The Missing Heir

The Missing Heir
Gail Ranstrom

HE'D RETURNED FROM THE DEAD TO COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH AN ANGELIndeed, to Adam Hawthorne's eyes, Grace Forbush possessed an ethereal beauty, all the more intriguing when draped with the air of mystery she wore like an elegant evening wrap. But were the ton's whispers true? Could this heavenly creature who stirred him like no other have done murder most foul?The buckskin-clad savage in Grace Forbush's library wasn't all he seemed. Shockingly, he was more, for Adam Hawthorne was an English gentleman–and her late husband's true heir, come to claim what was rightfully his: her hearth, her home…and her heart!

“Nenemoosha. The Chippewa word for sweetheart.”

“Nenemoosha,” she repeated. Then more slowly, softer, “Nenemoosha…” with a wistful sigh.

He leaned toward her, unable to resist the word said so sweetly. “Say, metea.”

“Metea?” she asked.

“Do not say it like a question,” he instructed.

“Metea,” she repeated.

He leaned the rest of the way across the little tea table and deposited a kiss on her lips.

“Again?” he asked.

“Metea.”

Again he kissed her, deeper, fuller.

When he sat back, she smiled. Ah, she understood that the word was an invitation.

“Metea, metea, metea,” she said.

Tugging her into his arms, he took intense satisfaction in the feel of her against him. God forgive him, it did not matter if she was telling the truth. He wanted her. And that was all that mattered at this moment.

“You owe me, Mrs. Forbush,” he said against her lips. “And I want payment…!”

Praise for Gail Ranstrom

Saving Sarah

“Gail Ranstrom has written a unique story with several

twists that work within the confines of Regency

England…. If Ranstrom’s first book showed promise,

then Saving Sarah is when Ranstrom comes of age.”

—The Romance Reader

A Wild Justice

“Gail Ranstrom certainly has both writing

talent and original ideas.”

—The Romance Reader

The Missing Heir

Gail Ranstrom

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

Dedicated to The Hussies,

for their unfailing friendship,

nurturing and support.

Special thanks to Eileen G., Lisa W. and Suzi S.— the Wild Writers. Thanks for keeping me focused, writing and laughing.

Contents

Prologue

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