Hometown Hero's Redemption
A Temporary FatherWhen he becomes guardian to his friend's troubled ten-year-old boy, firefighter Drew Gannon knows he needs help. But before he can get former social worker Lauren Pierce to agree, he's got to prove he's changed from the sports jock who gave her a hard time back in high school. Returning home, Lauren wants no part of her old profession. She only wants to forget the unspeakable tragedy she left behind. She can't take responsibility for another child. Or a reunion with Drew—no matter how generous he’s become. But a desperate boy and his handsome guardian may be more than Lauren can resist…
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A Temporary Father
When he becomes guardian to his friend’s troubled ten-year-old boy, firefighter Drew Gannon knows he needs help. But before he can get former social worker Lauren Pierce to agree, he’s got to prove he’s changed from the sports jock who gave her a hard time back in high school. Returning home, Lauren wants no part of her old profession. She only wants to forget the unspeakable tragedy she left behind. She can’t take responsibility for another child. Or a reunion with Drew—no matter how generous he’s become. But a desperate boy and his handsome guardian may be more than Lauren can resist...
He loved the sight of her.
Her gray eyes were darker than storm clouds, her cheeks flushed. As she ranted, all Lauren’s righteous indignation drove out the defeat he’d been feeling after the incident with Wyatt. Drew not only liked this warrior side of her, he needed it. Needed her strength.
Catching him staring, she stopped her tirade. “Sorry. Got carried away, I guess. I’m just not putting up with anyone scaring Wyatt. The boy’s been through enough.”
Her mama lioness instincts reared up, making him want to be in her protective circle along with the boy. Not that he needed protecting—it was just great having someone care enough.
“You are terrifying,” he told her.
Her chin rose. “Are you making fun of me?”
He grinned. “No, I’m not. I’m admiring you.”
What are you doing? an inner voice asked him. You don’t deserve her.
Why not? he asked himself. But he knew the answer.
Because if he started believing he deserved her, he’d give his whole heart away.
And what if she didn’t want it?
I’m fascinated by the life choices people make, and I admire individuals like Lauren and Drew, who chose professions requiring sacrifice. They each overcame difficult pasts to dedicate their lives to helping others. Lauren dealt with the heartbreaking reality of kids with few options, forced to choose between bad and worse. Although my life is far from the poverty and crime of the inner city, my heart goes out to anyone trapped in desperate circumstances. One thing I know—we all need a helping hand, a kind word, someone believing in us. May we all try to see the people around us through God’s eyes, the eyes of love.
I love connecting with readers. You can learn more at www.jillkemerer.com and email me at [email protected].
God bless you!
Jill Kemerer
JILL KEMERER writes novels with love, humor and faith. Besides spoiling her mini dachshund and keeping up with her busy kids, Jill reads stacks of books, lives for her morning coffee and gushes over fluffy animals. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, or contact her at PO Box 2802, Whitehouse, OH 43571.
Therefore encourage one another and
build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
—1 Thessalonians 5:11
Thank you to the Waterville Fire Department
for your bravery and sacrifice. We are blessed by your heroism. Special thanks to Steven Brubaker for answering my endless list of questions so patiently. Any errors in the book are mine!
Finally, thank you to all the men and women
who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. Jason Kernstock, we couldn’t be prouder of you!
Contents
Ice cream fixed a lot of problems, but it wasn’t going to fix this.
Drew Gannon passed a chocolate-brownie sundae to Wyatt. The tiny ice-cream shop had two tables inside and a patio full of picnic tables out front. Not much had changed in the fourteen years he’d been gone. If his best friend, Chase McGill, hadn’t insisted, Drew never would have moved back to Lake Endwell, Michigan. But Wyatt, Chase’s ten-year-old son, deserved a stable life away from the public eye. Drew had promised Chase he’d give Wyatt that life. He just needed to convince Lauren Pierce to help him.
Drew handed a twenty to the teen behind the counter, turned to Wyatt and pointed to the glass door leading to the patio. “Why don’t you head outside and save us a picnic table—the one with the striped umbrella.”
Wyatt nodded. He was far too grim for a little boy. Poor kid. The past nine months had traumatized him, and Drew was doing the best he could to make his life normal again. Well, as normal as it could be given the circumstances. A murdered mom. His dad in jail for trying to avenge her death. What a horrible situation.
Drew tried to spot Lauren. Would he recognize her after all these years? The only women he could see were either too old or not old enough. What if she’d changed her mind about meeting him? He wouldn’t blame her. If their situations were reversed, he’d probably never want to speak to her again.
