Killian took his wife's small hand in his, giving it an intimate squeeze as they walked to where the microphone had been set up. Anatole Rudman, one of the partners in the Rudman-Speight Gallery and a major sponsor of the competition, was already there, smiling at everyone."I want to thank everyone for coming," he began. "This is an important night for everyone. You all know why we are here, so I won't keep you in suspense any longer. We have some outstanding entries this year and the choices were very tough. Let's begin with third place."Lexie squeezed his hand harder than he thought she could for someone so small.He leaned down to her. "I don't care if you don't win one of their stupid prizes. I think you're the best artist in the world, and I'll take out an ad telling everyone.""Okay." She tried to smile, but it wasn't working well.They announced third place and then second, and, with each announcement, Lexie's grip grew tighter."And now," Anatole Rudman said, "we come t

Rogue cleared his throat."I have something to say." The room grew so quiet you could've heard a pin drop. "This past year has brought a lot of changes for all of us. We've stepped out on faith to form an alliance none us ever expected. We've faced challenges." He held out his hand to Kit. "We've had to come to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy." Rogue chuckled. "I'm glad I can laugh about it now. A man I scarcely know did his best to destroy me. But what I've gained is so much greater than what I lost." Smiling at Kit, he continued. "I have a beautiful wife, a baby on the way, and..." He raised his glass to his brothers and their ladies. "I have the best family a man could ask for.""Here, here!" Jackson cheered as the rest joined in with raised glasses and happy comments. "I think this calls for refills."Marliss, who was standing near, came forward with a tray full of drinks when, with a bang, the front door opened, and a tall, thin woman walked in. Her long, gr

Very reluctantly, Killian had made use of the first-class ticket the attorney had left and flown here to Red Creek, Kansas. Where he'd received the next biggest shock of his life, meeting his half-brothers. When he and his half-brothers had seen each other for the first time, they were stunned into silence, warily watching each other.The attorney rattled the papers in his hand. "As I told you, Dusty and his wife Theresa were killed in an auto accident. We're told they died instantly. It was a very sad day." He looked from one to the other. "So, if there are no more questions, I'll begin reading the key points in the will." He waited a few seconds, meeting each of their gazes."Yeah, I've got one." Rogue looked at his brothers. "How did he...?" He held up a hand. "Let me rephrase that. Why? Why four families in four different states?"The lawyer tossed the papers on the desk and laced his fingers together. "Your father wanted to have children, and he confided to me that his wife didn't

It was just after noon, and the sidewalks were busy. Killian glanced into Cubby's Creekside Café, studying the place through one of the windows. It seemed very homey inside and nearly full. Probably a good place to pick up local gossip. He'd bet a dime today's was all about him and his brothers. Half-brothers, he reminded himself, and the familiar bitterness washed through him.Benner had called this morning. He wanted Killian to stop by later today, so he could catch him up on how the first two weeks had gone, but Killian wasn't even sure he wanted to hear. He wanted out of this disaster as soon as possible. Still, he'd have to talk to the man sooner or later. Might be best to get it over with.He had made it to the end of the block, in front of Heart Starter. Was her coffee like battery acid, or just strong with a rich flavor? Whatever, he needed something to clear his brain, so he pushed the door open and walked in. A bell tinkled overhead."Be right with you," a voice called.Killi

Everyone knew he, like his brothers, was required to stay for one week. The others had made it plain when they got to Red Creek the week was all they'd commit to. She figured Killian was probably just looking for some female companionship to pass the time. She still couldn't believe she'd accepted his dinner invitation. Since she'd come back to Red Creek, trailing the disaster her personal life had become, she'd refused to date any of the men in town who kept asking her. No more relationships. Been there, done that, had the tee shirt to prove it. Seemingly, her judgment where men were concerned was seriously flawed.But the minute she'd clapped eyes on him at Heart Starter, every female hormone stood up and saluted while all her girl parts began planning a celebration. She was tempted for the first time since she'd run home to Red Creek, pulling the tatters of her life around her. She wanted to think it was because she'd been on sexual hiatus for a long time while she sorted out her li