Exiled to an abandoned presidio in southwestern Texas, Father Alonzo Vargas is accustomed to being utterly alone except for his white donkey, Angelica. He is also fully acquainted with the corrupt and rotten sheriff, John Cullen, the man responsible for his semi-permanent exile. When he finds a victim of the sheriff hanging upside down from a tree, he immediately cuts the man down and vows to nurse him back to health.<br><br>Ben McKinnon has never done anything to cross Sheriff Cullen -- except defend the land he inherited from his father. The land Cullen covets. He's surprised when the exiled priest makes it clear that he will not only be a nurse, but will also become Ben's ally in the fight against Cullen. He's even more shocked when he realizes he doesn't just want Father Alonzo as a friend. Ben cherishes the other man's mind, his body, and his heart.<br><br>But Alonzo is not a free man. And if Sheriff Cullen has his way, they will both be dead men.

Those Who Cherish

“Just lean against me,” Alonzo said as he held the cup to Ben’s lips.


Unlike the water from the canteen, Ben didn’t waste a drop. It wet his lips, reddening them further. When Alonzo lowered the goblet, Ben’s breathing had noticeably slowed.


“Thank you.” He smiled, or tried to at least. “I think you’ll be hearing that a lot from me.”


“De nada.” He set the cup on the floor and lowered Ben to his side. “I would do more for you if I could.” Alonzo positioned himself at Ben’s back once again and started the careful process of covering his back with the rags. “Hopefully, this will ease the pain enough so you can sleep tonight.”


“I’m not sure I’ll be able to. I fought it all day, afraid if I did, I wouldn’t wake again.”


“Don’t worry about that. I’ll make sure that you wake again, even if I have to stay up all night to watch you.”


“God will have to sustain me during my vigil.” He leaned back to survey his work. “How does this feel?”


Chapter 6