Travis Comes Home

Travis Comes Home
Patricia Thayer

When Travis Randell first spied the raven-haired pregnant beauty on his family's land, he was hell-bent on having her arrested for trespassing! Seeking refuge at the Circle B Ranch after his greedy partner–and former fiancée!–ruined him, Travis was in no mood to welcome strangers.But Josie Gutierrez was no stranger. Josie was the photographer for the new guest ranch brochure. And it wasn't Josie's camera that distracted Travis…it was her deep hazel eyes and intoxicating smile. Travis found himself drawn to her and her unborn child. But would Travis still believe in this picture-perfect love when he learned the real reason Josie came to the Circle B?

“Where’s your sense of adventure?” Travis asked, as his mouth returned to Josie’s for another heart-stopping kiss.

She didn’t want to think beyond how wonderful he made her feel. But common sense won out, and she called a halt to the craziness. “Whoa, cowboy, I think things are getting out of hand.”

Travis smiled. “And this is a bad thing?”

“Yes. We’ve both been hurt by past relationships.”

“So, what’s wrong with…being friendly?”

She gave him an incredulous look.

“Don’t you see,” Travis continued, “you and I have no secrets.”

Josie tried not to look guilty, knowing Travis had a knack for reading her. How would he react if he discovered her secret? She didn’t want to know. She wasn’t foolish enough to think anything serious could happen between them. A few laughs and some kisses shared with a good-looking man. As long as she remembered that, one day…soon, she would have to pack up and walk away.

Problem was, could she handle that?

Dear Reader,

I hope the long hot summer puts you in the mood for romance— Silhouette Romance, that is! Because we’ve got a month chock-full of exciting stories. And be sure to check out just how Silhouette can make you a star!

Elizabeth Harbison returns with her CINDERELLA BRIDES miniseries. In His Secret Heir, an English earl discovers the American student he’d once known had left with more than his heart…. And Teresa Southwick’s Crazy for Lovin’ You begins a new series set in DESTINY, TEXAS. Filled with emotion, romance and a touch of intrigue, these stories are sure to captivate you!

Cara Colter’s THE WEDDING LEGACY begins with Husband by Inheritance. An heiress gains a new home—complete with the perfect husband. Only, he doesn’t know it yet! And Patricia Thayer’s THE TEXAS BROTHERHOOD comes to a triumphant conclusion when Travis Comes Home.

Lively, high-spirited Julianna Morris shows a woman’s determination to become a mother with Tick Tock Goes the Baby Clock and Roxann Delaney gives us A Saddle Made for Two.

We’ve also got a special treat in store for you! Next month, look for Marie Ferrarella’s The Inheritance, a spin-off from the MAITLAND MATERNITY series. This title is specially packaged with the introduction to the new Harlequin continuity series, TRUEBLOOD, TEXAS. But The Inheritance then leads back into Silhouette Romance, so be sure to catch the opening act.

Happy Reading!

Mary-Theresa Hussey

Senior Editor

Travis Comes Home

Patricia Thayer

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

To Hence Barrow,

A special man who taught a California girl about ranching

and the love of Texas. I’ll always treasure our visits,

the great stories, but mostly your friendship.

You were my inspiration for this series. Can’t wait

for your 100th birthday party. Save me a dance. Love, Pat

PATRICIA THAYER

has been writing for the past sixteen years and has published fifteen books with Silhouette. Her books have been nominated for the National Readers’ Choice Award, Virginia Romance Writers of America’s Holt Medallion and a prestigious RITA Award. In 1997, Nothing Short of a Miracle won the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Special Edition.

Thanks to the understanding men in her life—her husband of thirty years, Steve, and her three sons (along with her new daughter-in-law)—Pat has been able to fulfill her dream of writing romance. Another dream is to own a cabin in Colorado, where she can spend her days writing and her evenings with her favorite hero, Steve. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 6251, Anaheim, CA 92816-0251.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

Chapter One

Travis Randell reined in his horse as they approached the rise. He drew a long breath to help slow his breathing from the hard ride and looked out at the incredible lush green view of Mustang Valley.

A rich blue sky topped the line of long grass waving in the warm breeze. Shrubs and huge oak trees dotted the landscape like soldiers protecting their land. They also sheltered the small herd of mustangs the valley had been named for, and twenty years ago, the three misfit Randell boys who had come to live on the Circle B.

Removing his hat, Travis used his shirtsleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Texas in October. The early morning heat was surprisingly intense, and he’d ridden his mount pretty hard. Not a good idea, but Rocky was just as eager as he was for the race. As a kid, Travis could outride both his older brothers. Chance and Cade had thought he was just plain crazy.

Maybe he was. Maybe that was how he lost everything, or maybe it was because he’d let himself trust. Not an easy trait for a Randell. But he had, and paid the price. All his dreams had gone up in smoke.