Her Guardian Rancher

Her Guardian Rancher
Brenda Minton

A Soldier’s PromiseThree years ago Daron McKay made a vow to his dying army buddy: watch over his wife, protect his child. But he never imagined he’d fall in love with mom and baby. Now, as Emma Shaw barely hangs onto her ranch and her daughter faces life-saving surgery, the cowboy bodyguard is determined to see his promise through. But Emma doesn't want a hero. Especially one riddled with guilt. She'll make it on her own, just like she always has. With Emma, Daron faces his most difficult assignment: showing the battle-scarred widow that letting go makes you stronger—and that loving is worth the risk…

A Soldier’s Promise

Three years ago Daron McKay made a vow to his dying army buddy: watch over his wife, protect his child. But he never imagined he’d fall in love with mom and baby. Now as Emma Shaw barely hangs on to her ranch and her daughter faces lifesaving surgery, the cowboy bodyguard is determined to see his promise through. But Emma doesn’t want a hero. Especially one riddled with guilt. She’ll make it on her own, just like she always has. With Emma, Daron faces his most difficult assignment: showing the battle-scarred widow that letting go makes you stronger—and that loving is worth the risk…

“Go home, Daron.”

She stood there in the rain, looking at him with dark eyes. “When it stops raining, I’ll fix the roof.”

“I’m not going anywhere. You have a sick little girl in there. Let me do this.”

She put her fists on her hips. “If you’re going up, so am I.”

As she went for the ladder, he watched her, then averted his eyes, because looking too long just didn’t seem right.

He’d gotten through the last few years by thinking of her as his friend’s wife. But she wasn’t anymore. He remembered Andy, how they’d talked about him being a dad. But he never did get to be a father…

“Stop, Daron,” she said as if reading his mind. “Stop thinking about it or you’ll never move past that day, the guilt. Let’s make a deal. We’ll be friends, the kind that help each other out because that’s what friends do. Not because they feel guilty.”

Friends. Yeah, they could be friends.

Who was he kidding? He wanted a lot more from Emma than friendship.

Dear Reader (#ulink_6474ba32-97ac-5bc0-afce-0bc6097bea63),

I’m so thrilled that you’ve joined me for another visit to Martin’s Crossing! Her Guardian Rancher brings familiar faces and new characters. Daron McKay has been a favorite character of mine and it seems fitting that the Martin’s Crossing series should end with his story. Emma Shaw is an amazing heroine, and in her, Daron will find a lasting love. Together with her daughter, Jamie, the three create an amazing family and a story I hope you will love!

Blessings!

Brenda

BRENDA MINTON lives in the Ozarks with her husband, children, cats, dogs and strays. She is a pastor’s wife, Sunday-school teacher, coffee addict and sleep deprived. Not in that order. Her dream to be an author for Harlequin started somewhere in the pages of a romance novel about a young American woman stranded in a Spanish castle. Her dreams came true, and twenty-plus books later, she is an author hoping to inspire young girls to dream.

Her Guardian Rancher

Brenda Minton

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

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

—Hebrews 11:1

To the police officers and also to the men and women of the armed forces—because their constant sacrifice keeps our communities and our nation safe. May we show them respect and continue to uplift them in our prayers.

Contents

Cover (#u2d878234-d441-55db-bf4d-323f39bc40e3)

Back Cover Text (#u2d0e171c-d751-5fba-8fa8-b224f50c4f1c)

Introduction (#u7e970a12-8f41-5897-b674-324d819f1477)

Dear Reader (#ulink_efa4c5a9-ff92-5355-8ef2-1f75ecfbbac0)

About the Author (#u7320aaa1-caf0-53dd-845b-de95aed64e63)

Title Page (#u9b192b92-9293-5658-af8c-558d2e11140e)

Bible Verse (#ubbae9d89-08c6-5d8e-b5ff-acc5c7b3ad2f)

Dedication (#u74943995-13bc-5707-b8ff-2417c03c0119)

Chapter One (#ulink_2d5f82c6-c477-57fc-8138-badf5eaf72d1)

Chapter Two (#ulink_09335499-3695-52d0-9d7d-989da16379ff)

Chapter Three (#ulink_955ccef3-bf13-589e-bb4c-d161a7d81bd6)

Chapter Four (#ulink_bd79c4c6-044a-55b0-b2c0-d81c45f55eed)

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)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)