Maggie's Dad by Diana Palmer

Hot-tempered rancher Powell Long had once stolen Antonia Hayes's heart. But small-town lies tore their young love apart, forcing Antonia to flee. Years later, she returned to find Powell raising a daughter alone. Fatherhood hadn't tempered his wild side, or his desire for the one woman he'd always wanted--Antonia. Not even her pride could make her ignore the eager pull of her heartstrings. And taking a chance at a future family with Powell was simply too irresistible.


Antonia Hayes had to leave town to spare her family further heartache when her best friend started rumors about her and an old family friend. Nine years later, she decided to go home when she learned she had leukemia. She had not decided whether to get treatment or not since she practically had nothing to live for.

Powell Long had believed Sally's lies and cancelled his wedding to Antonia. Nine years later, he had a hard time disbelieving the lies because it would mean that he not only destroyed his life but also Sally and Antonia's lives. Six years after Sally died, he wanted a second chance with Antonia. But her cold demeanor towards him convinced him that she didn't feel anything for him anymore.

Maggie Long was the end result of the one and only night Powell had spent with Sally--the night he got so drunk after Antonia left town. Born premature, Antonia had always believed that Powell had been sleeping with her best friend the whole time he was engaged to Antonia. The child heard her father talking about his past with Antonia to their housekeeper so she decided to have her new teacher Miss Hayes fired--by telling lies about her threatening to hit Maggie. That did the job and Antonia was forced to leave town again for the second time. The injustices of this world!

But then Powell found out that she was sick and followed her. He refused for her to just give up because she had something to live for--they were getting married. Antonia had her doubts about his motives for marrying her--was it just pity?

"Life is too precious to throw away. Marry me, Annie. If it's only for a few weeks, we'll make enough memories to carry us both into eternity!"

I'd say yes to that, too!

But as they went for further tests so Antonia could started her treatments, they found out that there was a mix-up at the lab and that what she really had was not cancer. It had the same symptoms but what she really had was mononucleosis. Still doubting about Powell's motives?

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Undressing."

"It's...wrong."

"We're going to be married. This is my insurance...I'm going to give you a baby, Antonia."

That left Maggie to deal with. Antonia didn't know the kid other than being belligerent and uncooperative when she taught Maggie's class. But she knew that the child was feeling unloved and unwanted by the adults in her life. And by the time you read this:

"Now that she's back, you don't..hate me anymore, do you?" she asked softly. "Please don't...hate me...anymore! I love you, Daddy!"

"Oh, dear God. I don't hate you. God knows, I never hated you, Maggie!"

...you'd know everything was gonna be okay.

I love any book which can give me a cry-athon--this is a perfect example. This has been a fave reread of mine over the years.

Final verdict: 9.5/10. Must read, must have.