Big Sky Mountain. Linda Miller Lael

      The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, brings you to Parable, Montana—where love awaits.

      With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he’s done some growing up—making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can’t buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcée Kendra Shepherd.

      Kendra’s quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most—a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can’t get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.

      Dear Reader,

      Welcome to Big Sky Mountain, near the town of Parable, Montana.

      Hutch Carmody is as much a part of the land as his favorite hideout, the mountain overlooking Whisper Creek Ranch, his home since birth. With both parents gone, he’s the sole owner, and he’s determined to keep it that way. After ditching one bride at the altar, he’s not in the market for another, but his feelings for former flame Kendra Shepherd aren’t so easy to shake off. She’s beautiful, she’s sexy and she’s smart—everything Hutch wants and admires in a woman—but she’s already burned him once, running off to England to marry a title and a lot of money. Now that she’s back in Parable, with a small daughter in tow, he’s as jumpy as cold water on a hot griddle.

      Kendra, determined to raise her little girl with all the emotional security she didn’t have as a child, sees Parable, with its down-home values and salt-of-the-earth folks, as the perfect place to do that. She’s not about to complicate matters with a husband, having learned the hard way that she’s better off on her own than married. Even if she wanted a man in her life, though, she certainly wouldn’t be stupid enough to choose a renegade rancher-cowboy like Hutch.

      So what if he makes her heart race like a runaway Thoroughbred?

      My very best,

      Linda Lael Miller

      Praise for the novels of

      #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller

      “Miller tugs at the heartstrings as few authors can.”

      —Publishers Weekly

      “After reading this book your heart will be

      so full of Christmas cheer you’ll want to stuff a copy in the stocking of every romance fan you know!” —USATODAY.com on A Lawman’s Christmas

      “A fine conclusion to Miller’s latest trilogy.

      It is peopled with likeable...quite human characters. Animal lovers will enjoy the creatures that make up a delightfully integral part of the story.” —RT Book Reviews on The Creed Legacy

      “Miller’s attention to small details makes her stories a delight to read. With engaging characters and loveable animals, this second story in the Creed Cowboys trilogy

      is a sure hit for the legions of cowboy fans out there.” —RT Book Reviews on Creed’s Honor

      “You’ll love reading about Linda Lael Miller’s bestselling and sexy series featuring the cowboys that make up the Creed family. Great reading for anyone who loves a family saga

      full of romance, adventure and handsome cowboys.” —BN.com on The Creed Cowboys series

      “A passionate love too long denied drives the action

      in this multifaceted, emotionally rich reunion story that overflows with breathtaking sexual chemistry.” —Library Journal on McKettricks of Texas: Tate

      “Miller’s prose is smart, and her tough Eastwoodian cowboy cuts a sharp, unexpectedly funny figure in a classroom

      full of rambunctious frontier kids.” —Publishers Weekly on The Man from Stone Creek

      “Strong characterization and a vivid western setting

      make for a fine historical romance.” —Publishers Weekly on McKettrick’s Choice

      Big Sky Mountain

      Linda Lael Miller

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

      In loving memory of my cherished beagle-dog, Sadie.

      I’m grateful for every second of our eleven years together.

      Contents

       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

       EXCERPT

      CHAPTER ONE

      A FINE SWEAT broke out between Hutch Carmody’s shoulders and his gut warned that he was fixing to stumble straight into the teeth of a screeching buzz saw. The rented tux itched against his hide and his collar seemed to be getting tighter with every flower-scented breath he drew.

      The air was dense, weighted, cloying. The small church was overheated, especially for a sunny day in mid-June, and the pews were crammed with eager guests, a few weeping women and a fair number of skeptics.

      Hutch’s best man, Boone Taylor, fidgeted beside him.

      The organist sounded a jarring chord and then launched into a perky tune Hutch didn’t recognize. The first of three bridesmaids, all clad in silly-looking pink dresses more suited to little girls than grown women—in his opinion anyhow—drag-stepped her way up the aisle to stand beside the altar,