Born Under The Lone Star

Born Under The Lone Star
Darlene Graham

I promise you, my little one, I'll do everything I can to see that your life is safe and happy. Even if that means giving you up…Markie McBride has kept a secret locked in her heart–and in her long-lost diary–for eighteen years. And when she finds herself back in Five Points, Texas, face-to-face with Justin Kilgore, she finally tells him what she couldn't all those years ago. They have a son.Brandon is coming to Five Points to work as an intern on a political campaign against Justin's congressman father. When the inquisitive teenager stumbles upon evidence of his grandfather's corruption, the boy unwittingly puts himself in danger. Markie swore to always keep her son safe–but keeping this vow may mean once again losing the man she loves.

He picked up on the first ring

“Hello?” Even in that one word, a west Texas drawl, the quality of Justin’s voice echoed. It was the same resonant public speaking voice that had made Brandon’s grandfather stand out in the halls of Congress.

She swallowed, then started again. “May I speak to Brandon Smith, please?”

“This is Brandon.”

Markie closed her eyes. She was talking to her very own son again. Just like the first time, it was scary, but also strangely intoxicating. It took all her will to suppress tears as her mind flashed back to the pages of her journal where she had made those promises to him so long ago. Would she keep them now? Or would she injure her child? Would she hold him back?

Or let him go?

Dear Reader,

People often ask me where I get my story ideas. THE BABY DIARIES were first “conceived” when I was reminiscing with a friend about the birth of my middle daughter, who was born when my husband was a candidate in a statewide political race. It occurred to me then that babies seldom arrive when it is convenient.

THE BABY DIARIES are three stories of three sisters, each having a baby under most inconvenient circumstances, each falling in love under equally inconvenient circumstances.

For these stories I returned to my beloved Texas Hill Country. My brother and sister-in-law, her mother, Jean, and Jean’s longtime friend Helen were perfect traveling companions as we hit the trail in the minivan and explored the colorful towns and rural areas that eventually melded into the setting I have named Five Points.

One final note: authors are also often asked if their work is autobiographical. Yes and no. While my own impressions and experiences are always unconsciously woven into any story, this town and these characters are pure fiction. For example, unlike the conniving Marynell McBride, my own mother was honest to a fault and would never, ever have touched someone else’s diary!

As always, my best to you,

Darlene Graham

P.S. I love to hear from you! Drop me a line at

P.O. Box 720224, Norman, OK 73070 or visit

www.darlenegraham.com. While you’re there, take a peek at the next book in THE BABY DIARIES series, Lone Star Rising.

Born Under the Lone Star

Darlene Graham

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

This first book in my new Texas series is dedicated to

Rick and Jody, my precious brother and dear sister-in-law.

Despite six-shooters, snakes and donkeys that bite,

I will go back to the Hill Country with you two anytime!

CONTENTS

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

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER ONE

If you are reading this diary without my permission, stop right now. I mean it. I want you to put this diary down. Immediately. For your information, this means you, Mother.

I’m warning you, if you keep going you’ll find out things you don’t want to know.

Okay, I know you’re still reading, you snoopy old thing, so you asked for it. Don’t blame me if you have a horse heart attack.

I am pregnant.

There.

And Justin Kilgore is the father. How do you like that? Me and Justin. We’re in love. And don’t you dare try to interfere with that. Don’t you dare go and ruin the one beautiful thing—