Winnie Griggs - Once Upon A Texas Christmas

Partners for the Holidays

Abigail Fulton is determined to find independence in Turnabout, Texas—and becoming manager of the local hotel could be the solution. But first, she must work with Seth Reynolds to renovate the property by Christmas—and convince him she’s perfect for the job. If only he hadn’t already promised the position to someone else...

Ever since his troubled childhood, Seth yearns to prove himself. And this hotel is his best chance. But what does someone like Abigail know about decor and furnishings? Yet the closer the holiday deadline gets, the more he appreciates her abilities and her kindness. His business ambitions require denying Abigail’s dearest wish, but can they put old dreams aside for a greater gift—love and family?

“Perhaps I could take over the front desk?”

“That’s a generous offer, but I think it best if I handle this,” Seth said.

Abigail stiffened. “Are you saying you don’t think I can handle the job?”

“It’s not so much you personally as that I really don’t think this is an appropriate job for any young lady.”

“Why ever not? I’ve studied the work Mr. Crandall does, and even relieved him a time or two when he had to tend to his sister. So I actually have some experience.”

She called that experience? “It was inappropriate for Mr. Crandall to leave you in charge.”

“You obviously want me to prove myself, Mr. Reynolds. But in return, will you give me your word that this is just a first step? And you will train me on the responsibilities of a hotel manager?”

“Agreed,” he said without hesitation. If she could handle the desk job, then he’d humor her with the additional training.

But at the end of the day, someone else would be hired as hotel manager. Someone who was not Abigail. That was how it had to be.

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed Abigail and Seth’s story. I’ve known since Abigail first showed up in book two of this series as an adventurous fifteen-year-old that her story would likely be the one to wrap up this series—I just had to wait for her to grow up. Seth is her opposite in many ways and he’s also her perfect match. I fell a little bit in love with him as I wrote his story.

It was a bittersweet moment for me when I wrote “The End” on this story. This is the last book in the Texas Grooms series (for now—never say never), and saying goodbye to Turnabout and the community was unexpectedly difficult. But I am looking forward to turning the page on a new chapter in my writing life and I hope you’ll come along with me and see where it leads.

For more information on this and other books set in Turnabout, please visit my website at www.winniegriggs.comor follow me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author.

And as always, I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me at winnie@winniegriggs.comwith your thoughts on this or any of my other books.

Wishing you a life abounding with love and grace,

Winnie Griggs

WINNIE GRIGGS is the multipublished, award-winning author of historical (and occasionally contemporary) romances that focus on small towns, big hearts and amazing grace. She is also a list maker and a lover of dragonflies, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination. Winnie loves to hear from readers—you can connect with her on Facebook at Facebook.com/winniegriggs.authoror email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.

Once Upon a Texas Christmas

Winnie Griggs

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Do not bear a grudge against others, but settle your differences with them, so that you will not commit a sin because of them. Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself.

—Leviticus 19:17–18

Dedicated to my fabulous agent, Michelle Grajkowski, who is not only a great advocate for my work but also a great friend. And also to my wonderful husband, who is not only incredibly supportive but has never once complained about the amount of time I dedicate to my writing career.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Partners for the Holidays Abigail Fulton is determined to find independence in Turnabout, Texas—and becoming manager of the local hotel could be the solution. But first, she must work with Seth Reynolds to renovate the property by Christmas—and convince him she’s perfect for the job. If only he hadn’t already promised the position to someone else... Ever since his troubled childhood, Seth yearns to prove himself. And this hotel is his best chance. But what does someone like Abigail know about decor and furnishings? Yet the closer the holiday deadline gets, the more he appreciates her abilities and her kindness. His business ambitions require denying Abigail’s dearest wish, but can they put old dreams aside for a greater gift—love and family?

Introduction “Perhaps I could take over the front desk?” “That’s a generous offer, but I think it best if I handle this,” Seth said. Abigail stiffened. “Are you saying you don’t think I can handle the job?” “It’s not so much you personally as that I really don’t think this is an appropriate job for any young lady.” “Why ever not? I’ve studied the work Mr. Crandall does, and even relieved him a time or two when he had to tend to his sister. So I actually have some experience.” She called that experience? “It was inappropriate for Mr. Crandall to leave you in charge.” “You obviously want me to prove myself, Mr. Reynolds. But in return, will you give me your word that this is just a first step? And you will train me on the responsibilities of a hotel manager?” “Agreed,” he said without hesitation. If she could handle the desk job, then he’d humor her with the additional training. But at the end of the day, someone else would be hired as hotel manager. Someone who was not Abigail. That was how it had to be.

Dear Reader Dear Reader, I hope you enjoyed Abigail and Seth’s story. I’ve known since Abigail first showed up in book two of this series as an adventurous fifteen-year-old that her story would likely be the one to wrap up this series—I just had to wait for her to grow up. Seth is her opposite in many ways and he’s also her perfect match. I fell a little bit in love with him as I wrote his story. It was a bittersweet moment for me when I wrote “The End” on this story. This is the last book in the Texas Grooms series (for now—never say never), and saying goodbye to Turnabout and the community was unexpectedly difficult. But I am looking forward to turning the page on a new chapter in my writing life and I hope you’ll come along with me and see where it leads. For more information on this and other books set in Turnabout, please visit my website at www.winniegriggs.com or follow me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/WinnieGriggs.Author . And as always, I love to hear from readers. Feel free to contact me at winnie@winniegriggs.com with your thoughts on this or any of my other books. Wishing you a life abounding with love and grace, Winnie Griggs

About the Author WINNIE GRIGGS is the multipublished, award-winning author of historical (and occasionally contemporary) romances that focus on small towns, big hearts and amazing grace. She is also a list maker and a lover of dragonflies, and holds an advanced degree in the art of procrastination. Winnie loves to hear from readers—you can connect with her on Facebook at Facebook.com/winniegriggs.author or email her at winnie@winniegriggs.com.