An Uncommon ProtectorOverwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post. The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can. When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt. Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again. But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—he needs her love and care too. |
Contents
Chapter 20 | 174 |
Chapter 21 | 183 |
Chapter 22 | 191 |
Chapter 23 | 205 |
Chapter 24 | 213 |
Chapter 25 | 219 |
Chapter 26 | 225 |
Chapter 27 | 235 |
Chapter 8 | 79 |
Chapter 9 | 88 |
Chapter 10 | 94 |
Chapter 11 | 98 |
Chapter 12 | 105 |
Chapter 13 | 112 |
Chapter 14 | 117 |
Chapter 15 | 127 |
Chapter 16 | 134 |
Chapter 17 | 139 |
Chapter 18 | 153 |
Chapter 19 | 162 |
Chapter 28 | 245 |
Chapter 29 | 252 |
Chapter 30 | 257 |
Chapter 31 | 267 |
Chapter 32 | 275 |
Chapter 33 | 283 |
Chapter 34 | 288 |
Chapter 35 | 293 |
Discussion Questions | 301 |
Acknowledgments | 303 |
About the Author | 305 |