Renee Ryan - The Doctor's Christmas Wish

Her Holiday Hero

When Keely O’Toole returns home to Village Green, Colorado, she lands in a very unfamiliar role—as guardian to her cousin’s seven-year-old daughter. Keely loves little Felicity, but she’s in over her head. And the only person she can turn to for help is former army ranger Dr. Ethan Scott. Her best friend’s brother, a man she can hardly speak to without bickering. But when Keely and Ethan bond while taking care of Felicity, everything changes. Keely wants to give Felicity the best Christmas ever, and Ethan is just the person to light up their holidays...and their lives.

“What…what are you doing?”

The words came out a little breathless, egging him on in ways he couldn’t begin to describe. “Payback.”

“Ethan, I’m warning you—”

“Yeah, yeah, heard that before.” Blinking snow out of his eyes, he gave Flicka a sidelong glance. “Hey, kid, want to learn how to make a perfect snow angel?”

“I do, I do, I do.”

“Good news. Keely has agreed to demonstrate the proper technique.”

She gasped. “Ethan, no. Don’t. I...I’m...”

“You...you’re...what?”

“Cold.” Keely said the word triumphantly, as if she’d come up with the last clue in a difficult crossword puzzle.

“Nothing like a little physical activity to warm you up. Trust me on this,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m a doctor.”

He hooked his foot around the back of her knees and, grinning, dumped her gently into the snow.

Flat on her back, she gaped up at him three entire seconds. “You will pay for this.”

It was both a challenge and a promise. The woman made him smile.

RENEE RYAN grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf, sort of. With a degree from FSU, she explored career opportunities at a Florida theme park and a modeling agency and even taught high school economics. She currently lives with her husband in Nebraska, and many have mistaken their overweight cat for a small bear. You may contact Renee at reneeryan.com, on Facebook or on Twitter, @ReneeRyanBooks.

The Doctor’s

Christmas Wish

Renee Ryan

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

To my fabulous, incredibly smart, savvy editor, Melissa Endlich. I’ll treasure your kindness, insight and generosity for many years to come. You deserve only the best in life.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Her Holiday Hero When Keely O’Toole returns home to Village Green, Colorado, she lands in a very unfamiliar role—as guardian to her cousin’s seven-year-old daughter. Keely loves little Felicity, but she’s in over her head. And the only person she can turn to for help is former army ranger Dr. Ethan Scott. Her best friend’s brother, a man she can hardly speak to without bickering. But when Keely and Ethan bond while taking care of Felicity, everything changes. Keely wants to give Felicity the best Christmas ever, and Ethan is just the person to light up their holidays...and their lives.

Introduction “What…what are you doing?” The words came out a little breathless, egging him on in ways he couldn’t begin to describe. “Payback.” “Ethan, I’m warning you—” “Yeah, yeah, heard that before.” Blinking snow out of his eyes, he gave Flicka a sidelong glance. “Hey, kid, want to learn how to make a perfect snow angel?” “I do, I do, I do.” “Good news. Keely has agreed to demonstrate the proper technique.” She gasped. “Ethan, no. Don’t. I...I’m...” “You...you’re...what?” “Cold.” Keely said the word triumphantly, as if she’d come up with the last clue in a difficult crossword puzzle. “Nothing like a little physical activity to warm you up. Trust me on this,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m a doctor.” He hooked his foot around the back of her knees and, grinning, dumped her gently into the snow. Flat on her back, she gaped up at him three entire seconds. “You will pay for this.” It was both a challenge and a promise. The woman made him smile.

About the Author RENEE RYAN grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf, sort of. With a degree from FSU, she explored career opportunities at a Florida theme park and a modeling agency and even taught high school economics. She currently lives with her husband in Nebraska, and many have mistaken their overweight cat for a small bear. You may contact Renee at reneeryan.com , on Facebook or on Twitter, @ReneeRyanBooks .

Title Page The Doctor’s Christmas Wish Renee Ryan www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. —Proverbs 3:5–6

Dedication To my fabulous, incredibly smart, savvy editor, Melissa Endlich. I’ll treasure your kindness, insight and generosity for many years to come. You deserve only the best in life.

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

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

The house phone rang at 10:33 p.m. on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The high-pitched sound yanked Ethan Scott’s attention away from the television screen and the football game he’d carved out time to watch live, no distractions.

Who would be calling at this hour?

The hitch in his breath was born out of a hidden fear he kept tucked deep inside his soul. When his parents were killed in a fatal car crash, Ethan had been the first to get the news. As the oldest of four, he had to identify the bodies, to inform his three younger siblings and to handle all the funeral arrangements.

He’d completed each task without hesitation, and had been forced to repeat an eerily similar process a year and a half ago when another deadly car accident had taken his fiancée.

The incessant ringing continued.

Like a shock wave, old memories rippled across new. Ethan’s previously easy, relaxed mood spiraled into something darker.

He debated ignoring the call. Few people had his home number, and any medical emergency would either go to his answering service or come through on his cell phone.

The ringing stopped.

Banishing unwanted memories and the emotions they brought, Ethan sat back to enjoy the game. The Broncos were about to score a touchdown.

The ringing started up again.

Ethan’s gut took a hard roll. Surely the Lord wouldn’t deal him another blow, wouldn’t make him suffer through another unexpected goodbye. He’d had enough sorrow for one lifetime. He put the game on mute, then made the short trek from living room to kitchen.