Linda Ford - A Baby For Christmas

From Pregnant Widow to Cowboy’s Bride

For widow Louise Porter, a temporary marriage to cowboy Nate Hawkins seems the only solution to protect her unborn child. Especially when she’s threatened by her late husband’s business partner. She needs a safe haven—and Eden Valley Ranch, where Nate works, is supposedly just the place. And yet, in Nate’s care she feels secure and cherished as never before.

The protection of his name is all Nate can offer Louise. He’s not cut out for family life long-term. However, he’ll risk anything to keep Louise safe during their perilous journey. Perhaps an early Christmas arrival will show them both just how precious—and how permanent—their new family can be...

“I’m so sorry. It seems I’m always causing you a problem.”

For some silly reason the words caught in her throat and wobbled.

Nate clasped her shoulders and looked into her face as if searching every corner of her mind. “You are not a problem to me.”

Louise told herself it was only words, perhaps for the benefit of those who couldn’t help but overhear. Despite her arguments to the contrary, she believed him. For the moment, she’d allow herself to be comforted by his admission.

She nodded, the book clutched to her chest.

He reached past her to get the title he’d chosen, and they returned to the table to sit side by side.

She read the words and turned the pages, but couldn’t have said what the story entailed. Her thoughts wouldn’t settle. It was merely worry, she told herself, about getting to Eden Valley Ranch before the baby came. Concern for the safety of the little life she carried. But in a moment of honesty she admitted that her predominant thought centered on Nate. Why was he being so nice to her? Treating her as though he really cared when they both knew he was only doing this out of a sense of obligation.

LINDA FORD lives on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, near enough to the Rocky Mountains that she can enjoy them on a daily basis. She and her husband raised fourteen children—four homemade, ten adopted. She currently shares her home and life with her husband, a grown son, a live-in paraplegic client and a continual (and welcome) stream of kids, kids-in-law, grandkids, and assorted friends and relatives.

A Baby for Christmas

Linda Ford

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

—Isaiah 9:6

To Christine, my day-after-Christmas baby.

You have brought much joy into our lives

and continue to do so.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text From Pregnant Widow to Cowboy’s Bride For widow Louise Porter, a temporary marriage to cowboy Nate Hawkins seems the only solution to protect her unborn child. Especially when she’s threatened by her late husband’s business partner. She needs a safe haven—and Eden Valley Ranch, where Nate works, is supposedly just the place. And yet, in Nate’s care she feels secure and cherished as never before. The protection of his name is all Nate can offer Louise. He’s not cut out for family life long-term. However, he’ll risk anything to keep Louise safe during their perilous journey. Perhaps an early Christmas arrival will show them both just how precious—and how permanent—their new family can be...

Introduction “I’m so sorry. It seems I’m always causing you a problem.” For some silly reason the words caught in her throat and wobbled. Nate clasped her shoulders and looked into her face as if searching every corner of her mind. “You are not a problem to me.” Louise told herself it was only words, perhaps for the benefit of those who couldn’t help but overhear. Despite her arguments to the contrary, she believed him. For the moment, she’d allow herself to be comforted by his admission. She nodded, the book clutched to her chest. He reached past her to get the title he’d chosen, and they returned to the table to sit side by side. She read the words and turned the pages, but couldn’t have said what the story entailed. Her thoughts wouldn’t settle. It was merely worry, she told herself, about getting to Eden Valley Ranch before the baby came. Concern for the safety of the little life she carried. But in a moment of honesty she admitted that her predominant thought centered on Nate. Why was he being so nice to her? Treating her as though he really cared when they both knew he was only doing this out of a sense of obligation.

About the Author LINDA FORD lives on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, near enough to the Rocky Mountains that she can enjoy them on a daily basis. She and her husband raised fourteen children—four homemade, ten adopted. She currently shares her home and life with her husband, a grown son, a live-in paraplegic client and a continual (and welcome) stream of kids, kids-in-law, grandkids, and assorted friends and relatives.

Title Page A Baby for Christmas Linda Ford www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6

Dedication To Christine, my day-after-Christmas baby. You have brought much joy into our lives and continue to do so.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

December 1882

Twenty-year-old Louise Porter cupped her hands to her rounded belly. How was she to protect this baby, as well as herself and her eighteen-year-old sister-in-law? Where could she go? Where could she find help?

No answer came to mind, but she must get away from that vile man who grew bolder and bolder with his threats and advances.

She turned the corner. Without thought, she’d walked toward the church. Head down, watching her footing carefully on the rough ground, she made her way toward the spot where they’d buried her husband six months ago.

Not until she was almost there did she look up and nearly fell backward. Nate Hawkins stood at Gordie’s graveside. She’d gotten a fleeting glimpse of him last year on his annual visit to his mother, but still she stared at him, taking in his rumpled dark blond hair and his blue eyes that always made her feel as if he pinned her to the spot where she stood. He’d filled out in the three years since he left, but he was still tall and slim. His muscular body spoke of hard work and strength.