in my mind, the people in it came to life.
I’ve cried many tears over Mason and his loss. And Brittany...how many times did I want to hug her and tell her how wonderful she is? So many people walk through life not realizing how much they have to offer the world. They’re so much more than their job title or bank account balance. Mason needed Brittany’s brightness and acceptance, and she needed his steadiness and devotion.
Could you relate to Brittany’s realization that she would never find her identity in the things of this world? Her identity rests in being God’s beloved child. Every now and then, I forget this, too, but thankfully, God gently reminds me I’m His and I don’t need to be more.
Thank you, again, for reading my book!
Blessings to you,
Jill Kemerer
To Constance Phillips, my dear friend,
favorite coffee date and writing buddy.
I’m so thankful you invited me to join you
for writing sessions at the coffee shop back
when we first met. Look how far we’ve come!
And to all of the members of
Maumee Valley Romance Authors, Inc.
We’ve helped each other through ups and
downs, shed a few tears, and educated and
encouraged each other. I’m thankful for you.
Contents
Note to Readers
It was going to be another lonely Christmas.
Mason Fanning tripped over a toy bulldozer, and his foot landed on an action figure. Oof! Hopping on the other foot, he winced until the sharp pain subsided. His three-year-old son, Noah, was having pizza and watching a Disney movie with Grandma and Grandpa Page like he did most Friday nights. Which left Mason alone, picking up toys and contemplating what to do with himself. The snowy December evening on his cattle ranch near Rendezvous, Wyoming, was ideal for sitting in front of a fire and watching a Christmas movie the way he and Mia used to. But without her in his arms, what would be the point?
Mia was gone.
He missed her. Three years had passed, and it still seemed like her funeral happened yesterday. He missed Ma and Pops, the grandparents who’d raised him, too. He hadn’t felt this alone in a long time.
Mason snatched up the remaining toys and threw them into a basket. It was stupid to indulge in a pity party when he’d been blessed with more than most. Sure, the medical bills Mia left behind put a huge dent in his budget each month, but eventually he’d get the ranch churning out profits again. He’d leave a legacy to pass down to Noah, the way his grandparents had left Fanning Ranch to him.
A knock on the door startled him. No one ever stopped by on Friday nights.
Unless...
