The Rancher's Christmas Proposal. Sherri Shackelford
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Mother for His Children
Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother’s guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience.
Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father’s schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane’s isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa’s affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many...
“Why don’t we get married?” Tessa declared.
They’d be here all afternoon if she waited on Shane to decipher her hints. “We already know each other. Sort of. And you said it yourself before. We each have something the other needs.” Before he could speak, she rushed ahead. “No one could take the place of your first wife, I’m sure.”
Something flashed across his face, an emotion she couldn’t read. “I wouldn’t expect anyone to.”
“It’s what you said,” Tessa went on, relieved they were finally speaking on the same topic. “Things are different out West. Marriages are arranged for practical reasons. We’re simply being practical.”
“I just want to get this straight,” he said, not appearing at all eager. “You’re saying we ought to get married? You and me?”
Her enthusiasm deflated, and she pressed two fingers against her temple. This had seemed much more logical back in the marshal’s office. Sitting here before Shane, trying to think of a good way to convince him that she was the perfect choice for a bride, nothing seemed clear.
Covering her unease, she snapped, “Of course you and me!”
Now that the words were out, her courage fled.
SHERRI SHACKELFORD is an award-winning author of inspirational books featuring ordinary people discovering extraordinary love. A reformed pessimist, Sherri has a passion for storytelling. Her books are fast-paced and heartfelt with a generous dose of humor. She loves to hear from readers at [email protected]. Visit her website at sherrishackelford.com.
The Rancher’s
Christmas Proposal
Sherri
Shackelford
MILLS & BOON
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Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
—Philippians 1:6
To my editor, Tina James, because she can work miracles with even the most disjointed manuscripts. Even though I’m convinced that each book I turn in will end my career, she always manages to dig out a little magic. And sometimes she has to dig really, really deep.
Contents
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Epilogue
Dear Reader
Train Depot, Wichita, Kansas, 1886
For one brief, idyllic interlude, Tessa Spencer had believed her days of living on the run were behind her.
That time was over.
Perched on her steamer trunk, she considered the list of cities chalked across the destination board, searching for inspiration. Her hasty exit had left her with few options and even less money.
Earlier that morning, a member of the notorious Fulton Gang had been asking some very pointed questions about her at the Harvey House café