Myra Johnson - Rancher For The Holidays

Her Could-Be Cowboy

Downsized from his corporate job, Ben Fisher’s donning boots and a cowboy hat to try ranching through the holidays on his uncle’s spread. The handsome city slicker turns heads wherever he goes—but he soon begins to fall for one special redhead. Marley Sanders has the work-obsessed bachelor doing the unthinkable—volunteering in the community and dreaming of wedding bells and babies. But his sweet country girl insists she’s never leaving Alpine, Texas, and he’s set to ride out with the first job offer. Unless Marley can convince him to take the job of her forever cowboy.

“Show me what you’ve got, city slicker.”

Ben glanced back as he hauled himself into the pickup bed. Why did Marley have to look so gorgeous? He shouldn’t even be here, at her mission, much less succumbing to an attraction with no future.

Marley cocked her head. “You gonna stay up there all day?” Her smile faded. “I understand, really, if volunteering isn’t your thing—”

“Not at all,” he said. Then he grabbed one of the boxes.

After they’d unloaded all the supplies and sat sipping cold sodas, Ben couldn’t resist glancing at her.

Don’t mess with Marley.

Her coworker’s subtle warning shouldn’t bother him. He had no intention of letting anything develop between him and Marley. Yeah, there was something special about her.

But he had no intention of staying.

He should make some excuse and get out of here. Cut and run right now.

His mind was made up…so why couldn’t he move?

Award-winning author MYRA JOHNSON writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life and faith. She is a two-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart. Married since 1972, Myra and her husband have two married daughters and seven grandchildren. Although Myra is a native Texan, she and her husband now reside in North Carolina, sharing their home with two pampered rescue dogs.

Rancher for

the Holidays

Myra Johnson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

—Romans 12:9–13

For my amazing agent and cherished friend, Natasha Kern, who never gives up on a good story.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 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 Dear Reader Extract Copyright

I’m sincerely grateful, first of all, to my longtime friend Peggy Gallagher Fisher, who mentioned in a Christmas letter one year that she thought the real town of Candelaria, Texas, could be a great basis for one of my novels. Through a series of emails, Peggy introduced me to her friend Lynn Misch, who with her husband, Pastor Steve Misch, has regularly participated in mission outreach efforts to the people of Candelaria. Lynn graciously supplied me with myriad details about this tiny Texas border town and its people. While my story and characters are purely from my imagination, the ongoing needs in Candelaria are very real.

Special thanks to my editor, Melissa Endlich, and her staff for the opportunity to share this story with Love Inspired readers. Also to the ladies of Seekerville (seekerville.net) for sharing their wisdom and experience through the publication of my first Love Inspired romance story.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Her Could-Be Cowboy Downsized from his corporate job, Ben Fisher’s donning boots and a cowboy hat to try ranching through the holidays on his uncle’s spread. The handsome city slicker turns heads wherever he goes—but he soon begins to fall for one special redhead. Marley Sanders has the work-obsessed bachelor doing the unthinkable—volunteering in the community and dreaming of wedding bells and babies. But his sweet country girl insists she’s never leaving Alpine, Texas, and he’s set to ride out with the first job offer. Unless Marley can convince him to take the job of her forever cowboy.

Introduction “Show me what you’ve got, city slicker.” Ben glanced back as he hauled himself into the pickup bed. Why did Marley have to look so gorgeous? He shouldn’t even be here, at her mission, much less succumbing to an attraction with no future. Marley cocked her head. “You gonna stay up there all day?” Her smile faded. “I understand, really, if volunteering isn’t your thing—” “Not at all,” he said. Then he grabbed one of the boxes. After they’d unloaded all the supplies and sat sipping cold sodas, Ben couldn’t resist glancing at her. Don’t mess with Marley. Her coworker’s subtle warning shouldn’t bother him. He had no intention of letting anything develop between him and Marley. Yeah, there was something special about her. But he had no intention of staying. He should make some excuse and get out of here. Cut and run right now. His mind was made up…so why couldn’t he move?

About the Author Award-winning author MYRA JOHNSON writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life and faith. She is a two-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart. Married since 1972, Myra and her husband have two married daughters and seven grandchildren. Although Myra is a native Texan, she and her husband now reside in North Carolina, sharing their home with two pampered rescue dogs.

Title Page Rancher for the Holidays Myra Johnson www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. —Romans 12:9–13

Dedication For my amazing agent and cherished friend, Natasha Kern, who never gives up on a good story.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 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 Dear Reader Extract Copyright I’m sincerely grateful, first of all, to my longtime friend Peggy Gallagher Fisher, who mentioned in a Christmas letter one year that she thought the real town of Candelaria, Texas, could be a great basis for one of my novels. Through a series of emails, Peggy introduced me to her friend Lynn Misch, who with her husband, Pastor Steve Misch, has regularly participated in mission outreach efforts to the people of Candelaria. Lynn graciously supplied me with myriad details about this tiny Texas border town and its people. While my story and characters are purely from my imagination, the ongoing needs in Candelaria are very real. Special thanks to my editor, Melissa Endlich, and her staff for the opportunity to share this story with Love Inspired readers. Also to the ladies of Seekerville (seekerville.net) for sharing their wisdom and experience through the publication of my first Love Inspired romance story.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven