A Home for His Family. Jan Drexler

      

      The Rancher’s Ready-Made Family

      Nate Colby came to the Dakota Territory to start over, not to look for a wife. He’ll raise his orphaned nieces and nephew on his own, even if pretty schoolteacher Sarah MacFarland’s help is a blessing. But Nate resists getting too close—Sarah deserves better than a man who only brings trouble to those around him.

      Sarah can’t deny she cares for the children, but she can’t let herself fall for Nate. Her childhood as an orphan taught her that opening her heart to love only ends in hurt. Yet helping this ready-made family set up their ranch only makes her long to be a part of it—whatever the risk.

      Nate’s own silence came from the closeness of Sarah.

      She had chosen to sit next to him on the wagon seat so James and Margaret could sit together. The children lay down in the bed of the wagon. At every bump and turn Sarah’s skirt brushed against his knee, keeping him constantly aware of her presence.

      She must have been as tired as all of them, though. She didn’t say a word until they reached the cabin on Williams Street.

      “Thank you for the wonderful day, Nate.” Her voice was soft, and she smiled as she spoke.

      “We sure appreciated your company.” He tore his gaze away from those deep blue eyes. They had spent too much time together, walking across his land and making plans.

      Plans that she wouldn’t have any part in, if he had his way. Life with him—well, he wouldn’t ask anyone to share the kind of life he had lived so far. But he couldn’t keep from watching her walk into the cabin.

      JAN DREXLER enjoys living in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband of more than thirty years and their four adult children. Intrigued by history and stories from an early age, she loves delving into the world of “what if?” with her characters. If she isn’t at her computer giving life to imaginary people, she’s probably hiking in the Hills or the Badlands, enjoying the spectacular scenery.

       A Home for His Family

      Jan Drexler

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

      —Matthew 6:19–21

      To my mother, Veva, 1929–2014.

      Thank you for teaching me to love stories.

      I miss you more than words can say.

      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

       Epilogue

       Dear Reader

       Extract

       Copyright

       Chapter One

      Deadwood, Dakota Territory May 1877

      “Sorry for the delay, folks. There’s a bull train on the trail ahead of us, and they’re hogging the road. It won’t