Family on the Range. Jessica Nelson
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A Second Chance
A quiet ranch in the Oregon desert gives Mary O’Roarke the solace she craves after a painful childhood. Concealing her growing feelings for her boss, government agent Lou Riley, is a small price to pay. Then an abandoned little girl is placed in Mary’s care, awakening dreams she’s all but forgotten.
In all the years Lou has known her, how could he not have noticed Mary’s courage and warmth? Seeing her care for a child is a bittersweet reminder of the lonely widower’s loss. But if Mary won’t give up on young Josie—not even when real danger approaches—then Lou can’t give up on bringing this unlikely family together for good.
“This never could have lasted,” Lou said gently.
“It just felt so blissful, so perfect.” He felt Mary’s stare. “I’ve been…lonely, I suppose.”
“Since Gracie and Trevor left?”
“No.”
He glanced at her then pulled the wheel to the side to avoid a shrub growing in the middle of the rough desert road.
“For years now, I think,” she continued. “It took meeting Gracie to realize I was nothing but a shadow of a person. And now, seeing Trevor so happy and fulfilled, it’s as though a light has been cast on this deep, hollow well that’s my life.”
Lou frowned. She talked like he and James meant nothing to her. “You might want to explain, because I’ve always liked having you at the ranch. James and I depend on you.”
“You’ve both been blessings. A sanctuary for my soul. But what you’ve liked hasn’t been me. It’s been good food and clean clothes.”
“That’s a bunch of hogwash.”
“Is it?”
He swerved to the side of the road and slammed the brakes. “You better believe it.”
JESSICA NELSON,
in keeping with her romantic inclinations, married two days after she graduated high school. She believes romance happens every day and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. When Jessica is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She could be thinking of any number of things, really. One thing is for certain, she is blessed with a wonderful family and a lovely life.
Family on the Range
Jessica Nelson
MILLS & BOON
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He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
—Psalms 91:15
Dedicated to my sister Josephine, who has Mary’s heart. And to my niece Jayla, who is Josie.
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