Allison Leigh - A Child Under His Tree

’Tis the season for second chances...and secrets!

Forget the mistletoe maneuvers. Kelly Rasmussen isn’t planning on having that reunion kiss with Dr. Caleb Buchanan any time soon. Things had long ago gone south for these former high school sweethearts. Except for that one night six years ago—which resulted in an explosive secret Kelly’s kept till this very day.

Now career and family have brought them both back to Weaver, Wyoming. Their unavoidable clashes—and instant chemistry—make them realize this town isn’t big enough for the two of them. Or three of them—counting Kelly’s son. Because there’s something about that little boy... For one thing, he has Caleb’s eyes...

“If you’re gonna hate me anyway—”

She barely had a chance to frown before his mouth hit hers.

She went rigid with shock, yanking away. But only two inches away. Maybe three. Just far enough to stare into his dark eyes while her chest heaved.

Then his mouth was on hers again, and she wasn’t sure if she’d moved first, or if it had been him.

But what did it really matter?

They were once more in the shadows on the side of the high school gym, Caleb’s weight pressing into her while his hands raced down her sides, delving beneath her short leather jacket. She felt devoured by his kiss.

Why was it always that way? His lips on hers, and she’d forget all rhyme or reason. She’d forget every single thing but the taste of him, the smell of him, the weight of—

A burst of laughter accosted them and they both pulled apart. It was hard to tell who was breathing harder.

“Some things don’t change, eh, Caleb?”

Kelly’s cheeks burned. The sooner she and Tyler could get back home to Idaho Falls, the better off they all would be.

A Child Under His Tree

Allison Leigh

www.millsandboon.co.uk

A frequent name on bestseller lists, ALLISON LEIGH’S high point as a writer is hearing from readers that they laughed, cried or lost sleep while reading her books. She credits her family with great patience for the time she’s parked at her computer, and for blessing her with the kind of love she wants her readers to share with the characters living in the pages of her books. Contact her at www.allisonleigh.com.

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For sweet baby David Rae—born the same day I began this story—his parents and his “Glama,” who is my dearest and oldest friend.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text ’Tis the season for second chances...and secrets! Forget the mistletoe maneuvers. Kelly Rasmussen isn’t planning on having that reunion kiss with Dr. Caleb Buchanan any time soon. Things had long ago gone south for these former high school sweethearts. Except for that one night six years ago—which resulted in an explosive secret Kelly’s kept till this very day. Now career and family have brought them both back to Weaver, Wyoming. Their unavoidable clashes—and instant chemistry—make them realize this town isn’t big enough for the two of them. Or three of them—counting Kelly’s son. Because there’s something about that little boy... For one thing, he has Caleb’s eyes...

Introduction “If you’re gonna hate me anyway—” She barely had a chance to frown before his mouth hit hers. She went rigid with shock, yanking away. But only two inches away. Maybe three. Just far enough to stare into his dark eyes while her chest heaved. Then his mouth was on hers again, and she wasn’t sure if she’d moved first, or if it had been him. But what did it really matter? They were once more in the shadows on the side of the high school gym, Caleb’s weight pressing into her while his hands raced down her sides, delving beneath her short leather jacket. She felt devoured by his kiss. Why was it always that way? His lips on hers, and she’d forget all rhyme or reason. She’d forget every single thing but the taste of him, the smell of him, the weight of— A burst of laughter accosted them and they both pulled apart. It was hard to tell who was breathing harder. “Some things don’t change, eh, Caleb?” Kelly’s cheeks burned. The sooner she and Tyler could get back home to Idaho Falls, the better off they all would be.

Title Page A Child Under His Tree Allison Leigh www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author A frequent name on bestseller lists, ALLISON LEIGH’S high point as a writer is hearing from readers that they laughed, cried or lost sleep while reading her books. She credits her family with great patience for the time she’s parked at her computer, and for blessing her with the kind of love she wants her readers to share with the characters living in the pages of her books. Contact her at www.allisonleigh.com .

Dedication For sweet baby David Rae—born the same day I began this story—his parents and his “Glama,” who is my dearest and oldest friend.

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

Six years ago

“You’re pregnant?”

Startled, Kelly hid her hand down by her side, but it was too late. Her mother had already seen the distinctive plastic stick and snatched it out of her hand.

This is what Kelly got for not waiting until she was back at work on Monday to take the test. But she’d been too anxious. Too worried to wait through the weekend, to wait another two days when she already knew.

After a glance at the stick, where a huge blue plus sign broadcast the results, her mother pitched the test into the faded pink trash can that had been in Kelly’s room since she’d been ten. “Well? What do you have to say for yourself?”

She wished she’d waited until Monday, that’s what she had to say.

She wisely kept the sarcastic thought to herself. Kelly was twenty-three. Old enough to deal with the consequences of her actions, but not old enough to deal with her mother’s reaction.

Evidently unsatisfied with Kelly’s silence, her mom grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her slightly. “Well? At the very least, tell me it’s the Buchanan boy’s baby.”

Kelly looked away from her mother’s face. “Why? Caleb and I broke up two years ago.” She was only buying time, though. Because she knew why.

Her mother made a disgusted sound and let her go. “Because you’ll be set for life, obviously!” She propped her hands on her skinny hips. “He’ll marry you. Even when it doesn’t work out, you’ll be taken care of. Those people take care of their own. Always have. Always will.”

Those people.

Kelly felt nauseated. More from her mother’s words than from the baby inside her that hadn’t even existed five weeks ago. By those people, her mother meant anyone connected to the wealthy Clay family. The family who possessed everything that Georgette and Kelly Rasmussen did not.