Kane groaned as Ashley sprinted up to Maggie, tugging on her T-shirt to get her attention. “Can we eat now? Mommy said we had to wait to you all came.”
She tousled the little girl’s hair. “Sure, and I won’t be far behind you. I’m starved.”
Kane leaned close to Maggie’s ear as Ashley rushed to her mother to let her know. “Have you said anything to them yet about expecting a baby?”
She shook her head. “I only told you this morning. What better present for your birthday!”
“Yeah, the best.” Excitement at the fact he would be a father in less than seven months glittered in his eyes. “We can tell everyone now.”
“I thought we would at Sunday night dinner at Vicky’s. That way it would be just family. After that I thought I would say something to Edwina. Then the whole world would know by the next day.”
Kane laughed.
The sound warmed Maggie. Her husband had laughed a lot this past year. She couldn’t resist standing on tiptoe and planting a kiss on his mouth.
“Hey, you two, our next president of Seven Oaks University has to be above reproach,” Vicky said as she and John joined them.
Kane’s eyes widened in surprise. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve heard some members of the board of directors discussing who would be good when the interim one steps down at the end of next year. And Kane, you’re at the top of everyone’s list.”
“So that explains the invitation to have lunch with a couple of them next week.”
“He really doesn’t listen to the gossip flying around the university, does he?” Vicky asked Maggie.
“Probably because he’s been so caught up in the renovation of our home. We’re determined to have it completed by the end of summer. I hate living in chaos.”
“But being down the street from Twin Oaks has been wonderful. The kids love going over to your house and helping.”
“Kane,” John said and slapped Kane on the back, “I think the talk is gonna turn to women stuff. Want to join me at the food table?”
The second the men disappeared in the group Vicky pulled Maggie away from the others. “I know you haven’t said anything yet, but when is the baby due?”
“Baby?”
“A mother can tell. Besides, Kenny said something about you having to go to the doctor the other day. Well?”
“The end of November.”
Vicky let out a shrill of delight and hugged her. “I’m going to be a grandmother!”
Dear Reader,
This story is about forgiveness and guilt. I often return to these themes in my stories. Guilt drives people to do all kinds of different things—from cutting themselves off from others (like Kane) to being afraid a secret will be revealed (like Vicky and several other characters in Into the Fire). But my main theme is about forgiveness, which Maggie had to deal with. She had a lot of anger built up toward her birth mother that had to be resolved before she could move on. I hope you enjoyed their journey toward a richer life.
I love hearing from readers. You can also learn more about my books at www.margaretdaley.com.
Best wishes,
Margaret Daley
More Books in the
DARING ESCAPES Series
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Tory Caldwell witnesses a hit-and-run, but when the dead victim disappears from the scene, police doubt a crime has been committed. Tory is threatened when she keeps insisting she saw a man killed and the only one who believes her is her neighbor, Jordan Steele. Together, can they solve the mystery of the disappearing body and stay alive?
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Book Seven
Legacy of Secrets. Threats and Danger. Second Chances.
Down on her luck, single mom, Lacey St. John, believes her life has finally changed for the better when she receives an inheritance from a wealthy stranger. Her ancestral home she'd thought forever lost has been transformed into a lucrative bed and breakfast guaranteed to bring much-needed financial security. Her happiness is complete until strange happenings erode her sense of well being. When her life is threatened, she turns to neighbor, Sheriff Ryan McNeil, for help. He promises to solve the mystery of who's ruining her newfound peace of mind, but when her troubles escalate to the point that her every move leads to danger, she's unsure who to trust. Is the strong, capable neighbor she's falling for as amazing as he seems? Or could he be the man who wants her dead?
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DEADLY FIRES
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Second Chances. Revenge. Arson.
A saboteur targets Alexia Richards and her family company. As the incidents become more lethal, Alexia must depend on a former Delta Force soldier, Cole Knight, a man from her past that she loved. When their son died in a fire, their grief and anger drove them apart. Can Alexia and Cole work through their pain and join forces to find the person who wants her dead?
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Secrets. Murder. Reunion.
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Sarah has to work with Detective Hunter Davis, her ex-fiancé, to find her niece before the young woman becomes the latest victim of a serial killer. Sarah must relive part of her past in order to assure there is a future for her niece and herself. Can Sarah and Hunter overcome their painful past and work together before the killer strikes again?
About the Author
Margaret Daley
Margaret Daley, a USA Today’s Bestselling author of over 105 books (five million plus sold worldwide), has been married for over forty-seven years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling or being with her two granddaughters, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense/mystery thread and corralling her cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at www.margaretdaley.com.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/margaretdaleybooks
Twitter: twitter.com/margaretdaley
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/238174.Margaret_Daley
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