SYNOPSIS:

To save her son, shy but determined waitress Becky McAllister would do just about anything. But she never expected “anything” to include the brother of the man who broke her heart.

Steve Parker needs a wife, now, if he has any hopes of winning his local DA election and becoming the advocate for the underserved he’s always dreamed of being. The sweet waitress seems like just the person—if he can get her to agree.

One year of marriage—no strings, no personal attachments. Becky gets the insurance funds she needs for her son’s surgery while Steve’s poll ratings soar. Neither planned on a commitment in their future, so they should have no problem making it through the year without getting emotionally involved, right?

Except Becky’s holding on to a secret from her past—one that would change everything.

EXCERPT

His phone rang, and Steve jumped to answer it, thinking—hoping—it was Becky. But Jerry Anderson’s name lit up the screen. The president of the Cattlemen’s Association must have something important to discuss, because the meeting for tomorrow night had already been arranged. “Hey, Jerry.”

“Hey. I heard you’re in town already. Meeting’s not till tomorrow night.” The man was direct and to the point, a quality Steve admired.

“I know. I’ve been asked to check into some things by the lead investigator. Remember, though, I’ll get more helpful information if nobody knows that I’m working with you.”

“I understand. And I’m grateful you’re trying to help. I know the position this put you in, but we need you.” Going up against my father? Yeah, it was definitely a position, but Jerry was wrong thinking Steve didn’t welcome it—he did. The chance to put his father in his place, more than worth it.

“So, what’s going on?” Steve asked, curious what prompted the call.

“The rumors about the McDougall ranch are no longer rumors. Alfred got his final eviction notice. He’s got thirty days to make the payment to catch up his loan or they’re seizing the property.”

Unbelievable. “I wish there was something I could do, but four weeks just isn’t much time.”

“I get it. Just thought you should know.” Jerry sounded frustrated, and rightfully so.

“Thanks for the heads up. I need to find out who’s backing the savings-and-loan. There’s got to be a connection we’re missing.” Follow the money was a good motto when it came to dirty dealings.

“Well, until we figure it out, this is just going to keep happening.”

“I hear you.” Steve ended the call and let out a deep sigh just as a text came through.

Harry: Poll numbers just updated, and you slipped another two points.

Steve cringed. His dream had been to advocate for those who needed a voice and now his best shot at it was fading away.

Marriage. An arranged marriage. Jen’s friend. Make it worth her while.

Becky’s face came to mind. He needed to get married to have any shot at winning the D.A.’s seat and she needed the insurance coverage for her son’s surgery. Mutually beneficial.

A temporary wife.

“Temporary” had a beautiful ring to it, enough to be willing to put a ring on her finger and make sure they had an exit plan in place. It was the perfect solution. Becky was easy on the eyes and had a gentle spirit; how hard could it be to live with her and her son for a short time?

The more he thought about it, the better he liked the sound of it. But getting Becky to agree had one big problem—she wasn’t even talking to him right now.

And the clock was ticking. He wouldn’t be in town for long and waiting for Becky to come around and talk to him wasn’t going to work. Left with no choice, he knew what he had to do. A couple of phone calls was all it took before he had her address.

At her place, they could talk privately. And with any luck, he’d get to meet Byron and see the boy who was possibly his nephew for himself.

BLP REVIEW – Tracy

***

ABOUT the AUTHOR

Elsie Davis discovered the world of Happily-Ever-After romance at the age of twelve when she began avidly reading Barbara Cartland, the Queen of Romance, and has been hooked ever since. After building her dream log home on top of a small mountain, she turned her attention to do what she loves most, writing. An award-winning author and active member of RWA, she writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes from her heart, hoping to share a little love in a big world. She will never forget the moment of exhilaration when she first got the email offering her a contract for publication. A moment that has repeated itself, and one that keeps her energized and moving forward.

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