The Midwife's Baby

Fiona McArthur

Литагент HarperCollins EUR

Eight months pregnant and a bridesmaid isn't midwife Georgia Winton's ideal situation…Especially when she goes into labour during the ceremony and the only person who can save her and her baby is the groom – gorgeous consultant Max Beresford!

His gaze locked with hers. ‘I’d rather tell you that I have enjoyed the last four months with you more than any I can remember.’

Georgia’s eyebrows rose in disbelief. ‘Sure,’ she said. ‘It must have been a hoot for you. You’ve enjoyed being woken up by a colicky baby ten times a night, and having a grumpy, sleep-deprived flatmate to live with.’ Why on earth would he?

‘Absolutely.’ The tilt of his lips confirmed that he had only pleasant memories, and though he spoke quietly his tone of voice sounded the truth. ‘I became acquainted with Elsa, and she’s gorgeous—like her mother.’

Georgia tilted her head. ‘Same temperament, you mean?’

Max nodded. ‘She’s determined and independent, yes.’

They were teasing each other, and she was beginning to enjoy it too much. This was far too dangerous for her peace of mind, and she tried to steer the topic away into more general waters. Maybe he did have an agenda with her after all—or he’d managed to beam in on one of her fantasies.

‘It is a glorious night,’ she said.

Max wouldn’t be diverted. ‘I’ve appreciated each and every vision of you at night since Elsa was born.’

A mother to five sons, FIONA MCARTHUR is an Australian midwife who loves to write. Medical™ Romance gives Fiona the scope to write about all the wonderful aspects of adventure, romance, medicine and midwifery that she feels so passionate about—as well as an excuse to travel! So now that the boys are older, her husband Ian and youngest son Rory are off with Fiona to meet new people, see new places, and have wonderful adventures. Fiona’s website is at www.fionamcarthur.com (http://www.fionamcarthur.com)

The Midwife’s Baby

Fiona McArthur

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

TO THE MAYTONE GIRLS, FRIENDS INDEED, WHO INSPIRE ME.

CONTENTS

Cover (#u8c683878-e4a1-5cd6-ae8a-3bf29b92d25e)

About the Author (#u33a5d6f3-98b4-58b7-9176-82ae80797785)

Title Page (#u09092e25-beec-53ea-8ab4-ce3053d00af8)

Dedication (#u98026361-916e-507e-9f83-a18e77519863)

CHAPTER ONE (#ulink_d50709c6-aaf3-59e1-9ad6-4763d9cc42ac)

CHAPTER TWO (#ulink_78cb49a3-ac7d-5677-9e52-38184ba18e92)

CHAPTER THREE (#ulink_840f449c-8418-5a39-9738-7ac1e1577d69)

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)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ONE (#ulink_c46028fd-e82f-5497-9769-cf728a1a58e6)

THE chapel floated like a snowflake against the backdrop of the lush Hunter Valley Gardens and the string quartet drifted silvery notes out over the waiting guests.

Max Beresford stood tall and straight at the front of the church and realised that despite the romantic venue he’d condemned himself to the type of loveless marriage his parents had.

Give me a sign, God. Am I a fool for going through with this?

The procession music started. Too late.

Max tilted his chin slightly as he watched the matron of honour walk haltingly towards him in some screechingly fashionable apricot material.

There was something about the dogged yet vulnerable expression on the woman’s face that aroused his sympathy because he’d approached the altar with just such a halting advance.

Max frowned. Was there a problem or was his new cousin-in-law-to-be unbearably nervous? Embarrassed didn’t make sense because she looked gorgeous—fertile with her baby bump bulging beneath the shiny fabric—but gorgeous nonetheless.

She paused again and seemed to suck air