To Hold Forever by Carrie Carr

In the seventh book of the Lex and Amanda series, three years have passed since Lexington Walters and her partner, Amanda, have taken over the care of Lorrie, their rambunctious niece. Amanda’s sister, Jeannie, has fully recovered from her debilitating stroke and returns with her fiancé, ready to start a family. Adding to the volatile situation are Amanda’s unsuccessful attempts to become pregnant, and the fear of losing the child they've raised as their own.

Meanwhile, someone from Rawson Walters' past arrives, claiming his right to the ranch. Cleve Winters resents everything about Lex, including Amanda's love. Lex’s brother, Hubert, recently paroled from prison, returns to Somerville with his own special surprise. And an old adversary returns with more than a simple reunion in mind. Through it all, Lex begins to have doubts about continuing to run the ranch she’s worked so hard to build.

Will Lex and Amanda finally have the family they’ve longed for? Or will the people and circumstances surrounding them destroy their chances?