Tracks of Her Tears Read online

  He set his glass on the coffee table. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful for more than I can say this year.”

  “Me too.” Carly intertwined their fingers.

  “How do you think Luke will do raising a baby?” Seth asked.

  Carly thought about his question. Her instincts told her the baby was going to be okay. “I think he cares, and that’s a good sign. He has a good job. I’ll help him with the details.”

  “You’re amazing.” Seth kissed her. “I don’t think I ever appreciated what you do as much as I have this week.”

  His praise filled her with happiness. She turned her head and kissed him back. “You were right, though. It isn’t a good time to have another child.”

  Seth brushed a knuckle across her cheek. “I wouldn’t have turned her away.”

  “I know that too.” Carly snuggled closer.

  “We’ll get there in time,” Seth said.

  “Why do you think I bought you that new tent for Christmas?” Carly joked.

  Seth’s chest shook as he laughed. “I like the sound of that.” He lifted his glass to hers. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas.” Carly tapped her flute on his. “Here’s to fifty more.”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  The Rogue River and Rogue Winter Novella Series started as an idea proposed to us by our editors at Montlake Romance. So we’d like to thank JoVon Sotak and Kelli Martin for putting the concept of writing a joint project in our heads. Writing is normally a very solitary occupation. This type of collaboration was a whole new experience for both of us. We discovered that the only thing better than having writer buddies is having one to help you plot murder. On paper, of course.

  Melinda Leigh

  Kendra Elliot

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Photo © 2014 Marti Corn Photography

  Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker. A lifelong lover of books, she started writing as a way to preserve her sanity when her youngest child entered first grade. During the next few years, she joined Romance Writers of America, learned a few things about writing a book, and decided the process was way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, She Can Run, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Melinda’s bestselling books have garnered three Daphne du Maurier Award nominations and a Golden Leaf Award. When she isn’t writing, she is an avid martial artist: she holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo karate and teaches women’s self-defense. She lives in a messy house with her husband, two teenagers, a couple of dogs, and two rescue cats.