Christmas for the Deputy — Nicole Helm

Will he face his past or run from his future?

Ethan Thompson has been a part of the Martin family since he was a troubled teen and Susannah Martin saved him. He's always done everything in his power to help the Martins, especially oldest daughter Penelope. But he's always made sure to keep himself just separate enough to safeguard his heart against the straight-talking beauty.

Pen Martin-Wakefield moved home to Last Stand, Texas, with her three girls hoping it would give them all a fresh start after her husband's tragic death. She's ready to move on, and as she deals with the stresses of a holiday season and a broken arm, she realizes Ethan is always the one she's leaned on.

Ethan's determined to resist Pen and her girls. He's got too many secrets and scars to be any good for them, but as a Christmas in Last Stand works its magic, Ethan begins to find out just how tenacious Pen is and how lonely his heart has been.