Merry with a Gambler by Britt Jones

Boots
I love flowers and someday I’ll own my own flower shop. My plans are derailed when my boyfriend abandons me at the Sandy Sipper and steals my money. The bar owner is teaching me to bartend and helping me start over. Again. I’ve done it before and this time everything is going to work out for the best.
Until my absentee father shows up asking for favors I don’t think I can do. He claims blood is thicker than water.

Dax
Family is everything. My brother, my team, they’re always there for me, as I am for them. But I’ve seen enough betrayal and abuse to distrust everyone until they prove themselves to me.
Boots is like a flower beaten down by a hard rain only to perk up in the sun’s rays. Something is eating at her, keeping her subdued and withdrawn. I’m staying in the background to wait and watch. As soon as I finish this latest assignment, I’m going to find out what’s making her so sad and jittery.

This holiday season I want her to light up like the lights she enjoys so much.
No one hurts my chosen family and lives to tell.