Roxanne Rustand - Montana Mistletoe

Wanted: a nanny for Christmas

A Rocky Mountain Ranch novel

The only job Abby Halliwell can find in her Montana hometown is temporary nanny to two mischievous little girls. But it’s on her ex-boyfriend Jess Langford’s ranch. Jess needs help raising twins suddenly left in his care, so he and Abby are determined to be professional. But between unexpected holiday happenings and two mischievous matchmakers, will their business arrangement turn into something more?

A USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author of over thirty-five novels, ROXANNE RUSTANDlives in the country with her husband and a menagerie of pets, including three horses, rescue dogs and cats. She has a master’s in nutrition and is a clinical dietitian. RT Book Reviews nominated her for a Career Achievement Award, two of her books won their annual Reviewers’ Choice Award and two others were nominees.

Also By Roxanne Rustand

Rocky Mountain Ranch

Montana Mistletoe

Aspen Creek Crossroads

Winter Reunion

Second Chance Dad

The Single Dad’s Redemption

An Aspen Creek Christmas

Falling for the Rancher

Rocky Mountain Heirs

The Loner’s Thanksgiving Wish

Big Sky Secrets

Fatal Burn

End Game

Murder at Granite Falls

Duty to Protect

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

Montana Mistletoe

Roxanne Rustand

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-08639-4

MONTANA MISTLETOE

© 2018 Roxanne Rustand

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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“You keep looking at me and frowning, Jess. Is something wrong?”

Abby shifted in her seat and sent Jess a bemused glance.

You are perfect, Jess thought grimly. And I am in so much trouble.

She flipped the visor back up. “Well?”

“I was just...checking the side mirrors,” he muttered. “A habit from hauling the horse trailer.”

The fabrication was ridiculous and Abby probably saw right through it, but what could he say—that she was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen in his life? And where would that lead?

A resounding shut-down, probably. And as much as he was tempted to tentatively test the waters, this could not be about him.

Betty desperately needed her help right now, and the twins did, too. Without Abby, Jess would be back to working 24/7, barely able to keep the ranch and house going.

Without her, he’d miss the banter.

The memories that kept slipping into his thoughts.

The niggling thought that maybe this time, he and Abby could get things right between them, if only he took it slow...

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for joining me as I begin my Rocky Mountain Ranch series for Love Inspired. I hope you enjoyed Montana Mistletoe .

For those of you who followed my previous Aspen Creek Crossroads series, thank you! If you read the final book, Falling for the Rancher , you may have noticed the mention of that hero in this book. It was such fun adding just a bit of a connection while beginning a new, unrelated series!

My husband and I live on an acreage with horses, some rescued cats and two big rescue dogs who consider themselves lap puppies. I love writing stories set in small towns and ranch country, and also love writing about the complexities and connections of multi-generational families...and how my characters must overcome conflicts, old wounds and challenges to reach a place where they can finally enjoy an abundant, faith-filled life.

I love to hear from readers, and promise to answer.

Snail mail: Roxanne Rustand, Box 2550, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406

Email: via www.roxannerustand.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/roxanne.rustand.

Wishing you every blessing now and in the coming year,

Roxanne Rustand

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

—Philippians 4:6–9

With love and deep appreciation to my husband, Larry, for his never-ending support, and to our children and their spouses, Andy (Jenni), Brian (Julie) and Emily (Matthew), who are such a joy. I love you all beyond measure!

And also to Cheryl Kissling, RN. We were so very blessed by her comfort, support and gentle professionalism in the NICU years ago, when we lost our infant daughter, Christiana Leigh. Larry and I both felt we were held in the arms of an angel during those dark times, and I know that Cheryl’s deep faith strengthened my own at a time when I felt devastated and lost. I now owe her additional thanks for providing medical information for this book.

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to Emily M. Vasquez, freelance content editor, for her suggestions and advice on developing this manuscript. Any errors are mine alone!

I would like to thank Bobbi Jo Crouse for her wonderful assistance with research questions on this book—and several previous books, as well.

Also, I would like to thank my Facebook friends for the times I’ve asked questions about conflicting research sources, and so many of them came forward with the right professional backgrounds or experiences to help me out.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader