The English Jillaroo (Heads or Hearts), page 9
She rested her head against his cheek. ‘I can’t help being determined. I’m head over heels in love with you, Matt Lockhart.’
After they’d kissed again, he said, ‘This indecent proposal of yours. Did you have any plans for making it decent? Like a – a wedding, or something?’
She arched a provocative eyebrow. ‘A girl can’t do all the running. I know you’re a man of few words, but I’ll leave that move to you.’
‘I feel a bit pretentious, proposing marriage to a Lady.’
Charlie sighed and gave his shoulder a playful punch. ‘Lady Charlotte is stuck in England, you silly man. Try asking Charlie Bell and see what happens.’
His mouth quirked. ‘Charlie?’
‘Yes?’ Her answer was the merest hush of a sound.
‘Do you fancy being the missus of an outback cattleman? More specifically, this outback cattleman?’
‘Yes, yes, yes!’
He laughed happily. ‘Thank you.’ Scooping her into his arms, he showered her with loving kisses.
She smiled. ‘Thank you for the best decent proposal I’ve ever had.’
‘So, it’s a bush wedding then?’
‘Yes, why not?’
Matt chuckled. ‘I’d like to see Norton at a barbecue drinking billy tea.’
‘Well, the alternative is Arch in a top hat and tails at the Greenfields chapel.’
‘Either way, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re there.’
Happier than she’d ever thought possible, Charlie wound her arms around his neck and kissed him again. And again
*** The End ***
© 2024 Barbara Hannay
Thank you for reading The English Jillaroo. This is the first in my Heads or Hearts Series and I hope you enjoyed it. I’ve loved the opportunity to independently publish Charlie and Matt’s story. It was originally released by Harlequin Mills and Boon as Charlotte’s Choice.
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Books By This Author
The English Jillaroo
Downton Abbey meets the Outback.
A strong minded woman who’s a fish out of water. A ruggedly handsome hero. An attraction that can only bring trouble...
When Charlie Bell starts work on Matt Lockhart’s outback cattle station, he has no idea she’s actually Lady Charlotte Bellamy. Charlie’s hoping for an exciting Aussie adventure and she’s certainly not looking for a future husband. Her parents have already lined up a suitable marriage for her in a bid to save their crumbling estate.
Charlie copes well with the rigours of the outback, including red dust, a runaway horse and a lurking crocodile. But she also falls for Matt - hard.
Now, when her time as a jillaroo comes to an end, she’s left with an impossible choice. Should she follow her heart or her sense of duty?
The English Jillaroo (originally published as Charlotte’s Choice) is the first book in Barbara Hannay’s Heads or Hearts romances.
Return to Warrapinya
Return to Warrapinya: An Australian Outback Second Chance Romance
One failed marriage. A couple from opposite ends of the globe. Should they risk another chance at love?
Cara is nervous about revisiting Australia, but she has agreed to take her small son to meet his father – her ex-husband.
It’s been five years since Cara last saw Luke. He’s as attractive as ever, her emotions are in turmoil and their reunion brings back so many memories – some incredibly happy, others hopelessly complicated.
But their little boy adores his father’s outback property, and now that Luke has his family again, he longs to keep them together.
The time has come for a massive decision. Should this girl from Manhattan give her marriage a second chance?
Return to Warrapinya is the second book in Barbara Hannay’s Heads or Hearts series. Don’t miss this deeply emotional, award winning novel – originally published as Claiming His Family and winner of the coveted Romance Writers of America’s RITA award for Best Traditional Romance.
Best Laid Plans: A friends to lovers outback romance
‘This might be too hard, Will. Friends don’t usually jump into bed together.’
Lucy and Will have been best friends since their school days, but they’ve chosen totally different lifestyles. While Lucy has remained in Willow Creek, working as a country vet, Will’s career as a geologist has sent him wandering all over the world. Now Lucy’s biological clock is ticking loudly and she’s already suffered an IVF disappointment..
When Will returns to be best man at the same wedding where Lucy is bridesmaid, they reconnect. As friends. And in the days that follow, they come up with a possible plan. Why shouldn’t they try for a baby together? As friends.
But perhaps friendship sex isn’t quite so simple...
Best Laid Plans is the third book in Barbara Hannay’s Heads or Hearts collection. Don’t miss this heartwarming, small town, best friend to lovers romance.
Part of series
Heads or Hearts
Lost and Found: An emotional second-chance romance
Oceans and secrets have kept them apart...
Young lovers Mary and Tom plan to elope, but their escape is blocked by Mary’s control freak father.
They never dream it will be eight long years before they see each other again. By then, Mary is living in the US with her military husband Ed and her young son Ethan, and her world is turned upside-down when Captain Tom Pirelli of the Australian SAS arrives on her doorstep.
Now, in the midst of heartbreaking news, she has to make a seemingly impossible decision – but will Tom forgive her when she reveals the truth?
Don’t miss this deeply emotional, second chance romance in Barbara Hannay’s Heads or Hearts collection.
Barbara Hannay, The English Jillaroo (Heads or Hearts)
