THE END

Hello from Linda

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for choosing to read Unforgettable, the first story in my brand-new series, No Ordinary Family. I hope the story kept you turning the pages as Jennifer Delaney and Doug Collins found their way back to each other after a long separation.

One of Jennifer’s younger twin brothers, Brian, is about to discover true love in the second book of the series, Safe at Home . See if this major league pitcher can pitch his case to Megan Ross who thinks he’s a total screw-up. An excerpt from this story follows this letter to you.

You’ll also find a second excerpt here which shines a light on why the Delaney siblings are No Ordinary Family. In The Broken Circle , —the book that started it all—you’ll be introduced to the Delaney’s in their growing up years where the spotlight is on Lisa and Mike's story.

If you enjoyed reading Unforgettable, please help others find it so they can discover Linda Barrett books, too. Here’s what you can do: Write an honest review and post it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo or any of your favorite book sites. Short is good!

Keep up with me at my website at: www.linda-barrett.com to find out about upcoming books.

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Tell your friends! Word of mouth is still the best way to share news about a book you’ve enjoyed.

I truly appreciate you help in getting the word out about Unforgettable and my other novels, which are listed below and available both electronically and in print.

Thank you very much for being a Linda Barrett fan. I truly appreciate you!

Best,

Linda

Chapter One - Safe at Home

An organized mess.

Megan Ross stood behind her desk and reviewed the colored folders, calendars, lists and the dozen printouts she’d need for the coming week. She preferred blending manual and electronic methods when creating her schedules. Each worked for her, and to succeed, planning ahead was key. She needed a road map to ensure the public events for the Houston Astro players were a success every time the men interacted with their fans and supporters. If they screwed up, she’d have to make it right with all involved. She’d done that in the past—but, fortunately, mishaps didn’t often happen.

A majority of the athletes were professional in all aspects of their career.

Including public relations. One or two, however… just overgrown boys. A pair of green eyes came to mind, and her mouth tightened in frustration. Brian

Delaney had so much talent but was so undependable on and off the field. She never counted on him showing up for a planned event. He was just a guy riding on good looks and an arm—when he used it. She shook her head at the waste. If she ever stopped to think about what could go wrong in her job, she’d have a meltdown.

Chuckling and dismissing the idea, she sat in front of her computer and began filtering appearance requests. She loved working for the Astros, and she loved her position as Player Promotions and Events Coordinator. Adding to her good fortune was a recent opportunity for promotion to manager. More money, more responsibility. She’d updated her resume and thought she had a good shot. In her competitive world, however, she didn’t count on it.

When her desk phone rang, she saw Dave Evans’s name on the readout. The team manager. She and Dave had a good rapport, communicated well, but didn’t often overlap in their functions. Curious, she picked up the receiver and leaned back in her chair.

“Hey, Megan — come on up to my office for a minute. We’ve got a little something for you, just up your alley.”

“We? Okay, you’ve got my attention. I’ll be right there.”

In fact, she’d run. Cooperation and a positive attitude were the keys for a single mom to enjoy job security and support her son.

With a smile on her face and a laptop under her arm, Megan quickly made her way up one flight to the fifth floor of the building, historic Union Station, home of the Astros and Minute Maid Park. She waved to Carla Weston in the outer office and knocked on Dave’s doorframe as his door was open. He waved her in.

“Scott and Rick are with us today,” said Dave, nodding toward the general manager of the organization and the pitching coach.

“Now you’ve got me very curious,” said Megan, after greeting the men and taking an available chair. She was also a bit concerned. Two of the men directly coached players, while the third reported to the owner of the team. She didn’t fit in with this group.

“We’re glad you could join us,” began Dave.

“Well, of course.” She looked from one face to the other. “None of you seem too happy, so…” She gulped, a horrible thought entering her mind. “Am I in some kind of trouble?”

They all spoke at once, but she was attuned to Dave’s voice. “Not at all, Megan.

In fact, just the opposite. We’ve got a little situation with the team.”

“Not with the team, with a player,” added Rick, the pitching coach.

“Which, of course, affects the team,” added Dave, rubbing his lip, an action which Megan had seen over the years.

She leaned forward, focusing on these decision-makers. “So, what can I do to help?”

“And if that isn’t the perfect opening,” said Dave.

“It’s your show,” said Scott Cohen. “I’m here only to observe. And report back to Harold. The club is not just a business to him. The man loves the game and takes an interest in every player we’ve got.”

She nodded. The team’s owner was famous for caring about every part of the organization, including the players. Maybe especially the players. But she still didn’t know where this conversation was heading.

Rick started pacing. “As I said, we’ve got a player…a lot of talent, but…” He shook his head. “I’m not getting through to him.”

“Then something’s wrong,” said Megan, “and not with you. My ear is to the ground. The pitching lineup appreciates you.”

A glance passed between the two managers. “Told ya’ she’d have a notion about it,” said Dave. “She played women’s softball at University of Texas. On scholarship, too. Made a name for herself. She knows the game.”

A lump took root in her stomach as a pair of sparkling green eyes again came to mind. She glanced from the pitching coach to Dave, the team manager. Might as well throw the elephant into the room.

“Brian Delaney,” she said.

She had fun watching their jaws drop. “Why are you surprised? He’s just as unreliable for public events as he is on the mound. I obviously have no clout with him and am certainly out of ideas. Sorry.” She began to rise.

Dave held up his hand like a traffic cop, and she sat down again. “Brian Delaney is either brilliant or a screw-up on the mound.”

True. She’d watched enough games to see both. But could a pro team afford to have a clown in the lineup? Three pair of eyes were on her. “What?” she asked.

“What can I do about him?”

“We think it’s an attitude thing. Not a skill thing.” Dave steepled his hands, elbows on the desk. “We want you to…to be his handler for the rest of the season. Figure out what makes him tick, get him to show up for every practice.”

The man didn’t look too happy himself when he met her eyes. “Megan, the boss upstairs has a gut feeling about the kid.”