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Suddenly a Father
Rancher CJ Thorn isn’t ready to graduate from uncle to brand-new daddy—but he has no choice. After his widowed brother runs off, a pair of adorable twins have no one but CJ...and lovely neighbor Molly Langley. She’s helped with the girls for so long that she’s almost part of the family. Almost. CJ knows his family isn’t good enough for her. Not when his brother’s actions have disgraced the Thorn name yet again.
Watching CJ become a devoted father would soften any woman’s heart. Yet Molly must remain immune. CJ deserves more than a woman who can’t have children. Held back by fear, it’ll take a disaster forcing the community together before they’re ready to risk a chance on happiness.
“Miss Molly, look. I’m wearing my favorite pink ribbon. It’s Pa’s favorite, too.”
Sarah’s gaze skittered around, searching. “I wore it just for him.”
The twins had gotten it into their heads that Ned would show up at church today. CJ wasn’t as confident.
Molly pasted on a cheery smile. “Why don’t we wait inside the tent?”
“No,” Anna said. “I want to wait for Pa here.”
“What if Pa doesn’t come back?” Sarah’s eyes grew wide. “What if, like Mama, he never comes back?”
Anna burst into tears.
Molly pulled the children into her arms. “No matter what happens here today, you will always have me.”
“And you’ll always have me.” CJ looked from one precious face to the other, his resolve growing. These girls were his responsibility now.
He risked a glance at Molly. He remembered what she’d said earlier. We’re in this together.
Eyes never leaving his, she took Sarah’s hand. CJ reached for Anna’s.
Together, they guided the girls into the tent.
* * *
LONE STAR COWBOY LEAGUE:
THE FOUNDING YEARS—
Bighearted ranchers in small-town Texas
Stand-In Rancher Daddy—
Renee Ryan, July 2016
A Family for the Rancher—
Louise M. Gouge, August 2016
A Rancher of Convenience—
Regina Scott, September 2016
RENEE RYAN grew up in a Florida beach town where she learned to surf, sort of. With a degree from FSU, she explored career opportunities at a Florida theme park and a modeling agency and even taught high school economics. She currently lives with her husband in Nebraska, and many have mistaken their overweight cat for a small bear. You may contact Renee at reneeryan.com, on Facebook or on Twitter, @reneeryanbooks.
Stand-In Rancher Daddy
Renee Ryan
MILLS & BOON
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Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
—Hebrews 11:1
I dedicate this book to Louise Gouge and Regina Scott, two incredibly talented authors who made writing this book easy. It was a joy and honor to work with you on this series.
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 Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Epilogue
Dear Reader
Little Horn, Texas, June 1895
A full hour before the sun peeked over the horizon, Molly Carson Langley slid out of bed. Ranch work started early in Texas Hill Country. If she wished to make her morning journey before the sun rose, she must hurry.
With fast, measured steps, she padded through the room. The hardwood floor was polished to a smooth patina and felt warm beneath her bare feet. A muffled sigh slipped past her lips. After three years of marriage and successfully managing her own household,