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

“No. Never. I just wanted to be sure that you understood.”


Ben remained silent as he returned to the table and took the seat next to Alonzo’s. “I’ve been thinking about this for a couple days now. My one fear is that if I do this, Cullen will come after you instead.”


“Let him try. I don’t fear him, and I will never let him take what is rightfully yours.”


“That would make this your home.” Ben’s soft smile came with his hand reaching between them to cover Alonzo’s. “You wouldn’t have to find excuses to stay here. Or to come see me when you’re not busy with your flock.”


“My flock.” The words sounded odd to him and tasted even stranger. He desperately wanted to continue serving the people in the area, but he knew he was not worthy of that task. The thought made him ill. “Do you think I still have one?”


“Of course. You’re the best man I’ve ever known.” The smile faltered. “Unless you consider yourself tainted because of our time together.”


Chapter 33