A Family For The Holidays

A Family For The Holidays
Sherri Shackelford

Her Guardian GroomPaid to accompany two orphaned siblings to their grandfather in Nebraska, Lily Winter is dismayed to discover the old man has gone missing. And when the children's inheritance makes them a target, buying protection is Lily's only option. Until a handsome gun-for-hire suggests another solution: marriage.Undercover US Marshal Jake Elder can't reveal his true identity without blowing his mission. Nor can he leave the town's pretty new arrival unguarded. But while uncovering a plot against her charges is difficult and risky, falling for Lily is all too easy. Especially once their marriage in name only gives Jake a glimpse of how wonderful Christmas—and their future as a family—could be.

Her Guardian Groom

Paid to accompany two orphaned siblings to their grandfather in Nebraska, Lily Winter is dismayed to discover the old man has gone missing. And when the children’s inheritance makes them a target, buying protection is Lily’s only option. Until a handsome gun-for-hire suggests another solution: marriage.

Undercover US Marshal Jake Elder can’t reveal his true identity without blowing his mission. Nor can he leave the town’s pretty new arrival unguarded. But while uncovering a plot against her charges is difficult and risky, falling for Lily is all too easy. Especially once their marriage in name only gives Jake a glimpse of how wonderful Christmas—and their future as a family—could be.

“Don’t trust anyone, Miss Winter.”

“Even you?”

“Especially me.”

Jake glanced away from the curiosity in her shrewd gaze. While he admired the wholesome honesty in her striking blue eyes, this was no place for a tenderfoot.

“Why warn me away if I can’t trust you? Isn’t that a bit contradictory?”

“If you stay in this town, you’re in danger. You were hired to keep those children safe. If something were to happen to them, could you live with yourself?”

She blinked rapidly. “No.”

“Then, trust your gut, Lily Winter.”

“Trust my gut, but not you.”

He let out a gusty sigh. She had the kind of pure innocence about her that made a man think about a different way of life. The unexpected thought shook him to the core, and he forced the weakness aside. Strong feelings were a distraction. He was a man who gave 100 percent to the job, and there wasn’t anything left over for anyone else. That sort of man was no good for raising a family.

“I’m not the man for you, Miss Lily. Never forget that.”

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 sherri@sherrishackelford.com (mailto:sherri@sherrishackelford.com). Visit her website at sherrishackelford.com (http://sherrishackelford.com).

A Family for the Holidays

Sherri Shackelford

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.

—John 8:32

To Barb. I miss you.

Contents

Cover (#ufd9257a4-0723-53bb-9f49-e1ca1f0e9eed)

Back Cover Text (#uf9a37406-8516-5358-967d-2eb0bbf91564)

Introduction (#u34c87024-db39-52a5-8e61-e2e934be2d00)

About the Author (#uf0f16a20-fdb0-53cd-aa61-e0e91de06e9f)

Title Page (#u5a004518-5a6a-5633-bf22-b353e623d5d5)

Bible Verse (#uef54723f-5d28-516c-9b32-585b71b64974)

Dedication (#ufc4bffa0-7b08-57bb-9e89-3e0a29f9218e)

Chapter One (#uadead57b-24ee-513a-8a54-0870afed6bba)

Chapter Two (#u4df9c724-642c-57db-a12e-6f1ffe3a1613)

Chapter Three (#u9e6e30be-b132-5619-bee4-c62d9be1f113)

Chapter Four (#u849508d4-d049-5a03-b3dd-a054928293bb)

Chapter Five (#u9dce8cd2-df86-5c42-a280-b3cc457b3fda)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)