LITMIR.BIZ

      “Long time no see, Curtis.”

      He was about to reply when she came closer and the words evaporated on his tongue.

      Barrie’s tan canvas winter coat was open in the front, and her belly swelled under a loose cream-colored sweater. She sauntered down the aisle toward him, her vet bag slung over one shoulder, and stopped at the stall.

      “You’re—” He wasn’t sure if he was allowed to point out the obvious, but he’d never been a terribly diplomatic guy. “You’re pregnant.”

      “I am.” She met his gaze evenly.

      “Congratulations.” He wasn’t sure what else to say. Somehow, in all of his considerations surrounding seeing Barrie again, he hadn’t considered this one.

      “Thank you.” For the first time, her confidence seemed to falter, and color rose in her cheeks. “You look good, Curtis.”

      His jeans were mud smeared and he hadn’t shaved in several days, but he’d take the compliment. He allowed himself one more glance down her figure before he locked his gaze firmly on her face and kept it there. Her body, and her baby, weren’t his business.

      Dear Reader,

      Christmas isn’t always an easy time of year, but it comes around whether we’re ready for it or not. I’m glad that Christmas comes relentlessly, because I think we need the sparkle. The holidays force us to look up—to the lights, to the decorations and to the people around us. We’re never as alone as we think. I hope this Christmas is a happy one for you, and that you’re able to find some of that Christmas magic.

      If you enjoyed this book and my other Hope, Montana stories, you might also want to check out my books in the Love Inspired and Heartwarming lines. I have a feeling you might like them. If you’d like to connect with me, you can find me on Facebook or at my website, patriciajohnsromance.com.

      A very merry Christmas from my home to yours!

      Patricia Johns

      Montana Mistletoe Baby

      Patricia Johns

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      PATRICIA JOHNS writes from Alberta, Canada. She has her Hon. BA in English literature and currently writes for Harlequin’s Love Inspired, Western Romance and Heartwarming lines. You can find her at patriciajohnsromance.com.

      To my husband, the love of my life. Life with you is never dull!

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       Dear Reader

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

       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

       Chapter One

      Curtis Porter was too old to be a bull rider, and right about now, he felt like a failure at ranching, too. When he’d moved away from Hope, Montana, for good, he’d left behind a soon-to-be ex-wife and a whole heap of memories. He figured if he ever came back, he’d show her just what she missed out on. He didn’t count on coming back washed up.

      Curtis hunkered down next to the calf in the barn stall. The calf was having difficulty breathing and looked thin. It obviously hadn’t been eating properly. Curtis had been back on the ranch only since Friday, so he couldn’t blame himself for not noticing sooner. Bovine illness could be hard to spot at first glance, but the later stages were obvious. He still wished he hadn’t missed this one—he hated the unnecessary suffering.

      December was a tough month—the

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