A Temporary Family (Sherri Shackelford).

"A Temporary Family" by Sherri Shackelford is a fictional story about a group of people stuck in the middle of nowhere and forced to accept a dangerous stranger as their protector.

Our heroes include Tilly Hargraves, a young woman who decides to take on the role of a married woman, and to pretend to be married to Nolan West, a man who is forced into the position of a policeman at a remote stage coach stop. At first, Nolan resists any kind of involvement with Tilly and her daughters, but slowly, however much he tries, his desire is locked into his heart, threatening to reveal his true feelings to everyone around them. Instead of denying these feelings, Tilly realizes she has fallen in love with Nolan while dealing with her own personal issues.

The book is set in a colorful western setting, full of horses, pastures, and cowboys, who are about to share life with unexpected guests who make the world seem unpredictable.