Brenda Harlen - Merry Christmas, Baby Maverick!

The word was on the tip of Kayla’s tongue because, of course, that reality had been at the forefront of her mind since the little plus sign had appeared on the test she’d bought at the pharmacy in Kalispell. But she didn’t dare say it aloud, because she knew he couldn’t understand when he didn’t even remember sleeping with her.

“Fine,” she said instead. “And you?”

“Fine,” he echoed.

She nodded.

An awkward silence followed.

“I wanted to call you,” he said, dropping his voice to ensure that his words wouldn’t be overheard by any passersby. “There were so many times I thought about picking up the phone, just because I was thinking about you.”

Her heart, already racing, accelerated even more. “You were thinking about me?”

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we danced at the wedding.”

Since we danced?

That was what Trey remembered about that night? She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

* * *

Montana Mavericks: What Happened at the Wedding?A weekend Rust Creek Falls will never forget!

Merry Christmas,

Baby Maverick!

Brenda Harlen

www.millsandboon.co.uk

BRENDA HARLENis a former attorney who once had the privilege of appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. The practice of law taught her a lot about the world and reinforced her determination to become a writer—because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending! Now she is an award-winning, national bestselling author of more than thirty titles for Mills & Boon. You can keep up-to-date with Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or through her website, www.brendaharlen.com.

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For loyal readers of all the Montana Mavericks series, from Whitehorn to Thunder Canyon and Rust Creek Falls.

This book is also dedicated to Robin Harlen (May 8, 1943–December 20, 2014)—a wonderful father-in-law to me and granddad to my children. He would be pleased to know that I finished this book on schedule.

Contents

Cover

Introduction “How have you been?” he asked. Pregnant. The word was on the tip of Kayla’s tongue because, of course, that reality had been at the forefront of her mind since the little plus sign had appeared on the test she’d bought at the pharmacy in Kalispell. But she didn’t dare say it aloud, because she knew he couldn’t understand when he didn’t even remember sleeping with her. “Fine,” she said instead. “And you?” “Fine,” he echoed. She nodded. An awkward silence followed. “I wanted to call you,” he said, dropping his voice to ensure that his words wouldn’t be overheard by any passersby. “There were so many times I thought about picking up the phone, just because I was thinking about you.” Her heart, already racing, accelerated even more. “You were thinking about me?” “I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we danced at the wedding.” Since we danced? That was what Trey remembered about that night? She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. * * * Montana Mavericks: What Happened at the Wedding? A weekend Rust Creek Falls will never forget!

Title Page Merry Christmas, Baby Maverick! Brenda Harlen www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author BRENDA HARLEN is a former attorney who once had the privilege of appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. The practice of law taught her a lot about the world and reinforced her determination to become a writer—because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending! Now she is an award-winning, national bestselling author of more than thirty titles for Mills & Boon. You can keep up-to-date with Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or through her website, www.brendaharlen.com .

Dedication For loyal readers of all the Montana Mavericks series, from Whitehorn to Thunder Canyon and Rust Creek Falls. This book is also dedicated to Robin Harlen (May 8, 1943–December 20, 2014)—a wonderful father-in-law to me and granddad to my children. He would be pleased to know that I finished this book on schedule.

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

Fourth of July

Trey Strickland did a double take when he first spotted Kayla Dalton at the wedding of local rancher Braden Traub to Jennifer MacCallum of Whitehorn.

Although Trey was only visiting from Thunder Canyon, his family had lived in Rust Creek Falls for a number of years while he was growing up. His best friend during that time was Derek Dalton, who had two older brothers, Eli and Jonah, and two younger sisters, twins Kristen and Kayla.

Trey remembered Kayla as a pretty girl with a quiet demeanor and a shy smile, but she’d grown up—and then some. She was no longer a pretty girl, but a beautiful woman with long, silky brown hair, sparkling blue eyes and distinctly feminine curves. Looking at her now, he couldn’t help but notice the lean, shapely legs showcased by the short hem of her blue sundress, the tiny waist encircled by a narrow belt, the sweetly rounded breasts hugged by the bodice...and his mouth actually went dry.

She was stunning, sexy and incredibly tempting. Unfortunately, she was still his friend’s little sister, which meant that she was off-limits to him.

But apparently, Kayla was unaware of that fact, because after hovering on the other side of the wooden dance floor that had been erected in the park for the occasion, she set down her cup of punch and made her way around the perimeter of the crowd.

She had a purposeful stride—and surprisingly long legs for such a little thing—and he enjoyed watching her move. He was pleased when she came to a stop beside him, looking up at him with determination and just a little bit of trepidation glinting in her beautiful blue eyes.

“Hello, Trey.”

He inclined his head in acknowledgment of her greeting. “Kayla.”

For some reason, his use of her name seemed to take her aback. “How did you know it was me?”

“I haven’t been gone from Rust Creek Falls that long,” he chided gently.

Soft pink color filled her cheeks. “I meant—how did you know I was Kayla and not Kristen?”

“I’m not sure,” he admitted. But the truth was, he’d never had any trouble telling his friend’s twin sisters apart. Although identical in appearance, their personalities were completely different, and he’d always had a soft spot for the shyer twin.

Thankfully, she didn’t press for more of an explanation, turning her attention back to the dance floor instead. “They look good together, don’t they?”

He followed her gaze to the bride and groom, nodded.

They chatted a little bit more about the wedding and various other things. A couple of older women circulated through the crowd, carrying cups of wedding punch to distribute to the guests. The beverage was refreshingly cold, so he lifted a couple of cups from the tray and handed one to Kayla.