New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings us two fan-favorite stories from her Outlaw Hartes series. These couples may not be looking for love, but they are about to find it!
The Valentine Two-Step
He had been bamboozled by women before, but for rancher and single father Matt Harte, this is the last straw! Because of his daughter’s shenanigans, he’s been roped into planning the annual Valentine’s Day dance. And who’s his partner on the committee? Beautiful big-city vet and recent Salt River transplant Ellie Webster, the woman he can’t take his eyes off—though not for lack of trying!
Cassidy Harte and The Comeback Kid
Ten years ago, Cassidy Harte stood at the altar waiting for Zach Slater, but he never showed. So she did the only thing she could—held her head up high and swore off men. Now suddenly Zach’s back with an “I’m sorry” on his lips, an explanation she refuses to hear and the vow to make her his once again. And it seems this is one vow he’s determined to keep…
Praise for New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne
“Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.”
—Booklist on Woodrose Mountain
“A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town….Poignant and sweet, this tale of second chances will appeal to fans of military-flavored sweet romance.”
—Publishers Weeklyon Christmas in Snowflake Canyon
“Once again, Thayne proves she has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart….Crisp storytelling and many amusing moments make for a delightful read.”
—RT Book Reviews on Willowleaf Lane
“Thayne pens another winner by combining her huge, boisterous cast of familiar, lovable characters with a beautiful setting and a wonderful story. Her main characters are strong and three-dimensional, with enough heat between them to burn the pages.”
—RT Book Reviews on Currant Creek Valley
“Thayne’s series starter introduces the Colorado town of Hope’s Crossing in what can be described as a cozy romance… [A] gentle, easy read.”
—Publishers Weekly on Blackberry Summer
“Thayne’s depiction of a small Colorado mountain town is subtle but evocative. Readers who love romance but not explicit sexual details will delight in this heartfelt tale of healing and hope.”
—Booklist on Blackberry Summer
Outlaw Hartes
The Valentine Two-Step
Cassidy Harte and the Comeback Kid
RaeAnne Thayne
CONTENTS
CASSIDY HARTE AND THE COMEBACK KID
The Valentine Two-Step
RaeAnne Thayne
To Lyndsey Thomas, for saving my life
and my sanity more times than I can count!
Special thanks to Dr. Ronald Hamm, DVM, animal healer extraordinaire,
for sharing so generously of his expertise.
Contents
Prologue
“It’s absolutely perfect.” Dylan Webster held her hands out imploringly to her best friend, Lucy Harte. “Don’t you see? It’s the only way!”
Lucy frowned in that serious way of hers, her gray eyes troubled. In the dim, dusty light inside their secret place—a hollowed-out hideaway behind the stacked hay bales of the Diamond Harte barn loft—her forehead looked all wrinkly. Kind of like a shar-pei puppy Dylan had seen once at her mom’s office back in California.
“I don’t know…” she began.
“Come on, Luce. You said it yourself. We should have been sisters, not just best friends. We were born on exactly the same day, we both love horses and despise long division and we both want to be vets like my mom when we grow up, right?”
“Well, yes, but…”
“If my mom married your dad, we really would be sisters. It would be like having a sleepover all the time. I could ride the school bus with you and everything, and I just know my mom would let me have my own horse if we lived out here on the ranch.”
Lucy nibbled her lip. “But, Dylan…”
“You want a mom of your own as much as I want a dad, don’t you? Even though you have your aunt Cassie to look after you, it’s not the same. You know it’s not.”
It was exactly the right