Dear Reader,

We all make deals with those we love. For instance, when my husband and I were first married, we made a pact to alternate nights cooking dinner. Whoever cooked did not have to clean up. That worked great until careers became demanding and we had kids. Then we had to come up with a new plan—one that was flexible enough to accommodate our busy lives. And more importantly…always meet the needs of our kids and honor our lasting commitment to each other.

Ellie Fitzgerald and Joe McCabe have also made a deal that has lasted well over a dozen years. After their botched elopement, at age 18, they knew certain things. They would always love each other. They still wanted to be together whenever possible, as intimately as possible. But for them, marriage was not really necessary. Especially when they could have all the benefits of a lasting relationship, without all the hassle of a legal union.

Ellie and Joe love having their freedom. She has her satisfying life in their hometown of Laramie, Texas, and is now the new owner manager of her family’s generations old Sugar Love bakery. Joe is a Special Forces soldier, who serves wherever in the world his missions take him. They see each other as frequently as they can. Doesn’t matter whether it is December or July. It feels like Christmas every time. They tell each other it is enough.

Until…a surprise happens. One that forces them to consider the fact that their current arrangement will no longer work. Neither wants to renege on their long-lasting deal. They also know their life is changing. And there are many more ‘Christmases’ ahead. Can they make a new pact with each other that will be just as satisfying? Without ruining everything? Only time will tell.

I hope you have a very merry holiday season and enjoy reading this book…the first of a brand new McCabe series.

Best wishes!
Cathy Gillen Thacker

Read an EXCERPT of A Double Christmas Surprise and check out the other books in the MARRYING A MCCABE series.

For more information on my other books, please visit the Series Guide and Book List.