size of the family business via a business/marriage arrangement.

Dr. Gabe Deveraux—The “Goodest” Samaritan around. Any damsels in distress in need of the good doctor’s assistance…?

Amy Deveraux—The baby sister. She’s determined to reunite her parents.

Winnifred Deveraux Smith—Tom’s widowed sister. The social doyenne of Charleston, she’s determined never to marry. That’s not what she has in mind for her niece and nephews, though.

Herry Bowles—The butler. Distinguished, indispensable and devoted to his boss, Winnifred.

Eleanor Deveraux—The Deveraux ancestor with whom the legacy of ill-fated love began.

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

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter One