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

Without a word, Ben reached for his wrist. He turned into Alonzo, his head still bowed, and wrapped an arm around Alonzo’s shoulders. His lips pressed to the side of Alonzo’s neck, firm, dry, a reminder of every other time he had kissed that particular spot.


“Thank you for everything,” he whispered.


“You’re more than welcome.” He automatically wrapped his arms around Ben and held him closer. More and more, it seemed like all of his reactions to Ben were automatic. Natural. Like he had been built for Ben. Which was ridiculous, because the Father would never make something like this natural. Would He?


More and more, Alonzo realized he didn’t know.


“I feel like I should be thanking you,” he added, his lips moving against Ben’s temple.


Ben shook his head, then broke the contact, leaving Alonzo cold and aching at the loss. He still couldn’t quite meet Alonzo’s eyes as he retreated for the doorway.


“I have to see to the livestock. I’ll be out by the barn when you leave.”


Chapter 34