The Saddler's Legacy — Linda K. Hubalek

Medically discharged soldier Riel (Gabriel) Shepard hides out at his grandfather's Cooper Ranch near Dusty Trail, Texas when life back in Clear Creek, Kansas becomes overwhelming. Besides combat flashbacks, Riel is clueless about what he wants to do for his next career, until he's given a box of leather tools once used by his ancestors. Widow Jenna McDowell works for her parents' ranch neighbor as his housekeeper and ranch hand, as she deals with the aftermath of her pro football husband's death and lawsuits. Time and help from their family and friends find Riel and Jenna healing, falling in love, finding new careers, and ready to marry each other. But their lives are instantly changed by a phone call. Jenna's friends die in an auto accident and she's named the guardian of their two young children. Jenna doesn't want to burden Riel with the responsibility of an instant family. But Riel bonds with the children and wants to be their new father. Can Riel convince Jenna to marry him? Doesn't this situation count as a "for better or worse" in the wedding vows? Riel Shepard's ancestors were featured in the author's books Darcie Desires a Drover in the Brides with Grit series, and in Gabe's Pledge in the Grooms with Honor series. Author's Note: Medically discharged soldier Riel (Gabriel) Shepard hides out at his grandfather's Cooper Ranch near Dusty Trail, Texas when life back in Clear Creek, Kansas becomes overwhelming. Besides combat flashbacks, Riel is clueless about what he wants to do for his next career, until he's given a box of leather tools once used by his ancestors. Widow Jenna McDowell works for her parents' ranch neighbor as his housekeeper and ranch hand, as she deals with the aftermath of her pro football husband's death and lawsuits. Time and help from their family and friends find Riel and Jenna healing, falling in love, finding new careers, and ready to marry each other. But their lives are instantly changed by a phone call. Jenna's friends die in an auto accident and she's named the guardian of their two young children. Jenna doesn't want to burden Riel with the responsibility of an instant family. But Riel bonds with the children and wants to be their new father. Can Riel convince Jenna to marry him? Doesn't this situation count as a "for better or worse" in the wedding vows? Riel Shepard's ancestors were featured in the author's books Darcie Desires a Drover in the Brides with Grit series, and in Gabe's Pledge in the Grooms with Honor series. This is an adapted version of two books, Love's Blessing, and Love's Double Blessing, which were combined and revised to become The Saddler's Legacy.