Baby Talk and Wedding Bells

The Start Of A New Chapter?

Braden Garrett felt blessed the instant his adopted baby girl was laid in his arms. Fifteen months later, the widowed CEO feels out of place as the only man at the local library’s toddler music class! Until his gaze falls on the librarian. Beautiful Cassie MacKinnon sparks a desire he’d long forgotten...but why can’t he convince her to go out with him?

After a disastrous broken engagement, Cassie’s given up her dreams of white picket fences. That is, until tall, dark and sexy Mr. Garrett sparks fantasies of a different kind! Tempting as Braden is, though, Cassie is afraid the single dad only sees her as a substitute mommy. Or is the dedicated daddy offering everything she’s ever wanted—true love and family—in one perfect package?

“What do you think we should do about this chemistry between us?”

Cassie choked on her latte. “Excuse me?”

“I’m stumbling here,” Braden acknowledged. “Because it’s been a long time since I’ve been attracted to a woman.”

She eyed him warily. “Are you saying that you’re attracted to me?”

“Why else would I be here when there are at least a dozen coffee shops closer to my office?”

“I thought you came to the library to return the train your daughter took home.”

“That was my excuse to come by and see you. When I found the train, I planned to leave it with my mother for her to return. And when I dropped Saige off this morning, I had it with me, but for some reason, I held on to it. As I headed toward my office, I figured I’d give it to her later. Except that I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Cassie wiped her fingers on her napkin, then folded it on top of her plate.

“This would be a good time for you to admit that you’ve been thinking about me, too.”

* * *

THOSE ENGAGING GARRETTS!—

The Carolina Cousins!

Baby Talk & Wedding Bells

Brenda Harlen

www.millsandboon.co.uk

BRENDA HARLEN is a former attorney who once had the privilege of appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. The practice of law taught her a lot about the world and reinforced her determination to become a writer—because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending! Now she is an award-winning, national bestselling author of more than thirty titles for Mills & Boon. You can keep up to date with Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or through her website, www.brendaharlen.com.

For Sheryl Davis—a fabulous friend, dedicated writer and librarian extraordinaire. Thanks for showing me “a day in the life,” answering my endless questions and sharing my passion for hockey—which has absolutely nothing to do with this story but needed to be noted!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

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

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

By all accounts, Braden Garrett had lived a charmed life. The eldest son of the family had taken on the role of CEO of Garrett Furniture before he was thirty. A year later, he met and fell in love with Dana Collins. They were married ten months after that and, on the day of their wedding, Braden was certain he had everything he’d ever wanted.

Two years later, it seemed perfectly natural that they would talk about having a baby. Having grown up with two brothers and numerous cousins in close proximity, Braden had always envisioned having a family of his own someday. His wife seemed just as eager as he was, but after three more years and countless failures, her enthusiasm had understandably waned.

And then, finally, their lives were blessed by the addition of Saige Lindsay Garrett.

Braden’s life changed the day his tiny dark-haired, dark-eyed daughter was put in his arms. Eight weeks later, it changed again. Now, more than a year later, he was a single father trying to do what was best for his baby girl—most of the time not having a clue what that might be.

Except that right now—at eight ten on a Tuesday morning—he was pretty sure that what she needed was breakfast. Getting her to eat it was another matter entirely.

“Come on, sweetie. Daddy has to drop you off at Grandma’s before I go to work for a meeting at ten o’clock.”

His daughter’s dark almond-shaped eyes lit up with anticipation in response to his words. “Ga-ma?”

“That’s right, you’re going to see Grandma today. But only if you eat your cereal and banana.”

She carefully picked up one of the cereal O’s, pinching it between her thumb and forefinger, then lifted her hand to her mouth.

Braden made himself another cup of coffee while Saige picked at her breakfast, one O at a time. Not that he was surprised. Just like every other female he’d ever known, she did everything on her own schedule.

“Try some of the banana,” he suggested.

His little girl reached for a chunk of the fruit. “Na-na.”

“That’s right, sweetie. Ba-na-na. Yummy.”