The Doctor's Family Reunion. Mindy Obenhaus

      His Instant Family

      Family means everything to Dr. Trent Lockridge. Growing up without a father, he always yearned for a family of his own. One long-ago summer in Ouray, Colorado, he thought he might build a future with beautiful Blakely Daniels. But when he abruptly fled town, he broke her heart and left behind more than memories. Years later, Trent is shocked—and overjoyed—to learn he’s a father. He’d like to earn back Blakely’s love and trust—but it won’t be easy. And the clock is ticking. He’s got only a few weeks to prove that, this time, he’s here to stay…forever.

      Trent followed Blakely to the kitchen, eager to ease the tension between them.

      He found her frantically wiping the stovetop when he entered. “Anything I can do to help?”

      Halting midwipe, she hesitated before finally turning around. “Um…” Eyes wide, she bit her bottom lip. Something he found sweet.

      She looked away. “Actually, it’s Austin’s job to set the table.”

      Unwilling to let the moment go, he stepped closer, eliminating what little space remained between them.

      “He’s a great kid, Blakely. You’ve done a fantastic job.”

      She glanced up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thanks.”

      At the table, he clasped Austin’s hand, then offered Blakely his other. The softness of her touch sent a wave of awareness through him. And, for a split second, it was as though they were a family.

      Dreams he’d tucked away long ago drifted to the surface. Could he still have the one thing that had eluded him all his life?

      MINDY OBENHAUS

      always dreamed of being a wife and mother. Yet as her youngest of five children started kindergarten, a new dream emerged—to write stories of true love that would glorify God.

      Mindy grew up in Michigan, but got to Texas just as fast as she could. Nowadays, she finds herself trapped in the city, longing for ranch life or the mountains. When she’s not penning her latest romance, she likes cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her grandkids. Learn more about her at www.mindyobenhaus.com.

      The Doctor’s Family Reunion

      Mindy Obenhaus

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

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      And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

      —Romans 8:28

      Acknowledgments

      Becky Yauger, writing partner extraordinaire. Girlfriend, I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for understanding how my brain works

      and for putting up with countless phone calls,

      emails, texts and IMs. We did it!

      Many thanks to Ted and Betty Wolfe, owners of the Ouray Comfort Inn, for your friendship, hospitality and for answering a multitude of questions.

      To Bob and Brandy Ross, owners of

      Switzerland of America, aka the little blue building

      on Seventh Avenue. You were my inspiration.

      Thanks for letting me hang with you guys.

      Your attention to detail shines through in all you do.

      Thank you to all my writer friends who helped me

      along the way—Lisa, Lindi, Lena, Patty, Julie, Lynne, Kellie, Ruthy, Missy, Christy, Marilyn, Lee,

      Betty and Jackie. Your input, no matter how large or small, helped get this story where it is today.

      Thank you to my mother-in-law, Helen Obenhaus,

      for introducing me to Ouray.

      Melissa Endlich, you are the editor of my dreams.

      Thank you for believing in me.

      And to the agent of my dreams, Tamela Hancock Murray, thank you for your support and encouragement.

      For my family. Thank you.

      Richard, you gave me the courage to follow my dream and cheered me on every step of the way. You are my best friend, my rock, and I will love you forever.

      Amy, Rachel, Danielle, Ryan and Michael,

      I love you all more than you will ever know.

      Never give up on your dreams.

      Jesus, my Lord and Savior, without You, I wouldn’t have had a dream to chase. May it be for Your glory.

      Contents

       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