Her Hill Country Cowboy

by Myra Johnson

  “Are you sure you have time?”

  “Plenty.” He plopped onto the grass and drew her down beside him. They sat facing the lake, knees drawn up and elbows hooked around their knees.

  Neither spoke for several minutes, and Christina savored the silence, interspersed with birdcalls and the splash of water lapping the shore. And, of course, Gracie’s snuffling snores as she dozed next to Christina. The poor dog had to be exhausted after the past few days.

  Then, barely above a whisper, Seth asked, “Are you still planning to leave after the weekend?”

  The question caught her so off guard that she laughed out loud. “Of all the things weighing on my mind since Tuesday, would you believe leaving wasn’t one of them?”

  He looked at her askance. “What—not once?”

  Slowly, she shook her head. “I’m not sure when it happened, but sometime between Tuesday and today I realized I don’t want to leave. Not anymore.” A knot formed in her chest. “There’s nothing for me in Little Rock now—except for my mom and dad, anyway. I was foolish to think I could ever go back to the way things were.”

  “No, not foolish.” Seth shifted closer, pulling her against his side. “Just hopeful. And no one can blame you for that.”

  “Yes, I was hopeful.” Cynicism crept into her tone. “But utterly unrealistic. Now I don’t know what to do with myself. Am I supposed to simply give up and let other people take care of me for the rest of my life?”

  Seth’s chest rose and fell as he gazed across the serene surface of the lake. “What if there were three people who desperately needed you to help take care of them?”

  “I do love you, Seth. And I love Joseph and Eva and your grandparents, too.” Wrapped in the circle of his embrace, she trembled. “But can’t you see? I’m a mess. You have no idea what you’d be signing up for.”

  “The only mess I see is the one you’ll leave behind if you walk out on what we have.” When she gave her head a violent shake, he took her by the shoulders and made her look at him. “Baby, I get it. You’ve just been forced to say goodbye to your lifelong dream—or at least what you thought was your dream. But there are other ways to fill that big ol’ hole in your heart. And I don’t mean just by marrying a grumpy cowboy with two kids and a guest ranch.”

  “Marry—?” Her mouth fell open.

  He rambled on as if she weren’t staring at him like a gaping fish. “Did you already forget what I told you about O’Grady’s proposal? Think of all the opportunities you’ll have for working with disadvantaged kids—kids who could really benefit from your knowledge and experience.”

  As the possibilities swam through her brain, excitement grew. Could this be God’s answer to her prayer, a chance that she could yet make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children?

  Then her thoughts converged once again on a single word: marry. “Seth, did you really just say—”

  Something big and furry bumped against her back, and she tumbled into Seth’s arms. Barking wildly, tail wagging, Gracie pranced in circles around them, and Christina could only laugh at her silly dog’s antics.

  Seth’s laughter mingled with hers for a sparkling moment before he froze and gazed into her eyes. His grin widened. “Yes, Christina Hunter, you heard me right. I’m asking you to marry me, and I won’t take no for an answer.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes. “Would you accept a ‘yes, but’?”

  He hiked a brow. “Depends on what comes after the but.”

  “But only if you come to Little Rock with me—just for a visit. I want my parents to meet you, and I want you to come with me to see my doctor.” Smiling into his eyes, she caressed his cheek. “I want to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.”

  “Yes to all your conditions,” he said, “but I guarantee you they won’t make one bit of difference. I’m in this for the long haul, and with God—and Gracie—keeping both of us on track, we can’t go wrong.”

  As if to prove him right, Gracie pawed his arm and whined until he shoved her away and swept Christina into a kiss that rocked her to her toes. Lingering in his embrace, she recalled the words Marie had spoken to her weeks ago: “God brought you to us for a reason, and I’m thanking Him for it every single day.”

  I’m thanking You, too, Lord, Christina whispered in her heart. What You’ve taken away, You’ve restored tenfold.

  Epilogue

  One Year Later

  As Christina and Seth herded the weekend campers toward the Camp Serenity van to head back to San Antonio, nine-year-old Kylie stepped to the side. Backpack tugging at her shoulders, she stretched her arms upward for a hug. “This was the best time of my life. I love you so much, Miss Christina!”

  A knot formed in Christina’s throat. Casting a misty glance at Seth, she returned the girl’s hug. “I love you, too, Kylie, and I’m so glad you could come.” Gripping Kylie’s shoulders, she looked her squarely in the eye. “And no matter how tough things get at home, keep your chin up—”

  “And my eyes on God,” Kylie finished with a grin, “because He’ll always be with me.”

  “Exactly.” Christina helped the little girl step up into the van. Waving to all the children who’d come to mean so much to her in three short days, she called, “Take care, kids! Hope to see you again soon!”

  Greg O’Grady, the driver and one of the weekend chaperones, gave her a grateful nod as she closed the door.

  As the van pulled away, she collapsed against Seth and heaved a sigh. “I adore those kids, every single one of them.”

  Seth brushed her forehead with a light kiss. “You sure made an impression on Kylie. She’s a different kid from the scared and angry little girl who arrived here on Friday.”

  “A lot of that was Gracie’s doing. She’s still the best dog ever, but she does get a little worn down from all the attention.”

  “Yep, saw her head to the house with Joseph and Eva earlier. I think we’re all ready for a quiet afternoon.” Arching a brow, Seth aimed her toward the house. “And you, my dear, need to get off your feet for a while. You were going nonstop all weekend.”

  “And you weren’t? I think we both deserve a spa day.” She tucked an arm around her husband’s waist, which had much more definition these days than her own.

  Inside, Marie and Bethany, a Camp Serenity worker, had just finished loading the dishwasher. “That’ll do it,” Marie told the girl, one of four college students who’d been hired by Greg’s organization to help during these camper retreats. “Why don’t you give Tyler and Kate a hand cleaning cabins, and then y’all can take off when you’re done.”

  Seth poured two glasses of his grandmother’s raspberry iced tea and handed one to Christina. “Where are the kids?”

  “Watching a DVD with Opi and Gracie.” Tossing a dish towel onto the counter, Marie blew a damp wisp of hair off her forehead. “And I’m about to join them. Y’all interested?”

  Christina shared a knowing look with Seth. Keeping ten campers and five chaperones fed and entertained all weekend, they’d hardly had a moment to themselves, and Christina was sorely in need of some alone time with her sweetheart. “Maybe in a bit. I need to stretch out for a while.”

  “Good idea, hon.” With an understanding smile, Marie ambled down the hall toward the family room.

  In the sitting area of their upstairs suite, Seth plumped the sofa pillows, then helped Christina kick off her sneakers and get comfortable. She was only five months pregnant, but carrying twins, she already felt as big as a house.

  Seth sat at the other end of the sofa and pulled her bare feet into his lap for a foot massage. “This’ll have to do until you get that spa day.”

  “It’ll do just fine.” She sighed with contentment and closed her eyes.

  Oh, what a year it had been. About this time last year, Seth
and the kids had traveled with her to Little Rock. The weeklong visit gave her parents a chance to get to know Seth, and the affection was mutual from the start.

  Christina had also scheduled a meeting with her doctor. Bless his heart, Seth hadn’t so much as flinched as the doctor explained in detail the physical and emotional trauma Christina had suffered in the accident and what long-term effects they should expect.

  Neither of them cared for the idea of a long engagement, so they set the wedding date for Thanksgiving weekend and held it right here at Serenity Hills. It was a small outdoor wedding by the lake, with family and a few close friends in attendance. And Gracie, of course. Christina’s sweet, loyal service dog, adorned in a pouf of white tulle and tiny silk bluebonnets, walked her down the aisle along with her father.

  She could still picture her handsome groom in his Western-style tux and polished black cowboy boots. Joseph and Eva stood on either side of him, all of them grinning like they’d just won the biggest prize in the history of the world.

  Christina felt exactly the same way about them.

  Then, with Gracie sitting between her and Seth, and his two precious children flanking them, they’d recited their vows. They were a family now, and Christina was happier than she’d ever dreamed possible.

  When Seth tickled the bottom of her foot, she jerked her eyes open. “What’s that big smile about, Mrs. Austin?”

  “What it always is.” Sitting up, she snuggled beneath his arm. “Remembering our wedding day and counting my blessings.”

  “Four more months and we’ll get to meet our newest blessings.” With a hand cupped around his mouth, Seth leaned close to Christina’s belly. “Hey in there, your mommy and daddy love you.”

  A shiver of delight rippled through Christina. After the accident, she had wondered if she’d ever experience the joy of true love, much less the chance to be a mother. But though one disastrous day had changed her life forever, God had always been in control. He’d brought her to Serenity Hills and opened up a whole new future for her, one she could never have planned on her own.

  The door creaked open, and two blond heads appeared—three, if Christina counted Gracie, who loved hanging out with the kids these days but was never far away when Christina needed her.

  “Hey, Mom and Dad,” Joseph greeted with an impish grin. “The movie’s over, and Opi said to ask if y’all wanted to go into town for ice cream.”

  “Oh, he did, did he?” Seth chuckled. “Naturally, y’all had nothing to do with planting the idea in his head.”

  Shoving past her brother, Eva plowed between Christina and Seth. “Please, Daddy, can we?”

  “It’s up to your mom.” He wiggled a brow at Christina.

  Warmth engulfed her at the sound of those sweet words. “Ice cream sounds wonderful—let’s go!”

  * * * * *

  If you loved this tale of sweet romance,

  pick up this other story

  from author Myra Johnson

  RANCHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

  Available now from Love Inspired!

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com

  Keep reading for an excerpt from THE BACHELOR’S UNEXPECTED FAMILY by Lisa Carter.

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  Dear Reader,

  Though my husband and I left Texas several years ago to be closer to our grandchildren, as a native Texan with Hill Country family connections, I truly enjoyed this fictional return to my roots. Naturally, the story required a handsome cowboy, and what better setting than a friendly small town and a guest ranch with horses?

  Of course, every good story must have conflict, and Christina and her service dog provided exactly what it would take for Seth to change his overprotective mindset and release the fears that held him back from falling in love again. But Christina also had some growing to do. Before she could open her heart to love, she first had to come to full acceptance of both her strengths and her limitations.

  Maybe you’re facing a situation in which you feel afraid, inadequate or even defeated. If so, remember the Lord’s words to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV). We are not alone in our struggles. Even when everything seems to conspire against us, we can carry on in faith, knowing that God has already won the ultimate victory.

  Thank you for joining me for Seth and Christina’s story. I love to hear from readers, so please contact me through my website, www.MyraJohnson.com, or write to me c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007.

  With blessings and gratitude,

  Myra

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

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  The Bachelor’s Unexpected Family

  by Lisa Carter

  Chapter One

  There it was again. Kristina Montgomery frowned at the faint whining noise above the treetops. Same as yesterday.

  Leaning over the sink at the kitchen window, her gaze shifted to the sky. A small plane hovered above the tree line rimming her property. The yellow wings floated like a bright golden bird in the morning sunlight.

  A robin called a cheery greeting from the winter-stark branches of a nearby oak. The droning of bees filled the air above the overgrown bushes, heirloom roses, which would burst into fragrant bloom come spring.

  Provided spring ever came. Since her husband died two years ago, she’d felt trapped in her own stark winter of grief.

  She’d bought the 1930s Arts and Crafts bungalow because of those rosebushes. And for the neglected garden.

  Why? Maybe because of the inherent promise of new beginnings the garden held for her and her son. She and Gray had desperately needed a new beginning.

  She scowled at the mechanical bird, a painful reminder of everything she’d lost. If she’d known the property adjoined a private airfield, she would’ve never purchased the run-down place.

  In the twenty-six months since Pax’s death, she’d ridden a roller coaster of extreme emotion. She was caught somehow between overwhelming grief and a paralyzing fear of how she was going to raise their son alone.

  At the edge of the woods separating her peaceful sanctuary from the airstrip, she spotted her son’s bike. She blew out a breath. How many times had she told him not to go over there? The airplane dipped one wing before disappearing beyond the forested horizon.

  Gray had promised—she’d made him promise—to stay away from the airfield. But she should’ve re
cognized the stubborn glint in his brown eyes. The same glint her husband used to get every time he got into a cockpit.

  Until above a windswept Afghan mountain, a rocket-propelled grenade had slammed into his plane. Hurling Pax and his fighter jet into a thousand pieces of jagged, burning metal—

  She sucked in a breath and closed her eyes against the images that played in her dreams every night. Her hand tightened around the dangling chain of her husband’s dog tags. She had to stop doing this. She had to move on, for Gray’s sake. Mired in the past, she was no good to her son.

  Her head throbbed. She rubbed her temples. Like father, like son? Her eyes flew open.

  She refused to allow history to repeat itself. Not with her son. Not with the only person she had left.

  Tucking the dog tags inside the collar of her pink shirt, she thrust open the screen door. The hinges screeched. She dashed down the concrete steps. The door slammed behind her. In dress flats for her morning meeting, she stalked across the grass toward the trees.

  Sidestepping the bike, she followed a faded trail toward their very unwelcome neighbor. The overhanging tree canopy blocked most of the sunlight. She shivered and wrapped the open ends of her brown cardigan around herself.

  February on the Eastern Shore of Virginia was much too cold to go outside without a coat. Knowing Gray, he was most likely in shirtsleeves.

  She picked her way across the pine-needled footpath and emerged into a paved clearing to find the plane, wheels down, at the end of the runway. Engine roaring and propellers whirring, the pilot taxied the golden-yellow plane toward the terminal.

  A metallic, tin-roofed hangar and a small brick building anchored the beginning of the runway. Beside the hangar, a sign—Wallace & Collier Crop Aviation Specialists.

  Great. Just great. Somehow of all the houses for sale on the Delmarva Peninsula, she’d managed to buy the one next door to a barnstorming, daredevil crop duster.

  Her teenage son waved at the plane as it rolled forward. But when he caught sight of her, his hand quickly dropped to his side.