Big Sky Cowboy. Linda Ford

      

      JUST THE COWBOY SHE NEEDED?

      The last thing Cora Bell wants is a distracting cowboy showing up on her family’s farm seeking temporary shelter. Especially one she is sure has something to hide. But she’ll accept Wyatt Williams’s help rebuilding her family’s barn—and try not to fall once again for a man whose plans don’t include staying around.

      Since leaving his troubled past behind, Wyatt avoids personal entanglements. He just wants to make a new start with his younger brother. But there’s something about Cora that he’s instinctively drawn to. Dare this solitary cowboy risk revealing his secrets for a chance at redemption and a bright new future with Cora by his side?

      MONTANA MARRIAGES: Three sisters discover a legacy of love beneath the Western sky

      “Thank you for catching me.”

      “You gave me quite a scare.” Would she notice the tremble in his voice that he couldn’t hide?

      “Me, too.”

      To keep from touching her, Wyatt pressed his hands to the new boards. If only he had the freedom to pull her close and comfort her. But he didn’t, and never would, because he would never be free from the sting of his past.

      Cora sucked in air. “I owe you for saving my life.”

      He tried to snort but it sounded more like a groan. “Let’s hope you wouldn’t have died.”

      She faced him, but he kept his gaze riveted to the spot where she almost fell. “Wyatt, if you need or want anything, feel free to ask. If I can, I’ll give it to you.”

      Slowly his gaze sought hers and he fell into the darkness of her eyes and the sweetness of her invitation. He had needs and wants. Acceptance despite his past, someone who trusted him, believed in him, loved him. His throat tightened. His heart ached with longing. If only she could give him what he needed.

      LINDA FORD

      lives on a ranch in Alberta, Canada. Growing up on the prairie and learning to notice the small details it hides gave her an appreciation for watching God at work in His creation. Her upbringing also included being taught to trust God in everything and through everything—a theme that resonates in her stories. Threads of another part of her life are found in her stories—her concern for children and their future. She and her husband raised fourteen children—four homemade, ten adopted. She currently shares her home and life with her husband, a grown son, a live-in paraplegic client and a continual (and welcome) stream of kids, kids-in-law, grandkids and assorted friends and relatives.

      Big Sky Cowboy

      Linda Ford

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

      —Jeremiah 29:11

      To adoptive parents who, like the Bells, welcome into their family children not born to them. May love and joy shine forever on your family.

      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

       Chapter Twenty

       Epilogue

       Dear Reader

       Questions for Discussion

       Extract

       Copyright

       Chapter One

      A farm near Bar Crossing, Montana

      Summer, 1889

      Squee.

      What was that awful noise?

      Wyatt Williams eased back on his reins and glanced over his shoulder to his brother, Lonnie. The sixteen-year-old shrank back as if he wished to disappear into the saddle.

      Squee. Squee.

      The sound came again, rending