For the Sake of their Baby. Alice Sharpe

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      “I knew you’d come for me,” she whispered

      “I’ll always come for you.”

      Their lips met in a soft kiss that mingled tears and fog and brine. It was a moment Alex wished he could freeze and lock away, because it was pure, untainted by anything but need.

      Casting him a look he would never forget, Liz murmured, “You saved me.”

      He couldn’t think of an answer, so he kissed her again.

      Alex stared at her tearstained face and said, “Are you okay? How about the baby?”

      “I feel okay. The fall doesn’t seem to have affected either one of us.”

      Knowing the situation could have been much worse, Alex was relieved to hear Liz’s words. His love for her was overwhelming in its intensity.

      But the questions remained—who had tried to kill his very pregnant wife and what would happen when the culprit discovered she was still alive…?

      Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

      The holidays are upon us! We have six dazzling stories of intrigue that will make terrific stocking stuffers—not to mention a well-deserved reward for getting all your shopping done early….

      Take a breather from the party planning and unwrap Rita Herron’s latest offering, A Warrior’s Mission—the next exciting installment of COLORADO CONFIDENTIAL, featuring a hot-blooded Cheyenne secret agent! Also this month, watch for The Third Twin—the conclusion of Dani Sinclair’s HEARTSKEEP trilogy that features an identical triplet heiress marked for murder who seeks refuge in the arms of a rugged lawman.

      The joyride continues with Under Surveillance by highly acclaimed author Gayle Wilson. This second book in the PHOENIX BROTHERHOOD series has an undercover agent discovering that his simple surveillance job of a beautiful woman-in-jeopardy is filled with complications. Be there from the start when B.J. Daniels launches her brand-new miniseries, CASCADES CONCEALED, about a close-knit northwest community that’s visited by evil. Don’t miss the first unforgettable title, Mountain Sheriff.

      As a special gift-wrapped treat, three terrific stories in one volume. Look for Boys in Blue by reader favorites Rebecca York, Ann Voss Peterson and Patricia Rosemoor about three long-lost New Orleans cop brothers who unite to reel in a killer. And rounding off a month of nonstop thrills and chills, a pregnant woman and her wrongly incarcerated husband must set aside their stormy past to bring the real culprit to justice in For the Sake of Their Baby by Alice Sharpe.

      Best wishes to all of our loyal readers for a joyous holiday season!

      Enjoy,

      Denise O’Sullivan

      Senior Editor

      Harlequin Intrigue

      For the Sake of Their Baby

      Alice Sharpe

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Alice Sharpe met her husband-to-be on a cold, foggy beach in Northern California. One year later they were married. Their union has survived the rearing of two children, a handful of earthquakes registering over 6.5, numerous cats and a few special dogs, the latest of which is a yellow Lab named Annie Rose. Alice and her husband now live in a small rural town in Oregon, where she devotes the majority of her time to pursuing her second love, writing.

      Alice loves to hear from readers. You can write her at P.O. Box 755, Brownsville, OR 97327. SASE for reply is appreciated.

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Liz Chase—The heiress and businesswoman resigns herself to a divorce in order to move into the future and find peace before her baby is born. Then her imprisoned husband walks back into her life….

      Alex Chase—The former fireman and confessed killer of Liz’s uncle has limited time—before his new trial—to discover the truth, protect his wife and reclaim his freedom.

      Devon Hiller—The wealthy, manipulative autocrat had so many enemies it’s a toss-up who wanted him dead the most.

      Sheriff Roger Kapp—His hatred of Alex Chase leads to a slipshod investigation and a hung jury, but he won’t rest until he gets Alex behind bars for good.

      Ron Boxer—The leasing agent at the Harbor Lights Mall, he’s the big brother Liz never had, as well as a trusted friend and confidant.

      Emily Watts—Ron’s prickly sister and Liz’s friend, she has secrets of her own.

      Harry Idle—The former shopkeeper blames the late Devon Hiller for all his problems.

      Dave Sullivan—The one man at the fire station who never loses faith in Alex.

      Battalion Chief Montgomery—The chief holds a crucial piece of information about Kapp’s scheming.

      Sinbad—The ever hungry, ever loyal Siamese cat is yet another victim.

      This book is dedicated to my newest darling,

       Carmen Amelia Sharpe,

       with enduring love.

      A huge thanks to Tom Hanky and Station 14

       of the Albany Fire Department for their generosity

       in helping me with this book. Thanks also to

       Donna Beamer of the Heritage Mall, and

       Jennifer Jones for her spiffy ideas and

       incalculable support.

      Contents

      Prologue

      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

      Prologue

      May 14th

      Devon Hiller lit a hand-rolled Cuban cigar and leaned back in his chair. Under strict doctor’s orders not to smoke, drink or become unduly stressed, he amused himself by blithely indulging