The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride. Jill Kemerer

      

      Coming Home for Christmas

      Wedding planner Lexi Harrington needs a manager for her inherited Wyoming ranch. Clint Romine is the perfect man for the job, but the ruggedly handsome cowboy soon presents a new dilemma—distraction. Lexi can’t fall for a small-town rancher when she’s planning to return to her big-city career after the holidays. Home has always been elusive for former foster kid Clint. Working alongside Lexi at Rock Step Ranch feels too cozy—and too risky. Opening up to her means revealing a secret about his past that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. This Christmas, can Clint learn to trust Lexi with the truth...and with his heart?

      “I saved the best for last.” Lexi held out a straw cowboy hat. “It’s the tree topper.”

      Clint laughed. “I might not know much about decorating, but isn’t it supposed to be a star?”

      “Not on a cowboy Christmas tree. The hat is the finishing touch.”

      Clint smiled and sidled up next to her, gently taking the ornament from her hand and placing it at the top of the tree.

      They stepped back to survey their work. With the colored lights, cowboy ornaments and red bandanas tied here and there, it represented him and all he stood for. Something shifted inside him. Softened his heart.

      It was his first Christmas tree, and it suited him perfectly. And it was all because of Lexi.

      She turned to him, holding up her hand. “Nice work.”

      He high-fived her, wanting to express how much this day meant to him, but not knowing how.

      “Come on. Pumpkin pie is waiting for us.”

      Pumpkin pie, Christmas decorating, laughter and music? He’d better not get used to this; it would be gone all too soon.

      Dear Reader,

      I hope you enjoyed the first book in the Wyoming Cowboys series. I had so much fun researching ranches and Wyoming that I wish I could visit the fictional town of Sweet Dreams. Clint and Lexi are dear to me. Clint had been neglected and abused throughout his life, and it was no wonder he held himself to impossible standards. Raised in a home rich in love, Lexi found herself vulnerable and questioning her future at the prospect of being all alone in life. I loved watching these two bring out the best in each other even as they fought their insecurities and learned to trust God with their future.

      Clint’s best friends and foster brothers, Nash, Marshall and Wade, will be thrust on their own romantic journeys in the rest of the series. But love and trust doesn’t come easily for any of them. This Christmas, I pray that your past hurts are healed and that you spend time capturing the glorious reason for the season. You can be certain you have a Father who loves you, a Savior who lived, died and rose for you, and a Spirit who guides you. This love can’t be earned. It’s freely given. To you. To me. Merry Christmas!

      Blessings to you,

      Jill Kemerer

      JILL KEMERER writes novels with love, humor and faith. Besides spoiling her mini dachshund and keeping up with her busy kids, Jill reads stacks of books, lives for her morning coffee and gushes over fluffy animals. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, or contact her at PO Box 2802, Whitehouse, OH 43571.

      The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride

      Jill Kemerer

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

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      Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

      —Philippians 2:3–4

      For Rachel Kent. This book wouldn’t be here without you. I’m thankful for you every day.

      For Pen to Paper, the first writing group I ever joined. Jan and Patricia, your gentleness and knowledge were instrumental to my growth. Thank you.

      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

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter