Loving the Lawman. Ruth Logan Herne

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      Safe in His Arms

      Widowed and pregnant, Gianna Costanza comes to Kirkwood Lake with her world in pieces. She’s determined to put her life back together after her cop husband’s death, and romance definitely isn’t part of the plan. But when she meets her new landlord and neighbor, she knows she doesn’t stand a chance. Deputy Sheriff Seth Campbell is strong and kind, and more supportive than she ever imagined a man could be. Soon he’s sweeping Gianna off her feet. But she doesn’t know if he’s ready for an instant family—or if she’s brave enough to love another lawman.

      Oh, that smile.

      Her heart melted. Her fingers stuttered and a pin bit the tip of her thumb. She jumped back, not wanting to taint the fabric with blood, and Seth moved to her instantly. “Are you hurt?”

      “No, just silly.”

      He examined her hand, seemed to decide she’d live and dropped it back into her lap. “Sorry. You just looked scared there for a minute.”

      “Only because blood won’t wash out of this fabric,” she told him. She pressed a tissue to the tip of her finger.

      He smiled again, one that held the warmth of hope. “Well.” He stood and squared his shoulders. “You sure you’re okay?”

      “Fine, thanks.”

      “Then I’ll get back to work.”

      “Me, too.”

      As she watched him cross the room, she knew she hadn’t spent time with an attractive man in a long while.

      That slow, comforting gaze. The big, blue eyes.

      He didn’t need her to impress him. She liked that. And she’d enjoy the opportunity to have a new friend, as long as that was all it was.

      RUTH LOGAN HERNE

      Born into poverty, Ruth puts great stock in one of her favorite Ben Franklinisms: “Having been poor is no shame. Being ashamed of it is.” With God-given appreciation for the amazing opportunities abounding in our land, Ruth finds simple gifts in the everyday blessings of smudge-faced small children, bright flowers, freshly baked goods, good friends, family, puppies and higher education. She believes a good woman should never fear dirt, snakes or spiders, all of which like to infest her aged farmhouse, necessitating a good pair of tongs for extracting the snakes, a flat-bottomed shoe for the spiders, and for the dirt…

      Simply put, she’s learned that some things aren’t worth fretting about! If you laugh in the face of dust and love to talk about God, men, romance, great shoes and wonderful food, feel free to contact Ruth through her website, www.ruthloganherne.com.

      Loving the Lawman

      Ruth Logan Herne

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

      Blessed is the man whose quiver is full.

      —Psalms 127:3–5

      Acknowledgments

      First to Mandy and Paul, who gave me permission to use their experience to help craft this story. I’ve loved them both for decades, and that their love brought us my precious “Mary Ruth” sweetens my days! To my grandmother Myrtle Amanda Herne, whose love for sewing and gardening skipped a generation and settled in me. To Tina Russo Radcliffe and Michelle Pecoraro, whose tales of growing up Italian make me laugh! Huge thanks to Bethany Jamison, who pre-edits, organizes me, gives me time as needed and makes me coffee. She might not think she’s great in the kitchen, but that coffee is huge in my book! And to my son Seth, whose sweet personality shines through the fictional Seth in this book. The love for Lego has morphed into a lovely new sales career. How fun is that? And always to Dave for loving me and working so hard for his family. His strength blesses each of us.

      This book is dedicated to Amanda Grace,

      for going the distance so often. Her strength and persistence brought me a beautiful grandchild, a treasure of my heart, our sweet little Mary Ruth.

      I love you, “Gracie.”

      Contents

       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

       Questions for Discussion

       Excerpt