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

Ben met his dark gaze. “You will always be welcome in my home, Father.”


Alonzo inclined his head. “Thank you. Have you had enough to eat?”


Though he was still a little hungry, Ben nodded and handed over his empty plate. He didn’t want to abuse Alonzo’s hospitality, even if the man refused to call it that. The simple brush of their fingers when Alonzo took it sent a small shiver up Ben’s arm, enough for him to wish in a bright, fleeting moment that it was even more.


Perhaps that was why the request came out. Because he certainly did not feel the overwhelming need for it.


“Do you think you could take a look at my back now? I want to be sure it heals properly.”


Chapter 12