The Soldierâs Gift
The holidays are right around the corner, but Captain Jake Tanner is struggling to find Christmas cheer. Having survived a devastating attack overseas, he has emotional scars that run deep. When Jake meets beautiful widow Emma Langford, his heart is unprepared for the feelings she inspires.
Training service dogs has taught Emma to recognize those in need. She wants to show Jake that a four-legged companion is the best therapy, but sheâs afraid that the closer she gets, the more her own wounds are revealed.
Together, Jake and Emma will discover it takes a different kind of bravery to open themselves to loveâand to healing.
Caring Canines: Loving and loyal, these dogs mend hearts.
âI didnât think you wanted to get involved. What changed your mind?â
His gaze was riveted to hers. Intense. Compelling. âYou.â
There was so much feeling behind that one word. She attempted a laugh that came out shaky.
âSo youâre taking Shep?â
âMaybe. If weâre a good fit. Iâve been reading up on service dogs.â
She shooed him outside. âThen go see Shep.â
His chuckles lingered in the air as he left. The sound warmed her. She closed her eyes for a moment, immediately picturing the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes deepening and the edges of his mouth tilting up. The image sent goose bumps spreading over her. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms as though she could erase his effect on her.
MARGARET DALEY
feels she has been blessed. She has been married more than thirty years to her husband, Mike, whom she met in college. He is a terrific support and her best friend. They have one son, Shaun. Margaret has been writing for many years and loves to tell a story. When she was a little girl, she would play with her dolls and make up stories about their lives. Now she writes these stories down. She especially enjoys weaving stories about families and how faith in God can sustain a person when things get tough. When she isnât writing, she is fortunate to be a teacher for students with special needs. Margaret has taught for more than twenty years and loves working with her students. She has also been a Special Olympics coach and has participated in many sports with her students.
Chapter One
Jake Tanner had pulled out the desk chair in his home office and started to sit when the front doorbell chimed in the blissful quiet. He would never take silence for granted again. A long breath swooshed from his lungs as he straightened and gripped his cane, then limped toward the foyer. Through the long, narrow window with beveled glass, he could make out his neighbor standing on the porch.
Marcella Kime found a reason to see him at least a couple of times a week. Heâd become her mission since heâd returned home to Cimarron City from serving in the military overseas. A few days earlier sheâd jokingly told him she missed her grandson, and he would do just fine taking his place. He still wasnât sure what to make of that statement. He had returned to Cimarron City, a town heâd lived in for a while and visited often to see his grandma. Dealing with family, especially his father, the general, had been too much for him three months ago when heâd been released from the military hospital.
He swung the door open to reveal Marcella, probably no more than five feet tall, if that, with her hands full. âGood morning.â She smiled as she juggled a large box and a plate of pastries. He reached for the parcel.
âThe Fed Ex guy left this late yesterday afternoon. I meant to bring it over sooner, but then I had to go to church to help with the pancake supper. Youâre always home so I was surprised he couldnât deliver the package.â
âWent to the VA hospital in Oklahoma City.â
âOh, good. You went out.â She presented the plate of goodies. âI baked extra ones this morning because I know how much you enjoy my cinnamon rolls. Iâm going to put those pounds you lost back on in no time. I imagine all those K rations arenât too tasty.â
âI havenât had MREsâmeals ready to eatâin six months, and no, they arenât tasty. In the hospital I was fed regular meals.â But he hadnât wanted to eat much. He was working out again and building up his muscles at least.
âOh, my. K rations certainly dates me. Thatâs what they were called when my older brother was in the army.â
His seventy-five-year-old neighbor with stark white hair never was at a loss for words. After she left, his head would throb from all the words tumbling around inside. He wanted to tell her again that she didnât need to worry about him, that in time his full appetite would return, but she continued before he could open his mouth.