Another book completed, and I remain reasonably sane! My thanks to all those who have stood by me with love and support: my husband and children, my parents, and my writing buddies—Vicky, MJ, Sandy, and Vicky. My thanks also to fellow writers of PASIC and the Houston chapters of RWA. And finally, my gratitude to those of you who read my books. Your letters and e-mails are treasures that I hoard for the rainy days. Bless you! May you become heroes and heroines in real life!

Heather Lynn Westfield was in hog heaven. Who would have believed that a famous fashion designer from Paris would open a fancy store smack dab in the middle of Texas Hill Country?

Whatever Jean-Luc Echarpe had been drinking when he'd made that decision, it had to be strong enough to knock your socks off. In his case, two-hundred-dollar silk socks embroidered with his famous fleur-de-lis logo.

Heather wanted to buy some kind of souvenir to commemorate the grand opening of Le Chique Echarpe, but the socks were the cheapest thing she could find. Hmm, should she buy a pair of socks she didn't need or make next month's payment on her Chevy four by four? With a snort, she tossed the socks back onto the glass shelf.

A brilliant alternative popped into her head. She'd grab one of the free hors d'oeuvres, stuff it in a plastic bag, label it Echarpe's Grand Opening, and hoard it in the freezer for all eternity.