A Cowboy Family Christmas

A Cowboy Family Christmas
Judy Duarte

Holiday Ranch Reunion Leanne Walsh is stunned when Reuben Walsh returns to his family's ranch for the holidays. No matter how hard she tried to convince herself that marrying the more stable Walsh brother was the right decision, it was unpredictable Reuben who held her heart – until he broke it. Leanne's frosty reception cuts deeper than Reuben expected, yet he can't leave the widowed single mom shorthanded with Christmas drawing near. He built his dreams around Leanne once before, and now is trying to resist her and her sweet young son. But in a season full of surprises, the promise of family is a gift too tempting to ignore.

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good girl. Well, mostly.

These days, I’m usually the one dishing out advice. But the readers of “Dear Debbie” don’t know that I’ve never been the love of anyone’s life. As soon as I landed at the Rocking Chair Ranch, though, my luck started to change...thanks to one special guest. Promoter Drew Madison wants to shine a spotlight on the ranch’s retired cowboys. But I’m the one who feels aglow every time he glances my way. And the electricity between us? It sure could light up every town in Texas! Still, after he discovers my secret, I’m afraid that I’ll be thrust back into darkness. Now I only want one thing for Christmas: for Drew to give me—no, us—a second chance...

—Lainie

“Here, try a bite.”

He opened his mouth and relished the creamy, sweet taste bursting on his tongue.

“What do you think?” she asked.

“It’s good.” He withdrew a clean spoon from the drawer, dipped it into the small mixing bowl and offered it to her. “Your turn.”

“Okay.” Her mouth opened and closed around the spoon, tasting it herself. Then she ran the tip of her tongue over her lips.

His knees went weak, and an almost overwhelming urge rose up inside, pressing him to take her in his arms and kiss her. But he couldn’t do that. He shouldn’t anyway, and tamped down the compulsion as best he could.

Still, he continued to study her.

“Hmm, this is really good.” Her voice came out soft. Sweet. Smooth.

He couldn’t help himself; he reached out and brushed the flour from the tip of her nose.

Desire flared, his heart pumped hard and steady and his hand stilled. The temptation to kiss her senseless rose up again, stronger than ever. But he wouldn’t do that.

He shouldn’t.

Oh, why the hell not?

* * *

Rocking Chair Rodeo: Cowboys—and true love—never go out of style!

A Cowboy Family Christmas

Judy Duarte

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

Since 2002, USA TODAY bestselling author JUDY DUARTE has written over forty books for Mills & Boon Cherish, earned two RITA® Award nominations, won two Maggie Awards and received a National Readers’ Choice Award. When she’s not cooped up in her writing cave, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending quality time with her grandchildren. You can learn more about Judy and her books at her website, www.judyduarte.com (http://www.judyduarte.com), or at Facebook.com/judyduartenovelist (http://www.Facebook.com/judyduartenovelist).

To my aunties:

Dorothy Johnston Eggleston and Loraine Shaw. Thank you for your incredible love and support over the years. I love you both!

Contents

Cover (#u08ffd229-cc80-553f-80a5-68dc185e2235)

Back Cover Text (#u730c4916-4a91-5ddf-aef7-42c0d7e50400)

Introduction (#ud8eae578-3fe4-5290-b399-b45f5064cb26)

Title Page (#u0cf6530c-350e-54fa-aa5d-1f7f0e27ec5f)

About the Author (#u31e20a2d-3e7f-5c32-9e86-4fb5a28a69d6)

Dedication (#u04c3769a-40d6-53ab-8429-9bbce2454d86)

Chapter One (#uf07fc116-640d-541c-9194-742d78829902)

Chapter Two (#uf514b449-a22c-502f-b285-24bf8df85f11)

Chapter Three (#u913cf9b0-3eba-5b0b-b060-2cd4e37cb5ec)

Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

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)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One (#u6a8e3cb5-0db0-5d76-af69-b41c9e8fa904)

Dear Debbie,

I’m desperate and need your help.