A Fair of the Heart

by Donna Marie Rogers

In no time, an aerial ladder telescoped up to them, and Caleb helped get Max safely into the firefighter’s arms. By the time Caleb was safely on the ground, a sobbing Lauren had Max crushed in her arms.

  Caleb couldn’t even put words to the emotions coursing through him. If he hadn’t been sure before, he had no doubts now. He wanted Lauren, Max, and Emma in his life. And he planned to stay in Redemption permanently. This was his home—always had been in his heart, even if he’d been too angry for the past twenty years to admit it.

  Lauren reluctantly let Max go to be checked for injuries, then rushed to Caleb’s side. Her beautiful face gazed up at him, and all he could think about was how much he wanted to kiss her.

  “You saved my son’s life. I don’t even know how to begin to pay you for that.”

  Caleb reached out and cupped her cheek. “I’m crazy about that boy. Emma, too.”

  “And they’re crazy about you,” she countered, her expression guarded.

  He wondered if she was feeling as insecure and vulnerable as he was right now. “Good to know. But what about their mother? Any feelings of adoration there?”

  The most incredible smile spread across her face as she gazed up at him with her heart in her eyes. “I happen to know firsthand their mother’s adoration for you is only exceeded by her desire to kiss you.”

  He slipped his arm around her and pulled her close, but before they could give in to “her desire,” Max approached, feet dragging in the dirt. Caleb gave her a quick squeeze, stepped back, and waited for Max to speak.

  “Am I grounded?”

  Caleb couldn’t help but chuckle. Lauren was less amused. She crossed her arms and said, “I think you know the answer to that. And just for the record, Caleb didn’t rat you out, one of the neighbors did. So not only are you grounded for two weeks, but you owe this very brave man a thank you and an apology.”

  Max cast Caleb a quick glance. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled. “I didn’t wanna believe you narced me out, but that’s what it sounded like.”

  “I know.” Caleb clapped him on the back. “Apology accepted.”

  Lauren glanced up at the darkening sky. The sun had nearly finished its descent into the western horizon and would be completely gone in a matter of minutes. “Why don’t we head over to the field and find a spot to watch the fireworks?” She crouched down and peeked at Emma, who’d managed to snore right through all the excitement. The love that shone from her eyes as she gazed upon her daughter made Caleb’s chest ache in an unfamiliar yet very welcome way.

  They hustled down to the baseball field, spread out the blanket Lauren had remembered to tuck into Emma’s stroller, and settled in to watch the display. Emma finally roused and insisted on sitting in Max’s lap. Caleb sat with one knee up and one hand propped behind him, Lauren leaning against his shoulder.

  The oddest sense of peace washed over him as the first burst of color exploded in the sky. As Max and Emma “oohed” and “ahhed,” Caleb leaned down and kissed Lauren, sealing their fate under a blazing canopy of red, white, and blue.

  Copyright 2011 Donna Kowalczyk

  (originally published in Welcome to Redemption Anthology, 2007)

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of any of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Contact information: www.DonnaMarieRogers.blogspot.com

  Cover art by Tamra Westbury

  I hope you enjoyed Lauren and Caleb’s story. Max and Emma are close to my heart as my they were my mother’s favorite characters, and I lost her this year. Stacey Joy Netzel and I would love for you to read the rest of the series and fall in love with the characters who’ve become our friends.

  Welcome to Redemption...

  ...a small town in Northeast Wisconsin where second chances don’t always come easy, but if you’re willing to try, anything is possible.

  Book 1: A Fair Of The Heart, by Donna Marie Rogers

  Single mother, and work-at-home beautician, Lauren Frazier can barely keep a roof over her head, let alone stop it from falling down around her. When handyman Caleb Hunter shows up at her door for a haircut, he’s the answer to her prayers—and the attraction is instantaneous. Too bad her troublesome ten-year-old son isn’t quite as thrilled to have Caleb hanging around.

  Old wounds have kept Caleb from returning to Redemption permanently. When he receives word of his mother’s unexpected death, guilt and regret bring him home again, but will the love of a good woman keep him there? Beautiful, witty, and strong, Lauren excites Caleb like no woman ever has, but she’s a package deal, and he’s not sure he’s prepared to take on a ready-made family.

  Book 2: A Fair To Remember, by Stacey Joy Netzel

  Reformed gang member Wes Carter feels Redemption, Wisconsin, is just the place to relocate his financial business for reasons more than just the name. He’s ready for a nice, quiet life in small town USA. Tara Russell has decided it’s time to add some excitement to her life and get a little wild—no matter how uncomfortable it makes her or her overprotective family. They meet at the local fair one warm summer night and discover opposites attract for all the right reasons. Add a dash of Sugar in the form of an incorrigible Great Dane, and it’s destined to be A Fair To Remember.

  Book 3: The Perfect Blend, by Donna Marie Rogers

  Carrie Lowell swears off men for good after nearly losing her business in a bitter divorce settlement to her abusive ex-husband. She’s on the verge of filing bankruptcy when handsome librarian Matt Jacobs walks into her shop and offers sound—if unwanted—business advice. Sure, financially he’s a godsend, but emotionally he’s a threat to the barricade she’s built around her heart.

  Heir to a vast fortune, Jacob Spalding flees LA for the tiny Midwest town of Redemption, Wisconsin to escape the scandalous nightmare his life has become. Now known as Matt Jacobs, he buys a little cottage and settles in to small town life. Soon, he finds himself infatuated with the owner of the coffee shop across the street. Too bad the infuriating woman is as contrary as she is beautiful.

  Book 4: Grounds For Change, by Stacey Joy Netzel

  Charlie Russell lived with a secret for fourteen years, but now guilt has pushed him to the breaking point. He meets psychologist Dana McClain and feels an instant connection that has nothing to do with his Great Dane, Sugar, spilling coffee down her shirt. Dana switched to counseling animals because she has a history of becoming too emotionally involved with her clients. She figures she’s safe helping Charlie with Sugar’s issues, until he reveals his secret and asks for her help. She tries to convince herself it's all about the dog, not the guy, but history has a way of repeating itself.

  Book 5: Home Is Where the Heart Is, by Donna Marie Rogers

  Used to the finer things in life, heiress Melinda Spalding is thrown for a loop when her brother relocates to the Midwest. Her parents even expand their business to the small town and put her in charge of the project. Discovering she likes “Mayberry” and its quirky inhabitants is almost as shocking as her growing attraction to the local auto mechanic. But L.A. is where she belongs…or is home truly where the heart is?

  Drew Porter learned early in life how treacherous women can be—and when snooty “Lindy” Spalding skids into his life and nearly makes roadkill out of his dog, she seems worse than most. An unlikely bond between their
pets gives him an intriguing glimpse behind her pretentious exterior. While his heart wonders if there more to her than meets the eye, his head tells him to run as fast as he can in the opposite direction.

  Book 6: The Heart of the Matter, by Stacey Joy Netzel

  All Allie Daniels ever wanted was a family of her own—until her doctor informs her she’ll never be able to have children. She hides her desolation, refusing to let any man close enough to see her broken heart. Most certainly not the town veterinarian, who’s cute three-year-old son reminds her of what she’ll never have.

  Rick Wilde had a serious crush on Allie back in high school, but life took them in different directions. Now a single parent, he returns to Redemption several years later to raise his son, Lukas. His interest in Allie is renewed, but her shoulder is colder than the bitter winter wind.

  Brought together by an orphaned kitten, Allie finds herself helpless to resist Lukas’s impish innocence—not to mention Rick’s warm charm and sexy good looks. Does she dare take a chance on an impossible dream, or will Rick’s desire for more kids devastate their future?

  Other titles by Donna Marie Rogers

  Available from Amazon.com

  THERE’S ONLY BEEN YOU

  *2009 Write Touch Reader Award Finalist*

  Sara Jamison has no clue where Mike Andrews’ been all these years, but she knows where she’s been—busy raising their son. Two weeks after he accused her of cheating and disappeared from her life, Sara discovered she was something she never expected to be—an unwed pregnant teenager. But with the love and support of her annoyingly alpha-male family, she’s managed to make a good life for herself and her young son. She even owns her own business, Sara’s Bakery, which she’s built into a thriving success. Sure, she works too hard and her social life is nonexistent, but for the most part, she’s content.

  Until the day Detective Mike Andrews walks into her bakery and back into her life.

  “There’s Only Been You is a heartwarming story of family and a second chance at love. This is the first of what we hope is many novels from this talented new author. Reading Donna Marie Rogers is like coming home.”

  ~ Tori Carrington, Bestselling, award-winning author of SOFIE METROPOLIS

  “Love lost and found is the basis of this wonderfully heartwarming read. Throw in a years-old lie and a strong sense of family and it only gets better and better. A subplot concerning a dirty cop adds a nice mystery to spice up the story.”

  ~ 4 Stars, Romantic Times BOOK Reviews

  “I have to say Ms. Rogers outdid herself yet again. From the first page, I was pulled into the story and I remained hooked right until the last sentence...This author has a way of telling a story and pulling you in as if you’re a character in the book seeing everything firsthand. I highly recommend this book and promise you won’t be disappointed!”

  ~ Reviewer Top Pick, Diana Coyle - Night Owl Romance

  “...Readers of contemporary romance will be thoroughly delighted in reading There’s Only Been You as Donna Marie Rogers delivers a tender tale of love, family, and second chances. I’m sure others will join in my great anticipation for her sequels.”

  ~ 5 Bookmarks, Ali Flores - Wild On Books

  ~~~~~~~~~~

  MEANT TO BE

  *2010 Write Touch Reader Award Finalist*2010 Bean Pot Finalist*

  *2010 Aspen Gold Finalist*2010 EPIC Award Finalist*

  She’s running from her past, he’s unsure about his future. Maybe together they can figure out what was MEANT TO BE...

  Officer Garrett Jamison is at the lowest point in his life. He’s lost faith in his ability as a police officer after unwittingly setting his sister up with a dirty cop. Garrett ended up getting shot, and his sister’s son kidnapped right out of his own bed. He takes a leave from the force, in need of some time to make a decision about his future. Too bad he can't get a decent night’s sleep thanks to his sexy new neighbor and her howling cat.

  Jessica McGovern moves halfway across the country to start a new life in Green Bay, Wisconsin after her ex-husband is convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of their young son. Her new neighbor is as infuriating as he is handsome, but when her ex is released from prison early and shows up in town, Jessica discovers she's never needed anyone more.

  “Witty and heartfelt, with an unforgettable cast of secondary characters, MEANT TO BE is a definite page-turner!”

  ~ Lori Foster, NY Times bestselling author of BACK IN BLACK

  “Rogers has the ability to keep her readers on the edge of our seats. This one is definitely another page turner. I highly recommend this book, as well as the first in the series, to anyone who likes action and romance with unique endings...The series will make my keeper list.”

  ~ 5 Hearts, Brenda Talley - The Romance Studio

  “Do you love characters that are stubborn, honorable, sassy, and just plain lovable? Well, look no further. Jessica and Garrett will keep you on your toes and turning those pages. I highly recommend picking up this story for anyone who is a lover of romance.”

  ~ Reviewed by Antonia, You Gotta Read Reviews

  “There is so much I want to say, and if I could, I would harp praise upon praise...tightly written, well plotted and fast-paced, and the characters are unforgettable. This is the kind of book you crawl into bed with on a rainy night, with plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing and so much steamy chemistry between the protagonists you’ll sport a silly grin on your face.”

  ~ 5 Books, Fern - Long And Short Romance Reviews

  About the author:

  It’s been more than 20 years since I read and fell in love with my very first romance novel. I’d been vacationing in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula with my sweetheart (now my husband) and his family when I followed his mother into a used bookstore. I came across a couple of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novels and decided to pick them up for my mom, who had always been a huge fan. The ride home was long, and I ended up reaching into the little paper bag to pull out the well-read copy of The Wolf and the Dove. By the time we arrived home, I was completely—and I mean completely—hooked. A romance reader had been born!

  These days I live in a renovated old schoolhouse in beautiful Northeast Wisconsin with my husband and children. I’m an avid gardener and home-canner, as well as an admitted reality TV junkie. My passion to read is only exceeded by my passion to write, so when I’m not doing the wife and mother thing, you can usually find me sitting at my computer creating exciting new characters, fresh new worlds, and always happily-ever-afters.

  Follow me online:

  Website and Blog: http://www.DonnaMarieRogers.blogspot.com

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Donna.Marie.Rogers

  Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DMR_LizaJames

  Table of Contents

  Start