Jill Lynn - The Rancher's Surprise Daughter

A reunion he never expected...

In this Colorado Grooms novel

Luc Wilder’s surprised when his ex-girlfriend Cate Malory arrives at his Colorado guest ranch. And he’s downright stunned when she introduces him to his three-year-old daughter, Ruby. Bonding with the bubbly little girl is easy—Ruby loves ranch life, just like her daddy. But after all the secrets, can Luc and Cate find a way to trust in each other again?

JILL LYNN is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group and won the ACFW Genesis Contest in 2013. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. A native of Minnesota, Jill now lives in Colorado with her husband and two children. She’s an avid reader of happily-ever-afters and a fan of grace, laughter and thrift stores. Connect with her at jill-lynn.com.

Also By Jill Lynn

Love Inspired

Colorado Grooms

The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter

Falling for Texas

Her Texas Family

Her Texas Cowboy

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter

Jill Lynn

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08553-3

THE RANCHER’S SURPRISE DAUGHTER

© 2018 Jill Buteyn

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2020-03-02

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“What do you think about living at the ranch?” Luc said.

“I like it,” Ruby answered.

“Good.” Luc captured the little girl in a hug. “Because I like you.” He turned back to Cate, waiting for her answer.

“It’s not what I expected,” she said.

“What did you expect?”

“Actually, I have no idea.” She laughed, and Luc smiled.

“Everybody’s happy,” Ruby said.

“What?” But Cate had an inkling she knew what her daughter meant. Could she tell that her parents were finally getting along?

Luc lowered his voice. “Is she referring to us?”

“I guess she could tell you were making things difficult.”

Luc gave an exaggerated snort and then laughed, and Cate’s insides warmed like molten chocolate cake. It was nice finding their friendship footing again. Maybe they could get along as parents without letting anything romantic bloom.

The door opened behind her, and Luc’s face lit up with recognition. Was it a woman? Scalding jealousy closed off Cate’s throat, not boding well for the pep talk she’d just given herself about her and Luc being just friends.

Herein is love, not that we loved God,

but that he loved us, and sent his Son

to be the propitiation for our sins.

—1 John 4:10

Dear Reader,

When I was on a walk in our neighborhood, I reached a house where the mom and little girl were outside. In the thirty or so steps it took me to pass their home, she greeted me, asked numerous questions and jabbered the whole time. She was outgoing and bright and adorable, and in that moment, the character of Ruby was inspired. Sometimes it’s just a little spark that gives an idea wings.

This book has been helped along by so many. Thank you to Lost Valley Ranch in Colorado for your incredible help and beautiful guest-ranch setting. Thank you to my sister, brother-in-law and niece, who let me use pieces of their story as inspiration for Luc’s and Ruby’s special hearts. And to my readers—thank you for all of your input and contributions to this book. I couldn’t do it without you all, and truly, it’s so much more fun with you. You are, quite simply, the best.

If you’re not hanging out on my Facebook or Instagram pages, I hope you’ll come over and join us. ( @JillLynnAuthorfor both.) For upcoming book releases and sales, sign up for my newsletter at Jill-Lynn.com/news.

Jill Lynn

To my amazing readers, thank you for encouraging me and being a part of this writing journey. Your support means so much to me.

And a huge thank you to Lost Valley Ranch for your help and inspiration.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Bible Verse

Dear Reader

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

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Extract

About the Publisher

Chapter One

Nothing like walking into a situation blind.

Lucas Wilder bounded up the lodge steps, the late-July wind that twisted across his sun-scorched arms as dry as aged kindling.

His sister’s text that someone was looking for him in the lodge hadn’t been helpful in the least. And then she’d gone off radar, not answering his request for more info. Was it an employee? Shouldn’t be a ranch guest as last week’s were already gone and a new batch didn’t arrive until tomorrow.

Luc crossed into the comfortable lobby that guests could relax in after a day of ranch activities, scanning the room for whoever had beckoned as his eyes adjusted to the dim interior lighting.

“Lucas.”

The feminine voice slammed into the backs of his knees. He willed his legs not to wobble like a newborn calf’s as he faced her.