The Night Before Christmas
Alison Roberts
MILLS & BOON
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Table of Contents
Praise for Alison Roberts:
‘Readers will be moved by this incredibly sweet story
about a family that is created
in the most unexpected way.’
—RT Book Reviews on THE HONOURABLE MAVERICK
‘I had never read anything by Alison Roberts
prior to reading TWINS FOR CHRISTMAS,
but after reading this enchanting novella
I shall certainly add her name to my auto-buy list!’
—Cataromance.com on TWINS FOR CHRISTMAS
‘Ms Roberts produces her usual entertaining blend
of medicine and romance in just the right proportion,
with a brooding but compelling hero
and both leads with secrets to hide.’
—Mills and Boon® website reader review on NURSE, NANNY…BRIDE!
About the Author
ALISON ROBERTS lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. She began her working career as a primary school teacher, but now juggles available working hours between writing and active duty as an ambulance officer. Throwing in a large dose of parenting, housework, gardening and pet-minding keeps life busy, and teenage daughter Becky is responsible for an increasing number of days spent on equestrian pursuits. Finding time for everything can be a challenge, but the rewards make the effort more than worthwhile.
CHAPTER ONE
‘PLEASE, Mummy … please …’
The huge blue eyes were filled with such desperate longing, it was unbearable.
‘But it’ll be horribly crowded, darling. We’ll have to stand in a big queue for heaven knows how long.’
‘I don’t mind.’
‘We might be gone for hours.’
‘Misty doesn’t mind, either. Do you, Misty?’
Another set of blue eyes but without the sparkle. Framed by the same gorgeous, golden curls, but this face was much thinner and there were shadows caused by the kind of pain no child should have to endure. The brave smile as this little girl shook her head in agreement was even more unbearable. It was enough to create the unpleasant prickle of tears at the back of Lizzie’s eyes.
She swallowed them away with a skill born of long practice.
‘It’s ‘portant, Mummy. I have to tell Santa what me and Misty want for Christmas.’
‘Christmas is weeks away, Holly. Santa will be there every day from now on. It’s the first day of the big sale today and that’s why it’ll be so crowded. We could go next week.’
‘No-o-o.’
‘Why not?’
‘Cos it’s Santa’s first day and he might ‘member what I tell him and he might forget when
