You canât live a lie forever
One magical summerâthat was all it took for Alexis Foster to fall deeply in love with Daniel Chandler. And then she gave him up to keep Daniel from sacrificing his own dreams. But the passionate bond they shared is rekindled when Alex returns to her familyâs farm...with a powerful secret.
Daniel is Ohioâs youngest state senator, and his star is on the rise. Heâs also discovering a kindred spirit in Alexâs seventeen-year-old daughter. Alex has to tell him the truth even though it risks his political future...and may cost her the two people she loves most.
Was he suggesting they take up where they left off eighteen years ago?
âAre you asking me on a date, Daniel?â
He grinned. âAnd if I were, what would you say?â
I would say that my racing heart couldnât take an entire evening with you. She cleared her throat. âConsidering the recent events in my lifeââ and a few significant ones from the past ââIâd have to say no.â
He leaned his forearm on the roof of her car. âOkay, then. Iâm not asking you on a date. Weâd just be two friends going out for the evening to catch up on lost time. What would you say to that? See if some of the magic still exists?â
Dear Reader,
Sisters. What a mountain of complexities in that one word. I suppose a sister can be a best friend one moment and a worst enemy the next. I lost my sister to disease many years ago when we were both still children. Perhaps thatâs why Iâve always longed for that special family member and gal pal to see me through the tough spots.
And maybe that explains why this miniseries for Harlequin Heartwarming, The Daughters of Dancing Falls, is so dear to my heart. The settings for the love stories of these three sisters is northeast Ohio, where I grew up. Each story is as unique as the heroine, but all share one vital commonality. Alexis, Jude and Carrie wouldnât have found their true loves without the love and support of the other two.
I hope you will enjoy this first story, A Boy to Remember, about Alexis, the oldest. Maybe youâll finish reading the book and call your own sister just to say I love you.
I love to hear from readers. You can contact me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Cynthia
CYNTHIA THOMASON inherited her love of writing from her ancestors. Her father and grandmother both loved to write, and she aspired to continue the legacy. Cynthia studied English and journalism in college, and after a career as a high school English teacher, she began writing novels. She discovered ideas for stories while searching through antiques stores and flea markets and as an auctioneer and estate buyer. Cynthia says every cast-off item from someoneâs life can ignite the idea for a plot. She writes about small towns, big hearts and happy endings that are earned and not taken for granted. And as far as the legacy is concerned, just ask her son, the magazine journalist, if he believes.
To Amanda Sue Brackett, my sister,
and to all the sisters out there who mean so much to each of us.
PROLOGUE
THE LUCKIEST GIRL in Ohio. How many times had Alexis Pope heard people refer to her this way? And today, driving through the lush, green pastureland that carpeted the mini ranches of Fox Creek, she could almost agree with them. Who wouldnât feel lucky to be returning to this magical, beautiful place of grace and charm?
And yet, in truth, Alex had never really believed in luck. Yes, she was lucky enough to be raised by loving parents in this town, with its top schools and clubs. But for the most part, she had made her own destiny.
The high grades sheâd achieved throughout her schooling were not handed out to a lucky student. Sheâd worked hard for every A. Luck hadnât landed her in the National Honor Society. Luck hadnât rewarded her with first chair in the high school orchestra. Years of violin study, cramped and callused fingers, had put her in that chair.
And luck hadnât brought her back home today. No one would say âOh, my, itâs Alexis Foster...what a lucky girl.â Especially not when they realized that she was only thirty-five years old and had recently buried her husband.
âItâs so pretty here, Mom,â her daughter said from the passenger seat. âIâm glad we came, but I hope we didnât leave Chicago just for me. I hope you wanted to come, too.â
Those were the first words Lizzie had spoken in many miles. The silence had caused Alex to worry that her daughter, grieving over the loss of her father, would rather not have made this trip. She covered Lizzieâs hand with hers and smiled. âOf course I wanted to come, sweetheart. I think the change of scenery will do us both good. And you know how happy Grandpa will be to see you.â