The Daddy's Promise

The Daddy's Promise
Shirley Jump

HAVING…ANOTHER MAN'S BABYAnita Ricardo had moved to town to make a home for her baby–alone. She'd learned long ago that she didn't need anyone, not even Luke Dole, the sexy single dad she'd once fantasized about. But how could a hormonally challenged expectant mother steer clear of her former crush when he was so irresistible?Luke had never dreamed he'd again be face-to-face with Anita…a very alluring, very pregnant Anita. Once, he'd let her go. But he wouldn't make that mistake twice. Because now Anita needed him, and he planned to show her exactly what fulfilling the promise of fatherhood really meant….

“You’re running scared.”

“I’m not scared.”

“Oh, yes, you are.” Anita stepped forward, pointing a finger at Luke’s chest. “You are terrified of me. I know you, Luke, better than you think. You retreat into work and you pretend the world doesn’t exist. I’m attracted to you. I’m not going to pretend I’m not, but I’m not foolish enough to have a relationship with you.”

“I think I liked it better when you were complimenting my body.”

She smiled, then averted her gaze from his. “So, as long as we’re clear on this now. No romantic relationship. Just friends.”

“Yeah, just friends.”

“Good.” She nodded, almost convincing herself that this was exactly what she’d wanted.

Dear Reader,

Are you headed to the beach this summer? Don’t forget to take along your sunblock—and this month’s four new heartwarming love stories from Silhouette Romance!

Make Myrna Mackenzie’s The Black Knight’s Bride (SR #1722) the first book in your tote bag. This is the third story in THE BRIDES OF RED ROSE, a miniseries in which classic legends are retold in the voices of today’s heroes and heroines. For a single mom fleeing her ex-husband, Red Rose seems like the perfect town—no men! But then she meets a brooding ex-soldier with a heart of gold.…

In Because of Baby (SR #1723), a pixie becomes so enamored with a single dad and his adorable tot that she just might be willing to sacrifice her days of fun and frivolity for a human life of purpose…and love! Visit a world of magic and enchantment in the latest SOULMATES by Donna Clayton.

Even with the help of family and friends, this widower with a twelve-year-old daughter finds it difficult to think about the future—until a woman from his past moves in down the street. Rest and relaxation wouldn’t be complete without the laughter and love in The Daddy’s Promise (SR #1724) by Shirley Jump.

And while away the last of your long summer day with Make Me a Match (SR #1725) by Alice Sharpe. A feisty florist, once burned by love, is supposed to be finding a match for her mother and grandmother…not falling for the town’s temporary vet! Matchmaking has never been so much fun.

What could be better than greeting summer with beach reading? Enjoy!

Mavis C. Allen

Associate Senior Editor

The Daddy’s Promise

Shirley Jump

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

To my dad, whose love and integrity

taught me that good men do exist. And to my husband,

the best daddy our kids could ever have.

Books by Shirley Jump

Silhouette Romance

The Virgin’s Proposal #1641

The Bachelor’s Dare #1700

The Daddy’s Promise #1724

SHIRLEY JUMP

has been a writer ever since she learned to read. She sold her first article at the age of eleven and from there, became a reporter and finally a freelance writer. However, she always maintained the dream of writing fiction, too. Since then, she has made a full-time career out of writing, dividing her time between articles, non-fiction books and romance. With a husband, two children and a houseful of pets, inspiration abounds in her life, giving her good fodder for writing and a daily workout for her sense of humor.

Dear Reader,

I’m thrilled to be returning to the town of Mercy, Indiana, again and revisiting old friends and neighbors! The Misses, and their dogs, are making a return appearance (back by popular request, after so many readers wrote me and told me how much they loved them in my first two Mercy books), and so is Katie from The Virgin’s Proposal.

This book was also fun for another reason—I was able to relive all the comical moments from my two pregnancies. Having children was the best gift of my life, but it’s also provided me with lots of inspiration for humor, much of which is reflected in The Daddy’s Promise.

Return to Mercy with me for a few laughs and a few tears.

Contents

Chapter One (#u419e526d-c1ab-547f-b4d0-efa2c901664e)

Chapter Two (#u055559a0-1cce-561e-a5af-5e64cb79d425)

Chapter Three (#ud7b7b524-11d5-552f-bd35-35c284cd8d86)

Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

The mouse won—by default.

If the doorbell hadn’t rung, Anita Ricardo was sure she would have won the staring contest with the scrawny rodent. Then she could have chalked up at least one point for herself on this hot, calamity-prone day.