The Cowboy Way

The Cowboy Way
Christine Wenger

A RODEO ROMANCE!Young widow Beth Conroy had long ago vowed never to lose her heart again. She spent all her time caring for her son, who had been in a wheelchair since the accident that killed his father. Then Kevin won a trip to the ranch of his bull-riding hero, and soon Beth's world was turned upside down by the sexy rodeo star!Jake Dixon had never met a mother as overprotective–or as beautiful. Beth's devotion to her son troubled his heart, as did the sadness in her eyes. All he wanted to do was kiss her troubles away, but when Beth learned that Jake was running from his own demons, she put her attraction on hold. Could the handsome cowboy heal Beth's wounded heart and make them a family?

Beth touched her lips. Had Jake really kissed her?

The butterflies still in her stomach told her he had. Passionately. Hard. But she reminded herself that nothing more could come of it.

They were from two different worlds. And besides, she didn’t want to get involved with anyone, especially not Jake Dixon. He was the type of man she could easily lose her heart to. And she didn’t want a man in her life. Not now.

She was happy living with her son, just the two of them. And Jake Dixon drank. She remembered seeing him drinking a beer last night. No way was she going to let another man like that into her life.

No way on earth.

Then why had she accepted his invitation to go out tonight?

Dear Reader,

Well, we hope your New Year’s resolutions included reading some fabulous new books—because we can provide the reading material! We begin with Stranded with the Groom by Christine Rimmer, part of our new MONTANA MAVERICKS: GOLD RUSH GROOMS miniseries. When a staged wedding reenactment turns into the real thing, can the actual honeymoon be far behind? Tune in next month for the next installment in this exciting new continuity.

Victoria Pade concludes her NORTHBRIDGE NUPTIALS miniseries with Having the Bachelor’s Baby, in which a woman trying to push aside memories of her one night of passion with the town’s former bad boy finds herself left with one little reminder of that encounter—she’s pregnant with his child. Judy Duarte begins her new miniseries, BAYSIDE BACHELORS, with Hailey’s Hero, featuring a cautious woman who finds herself losing her heart to a rugged rebel who might break it…. THE HATHAWAYS OF MORGAN CREEK by Patricia Kay continues with His Best Friend, in which a woman is torn between two men—the one she really wants, and the one to whom he owes his life. Mary J. Forbes’s sophomore Special Edition is A Father, Again, featuring a grown-up reunion between a single mother and her teenaged crush. And a disabled child, an exhausted mother and a down-but-not-out rodeo hero all come together in a big way, in Christine Wenger’s debut novel, The Cowboy Way.

So enjoy, and come back next month for six compelling new novels, from Silhouette Special Edition.

Happy New Year!

Gail Chasan

Senior Editor

Silhouette Special Edition

The Cowboy Way

Christine Wenger

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

There are so many wonderful friends I’d like to thank for making my dream come true.

The Packeteers have been with me from the beginning, and I thank them from the

bottom of my heart. The Sisters of the Lake were there when I needed a boost.

Throughout the years, Pat Kay, Carla Neggers and Maggie Shayne

gave graciously of their time and knowledge and made me a better writer.

And to Amber Schalk who taught me never to give up.

I think of you often, Amberoni.

This one’s for you, ladies—fabulous writers

and fabulous friends. I love you all!

CHRISTINE WENGER

has worked in the criminal justice field for more years than she cares to remember. She has a dual master’s degree in probation and parole studies and sociology from Fordham University, but the knowledge gained from such studies certainly has not prepared her for what she loves to do most—write romance!

A native central New Yorker, she enjoys watching professional bull riding and rodeo with her favorite cowboy, her husband, Jim.

GOLD BUCKLE RANCH

MOUNTAIN SPRINGS, WYOMING

CONGRATULATIONS TO

BETH CONROY AND KEVIN CONROY!

Dear Kevin,

We are happy to inform you that your essay—about how your mother needs a vacation and how you’d like to participate in Wheelchair Rodeo—has touched our hearts. Therefore, you are both invited to spend a free week at Gold Buckle Ranch located in beautiful Mountain Springs, Wyoming, during the second week of July.

Your mother will find that our facilities promote rest and relaxation. Troubles are soon forgotten at the Gold Buckle Ranch, as one spends sunshine-filled days walking among the wildflowers on any one of our beautiful trails.

Kevin, as you know, Wheelchair Rodeo is the idea of our son, world champion bull rider Jake Dixon. In your application, you stated that Jake has been your hero since before your accident. Therefore, you’ll be happy to know that Jake will be personally helping you pick out a horse and teaching you to ride. He’ll also be happy to help you mom get used to ranch living.

We guarantee that you’ll both have a wonderful time at the Gold Buckle Ranch!

Very truly yours,

Dex & Emily Dixon

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven