Hero's Ball — Carol Hutchens

Beautician Anita Bland is determined to buy her own hair salon, but when she takes a second job modeling for a plus-size catalogue to earn money, she fears she will lose customers and become a laughing stock in her hometown. Then, like a romantic fairy tale from childhood, her favorite customer, a returning veteran turned fire fighter, finally seems to notice her. When Charlie Wakefield asks for her help organizing a fundraiser, Anita jumps at the chance to spend more time with him. After his tour of duty, Charlie Wakefield goes against his wealthy family's wishes to make his own way. Charlie believes protecting others is what makes life worth living, not adding to a bank account. But Anita's sense of humor makes him worry his life had turned into a comedy act. Worse, Anita is dog sitting a tiny Chihuahua named Samson and that pooch gives new meaning to the term alpha male. Anita calls Charlie her hero after he saves a family from a fire. Charlie realizes he wants to be a hero, even to a rat-dog, but first he must give his heart to the woman who has taught him laughter and love.