Shirley Hailstock - Summer on Kendall Farm

Homes, and families, aren’t restored overnight

Jason Kendall grew up being treated like the poor relation he was. And after a devastating betrayal, he fled under a cloud of scandal. Now he needs a place to raise his four-year-old adopted son, and Kendall Farm is the only home he’s ever known. The problem is, his old homestead has a new owner.

Kelly Ashton sank every last cent into restoring the Maryland horse farm. Hiring the handsome engineer would be a huge mistake. But after five years away, Jace, the prodigal son, is back. To fight for his little boy’s future. And Kelly could lose the home she loves...unless she and the single father can create a new one together.

“We’ve been here before,” Kelly said.

Jace stepped back and reached down to help her. “Yes, we have.”

As she stood, her hands went to his shoulders and his caught her around the waist. Jace didn’t release her immediately. Kelly looked up at him, her hands still on his shoulders.

“And we decided you wouldn’t confuse me.”

“Not we,” he said. “You decided.”

Jace drew her closer to him. His head dipped and he kissed her. She didn’t try to stop him. His mouth was sweet on hers. It had been a long time since someone had held her like this. In his arms, Kelly felt safe. She let herself relax.

She would let herself enjoy the special moment, for now.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 EPILOGUE Copyright ,

Kendall Farm is close to my heart. The place is fictitious, but in my mind it’s as real as my own home. Like our heroine, Kelly, I know every inch of the farm and the grounds. Jace’s family has owned it for generations. He popped into my consciousness, riding on horseback, and insisted that I tell his story. He hasn’t had a wonderful life, but now he has an adopted son, Ari, and he’s willing to sacrifice everything for the child.

Coming home to Kendall Farm, and discovering the place has been sold and the new owner is refusing to return it to the family, Jace can think of nothing except running. But not this time. This time he finds something worth staying for.

Happy endings,

Shirley Hailstock

Summer on Kendall Farm

Shirley Hailstock

www.millsandboon.co.uk

SHIRLEY HAILSTOCK began her writing life as a lover of reading. She likes nothing better than to find a quiet corner where she can get lost in a book, explore new worlds and visit places she never expected to see. As an author, she can not only visit those places, but she can be the heroine of her own stories. The author of over thirty novels and novellas, including her electronic editions, Shirley has received numerous awards, including the Waldenbooks Bestselling Romance Award and the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award. Shirley’s books have appeared on BlackBoard, Essence and Library Journal bestseller lists. She is a past president of Romance Writers of America.

Visit the Author Profile page at www.millsandboon.co.ukfor more titles

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To my sister Marilyn, forever in my heart.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Homes, and families, aren’t restored overnight Jason Kendall grew up being treated like the poor relation he was. And after a devastating betrayal, he fled under a cloud of scandal. Now he needs a place to raise his four-year-old adopted son, and Kendall Farm is the only home he’s ever known. The problem is, his old homestead has a new owner. Kelly Ashton sank every last cent into restoring the Maryland horse farm. Hiring the handsome engineer would be a huge mistake. But after five years away, Jace, the prodigal son, is back. To fight for his little boy’s future. And Kelly could lose the home she loves...unless she and the single father can create a new one together.

Introduction “We’ve been here before,” Kelly said. Jace stepped back and reached down to help her. “Yes, we have.” As she stood, her hands went to his shoulders and his caught her around the waist. Jace didn’t release her immediately. Kelly looked up at him, her hands still on his shoulders. “And we decided you wouldn’t confuse me.” “Not we,” he said. “You decided.” Jace drew her closer to him. His head dipped and he kissed her. She didn’t try to stop him. His mouth was sweet on hers. It had been a long time since someone had held her like this. In his arms, Kelly felt safe. She let herself relax. She would let herself enjoy the special moment, for now.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 EPILOGUE Copyright , Kendall Farm is close to my heart. The place is fictitious, but in my mind it’s as real as my own home. Like our heroine, Kelly, I know every inch of the farm and the grounds. Jace’s family has owned it for generations. He popped into my consciousness, riding on horseback, and insisted that I tell his story. He hasn’t had a wonderful life, but now he has an adopted son, Ari, and he’s willing to sacrifice everything for the child. Coming home to Kendall Farm, and discovering the place has been sold and the new owner is refusing to return it to the family, Jace can think of nothing except running. But not this time. This time he finds something worth staying for. Happy endings, Shirley Hailstock

Title Page Summer on Kendall Farm Shirley Hailstock www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author SHIRLEY HAILSTOCK began her writing life as a lover of reading. She likes nothing better than to find a quiet corner where she can get lost in a book, explore new worlds and visit places she never expected to see. As an author, she can not only visit those places, but she can be the heroine of her own stories. The author of over thirty novels and novellas, including her electronic editions, Shirley has received numerous awards, including the Waldenbooks Bestselling Romance Award and the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award. Shirley’s books have appeared on BlackBoard, Essence and Library Journal bestseller lists. She is a past president of Romance Writers of America. Visit the Author Profile page at www.millsandboon.co.uk for more titles

Dedication To my sister Marilyn, forever in my heart.

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN