Claiming the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund

This novella was previously published in Christmas Bells & Wedding Vows: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology.
Serena Taylor is hiding in Colorado’s high country to protect her son from her late husband’s family, and she knows the best way to keep custody of him is by marrying again. With single women in short supply, she has her pick of men. But having been in one loveless marriage already, she’s given up on love and simply wants to find a good father for her little boy.

After multiple failed relationships, Weston Oakley’s meddling family has determined that he will never be able to find a wife. To placate them and prove they’re wrong, Weston tells them he’ll have a wife by Christmas. The only problem is that he’s been hurt one too many times and is reluctant to give his heart away again.

When Serena and her little boy end up at Weston’s ranch on a cold winter’s night, a mix-up leaves Weston with little choice but to propose. He offers her a marriage of convenience that will benefit them both. While neither Weston nor Serena are looking for love, it begins to grow anyway. Will they be able to stake their claim on love before danger catches up and threatens to tear them apart?