The Baby Barter. Patty Smith Hall

      

      A Baby to Cherish

      Home from the war, army nurse Thea Miller is determined to adopt her late sister’s baby and begin a new life. But someone else has the same intentions—the town sheriff and Thea’s old friend, Mack Worthington. Now, in order to keep her niece in the family, Thea must reach an agreement with him.

      Mack isn’t sure Thea—whose actions once hurt him badly—is committed to baby Sarah. And a judge may never approve a single-parent adoption for either of them. But what if they got married? It would be a marriage in name only. Yet the more time Mack spends with Thea, the more he begins to believe their pretend family can become the real one they’ve both been longing for.

      “I’m adopting her.”

      “What about the baby’s family? Shouldn’t they have a say?”

      Mack blinked at the unexpected question. “Sarah’s mother gave her up.”

      Thea leveled pleading blue eyes at him. “Maybe she thought she didn’t have a choice.”

      Mack straightened and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why have you been nosing around Ms. Aurora’s the last two days?”

      “It has to do with my sister—when she came back to Marietta last spring.”

      Eileen Miller was in Marietta last spring? Not possible. “The night of the accident was the first time I’d seen her in years.”

      “Eileen probably kept out of sight due to her condition.”

      Mack turned sharply to stare at her. “She was pregnant? Where’s the baby?”

      “That’s just it, Mack. Momma says the baby has been stolen.”

      “That’s why you’ve been spying on Aurora’s place.” The pieces began to fall into place. “You think Sarah is Eileen’s baby?”

      “Sarah’s the spitting image of Eileen.” Sorrow along with another emotion—determination?—stared back at him. “That child you want to adopt is my niece, Mack. And I want to take her home.”

      PATTY SMITH HALL has been making up stories since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. Now she’s thrilled to share her love of history and her storytelling skills with everyone, including her hero of thirty-one years, Danny, two beautiful daughters and a wonderful future son-in-law. She resides in northeast Georgia. Patty loves to hear from her readers! You can contact her at pattysmithhall.com.

      The Baby Barter

      Patty Smith Hall

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

      —Romans 8:28

      To Rose Smith. Your humble spirit and servant heart make you a rare beauty in today’s world,

      sweet sister. You are a rare jewel indeed!

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       About the Author

       Title Page

       Bible Verse

       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

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Epilogue

       Dear Reader

       Extract

       Copyright

Chapter One

      Marietta, Georgia

      Fall, 1945

      Sheriff Mack Worthington made it his business to notice people.

      And the woman standing in the shadows of the massive oak tree at the edge of Merrilee Davenport’s backyard had sent his senses on high alert. Not that he could see her all that well. The brim of her felt hat covered most of her face, leaving him at a distinct disadvantage.

      But it was the little things that made him question her reasons for being there. In the tan skirt and white blouse she wore, she looked more prepared for a trip to the market than attendance at a wedding. And why did her fingers unconsciously dig into the sides of her purse as if she were holding on to it for dear life? Tension held her ramrod straight, reminding him of a soldier ready for battle.

      What fight did this woman expect to face here?

      “What’s