The Pregnant Ms. Potter

The Pregnant Ms. Potter
Millie Criswell

Place this quilt upon your bed and in one month you shall be wed…Pregnant and alone, Maddy Potter knew marriage wasn't in her near future–certainly not to Pete Taggart. The rude, arrogant–and she'd admit, protectively sexy–rancher would never ask her! Just because the handsome widower rescued her from a blizzard and she'd slept under his heirloom quilt for two nights did not mean anything would happen between them. Surely the quilt's legend wasn't real…?Pete had reasons for maintaining his status as one of Sweetheart, Colorado's most eligible bachelors. But seeing Maddy blossom with pregnancy shook him to the soul. A woman shouldn't be alone at a time like that. And he didn't have to love her to give her his name…did he?

The legend at work…

A kiss on the lips the bargain will seal, and undying love will the couple soon feel.

This can’t be true, Maddy thought. She forced a nervous laugh. “You’re right. It was something your grandma made up.” She and Pete hadn’t kissed. They had nothing to worry about.

“What is it? What does it say?” He tried to grab the paper, but she held it back and out of his reach. She tried to scoot away, but Pete lunged for her, grabbing her gently and pinning her down with his body.

Pete no longer seemed interested in the paper. His lips were just inches away from hers. His intention reflected clearly in his eyes, and Maddy panicked. “Pete, wait! Don’t do it! You don’t under—”

“Sorry, Maddy, but I’ve got to.” He covered her mouth with his own.

Dear Reader,

It’s February—the month of love. And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a Harlequin American Romance novel.

This month’s selection begins with the latest installment in the RETURN TO TYLER series. Prescription for Seduction is what Darlene Scalera offers when sparks fly between a lovely virgin and a steadfast bachelor doctor. The Bride Said, “Surprise!” is another of Cathy Gillen Thacker’s THE LOCKHARTS OF TEXAS, and is a tender tale about a secret child who brings together two long-ago lovers. (Watch for Cathy’s single title, Texas Vows: A McCabe Family Saga, next month from Harlequin Books.)

In Millie Criswell’s charming new romance, The Pregnant Ms. Potter is rescued from a blizzard by a protective rancher who takes her into his home—and into his heart. And in Longwalker’s Child by Debra Webb, a proud Native American hero is determined to claim the child he never knew existed, but first he has to turn the little girl’s beautiful guardian from his sworn enemy into his loving ally.

So this February, treat yourself to all four of our wonderful Harlequin American Romance titles. And in March, look for Judy Christenberry’s Rent a Millionaire Groom, the first book in Harlequin American Romance’s new promotion, 2001 WAYS TO WED.

Wishing you happy reading,

Melissa Jeglinski

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin American Romance

The Pregnant Ms. Potter

Millie Criswell

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Millie Criswell didn’t start out to be a writer. Her greatest aspiration in life was to tap dance with the Rockettes. However, when that failed to work out, she put pen to paper and has authored eighteen bestselling, award-winning historical, category and contemporary romances. She has won numerous awards, including the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, Reviewer’s Choice Award and the Maggie Award from Georgia Romance Writers. Millie has two grown children and resides with her husband in Virginia.

Books by Millie Criswell

HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE

810—THE WEDDING PLANNER

863—THE PREGNANT MS. POTTER

HARLEQUIN HISTORICALS

508—THE MARRYING MAN

The Taggart

Wedding Ring Quilt Legend

Place this quilt upon your bed

and in one month you shall be wed.

But if you think you’d rather not,

Then a spinster’s life shall be your lot.

A man and a woman who meet if by chance,

Will soon be doing the marital dance.

A kiss on the lips the bargain will seal,

And undying love will the couple soon feel.

—Grandma Maggie Taggart

Contents

Chapter One (#u8e869ed9-eb0a-54cf-8dff-b8f3fd0e5cec)

Chapter Two (#uc224f394-b423-55c3-acbd-3089f9757ee5)

Chapter Three (#u62c0666d-61ca-526b-a1e8-c03085a71421)

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)