by June Faver
Publication Date: 1/26/2021
The Garrett family have been
ranchers for generations—they love the land, and the joy of family and
children.
Cade Garrett’s orderly life is upended when his sister and her husband are killed in a plane crash. He's ready to step in and take care of their two young children, but he’s thrown for a loop when the children’s aunt is named their guardian and plans to take the children with her to Dallas.
Unexpected sparks fly when he meets Jennifer LaChance. Can Cade and Jenn band together for the good of the children—or that create all kinds of opportunities for friction?
JUNE FAVER loves Texas, from the Gulf coast to the panhandle, from the
Mexican border to the Piney Woods. Her novels embrace the heart and soul of the
state and the larger-than-life Texans who romp across her pages. A former
teacher and healthcare professional, she lives and writes in the Texas Hill Country.
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Read an Excerpt:
Tyler Garrett climbed out of his big double dually truck and
rounded the cab to open the door for his lovely wife. He took the containers
out of her hands and helped her slip down to the ground.
“Is he expecting us?” she asked.
Ty shook his head. “You know Cade doesn’t stand on ceremony. Cade
is all about family.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Poor man,” she said. “I haven’t really accepted the fact that
Sara is gone. I can’t imagine how he feels.”
Ty gestured toward the house. “Sara was a little brat when we were
young, always tagging along…but she was sweet. Turned out to be really
smart in school. When she and Jason LaChance got married, it was what
everyone expected. She fell in love with the flyboy as soon as she set eyes on
him.” He shook his head. “Great couple. I guess I never thought anything could
happen to them. I haven’t really kept up with them lately, but they always
looked so happy together when I saw them in church.”
Leah made a scoffing noise. “You’ve been so wrapped up in your
music, it’s a wonder you keep up with anything.”
He leaned against the doorbell. “I just try to keep up with
you.”
The door opened and Cade Garrett stood inside, appearing to be
exhausted. He had always been a big, good-looking man, but sorrow was etched
deeply on his face. Without speaking, he stepped back and gestured them
inside.
“It’s just me and Leah,” Ty said, ushering her inside.
She took in Cade’s appearance, obviously sympathetic. “Um, we
brought you a little something.”
“Hey, Leah. That’s very kind.” He shook his head. “I’m just
overwhelmed at the moment.”
“We’re all just devastated about Sara and Jason.” Ty reached out
to Cade, wrapping his arms around him and holding him for a long moment. He
felt a tremor ripple through Cade’s body.
Cade drew back, his eyes lowered and lips pressed
together. “Thanks, Ty. Let’s go back to the kitchen.” He led the way but turned
and put his finger to his mouth. “The kids are here.”
Ty and Leah followed Cade as quietly as possible. Ty set the
container on top of the counter and Leah placed a paper bag next to it.
The kitchen occupied one end of a sizable combination family room
and casual dining area. A large television was mounted above the fireplace
mantel, and a big yellow SpongeBob image cavorted across the screen. On Cade’s
sofa, a tiny, diapered girl slept on her stomach, drooling. Fortunately, there
was a small blanket under her.
Leah smiled. “Aw, Lissy’s so pretty.”
Leo had wedged himself under the coffee table, lying on his side
with his knees folded up. He gazed at them with large blue eyes…as sad as
Cade’s own.
“That’s where Leo has holed up,” Cade said. “He’s pretty confused
right now.” He shrugged his wide shoulders. “I guess I am too.”
Ty felt his cousin’s aching grief. “Dad wanted us to tell you,
he’s got your back. Anything you need.” He spread his hands. “He figured you
didn’t need the entire Garrett clan to cluster around you right now, but we’re
all here for you.”
“Thanks, Ty. Did you draw the short straw?” A wry smile lifted one
corner of his mouth.
Ty grinned in return. “No, asshole. I got to come because you and
I were in the same grade all the way through school. We’re more than cousins,
bro.”
“I know, bud. Just giving you a hard time. What did you do with
your kids, Ty?”
Ty removed his Stetson and tossed it on a side table. “Leah’s
grandmother is taking care of the kids. Gracie is helping.” He had to smile
when he thought about how much Gracie loved her brand-new baby brother. “She
loves playing big sister.”
Cade nodded, seemingly wrapped in emotion. “I hope I can be good
enough to raise Sara’s kids without screwing them up. That’s my biggest
fear.”
Ty gave him a slap on the shoulder. “Oh, get over yourself. I’ve
never known you to lack confidence about anything. In school you did okay, and
you were a leader in sports.”
Cade raked his fingers through his thick, dark hair. “I know, but
this is different. More important.”
“You can always lean on your family if you need a break. I know
Leah and I can keep the kids for you.”
Leah nodded, adding her support.
Cade took a wide stance and hooked his thumbs through his belt
loops. “Thanks, man. That means a lot…but I think, right now, I need to keep
them as close as possible. They need to know I’m doing what Sara would want me
to do. I’m going to raise her children as she would want them to be brought
up.”
Ty realized Cade was just speaking through his grief. “You and the
children are going to need all the family you can get. The Garrett clan is a
formidable force around here.” He turned to see his beautiful wife doing what
Leah would always be doing: leading with her heart.
Leah was sitting on the floor, her back against the sofa. Leo had
crawled out from under the coffee table and was plastered against her like a
baby monkey clinging to his mom.
Ty swallowed hard, while Cade stared at her, openmouthed. “It’s okay. She has that effect on kids… Heck! She has that effect on everyone.”
***
Excerpted from Forever My Cowboy by June Faver. © 2021 by June Faver. Used with
permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks
Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.
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