The Homecoming Hero Returns

The Homecoming Hero Returns
Joan Elliott Pickart

Years have gone by, but I've never forgotten David Westport. His skill on the playing field–his star quality–was legendary.However, his heart belonged to a girl named Sandra. It was too bad they dropped out before graduation to become parents, yet they appeared to have built a good life. But I wonder, does David regret the choices he made? Judging from the shadows in Sandra's eyes, it would seem so. Too bad David is blind to all that he has. I had such hopes for them.Perhaps a blast from the past could open David's eyes to the wonderful things in his life…and all that a man can do with the right woman by his side!

THE SAUNDERS SOUND-OFF

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Saunders University Keeps Track

of Its Notable Alumni

David Westport

Our star player had big dreams of playing for his

home team, the Boston Red Sox. Now he’s a small

-business owner and happily married father of two.

Too bad he never went pro—he could have been a

legend! Bet he wonders what could have been….

Sandra Taylor Westport

The girl who captured the jock’s heart had big

dreams of winning a Pulitzer Prize one day. Her

writing was everything to her, but now her kids—

and the family business—have taken over. Maybe

one day she’ll get to pick up where she left off,

and find the story of a lifetime!

Tune in next month, graduates,

when The Saunders Sound-Off brings you

up to date on more of your old friends!

Dear Reader,

It’s hot and sunny in my neck of the woods—in other words, perfect beach reading weather! And we at Silhouette Special Edition are thrilled to start off your month with the long-awaited new book in New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber’s Navy series, Navy Husband. It features a single widowed mother; her naval-phobic sister, assigned to care for her niece while her sister is in the service; and a handsome lieutenant commander who won’t take no for an answer! In this case, I definitely think you’ll find this book worth the wait….

Next, we begin our new inline series, MOST LIKELY TO…, the story of a college reunion and the about-to-be-revealed secret that is going to change everyone’s lives. In The Homecoming Hero Returns by Joan Elliott Pickart, a young man once poised for athletic stardom who chose marriage and fatherhood instead finds himself face-to-face with the road not taken. In Stella Bagwell’s next book in her MEN OF THE WEST series, Redwing’s Lady, a Native American deputy sheriff and a single mother learn they have more in common than they thought. The Father Factor by Lilian Darcy tells the story of the reunion between a hotshot big-city corporate lawyer who’s about to discover the truth about his father—and a woman with a secret of her own. If you’ve ever bought a lottery ticket, wondering, if just once, it could be possible…be sure to grab Ticket to Love by Jen Safrey, in which a pizza waitress from Long Island is sure that if she isn’t the lucky winner, it must be the handsome stranger in town. Last, new-to-Silhouette author Jessica Bird begins THE MOOREHOUSE LEGACY, a miniseries based on three siblings who own an upstate New York inn, with Beauty and the Black Sheep. In it, responsible sister Frankie Moorehouse wonders if just this once she could think of herself first as soon as she lays eyes on her temporary new chef.

So keep reading! And think of us as the dog days of August begin to set in….

Toodles,

Gail Chasan

Senior Editor

The Homecoming Hero Returns

Joan Elliott Pickart

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

For our editor, Susan Litman,

who survived this challenging project

in spite of us.

Thank you.

JOAN ELLIOTT PICKART

is the author of over eighty-five novels. When she isn’t writing, Joan enjoys reading, gardening and attending craft shows on the town square with her young daughter, Autumn. Joan has three all-grown-up daughters and three fantastic grandchildren. Joan and Autumn live in a charming small town in the high pine country of Arizona.

Dear David,

You are the coolest guy in school and the best boyfriend a girl could ask for! This has been the best year—especially the homecoming weekend. You played better than ever, and I just know you’ll be playing for the Red Sox someday—and I’ll be the reporter covering the games!? I’ll never forget our private celebration after the festivities, either. I’m so glad I didn’t have to share you with your adoring fans all night.

I love you, baby, and can’t wait to see you on the field again next year!

XOXOXOX

Sandra

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 One

S andra Westport slid her hands into puffy mitts, then removed a tray of golden brown cupcakes from the oven. After setting the tray on a wire cooling rack on the counter, she slid another batch into the oven and removed the mitts. Settling onto a chair at the table, she continued the interrupted task of spreading frosting on several dozen of the treats.

She blew a puff of air upward, trying and failing to move the annoying curl of hair that had flopped onto her moist forehead. After swirling the chocolate frosting into place she set the cupcake to the side and picked up another, just as her husband entered the kitchen.