He loves them too much to stay Lane Beaumont has always loved Amanda Hawkins. If his life weren’t such a mess he’d want much more than their current on-again, off-again relationship. But Amanda deserves a better life than he can offer. So when she gives birth to their son, Lane does the right thing and walks away. Amanda should be devastated. Except his reaction doesn’t make sense. The Lane she knows would never turn his back on her or his responsibilities. Plus, she saw that cowboy’s heart melt when he held their son. Something else is standing in the way of their happiness and she won’t stop until she finds out what. “I am not cut out to be anyone’s dad.” Those words burned Lane’s gut, but he kept going. “He needs someone else.” Anyone else. “Someone better, someone who can give him—and you—a better life than I can.” Lane took a step back from the bed. “You don’t have to worry, Mandy. I don’t make much, but I’ll send what I can.” He took a few more steps. He knew this wasn’t what Mandy wanted and it tore him up to walk away from her. Their son’s tiny face floated in his memory, taunting his so-called noble gesture. But he knew the reality. He couldn’t put either of them through the mess that was his life. Better to keep his distance now, before the attachment grew, than to hurt them later, like he knew he would. Damn it. Sometimes when writers get together, we get a little crazy. Most of the writers I know are longtime friends, which only makes matters worse. One night, several of us were talking about our stories, brainstorming and having fun. Somehow the idea of a “cowboy who wants to be a fireman” was mentioned. (It fit into the conversation, really it did.) In that instant, Lane burst into my thoughts, as alive as if I’d known him all my life. I knew without a doubt that he was the perfect match for Amanda Hawkins, the next sibling in the A Chair at the Hawkins Table series. She’s as lost in life as he is and together, maybe, they can find their way. I certainly hope so since the story opens with their child coming into the world! Those of you who’ve asked will be pleased to know life has continued on for Mandy’s siblings and you’ll get to catch up with them—and her nephew, Tyler—as well. I love to hear from readers. You can always reach me through email at [email protected] or Facebook and Twitter (@Angelwrite), as well as other social media. Also, for those of you who still indulge in the art of letter writing, please feel free to write me at 5740 N. Carefree Circle, Suite 120-4, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. I hope you fall in love with these two as much as I have. They were such fun to write, and I still miss them now that I’ve finished my part. Now it’s your turn to enjoy. Happy Reading! Angel Smits Cowboy Daddy Angel Smits
ANGEL SMITS lives in Colorado with her husband, daughter and puppy. Winning the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award was the highlight of her writing career, until her first Harlequin book hit the shelves. Her social work background inspires her characters while improv writing allows her to torture them. It’s a rough job, but someone’s got to do it.
Sisters. Who needs sisters? The men in my books certainly do, and I’m lucky enough to have one of my own to use as a great example. April Wilkerson is one of my best friends. I don’t know what I’d do without her shoulder to cry on and her silly stories to laugh at. This one’s for you, April.
And as always, for Ron, for the good parts!
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