Myra Johnson - Her Hill Country Cowboy

Cowboy Dad

Single father Seth Austin will do anything for his children. So when he discovers the new housekeeper his grandmother hired for their guest ranch is a former social worker, he plans to keep his family far away from Christina Hunter. Seth once almost lost custody of his beloved kids because of an overzealous social worker. Problem is his children adore Christina and her sweet service dog—and he’s starting to fall for her, too. Recuperating from an accident, Christina is determined to slowly ease back into her old life. But the more time she spends with them, the more she realizes that her future might be with the cowboy and his family.

“I—I’m sorry,” Christina gasped, her heart thudding.

All she wanted was to get down off this horse and bury her face in her dog’s neck.

“Hang on, it’s all right.” In one swift movement Seth swung himself to the ground and held up his hands to Christina. “Let’s take a break. I’ll help you down.”

Too relieved to think beyond the moment, she transferred her grip from the saddle horn to Seth’s broad shoulders. With his strong arms supporting her, she slid from the saddle and collapsed against him.

“Easy, easy.” Seth soothed her with gentle pats as if she were a jittery colt. “Man, you’re really shaking. Never meant to scare you like that.”

As her breathing slowed, she became all too aware of Seth’s firm chest beneath her cheek, along with the steady, reassuring beat of his heart. If she thought her legs would hold her, she ought to put some distance between them. He was her employer, after all. Besides, how many times would he come to her rescue like this before he convinced his grandmother she was unfit for the job?

Dear Reader,

Though my husband and I left Texas several years ago to be closer to our grandchildren, as a native Texan with Hill Country family connections, I truly enjoyed this fictional return to my roots. Naturally, the story required a handsome cowboy, and what better setting than a friendly small town and a guest ranch with horses?

Of course, every good story must have conflict, and Christina and her service dog provided exactly what it would take for Seth to change his overprotective mindset and release the fears that held him back from falling in love again. But Christina also had some growing to do. Before she could open her heart to love, she first had to come to full acceptance of both her strengths and her limitations.

Maybe you’re facing a situation in which you feel afraid, inadequate or even defeated. If so, remember the Lord’s words to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV). We are not alone in our struggles. Even when everything seems to conspire against us, we can carry on in faith, knowing that God has already won the ultimate victory.

Thank you for joining me for Seth and Christina’s story. I love to hear from readers, so please contact me through my website, www.MyraJohnson.com, or write to me c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007.

With blessings and gratitude,

Myra

Award-winning author MYRA JOHNSONwrites emotionally gripping stories about love, life and faith. She is a two-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart® Award. Married since 1972, Myra and her husband have two married daughters and seven grandchildren. Although Myra is a native Texan, she and her husband now reside in North Carolina, sharing their home with two pampered rescue dogs.

Her Hill Country Cowboy

Myra Johnson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;

do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God

will be with you wherever you go.

—Joshua 1:9

With gratitude for those very special service animals who assist and hearten their humans in so many ways, and with deepest admiration for the dedicated trainers who prepare these animals to serve with loyalty and unconditional love.

Many thanks also to my dear friend and fellow author Janet Dean, whose ideas and insights helped tremendously during the early development of this story. As always, I’m grateful for my family’s love and encouragement, as well as the friendship and support of all my “sisters” in Seekerville ( seekerville.blogspot.com).

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Christina Hunter flexed her stiff fingers gripping the steering wheel and shot an anxious glance at the GPS display on her smartphone. Good, still following the blue line.

“In five hundred feet, turn right.”

“Thank you, Map Lady.” Flicking on her right blinker, she slowed as she approached the intersection.

Driving through the quaint downtown area of Juniper Bluff, Texas, felt like stepping back in time, but after her near-fatal auto accident two years ago, followed by a slow and difficult recovery, she was more than ready for a change of scenery. Small shops and businesses bordered a central square with a fountain at one end and a gazebo at the other. In the middle stood a statue of a horse and rider. A local hero, maybe? If Christina’s new job worked out, she might get to stay long enough to learn something about the guy.

But these days, everything in her life was a big if.

After making the turn, Christina patted her sweet, unflappable golden retriever, curled up in the passenger seat. “What do you say, Gracie? Ready to try small-town living?”

The dog thumped her tail, and those big brown eyes, so full of loyalty and affection, tugged hard at Christina’s heart.

“I couldn’t do this without you, girl. You know that, right—?”

Brake lights ahead jerked Christina’s attention back to her driving. A pickup swung over to the curb, and a tall man wearing a cowboy hat jumped out. Trotting to the middle of the road, he waved his arms in a frantic signal for Christina to stop. She slammed on the brakes and thrust out one hand to steady Gracie. Good thing the dog was safely secured in her harness.

Unfortunately, the sudden stop killed the car engine.

Heart pounding, Christina lowered her window and leaned out. “Is there a problem?”

“Sorry,” the man yelled. He stooped to pick up something in the street—a turtle?—and carried it across to the other side.

“Good grief. Really?” Glancing skyward, Christina shook her head. Was it a thing in small-town Texas to stop and help wildlife safely across the road?