Sweet Joymaker

Maria Wylder is used to taking care of herself, the ranch, her five grown boys—and even coordinating what will surely be an awkward family Christmas that will include her ex-husband and his new wife.

What she’s not used to is catching the eye of the local mechanic Clint Walker whose gaze lights up every time he sees her.

Or the way he listens to her every word and brings her little gifts to brighten her day.

When they both end up visiting the beach town of Indigo Bay to help with a Christmas fundraiser, will it become a chance for them to step outside their tired old roles and discover something new—together? And what will Maria do when Clint slowly begins to win her heart despite her best intentions not to fall in love again?

Then it would be done, and Clint would have no reason to extend his vacation here. There’d be no unexpected moments to look forward to, and Indigo Bay suddenly seemed a lot less exciting without the prospect of him being around.

“I’m free for dinner tomorrow. Want to go out somewhere with me before my flight? An early supper?”

“Like on a date?” Maria asked.

“If you’d like it to be.”

She considered that idea for a second, before retorting quickly, “Would you?”

“I believe you know my intentions, Maria.” His hand settled over hers.

Oh, there it was. He wasn’t going to allow this to remain light and fun. He wanted something big and real.

“I’ve been admiring you for many years,” Clint said, his fingers tracing hers.

“We hardly know each other.” She took her hand away to busy herself with packing up the last of the lunch.

“I know plenty about you.” When she gave him a look of disbelief, he continued, “I know you’re patient and kind. You care about your community and friends. You’re the glue that holds your family together, and you always put family first.”

She nodded in agreement. That was what a dutiful ranching wife did. Farm and family first. His words could have described nearly every hardworking ranching woman in Texas.

She waved her hand. “Everyone knows that.”

“Something more personal then?”

She dared him to cross the line, breathlessly waiting to hear what he would offer.

He hesitated, and she feared he couldn’t think of something special and uniquely her. Had he stopped to think and realized that her entire existence could be filled by anyone?

With one arm along the back of the bench, Clint hitched himself closer. He pushed a piece of hair off her face, securing it behind her ear, then kept his hand there, cupping her cheek. His voice was low, his body blocking them off from the world. Now it was just the two of them, nobody else.

“I know that when you’re feeling like your whole world is being rocked by a tsunami, you grow quiet. That’s when you show your greatest strengths. That’s when you step in and make things better for everyone else.”

Oh, how she hoped he’d kiss her. Right here. Right now. Forget tomorrow or even five minutes from now. She wanted that kiss. She wanted to be recognized and held and cherished by this man who was bringing tears to her eyes.