A second-chance romance … In high school, she had been quiet and wickedly smart, both a determined tomboy and a girly-girl, a combination that was uniquely Skye. She had always caught his eye but for his own self-preservation, he’d stayed away from her, even when she’d made a play for him ... Skye Mallory has always aspired to leave her family’s ranch, and she takes pride in having achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when an unexpected inheritance draws her home for the Christmas holidays, she’s surprised by a longing to set down roots in the wide-open meadows and woodlands of southwestern Colorado. Only one thing stands in her way—a cowboy who broke her heart nine years ago. In high school, Joe Carrigan admired Skye for her spirit and intellect, but he knew she was destined for a life beyond ranching. Turning down her romantic overture was the best course of action for them both. But now, he’s returned to their hometown, and it’s inevitable he’ll come face-to-face with his one regret in life—Skye Mallory. This time, however, he won’t be so chivalrous. This novella was previously published in the anthology A CHRISTMAS COWBOY TO KEEP. ***** Kristy McCaffrey writes historical western and contemporary romances from her home in the Arizona desert. THE PEPPERMINT TREE is a standalone novella with a HEA set in Durango, Colorado. It features a second-chance romance, the Christmas holidays, ’70’s music, and medium spice.