www.millsandboon.co.uk

      KRISTI GOLD

      began her romance-writing career at the tender age of twelve, when she and her sister spun romantic yarns involving a childhood friend and a popular talk-show host. Since that time, she’s given up celebrity heroes for her favorite types of men, doctors and cowboys, as her husband is both. An avid sports fan, she attends football and baseball games in her spare time. She resides on a small ranch in central Texas with her three children and retired neurosurgeon husband, along with various livestock ranging from Texas longhorn cattle to spoiled yet talented equines. At one time she competed in regional and national Appaloosa horse shows as a nonpro, but she gave up riding for writing and turned the “reins” over to her youngest daughter. She attributes much of her success to her sister, Kim, who encouraged her in her writing, even during the tough times. When she’s not in her office writing her current book, she’s dreaming about it. Readers may contact Kristi at P.O. Box 11292, Robinson, TX 76116.

      To my mom, Jean, a heroine in her own right.

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Epilogue

      One

      Adonis disguised as a doctor, and he was standing at Cassandra Allen’s office door.

      Cassie gave all her attention to Brendan O’Connor as he strode into the room, pulled back a chair and collapsed onto it. His ruffled brown hair indicated he’d had a hectic day. So did his eyes, a rich green-blue to match his scrubs. They changed like a chameleon to suit his attire, and sometimes to suit his mood. He was a chameleon, although most would not believe that of the calm, collected miracle worker. But Cassie knew better.

      Even though she considered Brendan a good friend and an expert neonatologist, Cassie couldn’t ignore her awareness of the man. Most women who came in contact with the doctor couldn’t help but fall a little bit in love with him. She was no exception.

      Flipping the case file closed, Cassie tapped her pen on the desk and said with mock exasperation, ‘‘Okay, so what did I do that brought you all the way down here?’’

      His slow grin caused Cassie’s heartbeat to accelerate. ‘‘Nothing wrong. Just wanted to tell you how well I thought you handled the Kinsey couple today.’’

      Cassie shrugged off the compliment. ‘‘That’s what social work’s all about. Besides, they’re nice kids.’’

      His smile faded. ‘‘Kids having kids. Give ’em a six-pack of beer and a case of hormones then look what happens. Premature twins.’’

      She took a sip of too-cold, too-strong coffee and winced. Bad stuff, but the only thing she had available at the moment to wet her dry mouth. ‘‘At least the Kinseys have a good support system.’’ And at least the new babies had two parents who seemed to love them, something Cassie had never really known. ‘‘No money to speak of, but I’m working on that.’’

      ‘‘No high school diploma, either.’’ Scooting back the chair, Brendan propped his heels on the edge of the desk, crossed his ankles and laced his hands on his abdomen. ‘‘I make these sick babies well, then I send them home to God-only-knows-what.’’

      Cassie had known Brendan on a personal level for over six months now, had worked with him on several cases as one of San Antonio Memorial’s staff social workers, yet she had rarely heard him criticize his patients’ parents.

      Although he was incredibly hard to read at times, she had gotten good at sensing when something bothered him. And this evening, something was bothering him. Badly. ‘‘What’s really the problem, Brendan?’’

      His gaze zipped from his folded hands to her. ‘‘What do you mean?’’

      ‘‘Come on. It’s me you’re talking to. Cassie the clairvoyant, remember?’’ She smiled at the label he had personally given her when she’d accurately assessed his frame of mind on more than one occasion. Lately he hadn’t even tried to hide his feelings, perhaps because he’d grown comfortable with her. Exactly what friendship was all about, and Cassie valued his friendship more each passing day.

      She allowed him a few moments of silence. With Brendan, she had learned not to push. Eventually he would come clean without any persuasion on her part, if luck prevailed.

      His sigh came out rough, frustrated. A hint of sadness passed over his expression, clouding his eyes. ‘‘I don’t think the Neely baby’s going to make it.’’

      Cassie struggled for something consoling to say. Something that might lessen his pain. ‘‘Mrs. Neely delivered at what, twenty-nine weeks?’’

      ‘‘Twenty-seven. The baby’s a little over two pounds with too many problems.’’