His Unexpected Return--A Fresh-Start Family Romance

by Jessica Keller

  Wide tables at the far end of the barn groaned under the weight of sweets and other things to eat. Wade had helped Cassidy in the kitchen with prepping food for the wedding all week. Many of the older guests visited near the seating area while the younger crowd had taken over the dance floor.

  With the setup for the wedding, the ceremony and now celebrating at the reception, it had been a long day. At just over two weeks after his surgery, Wade still tired fairly easily. Today had been a lot but when his gaze landed on Rhett pulling Macy onto the floor for another dance, despite weariness settling through him, Wade couldn’t help but smile.

  Piper skipped to his side wearing a one-shouldered white dress with a huge puffy skirt—a mini version of Macy’s wedding dress. As flower girls, both Piper and Boone’s daughter, Hailey, had gotten to wear them. However, Piper still had her double braids and had worn cowgirl boots with the ensemble, whereas Hailey had her blond hair piled on her head and had worn white shiny shoes. Piper had been loving having her cousin around for the weekend and had hardly left Hailey’s side, so it warmed Wade’s heart when she appeared next to him.

  “Know what’s so pretty, Daddy?” Piper grasped his hand.

  He lifted her hand so she spun around once. “You.”

  Piper rolled her eyes. “The twinkle lights.” She looked up at the patchwork of lights he and Boone had strung from the beams. “I think we should keep them up for always.”

  “Not sure the animals will appreciate them as much as you do.”

  “Oh, Romeo will. I know it.”

  Wade crouched beside her. “Know what I think is prettiest?”

  His daughter’s eyes went wide. “The cake.”

  “Your mommy.” Wade pointed across the room to where Cassidy was busy checking on the food. Cassidy’s hair was loose, tumbling down her back. She wore a blue lace dress—she had called it a lace overlay sheath dress—but Wade didn’t care what it was called. All he knew was that she was the most gorgeous woman he had ever laid eyes on and he never wanted to look away.

  Piper pressed her hands to either side of his face. “You should ask her to dance.”

  Boone cleared his throat beside them. “I’m inclined to agree with Piper.”

  Wade rose to his feet. He gripped his brother’s shoulder. “Have I told you I’m glad you’re home?”

  Boone sheepishly rubbed his hand over his close-cropped hair. “A time or two.”

  “I hope you guys settle close when your schooling’s done.”

  “Us too.” Boone crossed his arms, making his biceps strain against his dress shirt. Wade chuckled because his older brother was such an odd mix, being a book nerd with a weightlifter’s build.

  “But about Cassidy.” Boone jerked his chin in her direction. “I’m with Piper. Stop letting time pass you by already.”

  “I don’t intend to.” Wade fought the sudden urge to pat the ring tucked in the pocket near his heart. He clasped his brother’s hand and gave him a nod. “Don’t head off in the morning without saying goodbye.” Then he scooped Piper into his arms and cut his way across the dance floor toward Cassidy.

  When Cassidy turned and caught sight of them she immediately started cutting through the crowd until she was right in front of them. She touched Wade’s arm. “You’re not supposed to be lifting anything heavy.”

  Piper pursed her lips. “I’m not very big.”

  Wade grinned at both of them. “Doctor said I could lift after two weeks. It was two weeks yesterday.”

  “Still.” Cassidy’s brow creased in concern.

  “I just want one dance with my ladies.” Wade took her hand in his free one and led her toward the other dancing couples. “I’ll take it easy after that, I promise.”

  Cassidy drew closer and looped her arm under Piper so they were supporting her weight together. Piper tossed an arm around each of their necks. Most people wouldn’t have considered what they were doing dancing—more just a family hugging on the dance floor—but Wade didn’t care, as long as they were all together.

  “Know what? I wish it was always like this.” Piper sighed. “The three of us. How come Daddy has to go to the big house every night?”

  Cassidy bit her lip. Her gaze crashed with Wade’s. “I wish he never had to leave us either,” she whispered.

  “In that case...” A breath rattled out of Wade. If there was ever an opening, that was it. He set Piper down so he could take both of Cassidy’s hands in his. “Cassidy Robin Danvers, you are the only woman I’ve ever loved and the only woman I ever want to love. You saw the best in me when I was at my worst. You are the kindest, bravest, strongest, most talented woman I have ever met and I—”

  Cassidy put her hand over his mouth. “Yes.” A tear slipped down her face, then another. “Yes, Wade.”

  He gingerly tugged her hand away. “I didn’t get to ask yet.”

  She laughed, grabbed the lapels of his suit coat and tugged him in for a kiss. His arms went around her and they deepened the kiss. When they broke apart, Wade realized everyone in the room was cheering. They had stopped dancing and formed a circle around his family. With shaky fingers, he fished the ring from his pocket and slipped it onto Cassidy’s waiting hand.

  The crowd cheered even louder.

  “Marry me?”

  She took his head in her hands. “I already said yes.” She touched her forehead to his. “What about the adventures you always dreamed about? Won’t you miss all that tucked away at the ranch with us? You won’t get bored?”

  “You and Piper are the greatest adventure of my life.” He kissed her gently. “You two are my everything. I love you so much, Cass.”

  Piper’s little arms circled their legs. “I’m so happy!” she shouted up at them.

  They broke apart laughing as they lifted her between them again in a group hug. And in that moment, Wade knew he had everything he would ever need in his arms.

  * * *

  If you enjoyed Wade’s story,

  be sure to read the first book in

  Jessica Keller’s Red Dog Ranch series,

  The Rancher’s Legacy, available now.

  And watch for more Red Dog Ranch books

  coming in 2020,

  wherever Love Inspired books

  and ebooks are sold!

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Their Christmas Prayer by Myra Johnson.

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  Dear Reader,

  Since the first time I envisioned this series, Wade has held a special place in my heart. He had tried to do what he thought was right and it ended up costing him and everyone around him so much. He makes me want to walk around hugging everyone in my life. Maybe I should!

  Wade also said my favorite line in the book: Trying to outrun the hard times ends up costing us more than submission ever will.

  I know I’ve been guilty of trying to outrun the hard times. The last year or two of my personal life has felt like one blow after another and sometimes you just want to say “Enough already.” But during the hard times is when God shapes us. We need the hard times in order to grow. And like Wade learned, it’s also when we need our friends the most.

  I hope you enjoyed reading Wade and Cassidy’s story as much as I loved writing it. If you liked this visit to Red Dog Ranch, make sure to pick up the other books in the series—there’s one for each of the siblings.

  Thanks for reading!

  Jess

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

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  Their Christmas Prayer

  by Myra Johnson

  Chapter One

  After nearly fifteen years of overseas missionary service, Shaun O’Grady had picked up many handy skills. Ranching wasn’t one of them. But since moving in a few weeks ago with Kent Ritter, the Texas cowboy soon to become his new brother-in-law, he was learning.

  He’d just left the farm supply store with a bundle of push-in plastic fence posts and a roll of poly wire. On this chilly October morning, a steaming mug of coffee from Diana’s Donuts sure seemed like a good idea. Being Saturday, the place was packed, and Shaun had to wait several minutes in line before he made it to the counter.

  “Morning, Diana. One large black coffee, please.” He tugged out his wallet. “Got any scones left?”

  The ponytailed brunette peeked into the display case. “How does cranberry-walnut sound?”

  “I’ll take it.” Shaun smiled his thanks as Diana handed him his order. Detouring to the condiment bar, he added a dollop of cream and grabbed some napkins as he scanned the shop for an empty table.

  In the far corner, a couple of rancher types were getting up to leave. Shaun hurried to claim the table, but before he could set down his coffee and scone, a distracted-looking woman in business attire beat him to it.

  “Oh!” Long honey-brown curls flipped across her shoulder as she looked up with a start. “Were you about to sit here?”

  “No problem. I can...” Shaun took another look around. No more empty seats anywhere. Guess he could grab a to-go cup and take his coffee out to the pickup.

  “You were in line ahead of me. You should take the table.” The woman gathered up her coffee and Danish, only to be jostled by the customer in the chair behind her. She gasped as hot coffee splashed over the rim of her mug.

  “Careful, there.” Shaun set down his own mug and plate, then relieved the woman of hers. He thrust his fistful of napkins toward her. “Did you burn your hand?”

  “I think it’s okay. Startled me more than anything.” She dabbed at a coffee spill on her slim plaid skirt. “So much for looking presentable for my meeting.”

  “Hardly shows,” Shaun said with an encouraging smile. They’ll all be looking at your pretty face anyway.

  Whoa, did he actually just think that? True, she was incredibly attractive, not to mention the whole dressed-for-success vibe. Most of Diana’s customers looked more like Shaun—faded jeans, dusty boots, weekend whiskers. Well, the guys, anyway.

  He scraped a palm across his stubbly chin. “Hey, our coffee’s getting cold and the crowd doesn’t look like it’ll be thinning out anytime soon. Would you be okay with sharing the table?”

  Relief and gratitude replaced the disgruntled twist to her lips. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.” She wadded up the napkins and offered her hand. “I’m Brooke Willoughby, your new chamber of commerce communications manager.”

  “Wow, that’s a mouthful. Congratulations. I’m Shaun O’Grady, average guy in need of caffeine.” No need to explain further. Besides, he didn’t expect he’d ever have a reason to visit the Juniper Bluff Chamber of Commerce. After a quick handshake, they sat across from each other. “So, you’re off to a business meeting?”

  “I’m being officially introduced to the chamber’s board of directors. And I’m a teensy bit edgy, as you can probably tell from my klutziness.” She took a sip from her mug, then uttered a nervous laugh. “You might want to grab a few extra napkins in case I accidentally tip my coffee into your lap.”

  “I’ll take my chances.” Offering a grin, Shaun bit into his scone. “I’m wearing half the barnyard on these old jeans anyway, so who’d notice?”

  Brooke’s warm brown eyes sparkled with a knowing glint. “You must be a rancher, like just about everybody else in Juniper Bluff.”

  “Uh, that would be a no. I’m just staying with my sister’s fiancé on his ranch until I figure out...” He tapped his heel. This wasn’t a subject he particularly wanted to get into with a complete stranger. “I mean, I’m only in town temporarily.”

  “Oh, so you’re not from Juniper Bluff. Neither am I. Until very recently, anyway. My mom died last year—”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “Thank you.” The slightest tremor crept into Brooke’s tone. “Anyway, my dad and I just moved here from Los Angeles. I had a great job at an advertising firm, but Dad really wanted to have the family close together again, so...” She gave a half-hearted shrug.

  “I understand. Family’s important.” Family could also be meddlesome, as in insisting Juniper Bluff was the perfect place for Shaun to recover and regroup after burning out on the mission field. “You have relatives in town?”

  “My brother. When he heard about the chamber of commerce position, he said it sounded perfect for me and insisted I apply. Next thing I knew, Dad and I were packed and hitting the road.” Lifting a bite of pastry on her fork, she glanced toward the door. “Tripp was supposed to meet me here this morning, but he texted saying he got tied up at the clinic.”

  “He’s a doctor?”

  “A veterinarian.”

  Shaun nodded as pieces started falling together. “Tripp Willoughby—right. We met when he assisted Dr. Ingram with one of Kent’s cows.”

  “Kent’s your brother-in-law?”

  “To-be. The wedding’s Thanksgiving weekend.” Shaun figured he could stick around at least that long. And maybe by then he’d have his head on straighter. He’d been praying desperately for direction about where his life was headed, but it seemed like God had gone silent.

  “Last time I came to Juniper Bluff was for my brother’s wedding,” Brooke was saying. She looked up as Diana stopped at their table with a coffee carafe. “And here’s my amazing sister-in-law now.”

  Arching a brow, Diana topped off their mugs. “Don’t tell me I’m the subject of more town gossip?”

  Shaun did a double take. “So you two are related?”

  “We were best friends in college and I introduced her to my big brother. Long story.” Brooke gave a meaningful eye roll. “But finally, all these years later, they’re back together and happily married.”

  Guess Shaun still had a few local connections to work out. Except for running the occasional errand for Kent or grabbing a quick cup of coffee at Diana’s Donuts, he spent most of his time at the ranch. Keeping a low profile meant less explaining to do, and more time to think and pray.

  He took another gulp of coffee before pushing his chair back. “I should get going. Got a pickup-load of supplies Kent’s waiting on. Nice meeting you, Brooke. And thanks for letting me share your table.”

  “Actually, I think it was the other way around, but thank you, too.” Her perky smile practically lit up the room, and Shaun almost felt sorry he wouldn’t have a chance to get to know her better.

  Which was crazy because clearly they traveled in different circles. More accurately, Shaun was currently caught in a going-nowhere loop, whereas Brooke Willoughby zipped along on the straight and n
arrow road to success.

  * * *

  Frowning, Brooke watched Shaun amble out of the doughnut shop. In her advertising work she’d had a lot of practice reading people, but he defied her powers of perception.

  After offering refills to the customers at the next table, Diana plopped down in the chair Shaun had vacated. “He’s a puzzle, isn’t he?”

  Brooke jerked her head around. “Who—the guy who was just here?”

  “Don’t pretend you aren’t curious. We all are.” Gripping the edge of the table, Diana leaned forward. “So, what did y’all talk about? Did he reveal any interesting details about himself?”

  “I think I did most of the talking—as usual.” Brooke lifted her coffee mug only to decide she’d had enough caffeine already. She set it down with a thunk. “All he basically said was that he hadn’t been in town very long—”

  “And he’s staying with his almost-brother-in-law until after the wedding. Yada yada.” Diana crossed her arms and leaned back. “I was hoping for something a little juicier.”

  “Digging for new gossip? Girl, you’ve been in the coffee-and-doughnuts business way too long.” Mimicking her sister-in-law’s pose, Brooke smirked and shook her head. “Anyway, I just met the guy. I should be asking you the questions. Who’s his sister? Anyone I’ve met?”

  “Erin Dearborn. She’s Wanda Flynn’s partner at the WE Design shop across the square.”

  “Oh, of course. Erin’s living in your old house, right?” Brooke tapped both temples in a duh gesture. “I may never get used to how in a small town everybody knows everybody.”

  Diana’s expression turned sympathetic. “After living in LA, this has to be a huge change. Think you’ll adjust?”

  “I’m sure I will...in time.” She certainly hoped so, since she hadn’t had much choice in the matter. “Anyway, Dad loves it here, and that’s what counts.”