The Baby and the Guardian

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More about The Baby and the Guardian

A baby in danger, a man in turmoil, and a woman determined to save them both.

Wisconsin, 1929—When her best friend is murdered, Eira Mae Pryce gains guardianship over her friend’s baby. A baby in danger. Charged with the child’s protection, she must outrun a snowstorm, her grief, and a killer to seek refuge with the man who saved her life last Christmas.

All ex-sheriff Casper Yarwood wants for Christmas is to be left alone. With failure ringing in his ears, he retreated to his family’s cabin in the densely wooded portion of his former jurisdiction. But when his uncle’s secretary–and the woman he believes he failed–arrives on his doorstep with an endangered child, Casper cannot turn them away.

Casper and Eira Mae face impossible odds that require facing their pasts, sacrificing their futures, and ignoring their growing feelings for one another. But they’ll do so if it means they keep their charge alive long enough to experience his first Christmas.

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.

Read the Christmas Cabin Series

Prequel: The Sheriff and the Outlaw
Book One: The Baby and the Guardian
Book Two: The Neighbor and the Gifts
Book Three: The Robber and the Witness

What Readers are Saying

"A romance with protection, forced proximity, a single mom, and a hero’s chance for personal redemption ... a lovely book to curl up with." — Michaela, reader review

"The rustic cabin was the perfect setting for the situation." — Emily, reader review

"I'm not normally one that likes novellas because they feel incomplete and inauthentic but not once did I feel this way about this novel." — Christi, reader review

"The Christmas-y feeling, the suspense, the cold blizzard all make it seem like I could have been a part of it. Definitely recommended!" — Becky, reader review

"The setting, characters, romance, suspense, and some unexpected twists make this a must read for Christian romance lovers!" — Christy, reader review

Published by Hearth Spot Press
© 2024 Danielle Grandinetti

Read the Opening Scene

Manitowish Waters, WI
December 18, 1929

“Miss Pryce, a word.” Judge Cavanaugh opened and closed the door to his chambers only long enough to rumble those words.

Fingers flying over typewriter keys, Eira Mae Pryce finished transcribing her notes before smoothing her serviceable gray skirt. The older man could be gruff, especially after an hour spent cloistered away with the woefully young interim Sheriff Wilburn. The man was attempting to replace the judge’s own nephew, Casper Yarwood, the rather handsome man who saved her life last Christmas.

Christmas. Her gaze darted to the garland she had strung over the door to the judge’s chambers. He didn’t approve, of course, but his wife sided with her. What harm could a bit of Christmas cheer do before meeting with a judge?

She adjusted the collar on her white blouse. She planned to stop by the general store on her way home today, see how far she could stretch a dollar in order to get an extra gift for each of her siblings. They would devour penny candy too quickly, so if she could find a toy that would last longer, she would bring it with her when she returned home for Christmas.

A consideration for when she reached the store. For now, she knocked lightly on the judge’s door before entering. The scent of pine from the garland overhead followed her inside. “Your honor?”

Both the judge and the sheriff looked at her from where they stood behind the judge’s massive oak desk, then exchanged significant looks with each other. Cold crept down Eira Mae’s back. They were discussing her. Why?

Her eyes roved the room until they landed on the brown basket the sheriff had carried in when he arrived. The side bowed suddenly, as if something moved within. Her attention darted back to the gentlemen.

“Do you have any prospects, Miss Pryce?” Judge Cavanaugh fingered his gavel. “Any gentleman callers?”

“Sir?” Eira Mae stammered, gaping at him. Sure, she’d fended off her fair share of flirtatious men, from criminals to lawyers to spectators watching a trial. She’d allowed a few to call on her, especially in the early days of her job with the judge. But, to a man, when they realized she was the sole breadwinner for her widowed mother and six siblings, they left rather quickly. “If you require references, sir, my landlady would provide you with information. I do not stay out late. I do not entertain male visitors. And I do not engage in vices.”

“I’m not concerned about that. I know your reputation.” The judge gave her a smile. The one he gave her the occasional times when their conversation turned personal. Like when he asked after her mother, or questioned whether she earned enough to support her family, or passed along an invitation from his gregarious wife to join them for supper.

“Miss Pryce.” Sheriff Wilburn tugged at his tie. “Don’t you wish to be a mother? With so many siblings, surely you have plenty of experience with … babies.”

“Pardon?” She stared at the red-faced sheriff, her own cheeks heating at his impertinent question. What was the purpose? Her gaze shot toward the basket, a low hum of fear vibrating across her shoulders. “I love children, sir, but what does that have to do with me?”

The sheriff tilted his head toward the judge. “We have to tell her.”

Tell her what?

“Miss Pryce. Eira Mae.” Judge Cavanaugh rounded the desk and took her hands as a grandfather would. He’d never strayed so far from the professional before, even when she joined him and his wife for a meal. “I have an assignment for you. It is not to be undertaken lightly, as it will permanently end your job here and likely affect the hope of any future marital prospects.”