The Deputy's Holiday Family. Mindy Obenhaus

      

      A Family for Christmas

      Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt...if they can open themselves to the possibility of love.

      “I didn’t have a tree last year.”

      He peered down at her. “Which is why we need to go buy one.”

      “I see. How about over there—” she pointed toward the corner “—against the wall, beside the bookcase?”

      “I like that look.”

      His approval had her biting her lip. When did things get so easy between them? Like this was the way they were meant to be.

      She quickly shook off the crazy notion.

      Kenzie handed Matt a book. “Will you read this to me?”

      “Sure.” He took a seat on the couch. “Hop on up here.”

      Lacie watched as Kenzie snuggled against his broad chest. Definitely one of the sweetest things she’d seen in a long time.

      It was obvious that Kenzie was growing attached to Matt, making Lacie feel bad about taking her away.

      A job in Telluride would mean she and Kenzie could stay in Ouray. Though it would also mean spending a lot of time with Matt, fighting to keep her feelings in check.

      And that was a risk Lacie wasn’t sure she was willing to take.

      Dear Reader,

      I have wanted to write a Christmas story set in Ouray for a very long time. Probably because it combines two of my favorite things—Christmas and Ouray.

      There’s something extra special about the Christmas season that makes us want to believe that anything is possible. Then again, it is Jesus’s birthday. And with Him, all things really are possible.

      Nothing is too big for God. Not our mistakes or our sins. Because of Jesus, we have been redeemed. That means God can forgive us, change us and even use what we would consider our biggest regrets for His glory, if we simply trust in Him.

      When I first began this story, I knew Matt was a true hero. That despite an error in judgment and a rocky relationship with his father, he was a man of integrity who didn’t hesitate to help someone in need, whether they were a strange woman being taken advantage of by an inebriated guy or an independent elderly teacher suddenly unable to take care of herself.

      And then we have Lacie, a woman who gave up everything for her niece—her job, her home and her dreams of finding love. But God had other plans.

      These two giving people were perfect for each other. And I hope you enjoyed watching them fall in love as much as I did.

      I’m looking forward to introducing you to the remaining Stephens brothers and spending some more time at Abundant Blessings Ranch. Until then, though, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me via my website, mindyobenhaus.com, or you can snail mail me c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10007.

      See you next time,

      Mindy

      It took MINDY OBENHAUS forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up. But once God called her to write, she never looked back. She’s passionate about touching readers with biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. Mindy lives in Texas with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Find more at mindyobenhaus.com.

      The Deputy’s Holiday Family

      Mindy Obenhaus

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      For all have sinned and fall short

      of the glory of God, and all are justified

      freely by His grace through the redemption

      that came by Christ Jesus.

      —Romans 3:23–24

      To my loving husband, Richard.

      You are my hero.

       Acknowledgments

      Many thanks to former Ouray County deputy

      Betty Wolfe, and theater arts teacher

      Alyssa Preston for all of your valuable input.

      I couldn’t have done this without you.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       Dear Reader

       About the Author

       Title Page

       Bible Verse

       Dedication

       Acknowledgments

       Chapter One