A Secret Colton Baby. Karen Whiddon

      

      A new addition to Wyoming’s most scandalous family

      Is Theo Colton the father of a baby dropped at his doorstep by a dying socialite? Even more shocked than the sexy bronc-riding champ is his beautiful cook, Ellie Parker. Just as she becomes the baby’s nanny, she discovers a terrifying stalker has followed her to Dead River.

      What’s worse—as a mysterious virus quarantines the town, danger goes viral, too. But to Theo and Ellie, the biggest dangers are their sizzling attraction and profound new feelings. Can Ellie tame the cowboy who wants nothing more than a wild ride with women? Or must she deny her heart to save his life?

      “Why’d you kiss me?”

      The simple question took him by surprise. In all his life, he didn’t think a woman had ever asked him that question.

      He had to think. He knew he could give her the glib answer, say something like, Because I wanted to. Which he had. But he figured he owed it to Ellie to give her the truth.

      “When I saw him knock you to the ground, my heart stopped,” he answered quietly. “I jumped him. If not for my damn injuries, I would have had him. You would have been safe, and that piece of trash wouldn’t have bothered you ever again. My blood was pumping, but he got away, and I let you down. When I saw you watching me, you looked scared and disappointed and…”

      He dragged his hand through his too-short hair. “I wish I was better with words. I’m not saying it right.”

      * * *

      The Coltons: Return to Wyoming—One family’s scandalous homecoming

Dear Reader,

      I love the Coltons. Yes, I admit it. The Colton family is my guilty pleasure! I wrote Colton’s Christmas Baby in 2010 and ever since then, I’ve been hoping I could visit the family again. This time, instead of Montana, we’re in Wyoming. And yes, the story does have another baby. And more. In fact, there is so much going on in the little town of Dead River, Wyoming, that writing it was like watching a television drama. Something new lurks around every corner. Fascinating and fun.

      I hope you enjoy reading this story—and Theo Colton’s journey toward happiness and love—as much as I enjoyed writing it.

      Thanks!

      Karen Whiddon

      A Secret

      Colton Baby

      Karen Whiddon

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      KAREN WHIDDON

      started weaving fanciful tales for her younger brothers at the age of eleven. Amid the Catskill Mountains of New York, then the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she fueled her imagination with the natural beauty that surrounded her. Karen now lives in north Texas, where she shares her life with her very own hero of a husband and three doting dogs. Also an entrepreneur, she divides her time between the business she started and writing. You can email Karen at [email protected] or write to her at P.O. Box 820807, Fort Worth, TX 76182. Fans of her writing can also check out her website, www.karenwhiddon.com.

      MILLS & BOON

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      As always, to my supportive husband. He reads every book once it comes out and has been wonderful about letting me live my dream of being a full-time writer.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

Dear Reader

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

       Chapter 4

       Chapter 5

       Chapter 6

       Chapter 7

       Chapter 8

       Chapter 9

       Chapter 10

       Chapter 11

       Chapter 12

       Chapter 13

       Chapter 14

       Chapter 15

       Extract

       Copyright

Chapter 1

      A whisper of sound, so fragile it might have been only a fragment left over from a dream. Another woman might have burrowed back under the blankets, refusing to open her eyes as she willed herself back to sleep. Not Ellie Parker. Not only had the infant recently entrusted to her care awakened every protective instinct she possessed, but her past had made her overly wary.

      The noise came again, an echo of a ghost. Heart pounding, she held herself utterly still while waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Luckily, the full moon brought traces of silver to light the room.

      There. Near Amelia’s antique crib that had been hastily brought down from the attic. A figure in black, wearing a hoody and a ski mask, reaching for the baby.

      Leaping to her feet, Ellie screamed. Loud and shrill. The intruder froze,