The Prodigal Texan. Lynnette Kent

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      “What are you doing?”

      Miranda asked as she faced him

      “Just walking a lady home.”

      “I am home. This whole spread is my home.”

      “You never know what might come out in the dark.” He covered the distance to the back porch, opened the door to the house and ushered her in.

      “Thanks for letting me watch the foal be born tonight,” he said.

      She turned to face him again. “You’re welcome. At least you weren’t totally useless. You made the phone calls, and you brought my coat.”

      Jud laughed. “So happy to be of service, Ms. Mayor.

      Aren’t you glad you changed your mind and let me stay in the foreman’s cabin here?”

      “I guess so. But keep out of my way,” she said, retreating to the shadows within, “unless you want me to change it back again.” The thud of the house door punctuated her order.

      “Not a chance,” Jud said softly, walking across the open ground toward the foreman’s cabin. “I’m not leaving until my business here in Homestead is done.”

      He glanced over his shoulder just as a light upstairs winked out. “And that business, Miranda Wright, definitely includes you.”

      Dear Reader,

      My first job out of college involved physiology laboratory research, which was every bit as dull as it sounds. To perk up the day, we listened to the radio while we worked; since this was Nashville, Tennessee, the station of choice often played country music. One day a colleague of mine—obviously not a fan—complained that “every country music song talks about Tennessee or Texas!”

      And why not? Texas, especially, has earned a preeminent place in the American legend, with the Alamo and the Rio Grande, with ranchers, Rangers and rustlers, with cattle drives and, yes, country-and-western music. I’ve enjoyed writing a story set against this unique and romantic background, particularly in a series with four equally unique and romantic Harlequin Superromance authors.

      As The Prodigal Texan, Jud Ritter returns to Homestead, Texas, only to discover how much about his hometown remains the same. Most folks—including his own brother—still believe the lies that circulated about him all those years ago. If Jud is to redeem his reputation, he’ll have to prove to the people of Homestead just how much he has changed.

      Mayor Miranda Wright has worked long and hard to transform her beloved town for the better. Now she must count on Jud Ritter to save Homestead from oblivion. Can she trust this onetime bad boy with the town’s safety? Should she trust him with her heart?

      I hope you have a good time with Miranda and Jud and the folks in Homestead, Texas. Please feel free to write me at PMB 304, Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville, NC 28314, or visit my Web site at www.lynnette-kent.com.

      Happy reading!

      Lynnette Kent

      The Prodigal Texan

      Lynnette Kent

      To Kathleen

      An editor in a million With many thanks

      I’m grateful, as well, for the chance to work

      with Roxanne Rustand, K.N. Casper, Linda Warren and Roz Denny Fox in developing the HOME TO LOVELESS COUNTY series. From brainstorming to nailing down the smallest details, you folks were creative, cooperative and downright fun!

      CONTENTS

       CHAPTER ONE

       CHAPTER TWO

       CHAPTER THREE

       CHAPTER FOUR

       CHAPTER FIVE

       CHAPTER SIX

       CHAPTER SEVEN

       CHAPTER EIGHT

       CHAPTER NINE

       CHAPTER TEN

       CHAPTER ELEVEN

       CHAPTER TWELVE

       CHAPTER THIRTEEN

       CHAPTER FOURTEEN

       CHAPTER FIFTEEN

       CHAPTER SIXTEEN