Danica Favorite - The Lawman's Redemption

Lawman on a Mission

Former deputy Will Lawson is fighting to regain his reputation—and Mary Stone is his only lead to the bandit who framed him. Now that he’s tracked Mary to Leadville, Colorado, Will needs the proud beauty to reveal her past. Instead, his efforts spark a mighty inconvenient attraction…

Mary’s only real crime is that she once believed an outlaw’s lies. Still, she fears disclosing the truth to Will may land her in jail—and leave her young siblings without protection. Now she must choose between honesty and safeguarding her family. And if Will does clear his own name, can he convince the woman he loves to share it?

“Why do you care what a supposedly bad man is doing with me?”

Will shouldn’t care. It was none of his business if she married Ben or not. And yet, he couldn’t stand idly by.

“You lied to me about severing your connection with him.”

Mary flinched at his words. “I did not. Ben’s visit here tonight surprised me just as much as it did you.”

Actually, Will had noticed that. He’d also noticed how Mary bristled at Ben’s attention. But something wasn’t right with the situation. “Then why did you announce your engagement?”

“Ben announced our engagement.” Mary’s eyes flashed as she emphasized Ben’s name. Will had to admit, Mary had really pretty eyes. Green with flecks of gold, so deep a man could spend hours mining them and still— What was he doing mooning over her? Hadn’t he learned his lesson?

“Why did you go along with it? Why not tell everyone that you’d broken things off with him?”

“Didn’t you hear me try to explain that it was over?” Mary’s voice was littered with the angst of unshed tears. “But I—” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll figure something out.”

Will took a step closer. “I’ll help you,” he said softly. “Let me help you.”

DANICA FAVORITE loves the adventure of living a creative life. She loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily-ever-after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun. Find her at danicafavorite.com.

The Lawman’s Redemption

Danica Favorite

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

When I married my husband, I found great riches in his family. Without their support, I could not do half of the things I do, especially when it comes to writing my books. Fred, you are always there for us, and give to us so abundantly, I can’t even begin to express the depth of my gratitude, love and admiration for you. Pat, you didn’t get to see any of this, but thank you. Gloria, you have been such a welcome addition to our family, and you mean the world to us. Ricky, not only do you help me blow stuff up, but you always make me smile. Debbie, thanks for all your support.

Bernard and Teri, you guys have invested so much in our family, and I’m so grateful for all you do. Most importantly, I’m thankful for the family traditions you’ve kept alive so my children will know about their Leadville relatives. And of course, I’m so grateful that you give us free access to the Leadville house whenever we want to go up. Without our time in Leadville, there would be no book.

To the Novaks—you bravely came to America and arrived in Leadville to create a future for your family at a time when life in Leadville couldn’t have been easy. I hope my books honor your spirit.

And to Randy, thank you for introducing me to all of them.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Lawman on a Mission Former deputy Will Lawson is fighting to regain his reputation—and Mary Stone is his only lead to the bandit who framed him. Now that he’s tracked Mary to Leadville, Colorado, Will needs the proud beauty to reveal her past. Instead, his efforts spark a mighty inconvenient attraction… Mary’s only real crime is that she once believed an outlaw’s lies. Still, she fears disclosing the truth to Will may land her in jail—and leave her young siblings without protection. Now she must choose between honesty and safeguarding her family. And if Will does clear his own name, can he convince the woman he loves to share it?

Introduction “Why do you care what a supposedly bad man is doing with me?” Will shouldn’t care. It was none of his business if she married Ben or not. And yet, he couldn’t stand idly by. “You lied to me about severing your connection with him.” Mary flinched at his words. “I did not. Ben’s visit here tonight surprised me just as much as it did you.” Actually, Will had noticed that. He’d also noticed how Mary bristled at Ben’s attention. But something wasn’t right with the situation. “Then why did you announce your engagement?” “Ben announced our engagement.” Mary’s eyes flashed as she emphasized Ben’s name. Will had to admit, Mary had really pretty eyes. Green with flecks of gold, so deep a man could spend hours mining them and still— What was he doing mooning over her? Hadn’t he learned his lesson? “Why did you go along with it? Why not tell everyone that you’d broken things off with him?” “Didn’t you hear me try to explain that it was over?” Mary’s voice was littered with the angst of unshed tears. “But I—” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll figure something out.” Will took a step closer. “I’ll help you,” he said softly. “Let me help you.”

About the Author DANICA FAVORITE loves the adventure of living a creative life. She loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily-ever-after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun. Find her at danicafavorite.com .

Title Page The Lawman’s Redemption Danica Favorite www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Quote Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5–6

Dedication When I married my husband, I found great riches in his family. Without their support, I could not do half of the things I do, especially when it comes to writing my books. Fred, you are always there for us, and give to us so abundantly, I can’t even begin to express the depth of my gratitude, love and admiration for you. Pat, you didn’t get to see any of this, but thank you. Gloria, you have been such a welcome addition to our family, and you mean the world to us. Ricky, not only do you help me blow stuff up, but you always make me smile. Debbie, thanks for all your support. Bernard and Teri, you guys have invested so much in our family, and I’m so grateful for all you do. Most importantly, I’m thankful for the family traditions you’ve kept alive so my children will know about their Leadville relatives. And of course, I’m so grateful that you give us free access to the Leadville house whenever we want to go up. Without our time in Leadville, there would be no book. To the Novaks—you bravely came to America and arrived in Leadville to create a future for your family at a time when life in Leadville couldn’t have been easy. I hope my books honor your spirit. And to Randy, thank you for introducing me to all of them.