Love Inspired January 2016, Box Set 1 of 2 (17 page)
Read Love Inspired January 2016, Box Set 1 of 2 Online
Authors: Carolyne Aarsen
Emilio moved his horse closer and, reaching over, took Cody from her. “Hey, little guy,” Emilio said, settling the baby in front of him. “You've had an adventure.” Emilio looked at Grady. “I'll just bring him to the ranch right away. Let Mamie know you two are okay.”
“That'd be good,” Grady said, his voice a rumble against her back. “We'll be along shortly. I don't want to rush Apollo.”
“Sure thing.” Emilio tugged down his hat, hunched his shoulders against the wind and set out back to the ranch.
Chloe couldn't think of what to say as Emilio disappeared into the snow. Part of her wanted to stop right here and now, but her feet were getting cold, her hands were icy and her ankle was throbbing.
What a time to have the man you love express his own love for you.
“We should be there in a couple of minutes,” Grady said, wrapping his one arm around her middle, pulling her tightly back against him.
It was less than that by the time they got to the yard. The glow of the house lights was inviting and Emilio's horse was tied up close to the house. Clearly Mamie had already heard the news about their safety and Cody was in good hands.
Grady steered the horse toward the barn. He stopped by the large rolling door and dismounted slowly. Chloe could see he was stiff and sore and struggled with her guilt. She should have been working with him. It was what she had been hired for.
I was going to
, she reminded herself as Grady led the horse into the warm, softly lit barn.
Eventually.
He brought the horse to the nearest stall and tied him up. His crutch was still leaning against a wall. He grabbed it, then he walked to Chloe's side and held his arms up to help her.
She managed to put her weight on her good leg and slowly dismount, Grady supporting her. She got down, but as soon as she put even the smallest amount of weight on her foot, she stumbled.
Grady caught her, wavering, as well.
They stood, leaning against each other.
Grady laughed. “I guess you can identify with me right now.”
“I can,” she agreed, finding her balance again. She still clung to him, but that was as much for emotional support as physical.
“And I guess right now we need each other. To support each other.”
“In more ways than one,” she said, looking up at him, tugging off her gloves. Though her fingers were chilled, she cupped his dear face in her hands, the stubble on his chin only making him more rugged and appealing.
Then he did what she had been longing for him to do. He bent his head, pulled her close and kissed her.
She sighed as he pulled away, her heart full.
“Is this real?” she asked, trying to absorb the wonder of it all.
“I hope so,” Grady said. He shifted his weight, winced and nodded. “Yup. It's real.”
Chloe laughed then grew serious as she looked up at him, asking the question that she both dreaded and yet knew needed to be dealt with. “And my baby?”
Grady put his hand on the tiny swell of her stomach that seemed to have come out in only the past few days, his hand warm, comforting.
“I love you,” he said. “I love you so much. And I know I will love this baby, because he or she is a part of you. I won't lie that I'm nervous about it. I think I said what I did about Cody because I'm not sure what kind of father I could be. But this baby, this child, we would be taking care of together. And I know you'll be an amazing mother and will help me learn to be an amazing father. We'll be doing this together. I don't know if I'll be able to be the active father I had always thought I could beâ”
Chloe put her finger on his lips. “I love you just the way you are. You are the best man I know. You are everything I want, and you will be everything this baby and any baby we have together needs.” She put her weight on one foot, then stretched up to kiss him, underlining her vow.
He smiled back at her then gave her another hug. “I'm so thankful for you. And I pray that God will bless us and our life together.” Then he pulled back. “And now we should make our way back to the house to get Emilio to take care of this horse and to tell Mamie. I'm sure she's wondering what's happening.”
“I have a feeling she knows exactly what is happening,” Chloe said with a grin. “But I'm sure she wants to hear for herself.”
“Then, let's go,” Grady said. “Let's go back to the house. Let's go back home.”
And leaning on each other, supporting one another, they did exactly that.
* * * * *
Dear Reader,
Chloe has a secret and she is ashamed of it. Grady has a disability and he, too, is ashamed of it. Both have valid reasons to be concerned about how they will be viewed by the other. But life and relationships are all about being vulnerable to each other. And being vulnerable requires trust, as does any relationship. I know I have a hard time letting myself be vulnerable and letting people see my insecurities, but I have found when I do this within the bounds of a loving relationship, that relationship is enhanced and deepened.
I hope that you enjoyed reading Chloe and Grady's story and that you will read the rest of the books in the Lone Star Cowboy League series to solve the mystery of the thefts and baby Cody!
Blessings,
PS: I love to hear from readers. Drop me a line at [email protected]. You can also stop by my website at
www.carolyneaarsen.com
and sign up for my newsletter to stay informed of new releases.
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
You believe hearts can heal.
Love Inspired
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ISBN-13: 9781488006968
A Family for the Soldier
Copyright © 2016 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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Hometown Healing
Kimberly Gallagher's back in town to run her mother's thriving wedding business. For a seasoned pro like Kimberly, fixing the high-stress nuptials of a senator's daughter is no problem. But facing former police officer Drew Sladeâthe senator's security chief and her brother's former partnerâis not what she signed up for. Drew knows that Kimberly blames him for her brother's tragic death. But to single dad Drew, Kimberly feels like coming home. And despite her best efforts, Kimberly can't help falling for him. Will their past continue to keep them apart, or will an unexpected truth reveal their happily-ever-after?
“Who broke it off?”
He did not just ask that, did he? As if it was his business? Because it wasn't. Remembering the price tag on this gig made her play nice when she longed to tell Drew Slade to mind his own business. She couldn't do that so she shrugged lightly. “He did.”
Drew studied her for long, thick seconds, long enough for her heart to do that step-toe dance again. Then he leaned closer. “He's a moron, Kimber, but I might just send him a thank-you note.”
Kimberly was pretty sure her breathing paused as their eyes met. “What for?”
He winked.
Her heart stuttered. Because Drew Slade had just flirted with her. Sure, he was just trying to ease an awkward moment, but that one brief exchange was enough to stir up those old schoolgirl feelings.
But that was then and this was now, and a whole lot of ugly had passed under their respective bridges.
Multipublished, bestselling author
Ruth
Logan Herne
loves God, her country, her family, dogs, chocolate and
coffee! Married to a very patient man, she lives in an old farmhouse in upstate
New York and thinks possums should leave the cat food alone and snakes should
always live outside. There are no exceptions to either rule! Visit Ruthy at
ruthloganherne.com
.
Books by Ruth Logan Herne
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Visit the Author Profile page at
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