Her Hill Country Cowboy. Myra Johnson

      

      Cowboy Dad

      Single father Seth Austin will do anything for his children. So when he discovers the new housekeeper his grandmother hired for their guest ranch is a former social worker, he plans to keep his family far away from Christina Hunter. Seth once almost lost custody of his beloved kids because of an overzealous social worker. Problem is his children adore Christina and her sweet service dog—and he’s starting to fall for her, too. Recuperating from an accident, Christina is determined to slowly ease back into her old life. But the more time she spends with them, the more she realizes that her future might be with the cowboy and his family.

      “I—I’m sorry,” Christina gasped, her heart thudding.

      All she wanted was to get down off this horse and bury her face in her dog’s neck.

      “Hang on, it’s all right.” In one swift movement Seth swung himself to the ground and held up his hands to Christina. “Let’s take a break. I’ll help you down.”

      Too relieved to think beyond the moment, she transferred her grip from the saddle horn to Seth’s broad shoulders. With his strong arms supporting her, she slid from the saddle and collapsed against him.

      “Easy, easy.” Seth soothed her with gentle pats as if she were a jittery colt. “Man, you’re really shaking. Never meant to scare you like that.”

      As her breathing slowed, she became all too aware of Seth’s firm chest beneath her cheek, along with the steady, reassuring beat of his heart. If she thought her legs would hold her, she ought to put some distance between them. He was her employer, after all. Besides, how many times would he come to her rescue like this before he convinced his grandmother she was unfit for the job?

      Dear Reader,

      Though my husband and I left Texas several years ago to be closer to our grandchildren, as a native Texan with Hill Country family connections, I truly enjoyed this fictional return to my roots. Naturally, the story required a handsome cowboy, and what better setting than a friendly small town and a guest ranch with horses?

      Of course, every good story must have conflict, and Christina and her service dog provided exactly what it would take for Seth to change his overprotective mindset and release the fears that held him back from falling in love again. But Christina also had some growing to do. Before she could open her heart to love, she first had to come to full acceptance of both her strengths and her limitations.

      Maybe you’re facing a situation in which you feel afraid, inadequate or even defeated. If so, remember the Lord’s words to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV). We are not alone in our struggles. Even when everything seems to conspire against us, we can carry on in faith, knowing that God has already won the ultimate victory.

      Thank you for joining me for Seth and Christina’s story. I love to hear from readers, so please contact me through my website, www.MyraJohnson.com, or write to me c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007.

      With blessings and gratitude,

      Myra

      Award-winning author MYRA JOHNSON writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life and faith. She is a two-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart® Award. Married since 1972, Myra and her husband have two married daughters and seven grandchildren. Although Myra is a native Texan, she and her husband now reside in North Carolina, sharing their home with two pampered rescue dogs.

      Her Hill Country Cowboy

      Myra Johnson

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      Have I not commanded you?

      Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;

      do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God

      will be with you wherever you go.

      —Joshua 1:9

      With gratitude for those very special service animals who assist and hearten their humans in so many ways, and with deepest admiration for the dedicated trainers who prepare these animals to serve with loyalty and unconditional love.

      Many thanks also to my dear friend and fellow author Janet Dean, whose ideas and insights helped tremendously during the early development of this story. As always, I’m grateful for my family’s love and encouragement, as well as the friendship and support of all my “sisters” in Seekerville (seekerville.blogspot.com).

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       Dear Reader

       About the Author

       Title Page

       Bible Verse

       Dedication

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five