A Love Valley Christmas
By Mary L Ball
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About this ebook
When Susie Aleman isn't running Spurs, a mercantile in Love Valley, she's raising her sixteen year old son, Zam. She's content with life, and relies on no one but God. Then Ty Porter moves to Love Valley and stampedes into her heart.
Ty Porter has given up on women. All he wants is a fresh start, and a new pair of cowboy boots. That is until he meets Susie.
As Christmas Eve rolls around can he convince Susie that love after thirty-five is worth the risk?
Will Susie lead Ty to see that the Lord can be trusted?
Mary L Ball
Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author and resides in North Carolina. Readers can connect with her on Face Book and her website. https://marylball.weebly.com https://www.facebook.com/MaryLBallChristianauthor
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A Love Valley Christmas - Mary L Ball
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A LOVE VALLEY CHRISTMAS
Mary L. Ball
Copyright 2016 Mary L. Ball
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Cover Art by Joan Alley
Edited by Susan M. Baganz
This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
All Scripture is from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Published by Prism Book Group
ISBN-10:1-943104-77-8
ISBN-13:978-1-943104-77-2
First Edition, 2016
Published in the United States of America
Contact info: contact@prismbookgroup.com
http://www.prismbookgroup.com
CHAPTER ONE
Susie Aleman pressed her lips together until they formed a thin line. She crossed her arms and eyed the stranger in the worn jeans, sitting on the bench. Customer satisfaction was her utmost goal, but this shopper frayed her patience. He tried on a pair of cowboy boots, frowned, and tossed them aside, adding to the accumulated pile. She squelched her desire to stomp over and gather the shoes. Instead, she hustled to the cash register, determined not to let anything spoil her day. The man picked up a box of boots and stood. He then placed the unwanted stack back in its designated shelf. In an easy move, he reached the top and added the last pair of two-toned cowboy boots with the others. She grinned at his efforts. The merchandise wasn’t in perfect order, but at least he’d made an attempt.
With a glide in his step, he approached the front and laid the shoebox on the counter. She rang his sale. He handed her cash, grinned, and lifted the rim of his wide-brimmed hat. Ma’am, nice store. Like the rest of the shops in town, it’s up to date on the inside.
Thanks.
Susie returned his smile. Her breath caught as she looked into eyes, which reminded her of the candy bar she’d eaten earlier. Everything in Love Valley mimics the west, but with modern conveniences.
Yeah, sorta resembles where I’m from.
Is it nearby?
She handed him the purchase.
No. Several states away, a small Texas community. Unlike this area, though, it’s surrounded by a big city. Too much annoyance if you ask me. I like the way Love Valley is nestled, miles from everything. The kinda place a cowboy needs. I own Porter Training. It’s the place on the south end of town next to the mountains. Plan to teach horseback riding and roping to the visitors and residents of Love Valley.
He stretched out a calloused hand. Please, call me Ty.
She returned the handshake. Hello, Ty. I’m Susie. So, you bought Ferguson’s acreage, the one with the log cabin and barn. I’ve always admired the place. It has wonderful views.
Yeah, the way it sits up on a hill does make for some good scenery. It belonged to my old college buddy’s granddad.
His nose wrinkled as he smiled. Thank you, Susie.
You’re welcome. And I’m sure you’ll find everyone in town friendly.
Ty started toward the exit, turned, and touched the brim of his hat again. Already have.
* * *
After a busy day, Susie locked her mercantile. She glanced at the store logo flashing the word Spurs,
to make sure she’d turned it off for the night, and headed down the plank walkway toward home. Ole Jack, as folks called him, stood at the window of the trading post and nodded. She strolled by and waved.
A few blocks later, Susie’s steps increased as she turned the corner to her home. A sudden breeze kicked up. She combed the long tresses from her face and pulled her coat closer.
On the porch, Susie grinned at the balloon hooked to the column. It flapped as the wind tossed it astray. Yesterday’s leftover from the small celebration her son, Zam, arranged for her thirty-seventh birthday.
Sirens blared through the window from one of his favorite television shows. She untied the inflatable and walked inside.
Is homework finished?
Yes, Mom. And I remembered to put the casserole in the oven.
Thank you.
She grinned at her son. His legs hung over the arm of the chair. Fifteen. Growing fast. Already, his voice had changed. He was becoming a young man way too soon. Susie went into the kitchen to set the table.
Come and eat.
She scooped out the casserole and motioned for her son to be seated. Will you please say the blessing?
Mom, do I have to?
Yes. But you can make it simple. As long as it's from your heart.
She bowed her head and waited.
Thank you, Jesus…for our food. Amen.
As they enjoyed the meal, each shared tidbits from their day. We’re doing presentations about space. I’m going to create a chart of the solar system with the four planets closest to the sun and research to find unusual facts people aren’t aware of.
I’m sure you’ll do a good job.
Susie glanced at Zam holding his fork. She'd spent years trying to get him to handle his silverware the proper way, but he held it like his father, with his hand wrapped around his eating utensils. What are some of the other projects?
Ron’s doing something about men who’ve gone to space, and Anna’s showing how far we’ve come with medical knowledge. Sounds cool.
That’s interesting, son.
Susie cleared the table and folded laundry. Later, she closed the curtains in the living room. Rest well, Zam. It’s been a long day.
Good-night, Mom.
She flipped off the light as he headed down the hall to his room.
In her private quarters, Susie read her Bible and contemplated her day. "Lord, today was good. I thank you for the sales and