Addison Fox - Colton's Surprise Heir

“I will be a father to my child,” Ethan said. “You won’t be alone.”

Lizzie pushed on a bright smile and ignored the pain that drummed against her heart.

Ethan Colton would be an amazing father to their child.

And that was all he’d be.

Shake it off, Lizzie-girl. Shake it off.

The fantasy she’d warned herself against over the past six months—ever since that night at the rodeo—curled against the corners of her mind with reaching fingers. Although she knew it for the emotional foolishness it was, that small, hopeful piece of her had wondered if there could be more with Ethan.

“That’s a lot to take on, Ethan. Especially with all the issues I’m having back at home.”

“Issues we’ll face together.”

She sensed him before she felt him, the light press of his fingers against her shoulder drawing her attention.

“Lizzie. I mean it. You’re not alone.”

“I’m always alone.”

“I can only imagine how scared you’ve been,” he said, “but we’ll get to the bottom of it. No one’s going to hurt you.”

Except you.

* * *

We hope you enjoy this dramatic series:

The Coltons of Texas—Finding love and buried family secrets in the Lone Star state …

Colton’s Surprise

Heir

Addison Fox

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Texas transplant ADDISON FOXis a lifelong romance reader, addicted to happy-ever-after. There’s nothing she enjoys more than penning novels about two strong-willed, exciting people on that magical fall into love. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with family and friends, reading or enjoying a glass of wine.

Contact Addison at her website— www.addisonfox.com—or catch up with her on Facebook (addisonfoxauthor) and Twitter ( @addisonfox).

Before you start reading, why not sign up?

Thank you for downloading this Mills & Boon book. If you want to hear about exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions, sign up to our email newsletter today!

SIGN ME UP!

Or simply visit

signup.millsandboon.co.uk

Mills & Boon emails are completely free to receive and you can unsubscribe at any time via the link in any email we send you.

For Martha & Larry and Danielle & Scott

Families are both born and made. I’m so grateful you’ve made me one of yours.

Contents

Cover

Introduction “I will be a father to my child,” Ethan said. “You won’t be alone.” Lizzie pushed on a bright smile and ignored the pain that drummed against her heart. Ethan Colton would be an amazing father to their child. And that was all he’d be. Shake it off, Lizzie-girl. Shake it off. The fantasy she’d warned herself against over the past six months—ever since that night at the rodeo—curled against the corners of her mind with reaching fingers. Although she knew it for the emotional foolishness it was, that small, hopeful piece of her had wondered if there could be more with Ethan. “That’s a lot to take on, Ethan. Especially with all the issues I’m having back at home.” “Issues we’ll face together.” She sensed him before she felt him, the light press of his fingers against her shoulder drawing her attention. “Lizzie. I mean it. You’re not alone.” “I’m always alone.” “I can only imagine how scared you’ve been,” he said, “but we’ll get to the bottom of it. No one’s going to hurt you.” Except you. * * * We hope you enjoy this dramatic series: The Coltons of Texas —Finding love and buried family secrets in the Lone Star state …

Title Page Colton’s Surprise Heir Addison Fox www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author Texas transplant ADDISON FOX is a lifelong romance reader, addicted to happy-ever-after. There’s nothing she enjoys more than penning novels about two strong-willed, exciting people on that magical fall into love. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with family and friends, reading or enjoying a glass of wine. Contact Addison at her website— www.addisonfox.com —or catch up with her on Facebook (addisonfoxauthor) and Twitter ( @addisonfox ).

Dedication For Martha & Larry and Danielle & Scott Families are both born and made. I’m so grateful you’ve made me one of yours.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Epilogue

Extract

Special Excerpt from Colton Baby Homecoming by Lara Lacombe

Copyright

Chapter 1

Stars winked like diamonds in a sky black as pitch, the cool Texas night buffeting him with a thick wind. Frost covered the ground, crunching under his feet, a sure sign winter wasn’t yet done with them. Ethan Colton kept his head down and ignored nature’s display as he trudged toward the barn and the pregnant horse one of his ranch hands had called him about.

“Boss! Glad you’re here.” Bill Peabody, his ranch foreman, waved him over to the last stall in the barn.

“Where’s Doc Peters?”

“On his way.”

Ethan nodded and took in the scene before him. His favorite filly, Dream, wasn’t due to deliver for about six more weeks. But her heavy breathing and wide-eyed fright suggested her new foal wasn’t prepared to wait for spring.

Ethan dropped to his knees beside Dream, his hands gentle when he reached out to stroke her neck. “Hey, baby. Shh there, beautiful girl. It’s okay.”

His gaze drifted from the clear lines of pain that suffused her dark brown face on down over the sleek lines of her body. The filly’s rib cage contracted hard with her labored breaths, and the distended belly—the telltale sign of her pregnancy—quivered almost of its own accord.

“Think we can stop her from delivering?”

“Doc told me to keep her comfortable and as still as possible until he got here.” Bill paced next to the stall. “Says he’ll know better after he looks at her.”

Bill’s words kicked up an odd twist of memory—absolutely unbidden—of another night long ago. But with an outcome that had no hope of ending well.

Those memories had become more frequent of late, his brother’s recent tussle with their father stirring it all to the fore. With the iron will he’d honed through the years, he pushed the ever-clear memory away and focused on Dream.

She was his pride and joy, along with the rest of the horses in his stable. The years of hard work, building something that was his own. That no one could taint.

He’d be damned if he’d sit by and let her suffer. Or see to it he didn’t do everything he could do to make sure she had a healthy foal.

Bill worked with him in silence as they followed the vet’s instructions, keeping Dream as calm as possible while they waited for help. He was pleased to see her breathing even out a bit as they settled a blanket beneath her head and several more to support the long length of her back.

“Babies are a tough thing. They’re natural but not normal.” Doc Peters bustled in, his cheery smile at odds with the still-sleepy eyes and tufts of gray hair that stuck out all over his head.

“Not normal?” Ethan kept his voice low, not wanting to spook Dream, but he couldn’t keep from questioning the vet.

“Of course. Pregnancy is a natural state, but it’s hard on the body.” Doc Peters dropped to his knees, his lithe form belying what had to be at least forty years of caring for large animals. “But we’ll take care of Dream here, won’t we, sweetheart.”