Laura held her breath, part of her hoping that he’d enter her bedroom…

      while another, more cowardly part of her feared that was exactly what he’d do. She wasn’t prepared for the stabbing disappointment she felt as his footsteps faded away.

      She cracked the door just wide enough to see him enter Jamie’s room. From her vantage point, she watched him touching the sleeping child with such reverence, such wonder and awe, that it raised a lump in her throat.

      To see a man gaze upon her child with such tenderness cracked away the final vestige of her inner restraint. This was a prince among men, Laura decided. This was the man she’d waited for her entire life.

      Then she heard Royce’s footsteps descending the stairs, and she followed him as if beckoned by an invisible hand.

      She didn’t know what she would do, or what she would say. All she knew was that she had to be with him, and damn the consequences.

      Dear Reader,

      As the air begins to chill outside, curl up under a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and these six fabulous Special Edition novels.…

      First up is bestselling author Lindsay McKenna’s A Man Alone, part of her compelling and highly emotional MORGAN’S MERCENARIES: MAVERICK HEARTS series. Meet Captain Thane Hamilton, a wounded Marine who’d closed off his heart long ago, and Paige Black, a woman whose tender loving care may be just what the doctor ordered.

      Two new miniseries are launching this month and you’re not going to want to miss either one! Look for The Rancher Next Door, the first of rising star Susan Mallery’s brand-new miniseries, LONE STAR CANYON. Not even a long-standing family feud can prevent love from happening! Also, veteran author Penny Richards pens a juicy and scandalous love story with Sophie’s Scandal, the first of her wonderful new trilogy— RUMOR HAS IT…that two high school sweethearts are about to recapture the love they once shared.…

      Next, Jennifer Mikels delivers a wonderfully heartwarming romance between a runaway heiress and a local sheriff with The Bridal Quest, the second book in the HERE COME THE BRIDES series. And Diana Whitney brings back her popular STORK EXPRESS series. Could a Baby of Convenience be just the thing to bring two unlikely people together?

      And last, but not least, please welcome newcomer Tori Carrington to the line. Just Eight Months Old… and she’d stolen the hearts of two independent bounty hunters—who just might make the perfect family!

      Enjoy these delightful tales, and come back next month for more emotional stories about life, love and family!

      Best,

      Karen Taylor Richman

      Senior Editor

      Baby of Convenience

      Diana Whitney

      To Constance Martynow, a wonderful sister-in-law and devoted fan, who welcomed me into the family and has offered constant support over the years. You are deeply loved, gratefully appreciated. Thank you.

      Books by Diana Whitney

      Silhouette Special Edition

      Cast a Tall Shadow #508

      Yesterday’s Child #559

      One Lost Winter #644

      Child of the Storm #702

      The Secret #874

      *The Adventurer #934

      *The Avenger #984

      *The Reformer #1019

      †Daddy of the House #1052

      †Barefoot Bride #1073

      †A Hero’s Child #1090

      ‡Baby on His Doorstep #1165

      ‡Baby in His Cradle #1176

      ††I Now Pronounce You Mom & Dad #1261

      ††The Fatherhood Factor #1276

      ‡Baby of Convenience #1361

      Silhouette Romance

      O’Brian’s Daughter #673

      A Liberated Man #703

      Scout’s Honor #745

      The Last Bachelor #874

      One Man’s Vow #940

      One Man’s Promise #1307

      ††A Dad of His Own #1392

      Silhouette Intimate Moments

      Still Married #491

      Midnight Stranger #530

      Scarlet Whispers #603

      Silhouette Shadows

      The Raven Master #31

      Silhouette Books

      36 Hours

      Ooh Baby, Baby

      DIANA WHITNEY

      is a three-time Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist, Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee and finalist for Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence. Diana has published more than two dozen romance and suspense novels since her first Silhouette title in 1989. A popular speaker, Diana has conducted writing workshops and has published several articles on the craft of fiction writing for various trade magazines and newsletters. She is a member of Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Published Authors Network and Romance Writers of America. She and her husband live in rural Northern California with a beloved menagerie of furred creatures, domestic and wild. She loves to hear from readers. You can write to her c/o Silhouette Books, 300 East 42nd Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017.