Dear Reader,

When my husband and I met for the first time we felt an instant connection. Right away, there was an ability to make each other laugh, an inability to stop looking into each other’s eyes, and an immediate, innate understanding of each other. And of course, lots and lots of chemistry… ?

Cardiologist Claire Lowell thought she had all that with her ex. Until the day he left. Now, a single mom of adorable triplets, her life revolves around work and family, and that is it.

Pediatrician Zach McCabe always thought he would have it all, an enviable career, a woman to love, and kids. Until he lost his fiancé in a tragic accident. These days, he focuses on work, and helping others. Marriage and kids are no longer in his plans.

And that is why for the first year that Claire and Zach work at the same hospital, they steer clear of each other as much as possible. It’s not that they don’t like each other. Or want to get to know each other. But because they sense that doing so would bring complications to their lives neither want.

Until a five-year-old patient with a mysterious heart malady brings them together. As they unite to diagnose the little girl’s ailment, Claire and Zach are stunned to find themselves in personal crisis as well. Suddenly the two of them are helping each other out, at home, as well as work. Claire’s kids adore Zach, and he them, and for the first time, Claire and Zach see what it would be like to be in love, and share a family they love, too. The question is, can either of them trust their relationship to last?

I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Best wishes,
Cathy Gillen Thacker

Read an EXCERPT of STAND-IN TEXAS DAD 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.