A Baby to Bind Them. Susanne Hampton

       Praise for Susanne Hampton

      ‘From the first turbulent beginning until the final climactic ending, an entire range of emotions has been used to write a story of two people travelling the rocky road to love … an excellent story. I would recommend this story to all romance readers.’

      —Contemporary Romance Reviews on Unlocking the Doctor’s Heart

      ‘I recommend this read for all fans of medical romance. It’s the perfect balance: spunky, emotional, heartfelt, a very sweet and tender romance with a great message!’

      —Contemporary Romance Reviews on Unlocking the Doctor’s Heart

       ‘Oh, I know who Jade is,’ Mitchell replied, and put out a hand to help her up. ‘Pleased to finally meet you.’

      Jade slowly stood to her feet and came face to face with the man she had heard so much about—the wanderer who never stayed anywhere long, the brother David had loved and admired, and the man she now knew enjoyed teasing his mother.

      And the man who immediately took her breath away.

      He was not scruffy—not even close. His long blond hair, once wild and dirty, was very short and well groomed, his long beard replaced by a fine covering of dark stubble, and his eyes—always hidden behind sunglasses in the photos—were the brightest shade of blue. As clear and brilliant as the sky she had seen when she’d arrived a few hours ago.

      It couldn’t be the same man. This man was gorgeous. And as he gently pulled her to him to kiss her cheek softly she smelt the fresh overtones of his cologne. Her senses were suddenly overloaded.

      ‘Aunty Jade—catch!’

      Jade turned her attention back to her niece to see a soapy plastic duck heading towards her. Instinctively she moved to catch the airborne object, but caught her sandal on the bathmat, losing her footing. Suddenly Mitchell’s firm hands reached out and caught her. She fell into his arms and his mouth hovered only inches from hers. His touch was warm on her bare shoulders, and his strength kept her upright until she gathered her composure and could do it for herself. Her stomach began to churn nervously. Her reaction and feelings surprised her. No man had affected her that quickly for a very long time. Then she mentally corrected herself.

      No man had ever affected her that quickly.

       Dear Reader,

      When planning this book, set in the neonatal intensive care unit of a large teaching hospital in Adelaide, I drew on the experience of my youngest daughter’s premature arrival into this world almost thirty years ago. While neonatal medicine has changed so much over the years since Tina entered the world, the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by parents has not changed at all.

      The joy of holding our baby, prevented by the sea of wires needed to monitor her fragile life, the worry, the prayers for her survival and the elation at each tiny milestone during those first few days and weeks is what I hoped to capture in this book.

      And just as the range of emotions for new parents has not changed over the years nor has the empathy and love shown by the dedicated doctors and nurses of the NICU. I wanted my hero and heroine’s love story to unfold in this setting, where emotions run high and the greatest gift is finally to cradle your tiny newborn in your arms.

      My hero, Mitchell Forrester, is the ridiculously handsome neonatology consultant at the Eastern Memorial Hospital. He has spent his life avoiding commitment by never staying in one place for too long—and then he meets Jade Grant. Jade has seen tragedy in her life, and has lost those she loved dearest, but still she finds a way through, driven by her love for the little girl who needs her most.

      Although Mitchell and Jade share a bond—their niece Amber, who was orphaned at birth—they have never met until Jade and Amber visit Adelaide from Los Angeles to meet Amber’s grandparents and celebrate her third birthday. Their visit, and the baby that binds them, opens their eyes to a different way to see life … and finally find love.

      I hope you enjoy Mitchell and Jade’s story.

       Susanne Hampton

      Married to the man she met at eighteen, SUSANNE HAMPTON is the mother of two adult daughters—one a musician and the other an artist. The family also extends to a slightly irritable Maltese shih-tzu, a neurotic poodle, three elderly ducks, and four hens that only very occasionally bother to lay eggs. Susanne loves everything romantic and pretty, so her home is brimming with romance novels, movies and shoes. With an interest in all things medical, her career has been in the dental field and the medical world in different roles, and now Susanne has taken that love into writing Mills & Boon® Medical Romance™.

      A Baby to Bind Them

      Susanne Hampton

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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       Dedication

      Thank you to Orianthi and Tina for being the most wonderful daughters in the world. You are amazing young women who appreciate your God-given gifts and every day bring joy to those around you. I am so proud of all that you have accomplished and all that still lies ahead.

      And once again thank you to Charlotte … who always brings out the best in my writing … and ensures I finish on time!

       Table of Contents

       Cover

Praise for Susanne Hampton

       Excerpt

Dear Reader

       About the Author

       Title Page

Dedication