Holiday Baby

She’s got a Christmas secret...

But is he ready for fatherhood in Maple Springs?

When Cat Zelinsky returns to her hometown, she doesn’t expect to bump into Simon Roberts. The moment he sees her newborn daughter—and his own brown eyes looking back at him—Simon learns the secret Cat’s been keeping. He’s a daddy. And this Christmas, the globe-trotting bachelor might just discover that a loving family is exactly what he needs.

JENNA MINDEL lives in northwest Michigan with her husband and their three dogs. A 2006 Romance Writers of America RITA® Award finalist, Jenna has answered her heart’s call to write inspirational romances set near the Great Lakes.

Also By Jenna Mindel

Maple Springs

Falling for the Mom-to-Be

A Soldier’s Valentine

A Temporary Courtship

An Unexpected Family

Holiday Baby

Big Sky Centennial

His Montana Homecoming

Mending Fences

Season of Dreams

Courting Hope

Season of Redemption

The Deputy’s New Family

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Holiday Baby

Jenna Mindel

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08641-7

HOLIDAY BABY

© 2018 Jenna Mindel

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

“Can I hold her?”

Simon’s voice was whisper soft.

Cat wanted to refuse. He was leaving after Christmas. But maybe because he was leaving, what harm could there be in granting this small request?

As he held the baby, she watched the man melt before her very eyes.

Simon touched Opal’s nose. “She’s a beauty, yes?”

Cat clenched her jaw. The sight nearly undid her. “Yes.”

He looked at her hard. “Cat, I have no idea what to do.”

“You’re holding her just fine.”

“That’s not what I mean.” He looked as if he’d been torn in two.

“What do you mean?” she whispered.

Simon’s gaze bore into hers, searching.

Simon didn’t hand her over. “Come with me.”

Cat could refuse, but they’d have to finish this conversation eventually. Before he left, anyway. She owed him that much.

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for reading my last book in the Maple Springs series. I hope you’ve enjoyed Cat and Simon’s journey to self-forgiveness, peace and finally love.

This was my most difficult book to bring together. For quite some time, I struggled with Cat’s character. I didn’t understand the depths of her pain until I researched online stories of people who’d caused an accidental death. I was deeply moved and I hope I’ve touched this subject with compassion. There is no pat answer to soothe such grief, but I do believe in a big God with the power to heal. If we let Him.

As I wrap up my visits with the Zelinsky family during my favorite time of the year, my prayer for this Christmas season is that we’d draw closer to God with grateful hearts that are full of His love for others.

My warmest wishes to you for a very Merry Christmas and joyful New Year.

Jenna

I love to hear from readers. Please visit my website at www.jennamindel.com or follow me on www.Facebook. com/authorjennamindel or drop me a note c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, 24th floor, New York, NY 10007.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

—Ephesians 1:7

A huge thank-you to Matt and Courtney Font for their insight into emergency room protocol. And to Joan Marshall for sharing a mother’s perspective on going to the ER. Your information was incredibly helpful!