The Nanny Solution. Barbara Phinney

      

      From Heiress to Nanny

      When heiress Victoria Templeton learns her fortune is gone, she has to move to the Colorado frontier to live with her uncle. But with no money to pay for the trip, she must accept a position as a traveling nanny for a widowed rancher. And, much to the chagrin of the man entrusting his children to her care, she soon finds herself in over her head.

      Mitch MacLeod lives for two things: his ranch and his children. And pampered Victoria isn’t qualified to help with either. But the former socialite has more grit—and determination—than he first thinks. If her uncle has his way, though, Mitch will soon lose his ranch—and any hope of a future with Victoria.

      “I want to do something.” She leaned into him and heard his indrawn breath.

      Then he shut his eyes. “Victoria. I know you mean well. When I first met you, I doubted you could even polish a fork. I can see you care for the children, but caring isn’t enough.” He paused and opened his eyes again. “Even love isn’t enough. Ranching is a tough life. It’s not meant for families.”

      His voice hitched as he continued, “Please leave, Victoria. I don’t want the children hurt. I don’t want to be—” He cut off his hoarse words.

      She reached out and touched his chest. The cotton was rough, durable, the muscles beneath firm. It was as if she could trust this man with her life. He seemed so salt-of-the-earth dependable. Hardworking stock. She had to shut her eyes for a moment, for surely he was stealing her focus. “I can help. I can learn to do—”

      He took her wrist and pushed her hand down. “No, you can’t help. Now leave before I do something stupid.”

      She leaned closer. “Like letting me try?”

      He shook his head. “No, like kissing you.”

      BARBARA PHINNEY was born in England and raised in Canada. After she retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, Barbara turned her hand to romance writing. The thrill of adventure and her love of happy endings, coupled with a too-active imagination, have merged to help her create this and other wonderful stories. Barbara spends her days writing, building her dream home with her husband and enjoying their fast-growing children.

      The Nanny Solution

      Barbara Phinney

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

      —Proverbs 11:2

      Dedicated to Kate Kelly, a great author and even better friend. You will be sadly missed.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       About the Author

       Title Page

       Bible Verse

       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

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Chapter Seventeen

       Chapter Eighteen

       Chapter Nineteen

       Chapter Twenty

       Chapter Twenty-One

       Chapter Twenty-Two

       Chapter Twenty-Three

       Chapter Twenty-Four

       Epilogue

       Dear Reader

       Extract

       Copyright

Chapter One

      Boston, 1882

      Victoria Templeton sank into the Queen Anne chair. Her mouth fell open in a most unfeminine manner as she gaped up at her pacing, overwrought mother. “What do you mean, ‘we’re broke’?”

      Abigail Templeton-Smith continued to pace, all the while wringing her black handkerchief. When the maid entered the front room with afternoon tea, the older woman flicked the small black square, essentially shooing away both the girl and the refreshments.

      Victoria’s attention then settled on her mother’s gown. The mourning outfit was terribly outdated, its black bombazine dull in the barely lit room with the window curtains drawn tight. Where was the tasteful mourning suit Mother had worn just yesterday? The last time this old thing saw any use was when they’d buried