The Lawman's Secret Son
THE LAWMAN'S SECRET SONPolice officer Seth Montgomery knows all about order—but his world is thrown into chaos when he learns he has a five-year-old son. With little Jack suddenly in his care, Seth turns to neighbour Carrie Fletcher for help. Given her checkered past, Carrie prefers to keep to herself, but there’s no denying she cares for the boy—and her feelings for charming Seth are rapidly developing, too. When someone from Carrie’s past shows up threatening to jeopardise the life she’s worked so hard to build, Carrie will have to fight for her future with the new family she’s found…or risk losing everything.
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Suddenly a Father
Police officer Seth Montgomery knows all about orderâbut his world is thrown into chaos when he learns he has a five-year-old son. With little Jack suddenly in his care, Seth turns to neighbor Carrie Fletcher for help. Given her checkered past, Carrie prefers to keep to herself, but thereâs no denying she cares for the boyâand her feelings for charming Seth are rapidly developing, too. When someone from Carrieâs past shows up threatening to jeopardize the life sheâs worked so hard to build, Carrie will have to fight for her future with the new family sheâs found...or risk losing everything.
âItâs Jackâs birth certificate. This is good news, isnât it?â
âLook at the line for parentsâ names.â
She read from the document. âMother, Paula Ann Schulman. Father, unknown. Oh, Seth...â
The look of sympathy in her eyes wrapped around him, chasing away the sharp edges of his disappointment. When she reached out and grasped his forearm with her small hand, the warmth of her touch spread through him like a warm summer breeze.
âIâm sorry. I was hoping this would be the answer you needed.â
He took her hand in his, gently squeezing her fingers. âMe, too. Now Iâll have to wait on the DNA results.â
âWhen is that due?â
âNot for a few more weeks.â He looked into her sky blue eyes and realized he didnât want to break the contact. Carrie abruptly looked away and tugged her hand from his.
He shifted his position slightly, though it did nothing to diminish his acute awareness of her softness or her beauty.
LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW, as well as a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.
But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
âPsalms 22:19
To my grandchildren, Drew, Anna, Addie, Casie and Chey. You are my most precious treasure.
Acknowledgments
Chaz McClain, director of children and
family ministries at Lakeside Presbyterian EPC Church in Brandon, Mississippi, for his help in steering me in the right direction with my heroineâs job. Your help made all the difference and is greatly appreciated.
Contents
Carrie Fletcher quickened her steps across the walkway from the carport to the back door of her little cottage, inserted the key and stepped into her warmly lit kitchen. She never tired of coming home to this sweet little 1920s house. The soft glow from the lights under the cabinets kept the darkness at bay and welcomed her like a warm hug, as did the click of little claws on the tile floor as her five-year-old shih tzu, Leo, scurried to greet her. âHey, sweetie. Were you a good boy today?â
After placing her purse and a sack of groceries on the table, she flipped the switch, bathing the kitchen in full light, instantly aware of the tension falling away from her shoulders. A long and hectic day had kept her at work until dark. Her job as Special Events Coordinator at Peace Community Church was both exhilarating and challenging. Especially now, when the historic edifice was celebrating 125 years as a house of God. The yearlong celebration would culminate with a huge citywide picnic at Friendship Park. Organizing such a massive event was keeping her busy every moment.
Tomorrow was her day off and she planned on taking full advantage by sleeping late and curling up with the book she was reading. The hero and heroine had been torn apart by a terrible disaster, and she couldnât wait to see how they got back together.
A rush of happiness buoyed her spirits as she made her way through the small dining room and living room, turning up lights as she went and sending up a grateful prayer for her new life. She had a job she loved and a home of her own. She didnât own it, but her savings were growing and one day she hoped to purchase a house.
She flipped the dead bolt on the front door and switched on the porch light, which popped, then went out, surrounding her in darkness. Her throat tightened. Inhaling a deep breath, she scolded herself for being such a wimp. Her mailbox was right outside the door. Sheâd only be in the dark for a second or two. After opening the door, she stepped out onto the porch. Movement on the other side of the rocker froze her in her tracks. The shadows made it hard to identify the shape. A dog? Cat? A man?
Heart pounding, she peered closer. The creature scooted backward. She froze, blood pounding in her ears. She fought the impulse to duck back inside. What if it was an injured animal? She couldnât ignore that. Carrie forced herself to look closer. Two wide eyes looked back at her from a little face. A child. A little boy was huddled on her front porch. Fear slid quickly into concern. What was he doing here? Her mind raced through a dozen questions. She took a step toward the child. He scooted back against the wall, clutching a plastic grocery bag in his hands.
