She’d conceived Jack’s child.

      Jennifer sank back in the chair and splayed her hands on her flat stomach.

      Jack’s baby, her mind whispered. No, it was her baby. Her secret. She was not going to tell Jack about this child unless he came to her and asked her to marry him.

      She wouldn’t trap him into proposing to her, thus sentencing herself to a lifetime of wondering if he truly wished to be by her side.

      If Jack went to California per his original plan, he would never, ever know that this child existed.

      And the serious discussion she’d scheduled for that evening? Oh, yes, they’d have that talk, but she’d keep a tight rein on her emotions. She’d wait to hear what Jack had to say.

      Wait…while she hoped and prayed that he’d ask her to be his wife.…

      Dear Reader,

      Welcome to a spectacular month of great romances as we continue to celebrate Silhouette’s 20th Anniversary all year long!

      Beloved bestselling author Nora Roberts returns with Irish Rebel, a passionate sequel to her very first book, Irish Thoroughbred. Revisit the spirited Grant family as tempers flare, sparks fly and love ignites between the newest generation of Irish rebels!

      Also featured this month is Christine Flynn’s poignant THAT’S MY BABY! story, The Baby Quilt, in which a disillusioned, high-powered attorney finds love and meaning in the arms of an innocent young mother.

      Silhouette reader favorite Joan Elliott Pickart delights us with her secret baby story, To a MacAllister Born, adding to her heartwarming cross-line miniseries, THE BABY BET. And acclaimed author Ginna Gray delivers the first compelling story in her series, A FAMILY BOND, with A Man Apart, in which a wounded loner lawman is healed heart, body and soul by the nurturing touch of a beautiful, compassionate woman.

      Rounding off the month are two more exciting ongoing miniseries. From longtime author Susan Mallery, we have a sizzling marriage-of-convenience story, The Sheik’s Secret Bride, the third book in her DESERT ROGUES series. And Janis Reams Hudson once again shows her flair for Western themes and Native American heroes with The Price of Honor, a part of her miniseries, WILDERS OF WYATT COUNTY.

      It’s a terrific month of page-turning reading from Special Edition. Enjoy!

      All the best,

      Karen Taylor Richman

      Senior Editor

      To a MacAllister Born

      Joan Elliott Pickart

      For my daughter, Paige, my very own Tempe, Arizona, fire fighter

      I’m a proud mommy, Peep

      Books by Joan Elliott Pickart

      Silhouette Special Edition

      *Friends, Lovers…and Babies! #1011

      *The Father of Her Child #1025

      †Texas Dawn #1100

      †Texas Baby #1141

      ‡Wife Most Wanted #1160

      The Rancher and the Amnesiac Bride #1204

      ΔThe Irresistible Mr. Sinclair #1256

      ΔThe Most Eligible M.D. #1262

      Man…Mercenary…Monarch #1303

      *To a MacAllister Born #1329

      Silhouette Desire

      * Angels and Elves #961

      Apache Dream Bride #999

      †Texas Moon #1051

      †Texas Glory #1088

      Just My Joe #1202

      ΔTaming Tall, Dark Brandon #1223

      Previously published under the pseudonym Robin Elliott

      Silhouette Special Edition

      Rancher’s Heaven #909

      Mother at Heart #968

      Silhouette Intimate Moments

      Gauntlet Run #206

      Silhouette Desire

      Call It Love #213

      To Have It All #237

      Picture of Love #261

      Pennies in the Fountain #275

      Dawn’s Gift #303

      Brooke’s Chance #323

      Betting Man #344

      Silver Sands #362

      Lost and Found #384

      Out of the Cold #440

      Sophie’s Attic #725

      Not Just Another Perfect Wife #818

      Haven’s Call #859

      JOAN ELLIOTT PICKART

      is the author of over seventy novels. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys watching football, knitting, reading, gardening and attending craft shows on the town square. Joan has three all-grown-up daughters and a fantastic little grandson. In September of 1995, Joan traveled to China to adopt her fourth daughter, Autumn. Joan and Autumn have settled into their cozy cottage in a charming, small town in the high pine country of Arizona.