Forever a Family

Forever a Family
Bonnie K. Winn

A Hero's RescueEver since the loss of his father, widow Olivia Gray's son has been acting out. When he's assigned community service at Zeke Harrison's ranch, the boy takes to the farm animals–and to Zeke–instantly. As a kid who hid his own troubles behind bad behavior, Zeke seems to understand her child better than anyone. Still, she needs to keep an eye on her son–which means staying close to the handsome veterinarian. But when her time with Zeke begins to break down the walls she's placed around her heart, will she be brave enough to let go of her past hurts and embrace a second chance at love?

A Hero’s Rescue

Ever since the loss of his father, widow Olivia Gray’s son has been acting out. When he’s assigned community service at Zeke Harrison’s ranch, the boy takes to the farm animals—and to Zeke—instantly. As a kid who hid his own troubles behind bad behavior, Zeke seems to understand her child better than anyone. Still, she needs to keep an eye on her son—which means staying close to the handsome veterinarian. But when her time with Zeke begins to break down the walls she’s placed around her heart, will she be brave enough to let go of her past hurts and embrace a second chance at love?

“Dogs? You want me to walk dogs? That’s not work.”

“Here it is. Getting them moving is part of the recuperation process.”

She looked dubious.

“Just like people who’ve had surgery.” Zeke stood, placing the first-aid kit on a lower shelf, then made himself not smile when he turned around. “What were you expecting to do on the first day? Surgery? Deliver a calf? Or something simple like drawing blood?”

Olivia didn’t look amused.

Puzzled, Zeke drew his eyebrows together. “Lighten up. We get enough serious stuff to worry about here. And the dogs and cats in post-op are confused and miss their owners. It’s important enough.”

Olivia’s expression softened. “Of course. I wasn’t thinking.” Again she twisted her blond hair around one finger.

Morning light pooled through the window and he had an immediate desire to reach out and see if Olivia’s hair was as soft as it looked.

BONNIE K. WINN

is a hopeless romantic who has written incessantly since the third grade. So it seems only natural that she turned to romance writing. A seasoned author of historical and contemporary romance, Bonnie has won numerous awards for her bestselling books. Affaire de Coeur chose her as one of the Top Ten Romance Writers in America.

Bonnie loves writing contemporary romance because she can set her stories in the modern cities close to her heart and explore the endlessly fascinating strengths of today’s women.

Living in the foothills of the Rockies gives her plenty of inspiration and a touch of whimsy, as well. She shares her life with her husband, son and a spunky Norwich terrier who lends his characteristics to many pets in her stories. Bonnie’s keeping mum about anyone else’s characteristics she may have borrowed.

Forever a Family

Bonnie K. Winn

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

Be strong and let your heart take courage,

all ye who hope in the Lord.

—Psalms 31:24

Dedicated to my agent, Danielle Egan Miller, and my editor, Melissa Endlich. You are deeply appreciated.

Acknowledgment

To Dana D. Clark, DVM.

Thank you for your extraordinary dedication and compassion. I am very grateful that you have cared for our pets with such devotion and personal attention, adding years to their lives they would otherwise not have had. Your incredible care for Doolittle will always remain in our hearts.

Contents

Chapter One (#u9e6e52d2-a39a-59f6-bc70-aaedb72c3020)

Chapter Two (#u28e5b750-bbdc-58c8-9bd0-d2ec9271eda2)

Chapter Three (#u2617c06b-4ab6-509d-a8b0-58517526798f)

Chapter Four (#u056a4050-1d02-5967-af36-9e289a0ca0d7)

Chapter Five (#u8454ad1c-f725-53dc-a1b7-776bc63bf00a)

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)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Excerpt (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One