Bonnie Winn - Child of Mine

But while Matt was still learning how to clean up diapers and mix formula, there was a car accident and his brother—Danny’s father—died.

And then it was just the two of them. An ill-prepared bachelor and a baby abandoned by his mother. That’s when Matt made the promise he never intended to break.

And he’d built two cradles. One for the house, one for the shop. So he could watch over Danny, protect him. He would do anything, give anything to keep his boy safe. Even if it was from the child’s own mother.

is a hopeless romantic who’s written incessantly since the third grade. So it seemed only natural that she turn to romance writing. A seasoned author of historical and contemporary romance, her bestselling books have won numerous awards. Affaire de Coeur chose her as one of the Top Ten Romance Writers in America.

Bonnie loves writing contemporary romance because she can set her stories in the modern cities close to her heart and explore the endlessly fascinating strengths of today’s woman.

Living in the foothills of the Rockies gives her plenty of inspiration and a touch of whimsy, as well. She shares her life with her husband, son and a spunky Westie who lends his characteristics to many pets in her stories. Bonnie’s keeping mum about anyone else’s characteristics she may have borrowed.

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore.

—I Kings 4:29

For Donna Hobbs, friend, sister, keeper of secrets, guardian of memories. You’ve been there for me through everything. We’ve shared weddings, babies, dreams and everything in between. I think often of the days we tunneled to lunch, walked to Sam Houston Park, the library. Our connection transcends the miles, but I miss you, dear 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

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Letter to Reader

Questions for Discussion

Los Angeles, California

The carton was small. But it was all Kyle had left behind when he’d disappeared eight years ago, taking their precious baby, stealing her hope.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor in the attic of her parents’ Brentwood home, Leah Hunter dug through the contents of the carton as she had hundreds of times before. She’d tried to leave it behind when she moved to her own apartment. But she couldn’t. She was searching for a clue, any clue that could tell her where Kyle had gone.

She had been nineteen when she’d married him. A naive nineteen, she realized now, because she’d believed Kyle’s lies. But she’d never believed he would kidnap baby Danny.

Leah picked up the only unique item in the carton, a hand-carved box. It was so simple it was elegant. She opened the hinged lid and smoothed her fingers over the sleek wood interior, searching for a hidden panel—yet again. But she still couldn’t find anything. Like everything else Kyle had left, it was a dead end.

She had been as dazzled by him as he’d been by her parents’ money. It was all he’d ever wanted from her. But when they wouldn’t hand out the money, he’d taken Danny.

Frustrated, Leah tapped on the side of the box fiercely. A small drawer, the same size as the base of the box, slid open.

Her heart skipped a beat. Shaking, she lifted it to the light.

The drawer was empty, but engraved on one side was a name: Matt Whitaker. And a place: Rosewood, Texas.

It could just be the name of the person who’d carved the box, Leah realized. But it was the first clue in eight years. And nothing would keep her from trying to find her son. Nothing.

Rosewood, Texas

Whitaker Woods. Like the box Leah clutched in her hand, the native pine storefront was simple. Pushing open the door, she expected to find small, similar pieces inside. She was surprised instead by the array of large furniture. Dramatic armoires, one-of-a-kind chairs, trunks, chests.

“Can I help you?” An older woman emerged from the back, the wood floor creaking beneath her.

“Yes.” Hope crowding her throat, Leah showed her the box. “I’m trying to locate the sales record for this.”

The woman wiped her freckled hands on the industrial apron she wore. “That I can’t do.”

Leah fought her disappointment.

“Matt only makes these for friends or family,” she continued, picking up the box. “He doesn’t sell them.”

“Oh?”

She turned the box over. “Yes. They’re special.”

Leah seized the new information as if were gold. “Do you by chance know Kyle Johnson?”

“Kyle? No.”

Leah hadn’t really expected that she would. Still… “Could I speak to Mr. Whitaker?”

“Matt’s not here right now. He’ll probably be back in a few hours. I could have him call you.”

“That would be great.” Leah handed her a card. “This has my cell number. I’m staying at Borbey House just down the street.”

“Annie’s place. I know it.”

Leah smiled. “Thanks for your help.”

“Welcome to Rosewood.”

Matt whistled as he unloaded the pickup truck. He was especially pleased with the custom hall tree he’d just finished. The concept was Victorian. The contemporary design, however, was all his own. He loved working with his hands. Always had. Bringing the wood from one life to another.

Easing the hall tree through the back door of the store, Matt was careful not to scratch the multiple layers of varnish.

“Boss, that you?”

“Yeah.”

Nan walked through the swinging doors that separated the display area from the back room and spotted the hall tree. “Oh, that’s nice!”

He stood back, surveying the piece. “I’m happy with it.”

“Bet it doesn’t last long. And you’ll have a dozen requests for more.”

“You’re better than an ad in the Houston Chronicle.”

Nan grinned. “Glad you noticed.”

“How’s the day been?”

“Steady. Cindy Mallory wants to talk to you about ordering some new furniture for the triplets. Sounds like a pretty big commission. And I sold that rocking chair I’ve had my eye on for my youngest daughter. Should have bought it myself when I had the chance.”

He chuckled. “I told you to put it aside.”

“Sold it to a tourist for full price, Matt.”

“Not everything’s about the bottom line.”

“Good thing I take care of the books,” she chided. “Oh, and a pretty young woman came by to see you.”

“Ah…wish I’d been here.”

“She had one of those special little boxes you make, wanted to see if I could trace it.” Nan handed him Leah’s card. “And she wanted to know if I knew a Kyle Johnson.”

Matt froze.

“Told her that you just made them for special friends. She’s staying over at Annie’s place. Card has her cell number on it, too. Seemed nice enough. Funny though. Her having the box and not knowing they’re special. But I told her I’d ask you to call.” Nan paused. “Matt? You okay?”

“Yeah…sure.”

“You never used to sell the little boxes, did you?”

“No. Uh…I’d better get back to the house.”