A Practical Engagement
Clare Walsh isn’t too keen on marrying, but it’s the only way for her to keep her family home...and custody of her two younger brothers. So when rancher Noah Livingstone offers a union in name only, Clare reluctantly agrees. Accepting Noah’s strictly practical proposal has an unexpected catch, though—she’s actually falling for him.
Though Noah is drawn to vibrant, independent Clare, he knows romantic feelings will only complicate their marriage of convenience. But when secrets from his past threaten Noah’s fragile new family, he must make a difficult choice. Will Noah risk all his dreams to secure a real future with Clare?
“Did you want me to propose properly? On my knee?” Noah glanced around awkwardly.
Clare shook her head. “No! No, thank you. It’s all right. It’s not like we’re...in love.”
She cleared her throat and straightened further. “I’m not some silly woman who needs all that foolish romance and fuss. Our marriage is just an agreement to assist me at a difficult financial time. As much as I am grateful to you for it, Mr. Livingstone, I just need to say that I value my freedom. If college has taught me one thing, it’s that I should be deciding my own life.”
“Of course.” The soft words were slow. It was clear he had no idea what she was talking about.
“So if you think you will be making every decision for me,” Clare continued to explain, “I’m here to tell you that that won’t be happening.” There, she’d said her piece.
She looked up at him. Good grief, was that a sparkle in his eye?
One corner of his mouth twitched ever so slightly. “You’re welcome?”
BARBARA PHINNEY was born in England and raised in Canada. After she retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, Barbara turned her hand to romance writing. The thrill of adventure and her love of happy endings, coupled with a too-active imagination, have merged to help her create this and other wonderful stories. Barbara spends her days writing, building her dream home with her husband and enjoying their fast-growing children.
Thank you for reading this book. I must admit, it wasn’t easy to write. There isn’t any of the suspenseful danger that often fills my stories, but rather, I focused on emotion.
Clare resented being abandoned by her parents, and yet she knew it was wrong to feel that way. It wasn’t until she understood love that she could forgive her parents.
Noah struggled against his father when he’d tried to bend him to his will. He also participated in a lie, but didn’t know how to fix either problem.
Asking God for forgiveness and help is the best way to start to fix any problem. But you need to trust Him. All in His perfect timing.
Love isn’t always easy, but its rewards are worth it when we set aside selfishness. Carry one another’s burdens. Love as God loves you.
Happy reading and God bless!
Read on for an extract from THE OUTLAW’S SECOND CHANCE by Angie Dicken.
Rancher to the Rescue
Barbara Phinney
Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
—Psalms 19:12
Dedicated to my loved ones. My patient husband and children and such local friends as Barbie, Joan, Eva, Karen and Sally. Thank you for all your support. I couldn’t have my writing without you. God bless.
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