Book excerpt: Ryan Miller’s life plan is in tatters. He transitioned home from the Marines expecting to start a job at the local fire station, join the reserves, help his grandfather with his tree farm, build his own house on their extensive property—and find a wife. Now his grandfather is gone, his inheritance is in trouble, someone else has his job—and he’s facing the holidays alone. Kerri Olsen’s dream is about to become a nightmare. Nine months ago, Kerri’s grandmother passed away unexpectedly, leaving her a home and business she loves—and a houseful of “collections” which have gotten entirely out of hand. Now her mother has given her an ultimatum: clean out Grandma Bess’s house and hand over the cash value of her share of the inheritance—by Christmas. Kerri always dreamed of meeting a man and raising a family here. Will she really have to sell her home to pay what she owes her mother? Ryan has known Kerri all his life, but when he meets her again the day before Thanksgiving, he realizes she represents everything he’s always loved about this town—and everything he’s always wanted in a woman. Kerri never dreamed Ryan would look at her the way he’s looking at her now. But they’re both facing a tough decision. Can they find a way to stay together in this place they call home? Or is leaving Chance Creek their only option?