The Texan's Christmas. Tanya Michaels

      

      HER CHRISTMAS WISH

      The last thing rodeo cowboy Daniel Baron needs is a commitment. After a lifetime of feeling like an outsider among his larger-than-life stepfamily at Roughneck Ranch, Daniel is ready to leave the ring—and Texas—behind forever. Except he can’t stop thinking about the woman he just met—beautiful, bighearted…and pregnant.

      Of course Nicole Bennett is attracted to strong, sweet Daniel—he’s pretty much perfect. But he made it clear that he doesn’t want a family, the one thing Nicole’s dreamed of her whole life. Now, just as that dream is coming true, Nicole could lose the only man she wants to share it with…unless Daniel can find the courage to open his heart.

      Nicole couldn’t remember the last time her libido was so supercharged.

      She was tempted to spend a few more minutes appreciating the handsome picture Daniel made leaning against the wall.

      He smiled as she approached. “This is a surprise.”

      “Weren’t you expecting me?” she teased.

      “Yeah, just not like this. I was thinking the other day that I couldn’t imagine you in jeans.”

      “Oh, you’ve been thinking about me?”

      Daniel held her gaze. “Yes, ma’am.”

      A liquid shiver went through her. Get a grip, Nicole. How could she facilitate a reconciliation between the Baron children and their mother if she was distracted by the way Daniel Baron filled out a pair of Wranglers?

      “So. On a scale from one to I-should-just-throw-myself-from-the-truck, how bad do you think today’s gonna be?”

      His lips quirked in a half smile. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I’ll do what I can to make it as painless as possible.”

      “You’re a really nice guy.”

      “Actually, I’m more of a cranky loner and recovering troublemaker.” His laugh was short and self-deprecating. “Maybe you just bring out my better qualities.”

Dear Reader,

      If you’ve read any of my previous books, you probably know I love telling stories about families. So I was excited when the Mills & Boon editors gave me the flattering challenge of wrapping up the miniseries about the huge Baron family—six siblings in all, each with their own story written by a different author.

      The unique opportunity to work with five talented authors made this project extra special. Trish Milburn, author of The Texan’s Cowgirl Bride, is one of my dearest longtime friends. Now I’m also fortunate to call Donna Alward, Barbara White Daille, Pamela Britton and Cathy McDavid friends. Everyone was enthusiastic and generous, quick to offer brainstorming assistance and encouragement. Building on their stories gave me wonderful supporting characters to work with!

      My book tells the story of Daniel Burke Baron, who feels like an outcast among his stepsiblings, so much so that he shies away from the idea of family or ever having kids. Then he meets Nicole Bennett, a woman who’s compassionate, gorgeous, determined…and pregnant. I hope you enjoy watching their romance develop and rejoining all the members of the Baron clan for Christmas.

      Happy holidays,

      Tanya

      The Texan’s Christmas

      Tanya Michaels

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      New York Times bestselling author and five-time RITA® Award nominee TANYA MICHAELS has been writing love stories since middle school algebra class (which probably explains her math grades.) Her books, praised for their poignancy and humor, have received awards from readers and reviewers alike. Tanya is an active member of Romance Writers of America and a frequent public speaker. She lives outside Atlanta with her very supportive husband, two highly imaginative kids and a bichon frise who thinks she’s the center of the universe.

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      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

Dear Reader

       Title Page

About the Author

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

       Epilogue

       Extract

       Copyright

Chapter One

      The smell of someone’s take-out food filled the crowded elevator, and Nicole Bennett’s stomach clenched in protest. Seafood. Why did it have to be seafood? Her destination was another five stories up, but when the doors parted at the next floor, she seized her chance to escape. Otherwise, she might make the elevator ride very unpleasant for