The Rancher's Christmas Proposal

Mother for His Children

Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother’s guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience.

Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father’s schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane’s isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa’s affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many...

“Why don’t we get married?” Tessa declared.

They’d be here all afternoon if she waited on Shane to decipher her hints. “We already know each other. Sort of. And you said it yourself before. We each have something the other needs.” Before he could speak, she rushed ahead. “No one could take the place of your first wife, I’m sure.”

Something flashed across his face, an emotion she couldn’t read. “I wouldn’t expect anyone to.”

“It’s what you said,” Tessa went on, relieved they were finally speaking on the same topic. “Things are different out West. Marriages are arranged for practical reasons. We’re simply being practical.”

“I just want to get this straight,” he said, not appearing at all eager. “You’re saying we ought to get married? You and me?”

Her enthusiasm deflated, and she pressed two fingers against her temple. This had seemed much more logical back in the marshal’s office. Sitting here before Shane, trying to think of a good way to convince him that she was the perfect choice for a bride, nothing seemed clear.

Covering her unease, she snapped, “Of course you and me!”

Now that the words were out, her courage fled.

SHERRI SHACKELFORD is an award-winning author of inspirational books featuring ordinary people discovering extraordinary love. A reformed pessimist, Sherri has a passion for storytelling. Her books are fast-paced and heartfelt with a generous dose of humor. She loves to hear from readers at [email protected]. Visit her website at sherrishackelford.com.

The Rancher’s

Christmas Proposal

Sherri

Shackelford

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

—Philippians 1:6

To my editor, Tina James, because she can work miracles with even the most disjointed manuscripts. Even though I’m convinced that each book I turn in will end my career, she always manages to dig out a little magic. And sometimes she has to dig really, really deep.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Train Depot, Wichita, Kansas, 1886

For one brief, idyllic interlude, Tessa Spencer had believed her days of living on the run were behind her.

That time was over.

Perched on her steamer trunk, she considered the list of cities chalked across the destination board, searching for inspiration. Her hasty exit had left her with few options and even less money.

Earlier that morning, a member of the notorious Fulton Gang had been asking some very pointed questions about her at the Harvey House café where she worked serving tables. She’d packed her belongings and set off for the train station before the outlaw’s coffee had cooled. Since her regular shift began with the dinner service, she had until this evening before Dead Eye Dan Fulton discovered she’d flown the coop.

Her stomach pitched. Time was slipping away at an alarming rate.

“Ball,” a small voice said.

She searched for the source of the interruption.

“Ball.”

She glanced down.

A bright-eyed toddler with shiny blond hair smiled up at her. The boy was smartly dressed in a sky blue sailor shirt tied with a red scarf, his feet encased in gleaming black patent leather shoes.

Tessa frowned. “Where are your parents, little fellow?”

“Ball.”

The wooden sphere he proudly displayed was obviously well loved, the painted stripes faded.

“Yes,” Tessa replied. “That’s quite lovely. Except you’ve gone and gotten yourself lost, haven’t you?”

Most likely the boy’s frantic parents had already begun their search. Keeping an eye out for stray members of the Fulton Gang, she studied the passengers milling beneath the awning of the train station, seeking any sign of a disturbance.

The boy tugged on her apricot-colored skirts. “Ga.”

“You’d best be careful,” she admonished gently. “Being lost is a lonely business.”

The toddler extended his chubby hand, offering up his most prized possession.

Tessa waved off his gift. “Oh no, I couldn’t possibly take your toy. Although I thank you kindly for the offer.”