Handful of Heaven

by Jillian Hart

  God is gracious, she thought as she served the Corey family their salads. The diner was beautiful, a new start for the building and the business, and although her life was going to take her in new directions, this place would always remind her of sweet memories. She’d grown up here, underfoot as her parents worked. Alex had grown up here, playing his electronic games in the corner or lost in a book while she ran the business.

  Everything changed. That was life. And changing brought the sting of loss and the joy of new beginnings.

  She promised the Corey family that their New York steaks would be coming soon. The front bell had her looking toward the door. A petite woman, slim and fashionable, stood in the light of the windows, looking too mature and confident to be her other little sister. A little girl with bountiful curls clutched her hand and gazed around wide-eyed.

  Rachel! Paige was running, her heart wide open, her vision blurring. She had her sister in her arms and gave her a tight squeeze. “Oh, you’re here. What are you doing here? I can’t believe it! You look gorgeous!”

  “I wanted to surprise you. Did I?” She stepped back, sun-browned and trim and happy.

  Happy. Paige was so grateful for that. She’d worried so at first, when Rachel had met Jake, that he had ulterior motives for proposing marriage. But there was no mistaking Rachel’s deep contentment. She’d known Rachel was happy and that her marriage was working well, because they talked on the phone every chance they got. But there was nothing like seeing in person that it was true. Rachel had found her happily ever after.

  “Jake’s on temporary duty in Afghanistan, but Sally and I decided to fly up and see the new place. Didn’t we, baby?”

  “Yep.” Sally nodded, a little shy, and leaned against Rachel’s hip, a clear sign the girl had finally come to trust and love her new stepmother. “I’m real hungry. For a chocolate milkshake?”

  Ah, a little niece to spoil, Paige thought. What fun. “With lots of whipped cream on top and chocolate sprinkles? Did you want to go sit with Westin, sweetie?”

  “Okay.”

  A squeal rang through the restaurant behind them. It was Amy, flying down the aisle to wrap Rachel into a sisterly hug. While they cried and chatted excitedly together, Paige took Sally to Alex’s table with promises to return soon. “With Tater Tots?” the little girl asked, with the cutest grin.

  “Hey, beautiful,” a man’s voice murmured against her ear as she slipped Sally’s order to the wheel. “Whatcha doin’ later?”

  “I’m having dinner with my handsome fiancé.”

  “He’s one lucky guy. Handsome huh?”

  “Very.” She turned in his arms, feeling the quiet rush of joy brimming her soul. Her dear Evan. He was her forever love. Her hero of a man. She ran her fingertips against the roughness of his jaw. Because of this good man, she knew what love really was. It was like the mountains she could see from the window, majestic and unfailing. Her life was better because of him. She was better because of him.

  He took her left hand and dropped a tender kiss to her engagement ring. “How’s the new engagement ring feel?”

  “Like a dream come true. I can’t believe I get to be your wife.”

  “Are you kidding? I get to be your husband. December can’t come fast enough.” Evan wanted to be married to her now, but they were going to wait until all the family could be together. The boys would be home from school. Her brother would be back from active duty in the Middle East. His parents were planning to drive up from their retirement home in Scottsdale.

  It was right that they say their vows before the witnesses who mattered the most, because this was it. It was forever. A once-in-a-lifetime love that he wanted to celebrate not just on their wedding day, but for every day to come. She wasn’t just the kind of woman he’d never thought he would find, but she was more wonderful than he ever could have imagined. Where once his life had been steady and predictable and his future a long vast stretch of emptiness, now there was her. And she was everything.

  He brushed the hair from her eyes, so he could better look into their dazzling depths. Forever with her would not be long enough. “I know you’re busy, but we have reservations for six o’clock.”

  “Jodi promised she’d take over at six.”

  “That’s in five minutes from now.”

  “I know. Don’t worry. I wouldn’t miss time with you for anything.” She brushed a kiss to his lips. “There’s Cal now. I see him driving up. You two go get settled, and I’ll be right out. The Coreys’ steaks are up.”

  Evan. He was her life now. Paige finished her shift by serving the Coreys and made sure they had everything they needed, steak sauce and extra sour cream and refills on their drinks. Then she untied her apron, hung it in the office, and left the responsibility of the dinner rush in Jodi’s capable hands.

  Her family was waiting for her. Beth, who was off tonight, had wedged into the booth at Alex’s side. They were busy talking across the table to Cal, who sat next to his father. A table had been pulled up to the corner booth, to make enough room for Rachel, who was still talking with Amy. Westin and Sally were beginning a game of Battleship.

  “Right here, baby.” Evan had kept a spot for her at his side and he held out his hand, tender as he’d always been and would always be.

  She settled at his side, where she would be for the rest of her life. The front bell chimed again, and it was Blake, Evan’s first son, sauntering through the doorway. He waved when he spotted them.

  So much in her life was changing. Her son was a man now. The diner would be Jodi’s to run. Her sisters were married and happy. Next month she would start her first two classes at MSU in Bozeman, a thirty-nine-year-old freshman who was planning a Christmas wedding. Finally, she had her fairy-tale ending. Her happily ever after.

  And all because of the man who leaned close to kiss her cheek. She shivered down to the bottom of her soul. This was simply another beginning.

  The best one of all.

  Coming Next Month

  Be enthralled, moved, thrilled and delighted by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.

  Come back every month for newly released selections in a variety of categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.

  Have a great time!

  ON SALE IN MARCH 2006

  Look for new titles in the following categories

  Bestsellers

  Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books

  KILLING KELLY by Heather Graham (romantic suspense)

  Passionate Reads

  Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents

  CAUGHT by Kristin Hardy

  THE GREEK’S CHOSEN WIFE by Lynne Graham

  TOTALLY TEXAN by Mary Lynn Baxter

  Romantic Suspense

  Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments

  A HUSBAND’S WATCH by Karen Templeton

  Inspirational

  Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café

  FRONT PORCH PRINCESS by Kathryn Springer

  Women’s Fiction

  Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next

  MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT LIFE by Jennifer Archer

  Women’s Action Adventure

  Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell

  SOMETHING WICKED by Evelyn Vaughn

  Chick Lit

  Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink

  THE MATZO B
ALL HEIRESS by Laurie Gwen Shapiro

  Fantasy/Science Fiction

  Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books

  ONE GOOD KNIGHT by Mercedes Lackey

  THE FAIRY GODMOTHER by Mercedes Lackey

  AVAILABLE NOW

  Bestsellers

  Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women’s fiction—from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away—from HQN Books

  KILLER TAKES ALL by Erica Spindler, MIRA (psychological thriller)

  BEFORE SUNRISE by Diana Palmer, HQN (contemporary romance)

  DARK SKY by Carla Neggers, MIRA (romantic suspense)

  50 HARBOR STREET by Debbie Macomber, MIRA (women’s fiction)

  GHOST WALK by Heather Graham, MIRA (paranormal mystery)

  MASQUERADE by Brenda Joyce, HQN (historical romance)

  CODE NAME: BABY by Christina Skye, HQN Books (romantic suspense)

  NIGHT FEVER by Diana Palmer (contemporary romance)

  ANYONE BUT YOU by Jennifer Crusie, HQN (contemporary romance)

  A PERFECT EVIL by Alex Kava, MIRA (psychological thriller)

  DEADLY KISSES by Brenda Joyce, MIRA (romantic suspense)

  IN THE GROOVE by Pamela Britton (contemporary romance)

  Passionate Reads

  Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion—from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents

  THE ITALIAN’S STOLEN BRIDE by Emma Darcy, Harlequin Presents

  UNCONTROLLABLE by Susan Kearney, Harlequin Blaze

  WHATEVER RILEY WANTS by Maureen Child, Silhouette Desire

  SEXY ALL OVER by Jamie Sobrato, Harlequin Blaze

  HOT TO THE TOUCH by Jennifer Greene, Silhouette Desire

  TALKING ABOUT SEX… by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Blaze

  THE TYCOON’S TROPHY WIFE by Miranda Lee, Harlequin Presents

  BOSS MAN by Diana Palmer, Silhouette Desire

  DON’T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS by Leslie Kelly, Harlequin Blaze

  ANGELS AND OUTLAWS by Barbara Dunlop, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries

  AT THE PLAYBOY’S PLEASURE by Kim Lawrence, Harlequin Special Releases

  THE MAN MEANS BUSINESS by Annette Broadrick, Silhouette Desire

  HIDDEN GEMS by Carrie Alexander, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries

  FOREVER MINE, VALENTINE by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Special Release

  SKIN DEEP by Tori Carrington, Harlequin Special Release

  SEDUCING SULLIVAN by Julie Elizabeth Leto, Harlequin Special Release

  A COWBOY & A GENTLEMAN by Ann Major, Harlequin Special Release

  STONE COLD SURRENDER by Brenda Jackson, Kimani Press

  Romantic Suspense

  Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away—from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments

  MAN OF HER DREAMS by Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue

  LOVING THE LONE WOLF by Ingrid Weaver, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  GHOST HORSE by Patricia Rosemoor, Harlequin Intrigue

  SUSPICIOUS by Heather Graham, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  RIDER ON FIRE by Sharon Sala, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  SECURITY MEASURES by Joanna Wayne, Harlequin Intrigue

  EPIPHANY by Rita Heron, Mallery Kane, Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue

  FEELS LIKE HOME by Maggie Shayne, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  RICOCHET by Jessica Andersen, Harlequin Intrigue

  HIGH-STAKES BRIDE by Fiona Brand, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  Inspirational

  Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul—from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense—from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café

  LOVING FEELINGS by Gail Gaymer Martin, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  BLESSED BOUQUETS by Lyn Cote, Lenora Worth and Penny Richards, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  FOR THE TWINS’ SAKE by Jillian Hart, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  NOTE OF PERIL by Hannah Alexander, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth White, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  BLACK HILLS BRIDE by Deb Kastner, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  WINDINGO TWILIGHT by Colleen Rhoads, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  MILLION DOLLAR DILEMMA by Judy Baer, Steeple Hill Café

  STORM CLOUDS by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  DECK THE HALLS by Arlene James, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  HER BROTHER’S KEEPER by Valerie Hansen, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  WEDDING AT WILDWOOD by Lenora Worth, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  EVEN IN THE DARKNESS by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  PAST SECRETS, PRESENT LOVE by Lois Richer, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  HOME TO YOU by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  A HANDFUL OF HEAVEN by Jillian Hart, Love Inspired

  Women’s Fiction

  Books that celebrate the “next” stage of women’s lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next

  THERE’S ALWAYS PLAN B by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Next

  RIGGS PARK by Ellyn Bache, Harlequin Next

  CUTTING THROUGH by Joan Hohl, Harlequin Next

  THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Archer, Harlequin Next

  PELICAN BAY by Charlotte Douglas, Harlequin Next

  STARTING FROM SCRATCH by Marie Ferrarella, Harlequin Next

  GRIN AND BEAR IT by Leslie LaFoy, Harlequin Next

  THE PAYBACK CLUB by Rexanne Becnel, Harlequin Next

  WHO MAKES UP THESE RULES ANYWAY by Stevi Mittman, Harlequin Next

  Women’s Action Adventure

  Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell

  ONCE A THIEF by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell

  HOT PURSUIT by Kathryn Jensen, Silhouette Bombshell

  DEVIL’S BARGAIN by Rachel Caine, Silhouette Bombshell

  THE GOLDEN GIRL by Erica Orloff, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  FLAWLESS by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  LETHALLY BLONDE by Nancy Bartholomew, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  MS. LONGSHOT by Sylvie Kurtz, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  A MODEL SPY by Natalie Dunbar, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  BULLETPROOF PRINCESS by Vicki Hinze, Silhouette Bombshell, The It Girls miniseries

  Chick Lit

  Women’s fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life’s little curves…From Red Dress Ink

  WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Carole Matthews, Red Dress Ink

  KILLER SUMMER by Lynda Curnyn, Red Dress Ink

  DO THEY WEAR HIGH HEELS IN HEAVEN? By Erica Orloff, Red Dress Ink

  THE NIGHT I GOT LUCKY by Laura Caldwell, Red Dress Ink

  SCENES FROM A HOLIDAY by Laurie Graff, Caren Lissner, Melanie Murray, Red Dress Ink

  THE JINX by Jennifer Sturman, Red Dress Ink

  THE BREAKUP CLUB by Melissa Senate, Red Dress Ink

  HATING VALENTINE’S DAY by Allison Rushby, Red Dress Ink

  Fantasy/Science Fiction

  Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy—Luna Books

  THE DESTINED QUEEN by Deborah Hale, LUNA

  URBAN SHAMAN by C.E. Murphy, LUNA

  POISON STUDY by Maria V. Snyder, LUNA

  IN STONE’S CLASP by Christie Golden, LUNA

  WINTER MOON by Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, C.E. Murphy, LUNA

  BRIGHID’S QUEST by P.C. Cast, LUNA

  SHADOWS OF
PROPHECY by Rachel Lee, LUNA

  THE HAMMER OF THE EARTH by Susan Krinard, LUNA