Ranch foreman Jacob Collins has had designs on Vera Mae Beasley since he first realized the differences between boys and girls. Then Vera left to study fashion design in Philadelphia, and Jacob had all but given up hope of sharing a future with her.

Now she’s back in Texas, mourning the loss of her family to yellow fever and closing out the family business. Helping Vera heal offers Jacob a second chance at winning her heart, and he’s not about to let it slip away.

Note to readers: This story was originally published for Kindle in 2014 as part of the Seekers’ Hope for the Holidays historical collection.