RaeAnne Thayne - Sugar Pine Trail

An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and unforgettable romance this holiday season!

Librarian Julia Winston is ready to ditch the quiet existence she’s been living. She’s made a list of new things to experience, but falling for Jamie Caine, her sexy military pilot neighbor, isn’t one of them. Julia’s looking to conquer life, not become the heartbreaker’s latest conquest. But when two young brothers wind up in Julia’s care for the holidays, she’ll take any help she can get—even Jamie’s.

Happy to step in, Jamie reveals a side of himself that’s much harder to resist. Not only is he fantastic with kids, he provides the strength Julia needs to tackle her list. She knows their temporary family can’t last beyond the holidays, but the closer she gets to Jamie, the more she wonders if things could be this merry and bright forever...

Praise for New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne

“Romance, vivid characters and a wonderful story; really, who could ask for more?”

—Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Blackberry Summer

“Entertaining, heart-wrenching, and totally involving, this multithreaded story overflows with characters readers will adore.”

—Library Journal on Evergreen Springs (starred review)

“This holiday-steeped romance overflows with family and wintry small-town appeal.”

—Library Journal on Snowfall on Haven Point

“A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town.... Poignant and sweet.”

—Publishers Weekly on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

“This quirky, funny, warmhearted romance will draw readers in and keep them enthralled to the last romantic page.”

—Library Journal on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon

“RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors... Once you start reading, you aren’t going to be able to stop.”

—Fresh Fiction

“RaeAnne has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Her engaging storytelling...will draw readers in from the very first page.”

—RT Book Reviews on Riverbend Road

Sugar Pine Trail

RaeAnne Thayne

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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For all the wonderful readers who have been asking me for years to write Jamie Caine’s book!

As always, I have legions of people to thank for helping to bring this story to life. I am deeply indebted to my editor, the wonderful Gail Chasan (and her assistant Megan Broderick); to my agent, the indomitable Karen Solem; to Sarah Burningham and her hardworking team at Little Bird Publicity, for tirelessly helping spread the word about my books; and to everyone at Harlequin—from the art department for their stunning covers to the marketing team to everyone in editorial and sales (and anyone else I have neglected to mention!).

I must also thank my hero of a husband and our three children, who have somehow managed to put up with my deadline brain more than fifty times now. I love you dearly.

Finally, this particular book would not have been possible without two amazing, brilliant friends, Susan Mallery and Jill Shalvis. I adore you both and can’t thank you enough for all your help!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and unforgettable romance this holiday season! Librarian Julia Winston is ready to ditch the quiet existence she’s been living. She’s made a list of new things to experience, but falling for Jamie Caine, her sexy military pilot neighbor, isn’t one of them. Julia’s looking to conquer life, not become the heartbreaker’s latest conquest. But when two young brothers wind up in Julia’s care for the holidays, she’ll take any help she can get—even Jamie’s. Happy to step in, Jamie reveals a side of himself that’s much harder to resist. Not only is he fantastic with kids, he provides the strength Julia needs to tackle her list. She knows their temporary family can’t last beyond the holidays, but the closer she gets to Jamie, the more she wonders if things could be this merry and bright forever...

Praise Praise for New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne “Romance, vivid characters and a wonderful story; really, who could ask for more?” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Blackberry Summer “Entertaining, heart-wrenching, and totally involving, this multithreaded story overflows with characters readers will adore.” —Library Journal on Evergreen Springs (starred review) “This holiday-steeped romance overflows with family and wintry small-town appeal.” —Library Journal on Snowfall on Haven Point “A sometimes heartbreaking tale of love and relationships in a small Colorado town.... Poignant and sweet.” —Publishers Weekly on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon “This quirky, funny, warmhearted romance will draw readers in and keep them enthralled to the last romantic page.” —Library Journal on Christmas in Snowflake Canyon “RaeAnne Thayne is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors... Once you start reading, you aren’t going to be able to stop.” —Fresh Fiction “RaeAnne has a knack for capturing those emotions that come from the heart.” —RT Book Reviews “Her engaging storytelling...will draw readers in from the very first page.” —RT Book Reviews on Riverbend Road

Title Page Sugar Pine Trail RaeAnne Thayne www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedication For all the wonderful readers who have been asking me for years to write Jamie Caine’s book! As always, I have legions of people to thank for helping to bring this story to life. I am deeply indebted to my editor, the wonderful Gail Chasan (and her assistant Megan Broderick); to my agent, the indomitable Karen Solem; to Sarah Burningham and her hardworking team at Little Bird Publicity, for tirelessly helping spread the word about my books; and to everyone at Harlequin—from the art department for their stunning covers to the marketing team to everyone in editorial and sales (and anyone else I have neglected to mention!). I must also thank my hero of a husband and our three children, who have somehow managed to put up with my deadline brain more than fifty times now. I love you dearly. Finally, this particular book would not have been possible without two amazing, brilliant friends, Susan Mallery and Jill Shalvis. I adore you both and can’t thank you enough for all your help!

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

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

EPILOGUE

Extract

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE