His Precious Inheritance

The Baby Surprise

After an adorable toddler arrives on her boss’s doorstep, Clarice Gordon’s job offer transforms from full-time journalist to part-time nanny. Clarice agrees to care for Charles Thornberg’s little brother as long as she can continue writing. But soon Charles stirs emotions in Clarice that are far from professional…

Charles never dreamed he had a long-lost brother, but he’ll do everything to ensure the little one is loved. And Clarice amazes him with the warmth and care she shows the boy—so different from the career women he’s known. Charles doesn’t like surprises in his neatly ordered life, though thanks to this one, he may have stumbled upon the family he’s always wanted…

What was he thinking?

He was lonely, that was all. But he had family now. Jonathan was enough.

A whistle sounded in the distance. He looked down at his brother and smiled. “You hear that whistle, Skipper? That’s another steamer telling us to get out of her way, that she’s coming into the dock.”

“Boat!” Jonathan twisted around and pointed out on the lake.

“That’s it. That’s the steamer.” He looked out over the water, focused his attention on the other vessel.

Clarice turned to face them, smiled and straightened Jonathan’s stocking. He glanced down and met her gaze, and the oneness, the sharing of the moment he’d craved, happened.

“I think he could wiggle right out of his clothes.”

There was a proprietary tone, a touch of motherly pride in her soft words. She smiled, and the warmth in her eyes, the gentleness in the curve of her lips, sailed right by his common sense and lodged firmly in his heart.

Award-winning author DOROTHY CLARK lives in rural New York. Dorothy enjoys traveling with her husband throughout the United States doing research and gaining inspiration for future books. Dorothy believes in God, love, family and happy endings, which explains why she feels so at home writing stories for Love Inspired Books. Dorothy enjoys hearing from her readers and may be contacted at [email protected].

His Precious Inheritance

Dorothy Clark

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

—Proverbs 3:5

To my husband and sons—you all continually demonstrate the gentleness and safety to be found in a man’s strength. Thank you for teaching me how to write real heroes.

And Sam. Once again, you’ve gone that “second mile” and hung in there with me through the deadline crunch. You’re a true cowboy hero—always galloping to a lady’s rescue. Thank you.

Commit thy works unto the Lord,

and thy thoughts shall be established.

Your Word is truth. Thank You, Jesus.

To God be the glory

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

August 1878 Chautauqua Lake, New York

“What is amusing you, Clarice?”

Clarice Gordon met her mother’s gaze in the mirror and her smile turned into a grin. “I was remembering the flabbergasted look on the milliner’s face when I refused to have any adornment put on my hat.” She settled the brown felt forward of the thick knot of hair at the back of her head and anchored it in place.

“Some brown-eyed Susans would add a touch of color. A cluster of them at the front would look pretty.”

A wistful note shadowed her mother’s voice. “No doubt. But I’m not interested in looking pretty, Mama.” She adjusted the three tabs of fabric that fell like a flat cravat from the base of her high stand-up collar, then tugged the hem of her bodice down to straighten the row of buttons that marched from beneath the tabs to her narrow waist. Plain and serviceable. Perfect. She smoothed her hands over the front of the long skirt and turned from the mirror. “I’m a career woman. I want the men I encounter in my endeavors to take me seriously, not to court me.” She left the rest unsaid.

“Not all men are like your father and brothers, Clarice.”

The resignation in her mother’s voice plucked at her heart. Yet the mention of her father and brothers chased any commiseration away. “I suppose not, Mama.” It was the best she could do by way of capitulation.

The hardness in her heart would not yield to any appeal for softening. One look at her bedridden mother assured that. It also affirmed her determination to never marry and put herself under the grinding thumb of a man.

She pulled on her half gloves and walked to the bed. “Lean forward and I’ll fluff your pillows before I leave.” She pulled them from behind her mother, pummeled and replaced them. “Let’s see, you have fresh water to drink... And Mrs. Duncan will come in throughout the day with meals and to help you with your private needs...”

“Stop fretting, Clarice. I’ll be fine. I’m not used to being fussed over.”