The Forest Ranger's Husband by Leigh Bale

Author:Leigh Bale [Bale, Leigh]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Maraya21, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, General
ISBN: 9781408968291
Google: ghbvlcBdpe8C
Publisher: Mills & Boon Love Inspired
Published: 2011-11-01T14:33:09.729000+00:00

Chapter Ten

On Saturday morning, Matt arrived early at Taylor Park, across the street from the elementary school. April twenty-second. Davie’s birthday. Matt would never forget this date as long as he lived.

He felt good today. He’d hiked three miles in forty-five minutes wearing a pack with thirty pounds of weight. He’d fallen once, wrenching his leg, but hopped back up and kept going. The leg had held, hurting him less, and he was optimistic. If everything progressed as planned, he figured he’d be able to pass his fire-training conditioning physical in three weeks.

As he pulled his truck into the parking lot, he could make out Andie standing on a low ladder, tying balloons to the pavilion near the playground. A large, curved sign hung over her head that read Happy Birthday Davie. Nearby, Davie pushed little Rose around in her stroller. The baby waved her chubby arms and smiled. Davie clapped his hands, then threw back his head and laughed when the baby copied him.

A flood of warmth enveloped Matt’s chest. He could think of no place on earth he’d rather be than here with his family. He watched Rose with curiosity, wishing he’d been here the day Davie was born. Wishing he and Andie could have more children together.

It took a minute for Matt to gather several packages in his arms. No cane today. Since he’d exercised hard that morning, he moved slowly, resting his legs, fearing his thigh might start cramping up on him and ruin his day.

He gazed at the assortment of other gifts sitting on the backseat of his truck and planned to make several trips to retrieve them all. Andie wouldn’t approve of spoiling Davie, but Matt couldn’t seem to help himself. He could just imagine what she’d say when she discovered the gift he’d set up in Davie’s bedroom while they were here at the park. Matt justified the presents by telling himself he’d missed too many birthdays and Christmases with his wife and son.

As he approached the picnic area, he saw Brett carrying a large cardboard box toward the pavilion.

“Where do you want the games set up?” Brett called to Andie.

A roll of red crepe paper dangled from Andie’s hand as she pointed toward the grass. “We’ll want the water balloons and relay races over there, away from the food.”

Knowing his sister-in-law would undoubtedly be here, Matt scanned the area for Susan. She wasn’t here. Yet. Matt locked down his temper with an iron will, determined not to be baited or offended by Sue. His love for Andie and Davie was more important than his ego. He refused to bite back if Sue said something insulting to him.

Brett set the box down on a picnic table and looked up. “Hey, Matt! Glad you’re here. You can give me a hand.”

Matt blinked, still surprised by Brett’s open friendliness. At least he had two allies—Brett and Davie—which gave him the confidence to jump in and help out.

“Dad! Are those for me?” Davie let go of Rose’s stroller and ran over to his father, eyeing the gifts Matt carried.

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