Their Christmas Prayer. Myra Johnson

       Chapter One

      After nearly fifteen years of overseas missionary service, Shaun O’Grady had picked up many handy skills. Ranching wasn’t one of them. But since moving in a few weeks ago with Kent Ritter, the Texas cowboy soon to become his new brother-in-law, he was learning.

      He’d just left the farm supply store with a bundle of push-in plastic fence posts and a roll of poly wire. On this chilly October morning, a steaming mug of coffee from Diana’s Donuts sure seemed like a good idea. Being Saturday, the place was packed, and Shaun had to wait several minutes in line before he made it to the counter.

      “Morning, Diana. One large black coffee, please.” He tugged out his wallet. “Got any scones left?”

      The ponytailed brunette peeked into the display case. “How does cranberry-walnut sound?”

      “I’ll take it.” Shaun smiled his thanks as Diana handed him his order. Detouring to the condiment bar, he added a dollop of cream and grabbed some napkins as he scanned the shop for an empty table.

      In the far corner, a couple of rancher types were getting up to leave. Shaun hurried to claim the table, but before he could set down his coffee and scone, a distracted-looking woman in business attire beat him to it.

      “Oh!” Long honey-brown curls flipped across her shoulder as she looked up with a start. “Were you about to sit here?”

      “No problem. I can...” Shaun took another look around. No more empty seats anywhere. Guess he could grab a to-go cup and take his coffee out to the pickup.

      “You were in line ahead of me. You should take the table.” The woman gathered up her coffee and Danish, only to be jostled by the customer in the chair behind her. She gasped as hot coffee splashed over the rim of her mug.

      “Careful, there.” Shaun set down his own mug and plate, then relieved the woman of hers. He thrust his fistful of napkins toward her. “Did you burn your hand?”

      “I think it’s okay. Startled me more than anything.” She dabbed at a coffee spill on her slim plaid skirt. “So much for looking presentable for my meeting.”

      “Hardly shows,” Shaun said with an encouraging smile. They’ll all be looking at your pretty face anyway.

      Whoa, did he actually just think that? True, she was incredibly attractive, not to mention the whole dressed-for-success vibe. Most of Diana’s customers looked more like Shaun—faded jeans, dusty boots, weekend whiskers. Well, the guys, anyway.

      He scraped a palm across his stubbly chin. “Hey, our coffee’s getting cold and the crowd doesn’t look like it’ll be thinning out anytime soon. Would you be okay with sharing the table?”

      Relief and gratitude replaced the disgruntled twist to her lips. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.” She wadded up the napkins and offered her hand. “I’m Brooke Willoughby, your new chamber of commerce communications manager.”

      “Wow, that’s a mouthful. Congratulations. I’m Shaun O’Grady, average guy in need of caffeine.” No need to explain further. Besides, he didn’t expect he’d ever have a reason to visit the Juniper Bluff Chamber of Commerce. After a quick handshake, they sat across from each other. “So, you’re off to a business meeting?”

      “I’m being officially introduced to the chamber’s board of directors. And I’m a teensy bit edgy, as you can probably tell from my klutziness.” She took a sip from her mug, then uttered a nervous laugh. “You might want to grab a few extra napkins in case I accidentally tip my coffee into your lap.”

      “I’ll take my chances.” Offering a grin, Shaun bit into his scone. “I’m wearing half the barnyard on these old jeans anyway, so who’d notice?”

      Brooke’s warm brown eyes sparkled with a knowing glint. “You must be a rancher, like just about everybody else in Juniper Bluff.”

      “Uh, that would be a no. I’m just staying with my sister’s fiancé on his ranch until I figure out...” He tapped his heel. This wasn’t a subject he particularly wanted to get into with a complete stranger. “I mean, I’m only in town temporarily.”

      “Oh, so you’re not from Juniper Bluff.