A Forever Kind of Family

A Forever Kind of Family
Brenda Harlen

TWO'S A DATE. THREE'S . . . A FAMILY?When they become guardians of their best friends' orphaned baby, Ryan Garrett and Harper Ross expect disaster. The two can't be more different–she's an uptight career woman; he's a laidback ladies' man. But for little Oliver, they're now mommy and daddy.For Harper, playing house with the flirtatious Ryan is as difficult as being a mother. Fussy babies elude her…but sexy Ryan pursues her! He reminds her of the night they spent together years ago; she needs to forget it. All they agree on is their love for the baby. They'll do anything for the little guy…But when their custody is threatened, will they go all the way…and marry?

The bouquet was enormous.

She smiled as she picked up the card, her eyes blurring with tears as she read it.

For my new mummy on her first Mother’s Day. Love, Oliver xoxo

She looked at Ryan. “Crayon?”

“Oliver doesn’t yet have the dexterity to hold a pen.” She shot him a look and he said, “Okay, but he wrote on the back.”

She saw the blue scribble there.

She kissed the little boy on the cheek.

“Thank you for the pretty flowers, Oliver.”

“Shouldn’t I get a thank-you, too?” Ryan asked.

“Thank you,” she said.

His brows lifted. “What about a kiss for me?”

She took a step closer and let her gaze settle on his lips. She’d thought about Oliver’s mum all day, how much she admired her friend’s willingness to go after what she wanted. She wished she could be that fearless and reach for what she wanted.

Ryan was so close, all she had to do was rise up on her toes and brush her lips against his. Then take his hand and lead him to her bedroom.

Could she be fearless enough to do it?

Those Engaging Garretts! The Carolina Cousins

A Forever Kind of Family

Brenda Harlen

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

BRENDA HARLEN is a former attorney who once had the privilege of appearing before the Supreme Court of Canada. The practice of law taught her a lot about the world and reinforced her determination to become a writer—because in fiction, she could promise a happy ending! Now she is an award-winning, national bestselling author of more than thirty titles for Mills & Boon. You can keep up-to-date with Brenda on Facebook and Twitter or through her website, www.brendaharlen.com (http://www.brendaharlen.com).

One of the best things about setting this book in the fictional town of Charisma, North Carolina, was that it gave me an excuse to visit that beautiful state and some wonderful friends who call it home.

In particular, I would like to dedicate this book to the lovely and immensely talented Virginia Kantra, with much appreciation for carving time out of her busy schedule to have lunch with me … which somehow extended to dinner … and I think there might have been wine …

Contents

Cover (#u561fe5d4-ce1b-56eb-89b4-f3b745a57a36)

Excerpt (#u785a9262-0a9c-542c-a614-c7a5178479ac)

Title Page (#u23ec8ea8-0add-5ec1-80c1-dac708e8cda9)

About the Author (#u44222f56-7e70-5afe-86cc-006556218132)

Dedication (#ucd5a4f97-ac4b-50dd-93ca-02b6e79ea738)

Chapter One (#ulink_883f05db-d6f1-54ce-9c19-2ec6a6d54f72)

Chapter Two (#ulink_b6a2a7a6-3deb-5ada-882a-64af05b238ab)

Chapter Three (#ulink_76ffdfbf-a024-5019-ad1f-c3d0ad47b667)

Chapter Four (#ulink_b2d14249-a9f6-5fd1-bdaa-b66bb6be48f3)

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)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One (#ulink_a84efd47-385c-571b-bb72-7ebd5e0cd67f)

The baby was crying.

Harper Ross jolted awake, her heart pounding and her throat aching.