Cathy Thacker - A Texas Soldier's Christmas

THEIR CHRISTMAS MIRACLE

Just the sight of United States Army Lieutenant Zane Lockhart makes nurse Nora Caldwell (and every other woman he meets) weak at the knees. But Nora has to keep a level head this time. As tempting as it is to fall into his finely sculpted arms—again—she’s got her beautiful baby boy, Liam, to think of now. She can’t settle for some temporary loving. She and her son need, and deserve, more.

Zane has always responded to the call of duty. But that dedication has meant saying goodbye to Nora far too often. He can’t blame her for doubting that he’s finally ready to put her—and Liam—first. Can the Christmas gift of a lifetime convince her?

Resisting the urge to throw herself into his arms, she met his gaze deliberately.

His dark silver eyes roamed her frame hungrily, and still neither of them moved. Not the slightest bit.

He was here. Alive. Safe. A feat that, as always, felt almost too good to be true...given the types of dangerous missions he went on.

“Oh my!” Retired librarian Miss Mim fanned her face while Zane and Nora continued to silently size each other up. “Is it hot in here or what?”

It was definitely steaming, Nora thought. But then, wasn’t that always the case when she and Zane were in the vicinity of each other? Sparks flew, even as duty and honor and strong wills tore them apart.

“If this is the result of serving in the Army Nurse Corps, I wish I’d done a tour or two,” Miss Patricia teased.

Not, Nora thought, if your heart had been shattered as often and surely as hers had by this gorgeous hunk of a man.

Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Dear Reader Title Page About the Author 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 Copyright ,

Christmas is a time of miracles—when impossible wishes are granted, and even the most elusive love is given and received.

Nora Caldwell learned heart-wrenching sacrifice as a child. She is determined her only son will not suffer the same lack of parental devotion. Zane Lockhart is a Special Forces soldier who had everything growing up. Except a purpose. He found that serving his country.

Nora and Zane can’t deny their attraction to each other any more than they can seem to make their on-again, off-again relationship work. Duty and honor keep getting in the way. Zane wants to put their country first. Nora believes family should surpass all priorities.

It takes Nora’s adorable three-month-old baby, Liam, and the wise residents of Laramie Gardens Home for Seniors to matchmake some sense into these two, and give them the happily-ever-after kind of Christmas they deserve!

I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy holidays!

Cathy Gillen Thacker

PS: For information on this and other books, please visit me at cathygillenthacker.comand/or my Cathy Gillen Thacker Facebook Official Author Page.

A Texas Soldier’s Christmas

Cathy Gillen Thacker

www.millsandboon.co.uk

CATHY GILLEN THACKERis married and a mother of three. She and her husband spent eighteen years in Texas and now reside in North Carolina. Her mysteries, romantic comedies and heartwarming family stories have made numerous appearances on bestseller lists, but her best reward, she says, is knowing one of her books made someone’s day a little brighter. A popular Mills & Boon author for many years, she loves telling passionate stories with happy endings and thinks nothing beats a good romance and a hot cup of tea! You can visit Cathy’s website, www.cathygillenthacker.com, for more information on her upcoming and previously published books, recipes, and a list of her favourite things.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text THEIR CHRISTMAS MIRACLE Just the sight of United States Army Lieutenant Zane Lockhart makes nurse Nora Caldwell (and every other woman he meets) weak at the knees. But Nora has to keep a level head this time. As tempting as it is to fall into his finely sculpted arms—again—she’s got her beautiful baby boy, Liam, to think of now. She can’t settle for some temporary loving. She and her son need, and deserve, more. Zane has always responded to the call of duty. But that dedication has meant saying goodbye to Nora far too often. He can’t blame her for doubting that he’s finally ready to put her—and Liam—first. Can the Christmas gift of a lifetime convince her?

Introduction Resisting the urge to throw herself into his arms, she met his gaze deliberately. His dark silver eyes roamed her frame hungrily, and still neither of them moved. Not the slightest bit. He was here. Alive. Safe. A feat that, as always, felt almost too good to be true...given the types of dangerous missions he went on. “Oh my!” Retired librarian Miss Mim fanned her face while Zane and Nora continued to silently size each other up. “Is it hot in here or what?” It was definitely steaming, Nora thought. But then, wasn’t that always the case when she and Zane were in the vicinity of each other? Sparks flew, even as duty and honor and strong wills tore them apart. “If this is the result of serving in the Army Nurse Corps, I wish I’d done a tour or two,” Miss Patricia teased. Not, Nora thought, if your heart had been shattered as often and surely as hers had by this gorgeous hunk of a man.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Dear Reader Title Page About the Author 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 Copyright , Christmas is a time of miracles—when impossible wishes are granted, and even the most elusive love is given and received. Nora Caldwell learned heart-wrenching sacrifice as a child. She is determined her only son will not suffer the same lack of parental devotion. Zane Lockhart is a Special Forces soldier who had everything growing up. Except a purpose. He found that serving his country. Nora and Zane can’t deny their attraction to each other any more than they can seem to make their on-again, off-again relationship work. Duty and honor keep getting in the way. Zane wants to put their country first. Nora believes family should surpass all priorities. It takes Nora’s adorable three-month-old baby, Liam, and the wise residents of Laramie Gardens Home for Seniors to matchmake some sense into these two, and give them the happily-ever-after kind of Christmas they deserve! I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. Happy holidays! Cathy Gillen Thacker PS: For information on this and other books, please visit me at cathygillenthacker.com and/or my Cathy Gillen Thacker Facebook Official Author Page .

Title Page A Texas Soldier’s Christmas Cathy Gillen Thacker www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author CATHY GILLEN THACKER is married and a mother of three. She and her husband spent eighteen years in Texas and now reside in North Carolina. Her mysteries, romantic comedies and heartwarming family stories have made numerous appearances on bestseller lists, but her best reward, she says, is knowing one of her books made someone’s day a little brighter. A popular Mills & Boon author for many years, she loves telling passionate stories with happy endings and thinks nothing beats a good romance and a hot cup of tea! You can visit Cathy’s website, www.cathygillenthacker.com , for more information on her upcoming and previously published books, recipes, and a list of her favourite things.