Unbreakable Bond
For eight years Nina Nash has been told it's time she moved past the night that changed her life forever. But the sound of her baby's cries at night–and the intense feeling that her little girl is still alive when she's been led to believe otherwise–remain. Only, no one accepts her claims…except the one man who's determined to help her uncover the truth.Investigator Slade Blackburn takes Nina's case, hoping to finally give her some closure. But what she really needs is someone to trust, someone to protect her…someone to erase the sadness from her beautiful blue eyes. Their search for answers turns dangerous, and Slade vows he'll stop at nothing to ensure her survival survival–and reunite her with the child she and knows is still out there.
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Sladeâs pulse raced. It had been too damn long since heâd held a woman. Since heâd even wanted toâ¦
But Nina had been trembling and afraid. Heâd seen the relief in her eyes that finally someone believed her story, and he hadnât been able to resist.
Oh, hellâ¦it was more than that.
Sheâd fought against all odds to find out what had happened to her baby girl. How could he not admire her dedication and determination?
And nowâ¦one touch wasnât enough.
He traced his hand down her hair, then along her cheek.
She tensed slightly as if to pull away, and he tilted her chin up with his thumb.
âI promise you Iâll find out whatâs going on,â he said in a deep voice.
She nodded. He traced his finger over her mouth, and her breath hitched, desire flaring in her eyes. âSladeâ¦â
Her raspy sigh was his undoing.
He groaned, then lowered his head, angled his mouth and closed his lips over hers.
Dear Reader,
Twenty-four years ago I gave birth to my third child, a beautiful little girl I named Emily. As I wrote Unbreakable Bond she was pregnant with her first baby. Watching the excitement and anticipation as she carried her son brought back precious memories of having my own children and the unbreakable bond between mother and child.
It also reminded me of another special little girl, the real Rebecca, the daughter of a very close friend of mine. She was due to be born around the same time as my daughter, but was one of triplets who came prematurely. Sadly, the other two babies didnât make it, but although Rebecca weighed less than a pound and had several health issues, she not only survived, but went on to touch and inspire the lives of everyone around her.
While one would think she might have complained or been a sad child, Rebecca had (and still has) a glow about her.
Unlike the little girl in my story, Rebecca was blessed with two wonderful parents who loved her unconditionally and gave her every opportunity available.
When I see or hear about other challenged children, I often wonder how different it would have been if she hadnât had those parents. And as most mothers, Iâve thought about how awful it would be for any mother to be separated from her child.
All those elements came together to inspire me to write this story, one I hope will touch you, as well.
So hug your children, love them unconditionally and cherish every precious memory you make together. Children are godsends to us all.
Sincerely,
Rita Herron
To my beautiful daughter Emily
and her new son, Bradford
And to the real Rebecca.
Thanks for inspiring us all!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Rita Herron wrote her first book when she was twelve, but didnât think real people grew up to be writers. Now she writes so she doesnât have to get a real job. A former kindergarten teacher and workshop leader, she traded her storytelling to kids for romance, and now she writes romantic comedies and romantic suspense. She lives in Georgia with her own romance hero and three kids. She loves to hear from readers, so please write her at P.O. Box 921225, Norcross, GA 30092-1225, or visit her Web site at www.ritaherron.com.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Slade Blackburn âFinding missing children is his jobâbut he canât let his heart get involved.
Nina Nash âEveryone thinks sheâs crazy, but she believes her daughter Peyton, who police ruled dead, is still alive.
Brooks Nash âNinaâs father was upset with her for keeping the baby; does he know more about Peytonâs disappearance/death than heâs telling?
William Hood âThe father of Ninaâs baby never wanted the childâcould he have had the baby kidnapped?
Mitzi Hood âWilliamâs wife hated Nina for getting pregnant with his childâwould she steal the baby to keep William to herself?
Eileen Hood âWilliamâs mother was furious about the child. How far would she go to protect her sonâs future?
Diane and Dennis Lucas âWilliamâs sister and brother-in-law have an eight-year-old daughter who was born around the same time as Peyton. Could the child possibly be Ninaâs?
Dr. Don Emery âThe ob-gyn who delivered Peyton claims there was no way the child survived or was kidnapped. Is he lying?
Paula Emery âDr. Emeryâs wife. How far would she go to protect her marriage and money?
Carrie Poole âA nurse on the neonatal unit. Does she know what happened to Peyton?
Stanford Mansfield âDoes he arrange illegal adoptions?
Gwen and Roan Waldorp âGwen gave birth to a stillborn child the night of the fire. Could she have stolen Peyton to replace her own baby?
Contents
Prologue
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
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Prologue
A thunderous boom rocked the hospital walls and floor, jarring Nina Nash awake. What had happened? Had she been dreaming, or had there been an explosion?
