Almost A Family

Almost A Family
Roxanne Rustand

Dr. Connor Reynolds had better stay out of her wayAs the new administrator at Blackberry Hill Memorial, Erin has more pressing issues to deal with than her late cousin's notorious husband. Such as how to keep the hospital solvent. How to make her adopted children feel safe and loved after her husband walked out on them. And why patients keep dying for no apparent reason.If only she didn't need Connor's help. And if only he wasn't so good to her and the kids.

It was Connor Reynolds

Dressed in Levi’s and loafers, with a stethoscope hanging over his open-collared polo shirt, he looked the perfect yuppie doctor. “I just want to talk to you for a few minutes.”

“Sure.” She gestured toward the two chairs facing her desk. “Anytime.”

He settled into one and gave her a weary smile. “This is…a personal situation.”

Oh, God. Erin’s mouth went dry.

“And apparently it’s no good.” He studied her for a long moment. “I ran into your kids again on Saturday, Erin. I’d like to know what’s going on.”

Lily. Had he noticed anything? Had he caught that dimple in her chin—or the pale gray shade of her eyes? Taking a deep, steadying breath, Erin recalled the promises she’d once made to her cousin Stephanie, and gave a vague wave of her hand. “I—I’m not sure what you mean.”

“They were way up in the wood.”

“Oh.” Closing her eyes, she leaned back, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“I’ve seen more than just tracks—I saw a large black wolf on Saturday morning, just north of my house.”

“I’ll talk to them right away.”

“While you’re at it, I get the feeling that they’ve got the wrong impression of me. I’m not the monster who lives up on the hill.”

Dear Reader,

Blackberry Hill is a small town nestled in a heavily forested lake area of northern Wisconsin. It’s a town where most people have known each other all their lives, but there are a few newcomers, as well. Like Erin Lang, the new administrator at Blackberry Hill Memorial Hospital.

Six months ago Erin Lang’s life seemed perfect—until her husband abruptly walked out, leaving her with the three troubled children they’d recently adopted. She hopes to create a warm and secure home for her young family in Blackberry Hill. She doesn’t expect to run into her late cousin’s husband, Dr. Connor Reynolds, or to discover that all is not what it seems at the cheerful little hospital. Patients are unexpectedly dying…Connor could be involved…and if she doesn’t uncover the truth in time, someone in her own family will be next.

I hope you enjoy the story of Erin and Connor, and come back to town in 2006 for the next two books of my BLACKBERRY HILL MEMORIAL trilogy.

I also invite you to join me for Back in Texas in October 2005. It’s the first of five books in the ranch series, HOME TO LOVELESS COUNTY. Each book, written by a different Superromance author, is set in a dying town in the beautiful Hill Country of central Texas and involves the unique people who move there as part of a modern-day homesteading program. They’re all in search of new beginnings…and some of them find far more than they expected!

I love hearing from readers. There are contests, articles, photos, a free downloadable cookbook and previews of upcoming books at www.roxannerustand.com and www.booksbyrustand.com. Or you can write me at P.O. Box 2550, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2550. Send a business-size SASE and I’ll send you bookmarks and other goodies!

Wishing you peace, prosperity and love,

Roxanne Rustand

Almost a Family

Roxanne Rustand

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

Many thanks to the wonderful people who so graciously

provided their expertise: Adrian P. Wydeven, mammalian

ecologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, for

his information on the wolves of northern Wisconsin; and

Michelle Klosterman, RN, CEN (Certified in Emergency

Nursing), whose experience in the operation of small-town

hospitals was invaluable. Any errors in this book are mine

alone. As always, best wishes and thanks to Diane, Jacquie,

Nancy, Pamela and Muriel, who are continuing sources of

encouragement and support.

To author Lyn Cote, with many thanks for our friendship,

and for the wonderful “writers’ getaway” weekends spent

at your lovely lake home in northern Wisconsin. You are a

treasure. Also, to my mother, Arline, whose gracious spirit,

energy and humor have always been an inspiration.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE