The Rancher's Expectant Christmas. Karen Templeton

      

      An Unexpected Homecoming

      Deanna Blake is stunned at the loss of her estranged father—and inheriting half his ranch. In a strange twist, the other half goes to Josh Talbot...her former crush and one of the many sources of trouble between Dee and her dad. Not to worry. The single mom-to-be hates this place, steeped in reminders of the past she’s still trying to leave behind. She’ll sell her share now and ensure a comfortable future for her unborn child.

      Except Josh can’t afford to buy her out. Reluctantly, the handsome cowboy agrees to sell the entire operation and split the proceeds. Josh—and his young son—will have to start over. But as Dee warms to their friendship, something sparks. And Josh begins to wonder if maybe they should keep it all in the family.

      The smile grew, even if it didn’t quite catch in his eyes.

      “Your father was crazy, I hope you know.”

      This was said so gently, and with so much love, Deanna’s eyes burned. But before she could recover, Josh said, “I know why he sent you away, Dee. Or at least, I can guess. And no, he never talked about you all that much afterward. But when he did...” Looking away, he shook his head. “It was obvious how much he loved you.” His gaze met hers again. “How much he loved you. Missed you—”

      “You mind if we don’t talk about this right now? About Dad?”

      His cheeks pinking slightly, Josh straightened, turning to look out over the pasture. “Sorry. I’m not real good at this.”

      “At what?”

      “Social graces. Knowing when to keep my trap shut. I hear this stuff in my head—” he waved in the general direction of his hat “—and it just falls out of my mouth.”

      “I remember,” Deanna said quietly, then smiled, not looking at him. “I think that’s why we were friends.”

      “Because I have no filter whatsoever?”

      “Yes, actually.” She let their eyes meet, and her heart thudded against her sternum even harder than the baby kicking her belly button from the inside.

      * * *

      Wed in the West:

       New Mexico’s the perfect place

      to finally find true love!

      The Rancher’s Expectant Christmas

      Karen Templeton

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      KAREN TEMPLETON is an inductee into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. A three-time RITA® Award–winning author, she has written more than thirty novels for Mills & Boon. She lives in New Mexico with two hideously spoiled cats. She has raised five sons and lived to tell the tale, and she could not live without dark chocolate, mascara and Netflix.

      Once again, I have to give a shout-out to

      Kari Lynn Dell

      For her patience,

      Friendship,

      And willingness to answer probably some of the

      dumbest horse-related questions she’s ever heard.

       I hope your eyes don’t hurt TOO much

      from rolling so hard.

      To Carly Silver

      Editorial Assistant Extraordinaire

      It’s with very mixed feelings that I congratulate you

      On your promotion.

       Because you, my dear, have been a true godsend

       To this beleaguered author.

      So. Much. Love.

       Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       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

       Epilogue

       Extract

       Copyright

       Chapter One

      The baby walloped her full bladder, jerking Deanna Blake out of a mercifully sound sleep and scattering wisps of agitated dreams into the predawn gloom. Her heart hammering, she scooched farther underneath the soft Pendleton blanket, cradling her belly...

      “A-choo!”

      Gasping, Deanna heaved herself around just as the small child fled the room, awkwardly yanking shut the bedroom door behind him.

      For what felt like the first time in weeks, she smiled, then clumsily shoved herself upright. Spearing a hand through her short, undoubtedly startled-looking hair, she frowned at her old room, coming more into focus as the weak November sun gradually elbowed aside the remnants of a dark country night. She’d been so wiped out from her cross-country flight, as well as the three-hour drive up from Albuquerque after, she hadn’t even turned on the light before crawling into bed. Now, taking in the old Gilmore Girls poster, its curled edges