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She’s the love of his life…
…but is he still hers?
FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.
TARA RANDEL is an award-winning USA TODAY bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery, and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the west coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. This is her tenth book for Harlequin Heartwarming. Visit Tara at tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at Tara Randel Books.
Meet Me at the Altar
Trusting Her Heart
His Honor, Her Family
The Lawman’s Secret Vow
The Business of Weddings
His One and Only Bride
The Wedding March
The Bridal Bouquet
Honeysuckle Bride
Magnolia Bride
Orange Blossom Brides
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.
Always the One
Tara Randel
ISBN: 978-0-008-90611-5
ALWAYS THE ONE
© 2020 Tara Spicer
Published in Great Britain 2019
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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“Yes, we made promises. Had our entire future before us.” Hannah’s eyes turned glassy in the lighting.
She continued. “But the longer we were apart, the more apparent it became that we were over. My family took precedence, Derrick. Decisions were made that moved you and me farther and farther from each other. This is my reality now.”
He couldn’t deny that truth. “So Prescott is the guy for you?”
She nodded. “He’s been there. Since we met and later when Mom got sick. He’s a good man.”
“You love him?”
“You’ve met him. How could I not?”
“That’s not an answer.”
She pressed her lips together. He remembered that stubborn expression.
“Derrick, it’s been a long time. We can’t be in each other’s lives,” she said, but had hesitated for a fraction of a second.
A shaft of hope lit through Derrick. “Not even if you’re the love I never stopped looking for?”
Do you love to travel? I do. Nothing is more exciting than hitting the open road on a new adventure. And when an interesting locale pops up on a television show, I love to say to my husband, “I’ve been there.” There are so many outstanding places to set a story, so picking the right location for a book is important.
Years ago I was out west with some friends and we drove through Nevada. I was really impressed with the Lake Tahoe area. The mountains were so beautiful. The water so clear and blue. I love being in the woods, and let me say, there were so many gorgeous rustic areas, so many tall trees and lots of wildlife, I fell in love. So when I needed a special place for Hannah, my latest heroine, to live, the lake and surrounding region immediately jumped into my mind.
Research is a big part of planning a book, and when I get to “visit” new places to discover interesting tidbits to incorporate in a story, it makes writing so much fun.
I hope you enjoy Hannah and Derrick’s story, and the return of the Matthews brothers.
Happy reading!
Tara
To my precious daughter, Kathryn. I love you.
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