Whirlwind Reunion

“Cowan’s stories have the charm, tenderness and sensuality that captivate and enchant.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Merging the elements of homespun, Americana romance with a strong western atmosphere, Cowan succeeds at tackling big themes in a tender way.”

—RT Book Reviews on Whirlwind Secrets

“Whirlwind Baby is an excellent book, not only for its message [about child abuse], but also for the heartwarming story.”

—Cataromance

“Whirlwind Groom is a book not to be missed.”

—Romance Junkies

“Cowan takes the qualities of an Americana western, adds the grit of a chase and writes a tale that also has deep family ties, pulsing sexual tension and the harsh reality of the West.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Whirlwind Bride is an utterly delightful kickoff for what promises to be a great miniseries.”

—Reader to Reader

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

Epilogue

Chapter One

West Texas, 1886

Matt Baldwin could go straight to perdition. Dr. Annalise Fine couldn’t stop the thought as she watched the dark, handsome, lowdown snake he had once loved. Who had once claimed to love her.

On a cool April night, she stood on the edge of the dance floor in the lobby of the Fontaine, the fancy hotel where his brother’s wedding celebration was underway. The big, rugged rancher hadn’t looked at her once. She couldn’t seem to stop looking at him.

Even though she had been back in Whirlwind, Texas, for two months, this was the first time she had set eyes on him. His wavy black hair was longer than she remembered ever seeing. Slightly ragged, it brushed the stand-up collar of his white dress shirt. The crisp fabric stretched across shoulders that were more broad than the last time she’d seen him. Touched him.

His frame was solid, hard, from the strong line of his sun-bronzed neck to the powerful thighs beneath his dark trousers. Trousers that fitted him so well they bordered on indecent. Her chest tightened painfully.

The notes of a waltz filled the air, swelling over the clink of glasses, conversation and dancers. She had known she would see Matt, and she had made herself come anyway. It was time to get it over and done with.

His brother, just as big and an inch taller, swept his dark-haired bride around the floor. Russ hadn’t stopped smiling since before the wedding.

Like Annalise, Matt’s father, J.T., wasn’t dancing tonight. An accident he’d suffered several months ago had left him crippled.

Cora Wilkes, a lifelong friend and now a widow, thanks to an outlaw gang, stood talking to him. Tall, with perfect posture, the older woman walked over to Annalise. Her hazel eyes twinkled as she sipped her second glass of champagne.

Annalise glanced at the big man, still surprised each time she saw him in the wheelchair. He had been a good friend to her father and to her, especially during the year she had cared for Hardy Fine before he died.

“Is Mr. Baldwin expected to walk again?” Annalise asked when Cora paused beside her.

“Dr. Butler first had hope, but now he isn’t sure. J.T. isn’t recovering the way the doctor had anticipated.” Cora’s face softened. “Has J.T. asked you to look at his leg? He said he might.”

“Not yet.” Considering the way his youngest son felt about her, Mr. Baldwin probably wouldn’t ask, regardless of their former friendship.

Try as she might, she couldn’t ignore Matt, and that had frustration churning in her belly.

As he escorted a curvy redhead into the dining room, Annalise noted with resentment that his rugged good looks hadn’t faded in the last seven years. If anything, he was more compelling. With those smoldering blue eyes, his was a face that had a woman sighing. Annalise should know; she’d done her share.

But there was more to him than just his looks. Beneath the easy charm, the slow drawl often mistaken for laziness, was a razor-sharp intellect and a keen instinct about people.

“I think I’m finally getting used to seeing your name over the medical clinic instead of your daddy’s,” Cora said. “Hardy would be so proud of you.”

She hoped so because Matt sure hadn’t been. He reappeared in the dining-room doorway, this time with an unfamiliar blonde, and Annalise jerked her gaze away to scan the lobby. The polished wood of the oak floor matched the large registration desk positioned to greet people when they walked through the double doors.

Russ and his wife, Lydia, had done a wonderful job with the hotel that had been built in the years Annalise had been gone. Pewter wall sconces above the moss-green sofas on either side of the desk burned continuously on gas lighting. The high ceilings and the staircase opposite the registration desk were accentuated with oak molding.