Big Sky Mountain

Big Sky Mountain
Linda Lael Miller

The "First Lady of the West," #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, brings you to Parable, Montana—where love awaits. With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he’s done some growing up—making peace with his illegitimate half-brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his.These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can’t buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcee Kendra Shepherd. Kendra’s quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most—a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet.She can’t get Hutch Carmody out of her mind, but a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.“Miller excels at creating extended-family dynamics in an authentic western small-town setting."–Booklist review on A Creed in Stone Creek

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, brings you to Parable, Montana—where love awaits.

With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he’s done some growing up—making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can’t buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcée Kendra Shepherd.

Kendra’s quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most—a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can’t get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Big Sky Mountain, near the town of Parable, Montana.

Hutch Carmody is as much a part of the land as his favorite hideout, the mountain overlooking Whisper Creek Ranch, his home since birth. With both parents gone, he’s the sole owner, and he’s determined to keep it that way. After ditching one bride at the altar, he’s not in the market for another, but his feelings for former flame Kendra Shepherd aren’t so easy to shake off. She’s beautiful, she’s sexy and she’s smart—everything Hutch wants and admires in a woman—but she’s already burned him once, running off to England to marry a title and a lot of money. Now that she’s back in Parable, with a small daughter in tow, he’s as jumpy as cold water on a hot griddle.

Kendra, determined to raise her little girl with all the emotional security she didn’t have as a child, sees Parable, with its down-home values and salt-of-the-earth folks, as the perfect place to do that. She’s not about to complicate matters with a husband, having learned the hard way that she’s better off on her own than married. Even if she wanted a man in her life, though, she certainly wouldn’t be stupid enough to choose a renegade rancher-cowboy like Hutch.

So what if he makes her heart race like a runaway Thoroughbred?

My very best,

Linda Lael Miller

Praise for the novels of

#1 New York Times bestselling author

Linda Lael Miller

“Miller tugs at the heartstrings as few authors can.”

—Publishers Weekly

“After reading this book your heart will be

so full of Christmas cheer you’ll want to stuff a copy

in the stocking of every romance fan you know!”

—USATODAY.com on A Lawman’s Christmas

“A fine conclusion to Miller’s latest trilogy.

It is peopled with likeable...quite human characters. Animal lovers will enjoy the creatures that make up

a delightfully integral part of the story.”

—RT Book Reviews on The Creed Legacy

“Miller’s attention to small details makes her stories a delight to read. With engaging characters and loveable animals, this second story in the Creed Cowboys trilogy

is a sure hit for the legions of cowboy fans out there.”

—RT Book Reviews on Creed’s Honor

“You’ll love reading about Linda Lael Miller’s bestselling and sexy series featuring the cowboys that make up the Creed family. Great reading for anyone who loves a family saga

full of romance, adventure and handsome cowboys.”

—BN.com on The Creed Cowboys series

“A passionate love too long denied drives the action

in this multifaceted, emotionally rich reunion story that overflows with breathtaking sexual chemistry.”

—Library Journal on McKettricks of Texas: Tate

“Miller’s prose is smart, and her tough Eastwoodian cowboy cuts a sharp, unexpectedly funny figure in a classroom

full of rambunctious frontier kids.”

—Publishers Weekly on The Man from Stone Creek

“Strong characterization and a vivid western setting

make for a fine historical romance.”

—Publishers Weekly on McKettrick’s Choice

Big Sky Mountain

Linda Lael Miller

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

In loving memory of my cherished beagle-dog, Sadie.

I’m grateful for every second of our eleven years together.

Contents

CHAPTER ONE (#u68b39a21-c686-5888-a71e-8b44aa038d99)

CHAPTER TWO (#u85f4f5bc-0454-571d-97fb-aa571efe7f04)

CHAPTER THREE (#uba6bbf74-204c-51a7-917d-972996651425)

CHAPTER FOUR (#u4da0d31a-c8df-5ced-bcdc-2329da19d3a6)