Book excerpt: From a New York Times–bestselling author, when a rancher suddenly becomes a father, he must protect the boy and his beautiful caregiver from danger. When a baby is abandoned on his doorstep, cowboy Tony Nakni is blindsided. He never wanted to be a father, but his ex-girlfriend is on the run and tells Tony he’s the only person she trusts to keep little Joey safe. Struggling with the infant, Tony turns to caring Mary Redwing for help. Lovely Mary agrees to help care for the child, but a shared desire simmering between her and Tony soon intensifies the arrangement. As the search for Joey’s mom brings grave danger to their doorstep, Tony’s protective instincts emerge, unearthing the depth of his feelings. But can the rugged rancher save the family he’s falling for . . . before it’s too late?