The Widow's Little Secret

The Widow's Little Secret
Judith Stacy

Mills & Boon Historical
Mattie Ingram–the love of his life and the mother of his child–was the most stubborn, independent, contrary woman in Nevada. And in the lonely months since he'd seen her, he'd discovered he needed her more than breath itself. But Mattie was having nothing to do with him!A baby coming, her business failing… What else could possibly happen? Mattie wondered. Well, the father of her child could insist on becoming a permanent part of her life. But if Jared McQuaid thought that one night of passion gave him the right to a lifetime commitment, he had better think again!

“I won’t marry you!”

Halfway across the churchyard, Mattie heard Jared calling her name. She didn’t stop until she heard his footsteps behind her. She turned to find him towering over her.

“Listen to me, Mattie. We’re going back into that church and we’re—”

“No!”

“You can’t raise this baby by yourself!”

“Yes, I can!” She looked up into his face and saw that Jared was as angry as she.

“Listen to me—”

“No, you listen to me,” she told him. “I have a home and a business. I have friends to help me. I’m perfectly capable of raising this baby myself. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. You don’t know what you’re up against.”

Mattie reined in her temper. “This doesn’t concern you. Everyone thinks this baby is my husband’s, and that suits me fine.”

“Well, it doesn’t suit me at all!”

The Widow’s Little Secret

Harlequin Historical #571

Praise for Judith Stacy’s recent works

The Blushing Bride

“…lovable characters that grab your heartstrings…a fun read all the way.”

—Rendezvous

The Dreammaker

“…a delightful story of the triumph of love.”

—Rendezvous

The Heart of a Hero

“Judith Stacy is a fine writer with both polished style and heartwarming sensitivity.”

—Bestselling author Pamela Morsi

#572 CELTIC BRIDE

Margo Maguire

#573 THE LAWMAN TAKES A WIFE

Anne Avery

#574 LADY POLLY

Nicola Cornick

The Widow’s Little Secret

Judith Stacy

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Available from Harlequin Historicals and

JUDITH STACY

Outlaw Love #360

The Marriage Mishap #382

The Heart of a Hero #444

The Dreammaker #486

Written in the Heart #500

The Blushing Bride #521

One Christmas Wish #531

“Christmas Wishes”

The Last Bride in Texas #541

The Nanny #561

The Widow’s Little Secret #571

To David, Judy and Stacy—the greatest family

Contents