The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas
Alison Roberts

The Night Before Christmas

Alison Roberts

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

Table of Contents

Cover (#udef78dd9-4512-5403-9450-02b190be9000)

Title Page (#u3a5885cd-953d-554b-8996-2aec494523df)

Praise (#u4f377aa1-68a4-5890-92cb-7992f48cbfa6)

About the Author (#uf8245181-33c6-54e0-8fa3-f54824b4c577)

CHAPTER ONE (#u34ce447c-be7d-5093-8a05-5e631a4a7af6)

CHAPTER TWO (#u67ca6170-b73c-57e5-a3dd-63218a615623)

CHAPTER THREE (#uac57baca-bec0-5795-9ac8-6df53c9108d1)

CHAPTER FOUR (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

Praise for Alison Roberts:

‘Readers will be moved by this incredibly sweet story

about a family that is created

in the most unexpected way.’

—RT Book Reviews on THE HONOURABLE MAVERICK

‘I had never read anything by Alison Roberts

prior to reading TWINS FOR CHRISTMAS,

but after reading this enchanting novella

I shall certainly add her name to my auto-buy list!’

—Cataromance.com on TWINS FOR CHRISTMAS

‘Ms Roberts produces her usual entertaining blend

of medicine and romance in just the right proportion,

with a brooding but compelling hero

and both leads with secrets to hide.’

—Mills and Boon

website reader review on NURSE, NANNY…BRIDE!

About the Author

ALISON ROBERTS lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. She began her working career as a primary school teacher, but now juggles available working hours between writing and active duty as an ambulance officer. Throwing in a large dose of parenting, housework, gardening and pet-minding keeps life busy, and teenage daughter Becky is responsible for an increasing number of days spent on equestrian pursuits. Finding time for everything can be a challenge, but the rewards make the effort more than worthwhile.

CHAPTER ONE

‘PLEASE, Mummy … please …’

The huge blue eyes were filled with such desperate longing, it was unbearable.

‘But it’ll be horribly crowded, darling. We’ll have to stand in a big queue for heaven knows how long.’

‘I don’t mind.’

‘We might be gone for hours.’

‘Misty doesn’t mind, either. Do you, Misty?’

Another set of blue eyes but without the sparkle. Framed by the same gorgeous, golden curls, but this face was much thinner and there were shadows caused by the kind of pain no child should have to endure. The brave smile as this little girl shook her head in agreement was even more unbearable. It was enough to create the unpleasant prickle of tears at the back of Lizzie’s eyes.

She swallowed them away with a skill born of long practice.

‘It’s ‘portant, Mummy. I have to tell Santa what me and Misty want for Christmas.’