A Family Found. Laura Abbot
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A Mother for His Sons
Single father and rancher Tate Lockwood already has his hands full—and now he’s been asked to escort a woman through the Western frontier! But beautiful Sophie Montgomery is as strong-willed as she is brave. And although she’s not the conventional tutor he wants for his sons, she just might be the perfect fit.
Sophie, still recovering from heartbreak, is ready to start life afresh. And that includes a startling new ambition—climbing Longs Peak in the Colorado Rockies—as well as teaching Tate’s boys. When she starts to fall for this motherless family, Tate, who’s suffered losses of his own, is reluctant to return her feelings. And yet, maybe they can help each other navigate the terrain of newfound love…
“Words have a life of their own, don’t they?” Sophie said.
“Sometimes they just slip out when they should stay put. And you aren’t the first to accuse me of being garrulous.” She smiled ruefully, and he could breathe again.
“Nor will I be the last, I suspect,” he said with a forced chuckle.
Then she laughed gaily and relief flooded through him. “Do you know what I think? I have had quite enough of this Miss Montgomery and Mr. Lockwood business. You are my only friend in all of Estes Valley, and I would like you to call me Sophie.” She paused. “And might I call you Tate?”
His first thought was that this informality moved them into an intimacy he wasn’t sure he was willing to undertake, but his second thought trumped the first. “I would welcome that,” he said.
“All right then, Tate. Take me home.”
He knew she meant her cabin, of course. Yet, for an instant, her words shook every nerve in his body. “Home…yes.”
After twenty-five years as a high school English teacher and independent-school administrator, LAURA ABBOT turned to writing the kinds of stories she’d always loved to read. She sold her first book to Mills & Boon Superromance, followed by fourteen more. Her other professional credentials include serving as an educational consultant and speaker, and as a licensed lay preacher. But her greatest pride is her children and eleven grandchildren. Laura enjoys corresponding with readers; please write her at [email protected].
A Family Found
Laura Abbot
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.
—Psalms 121:1–2
In grateful appreciation for the wisdom, encouragement and friendship with which my fellow authors have blessed me through the years, especially my “cyber-friends” and the Ozarks, Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Tucson RWA chapters. You have made a difference in my life.
Contents
Denver, Colorado Early May, 1879
“You’re absolutely sure you want to do this, Sophie?” Effie Hurlburt, never one to mince words, watched her houseguest pack. “The Estes Park area is barely settled. It’s not too late to change your mind.”
Sophie Montgomery finished folding a flannel petticoat and then turned to Effie, her eyes dancing. “Run from a challenge? You’ve come to know me over the past weeks. Do I seem faint of heart?”
Laughing, Effie threw up her hands. “Stubborn. Strong. Independent. That’s you. I should’ve known better than to question your determination.” The older woman took Sophie’s hand in hers. “Regardless of what you encounter, please know you’re always welcome here.”
“That’s a comfort. You and the major have given me a much-needed sanctuary, but it’s time I made my own destiny.”
“Very well, my dear. Mr. Lockwood will be here at five for dinner. You two will need an early start for your trip into the mountains tomorrow.” She turned in the doorway and once more looked appraisingly at Sophie. “You will be in my prayers.”
After Effie left, Sophie sat on the edge of the