A Texas Christmas Wish
Karly Kalakona's new nursing job is the perfect Christmas gift she and her son needed for their future. The single mom just never counted on dealing with not only a stubborn patient, but also with his prodigal son.After years away, pilot Tyler Childress is only a temporary traveler to the Texas ranch he's spent his life escaping. But the chemistry he shares with his father's nurse is undeniable—and has him thinking of sticking around past the holiday season. Can Tyler learn to trust the woman whose caring ways are bringing his father back to life…and who might just be the partner his wandering heart can find a home with?
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A Healing Season
Karly Kalakona’s new nursing job is the perfect Christmas gift she and her son needed for their future. The single mom just never counted on dealing with not only a stubborn patient, but also with his prodigal son. After years away, pilot Tyler Childress is only a temporary traveler to the Texas ranch he’s spent his life escaping. But the chemistry he shares with his father’s nurse is undeniable—and has him thinking of sticking around past the holiday season. Can Tyler learn to trust the woman whose caring ways are bringing his father back to life…and who might just be the partner his wandering heart can find a home with?
“This is your family and home, not mine and Bryce’s.”
“Stop it. This is your home, and I’m pretty sure my dad would adopt you and Bryce if you’d let him.” Tyler held up the Bible. “I think this is the greatest gift my dad has ever given me, and he used you to get it to me.”
“That tells me he is suffering, too, and doesn’t know how to talk about it. You both are so stubborn.”
“I’m thinking you might be right.”
He wanted to lean in and kiss her. She had made it clear she had no room for a man in her life, especially one with his lifestyle. He held her there in the starlight, time moving like a dream. What if he changed his plans?
He moved back, breaking all contact. The moment was gone.
“Good night, Karly. Thank you, and tell Dad I’m all right. Tell him I’m better than I was a month ago.”
And I have you to thank for that.
A seventh-generation Texan, JOLENE NAVARRO fills her life with family, faith and life’s beautiful messiness. She knows that as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Vow-keepers and heartbreakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who shows her holding hands never gets old. When not writing, Jolene teaches art to inner-city teens and hangs out with her own four almost-grown kids. Find Jolene on Facebook or her blog, jolenenavarrowriter.com.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
—John 14:27
This book is dedicated to all the students who have sat in Studio 115 and Studio 201. I learn more from you than you will ever learn from me. Especially the teen parents who are working so hard to build a future for their young families. The cards might be stacked against you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your own happy ending.
I’m living a dream. There are so many people who make this dream come true. First, the best agent, Pamela Hopkins, who muddled through my dyslexic musings and found a story. Thank you for your support.
To an editor who always knows exactly how to make a story better. Thank you, Emily Rodmell, for giving me the opportunity to write for Love Inspired.
To my nephew, Jackson Ward, for staying up late and going through airplane crashes with me. May you never have to use your knowledge. You’re making your Poppy proud.
And to my brainstorming partners…
you feed my soul.
Contents
Karly turned the wipers to the highest setting, but they didn’t help much. She knew the ranchers in Clear Water, Texas, were celebrating after the long drought, but she just wanted to get to her new home without drowning.
New home. If everything worked out the way she planned, her young son, Bryce, would be celebrating Christmas in a real home for the first time ever. Last Christmas they had been living in her car. At church, deacon Dub Childress had always made her feel welcome. Now he was recovering from a stroke and broken arm—and it was her turn to help him.
On the huge plus side, if she could pull this off, no shelter or cheap hotel for them this year. But would she be able to care for Dub and his house? She didn’t even finish high school. Doing some research on stroke patients online might not be enough.
Deep breath in...out. She made herself relax. This past year had brought so many changes, and with the help of her new church family, she was free of bad relationships. Hopefully no one expected her to cook. She could clean. She was very good at cleaning.
The rain pounded the roof, making it hard to hear anything else. In the backseat, Bryce finally calmed down. Her five-year-old son hated storms—or any loud noise. She leaned forward, her knuckles white around the steering wheel. God had gotten them through worse storms.
Glancing in the rearview mirror at her son, she continued the game. “Let me see. Is it your baby picture on my visor?”
Kicking his feet against the passenger seat, Bryce grinned at her. His smile shone through the dark, dreary day. “Yes! Now it’s your turn.”
