The Guardian's Honor and the Rancher's Unexpected Baby by Marta Perry

Author:Marta Perry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-07-16T16:10:46+00:00

* * *

Adam stood in the October sunshine on the tiny barrier island where Miz Callie’s nature preserve was being dedicated at last. Cathy was on one side of him, while Jamie pressed close on the other. A surge of overwhelming gratitude went through him, strong as a storm tide.

When Cathy said yes to him, he’d thought he’d loved her as much as it was humanly possible to love. He’d realized since how foolish that was—each day their love grew stronger and surer. In thirty years they’d be like his parents, knowing each other so well that they often had no need for words. And in sixty—well, they’d be together forever, even as Miz Callie was still connected to Granddad.

He rested his hand on Jamie’s shoulder. His love for Jamie, too, couldn’t be stronger if he were the boy’s biological father. Perhaps he and Cathy would have more children, perhaps not, but Jamie would always be his son.

Miz Callie was speaking now to the assembled crowd, her blue eyes snapping with her usual enthusiasm, her face alight with pleasure at this fulfillment of her dream. Most of the people here were family, but small groups had come from various veterans’ organizations, led by Uncle Ned’s old friend, Benny. Active-duty personnel were there, too, representing all the military installations in the greater Charleston area.

For the most part, though, this was a family time. Georgia and Matt with their Lindsay, his cousin Amanda and her fiancé, Trent, Adam’s parents, his aunts and uncles, and all the Bodine cousins—even his brother Cole had wangled enough leave to get home for this event. Cole, like the others, would come home to stay eventually, he was sure of it. Like all the Bodines, this place was in his blood.

“This began simply,” Miz Callie was saying. “With my memories of the past and the need to right an old wrong. It has brought us far more than we ever imagined. It has restored our family.”

Adam’s hand found Cathy’s. Miz Callie’s quest had brought him more than he’d ever have dreamed, too.

“I wanted to name this preserve for my husband’s brother, Edward Bodine.” Miz Callie glanced at Uncle Ned, standing next to her. “But Ned had other ideas. And so...”

She reached out to pull the covering from the simple stone marker with its brass plaque. “Patriot’s Preserve,” she said, her clear voice trembling slightly. “This nature sanctuary is dedicated in honor of all the courageous men and women of the lowcountry who have served and continue to serve their country.” She wiped away a tear.

“Amen,” he murmured softly. “Amen.”

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