The Rancher's Secret Son

The Rancher's Secret Son
Betsy St. Amant

A Mother's Last HopeWhen her troubled teenage son is sent to Camp Hope, Emma Shaver is thrilled and relieved. The therapy horse ranch in Broken Bend, Louisiana, is well-known for giving at-risk teens a new lease on life. There’s just one problem—it’s owned by her old high school sweetheart, Max Ringgold, who doesn't know he's her son's father. Emma didn’t plan on facing her past to ensure her son’s future. But when old feelings for Max resurface, Emma must decide if she will reveal the truth to him and restore her family for good.

A Mother’s Last Hope

When her troubled teenage son is sent to Camp Hope, Emma Shaver is thrilled and relieved. The therapy horse ranch in Broken Bend, Louisiana, is well-known for giving at-risk teens a new lease on life. There’s just one problem—it’s owned by her old high school sweetheart, Max Ringgold, who doesn’t know he’s her son’s father. Emma didn’t plan on facing her past to ensure her son’s future. But when old feelings for Max resurface, Emma must decide if she will reveal the truth to him and restore her family for good.

“I know you have your own life in Dallas.”

Max rested his forehead on hers, then backed away completely, as if realizing he just couldn’t get that close.

Dallas. Yes.

The fog cleared, and snatches of life—real life—pressed back to the surface. But she didn’t want real life. She wanted to stay in this pocket of stillness. Where there was only the twinkle of the stars and the love in a certain cowboy’s eyes and the whisper that life—her life—could still be different. Could be restored.

“But maybe…” Max’s voice trailed, and he tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear. “Maybe.”

Maybe. So much potential in that word. So much hope. When was the last time she’d hoped? She wanted to hope. Wanted to feel again. To believe. To trust. Was it possible?

“Maybe.” She breathed out the word. Maybe would have to be enough for now.

Maybe would hold back real life a little while longer.

BETSY ST. AMANT

loves polka-dot shoes, chocolate and sharing the good news of God’s grace through her novels. She has a bachelor’s degree in Christian communications from Louisiana Baptist University and is actively pursuing a career in inspirational writing. Betsy resides in northern Louisiana with her husband and daughter and enjoys reading, kickboxing and spending quality time with her family.

The Rancher’s Secret Son

Betsy St. Amant

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

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

—Romans 8:28

To my Best Friend, Jesus Christ,

whose sustaining presence was with me during

the writing of this novel in a way like never before.

I can do nothing apart from you! I love you.

Contents

Chapter One (#uf5312eb0-4d85-57b4-8662-1e5d1a858dfe)

Chapter Two (#uda3c9163-efff-55b9-985f-7236f19730d1)

Chapter Three (#ufdd04f04-cceb-5fa9-b819-673a949ffa13)

Chapter Four (#u5417f843-ab03-5173-8cee-a9d87f8629bd)

Chapter Five (#u5571b626-322c-5e8b-a2e7-b2c0006c8a38)

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)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Questions for Discussion (#litres_trial_promo)

Excerpt (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

Despite its name, Camp Hope didn’t manage to lift Emma Shaver’s spirits. If anything, she just felt heavier.